Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus E-PL9

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus E-PL9, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the E-PL9 (16MP) is fairly similar and both cameras posses the same sensor size (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was manufactured 5 years earlier than the E-PL9 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-M1 matches up vs the E-PL9 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Olympus PEN E-PL9. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M1 comes with outside dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL9 has dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus E-PL9 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 and the E-PL9.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and E-PL9 is 71 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and E-PL9.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of pictures however you will want to take the launch date of the products into consideration. The older E-M1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.