Olympus E-M1X vs Olympus E-PL9

Its time to take a deeper look at the Olympus E-M1X versus Olympus E-PL9, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-M1X (20MP) and E-PL9 (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

Photography Glossary

The E-M1X was launched 12 months later than the E-PL9 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1X being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-M1X matches up against the E-PL9 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Olympus PEN E-PL9. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1X Gallery and Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1X features outside measurements of 144mm x 147mm x 75mm (5.7" x 5.8" x 3.0") having a weight of 997 grams (2.20 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL9 has proportions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1X versus Olympus E-PL9 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-M1X vs the E-PL9.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1X and E-PL9 is 54 and 85 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The graphic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1X and E-PL9.

All in all, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Olympus E-M1X to resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-M1X provides an advantage in sensor innovation.