Olympus E-M5 vs Sony A9

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus E-M5 versus Sony A9, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-M5 (16MP) and A9 (24MP) and the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and A9 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-M5 was released 6 years prior to the A9 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-M5 scores against the A9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Sony Alpha A9. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M5 enjoys outside dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony A9 has dimensions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") and a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M5 versus Sony A9 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-M5 and the A9.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and A9 is 81 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The image below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and A9.

As you have seen, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony A9 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.