Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic GX9

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic GX9, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and GX9 (20MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 8 years before the GX9 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-PL1 matches up versus the GX9 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic GX9 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 features outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic GX9 has proportions of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") along with a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic GX9 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 vs the GX9.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and GX9 is 86 and 82 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and GX9.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can count on the Panasonic GX9 to give greater detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.