Olympus E-PL1s vs Sony A9 II: A Deep Dive into Two Worlds of Mirrorless Excellence

In the ever-evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, two models - though separated by nearly a decade and a fundamental shift in technology - offer profound contrasts in design, capability, and intended user base. The Olympus PEN E-PL1s (announced in late 2010) marks the advent of accessible, entry-level mirrorless photography with its compact, rangefinder-inspired design and Micro Four Thirds sensor. By contrast, the Sony Alpha A9 II (released in 2019) is a flagship full-frame mirrorless powerhouse crafted for professional usage, particularly excelling in high-speed, high-precision photography disciplines.

This comparative review draws on direct hands-on testing, detailed technical analysis, and real-world shooting scenarios to chart the differences and overlaps between these two fundamentally different yet iconic cameras. Our goal is to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with nuanced insights to aid their decision-making when navigating between budget-conscious, beginner-friendly gear and top-tier, professional-grade systems.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Understanding how a camera feels in hand is paramount - not only for comfort but also for operational efficiency, especially during extended shoots.

The Olympus E-PL1s is distinctively compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm and weighing approximately 334 g with battery, embodying the quintessential entry-level mirrorless ethos: minimal bulk paired with approachable controls. Its rangefinder-style body emphasizes portability and street photography ergonomics, ideal for casual shooters who prize discretion and travel-friendliness.

In stark contrast, the Sony A9 II adopts a robust, SLR-style construction. Measuring 129 x 96 x 76 mm and weighing 678 g, it is significantly bulkier and heavier, built with durable magnesium alloy and comprehensive weather sealing (excluding dust, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof ratings explicitly). This heft translates to enhanced stability for telephoto lens use, intensive shooting sessions, and a more secure grip, particularly valued in professional sports or wildlife photography environments.

Ergonomically, the A9 II shines with an extensive array of customizable buttons, dual SD card slots, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and an articulated 3-inch tilting touchscreen - a boon for flexibility in composition. The E-PL1s offers a basic fixed 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating but lacks touch capability and an integrated viewfinder, relying instead on optional external electronic viewfinders.

Bottom line: The Olympus E-PL1s caters to those favoring compactness and simplicity, while the Sony A9 II delivers professional-level handling, durability, and control customization. For long or demanding shoots, the A9 II’s ergonomics are clearly superior.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The evolution of sensor technology often marks the difference between entry-level and professional image quality. Let’s put their core imaging components side by side.

Olympus E-PL1s Sensor

• Sensor type: 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm)
• Native ISO range: 100–6400
• Anti-aliasing filter: Present (reduces moiré but slightly softens detail)
• Max resolution: 4032 x 3024 pixels
• Image stabilization: Sensor-based (unspecified 3-axis)
• RAW support: Yes
• Dynamic range and noise: Generally modest, typical of early 2010 era sensors

The Micro Four Thirds sensor is physically smaller, which naturally imposes limits on noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger sensors. In daylight, the E-PL1s renders good detail and color fidelity, particularly in JPEGs optimized by Olympus’s TruePic V image processor. However, shadow recovery is limited, and high ISO images show noticeable luminance and chroma noise starting around ISO 1600.

Sony A9 II Sensor

• Sensor type: 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor (35.6x23.8 mm)
• Native ISO range: 100–51200 (expandable to 50–204800)
• Anti-aliasing filter: Present
• Max resolution: 6000 x 4000 pixels
• Image stabilization: 5-axis in-body, sensor-shift
• RAW support: Yes, 14-bit
• Dynamic range and noise: Exceptional for its generation, excelling in shadow detail and low-light performance

Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor architecture significantly boosts light sensitivity, pixel-level signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range. This allows the A9 II to deliver crisp, detailed images with excellent tonal gradation and significantly better high ISO performance - even at ISO 3200 and beyond, noise remains remarkably well-controlled.

Expert insight: In side-by-side testing under controlled lighting, the A9 II outperforms the E-PL1s in rendering subtle textures, extending highlight recovery, and maintaining sharpness in shadowed regions. The E-PL1s, while good for snapshots and modest prints, cannot compete in terms of latitude or low noise floor for professional-grade prints or heavy post-processing.

Autofocus Systems: From Basic to Cutting-Edge

Autofocus accuracy, speed, and adaptability are crucial across all photography disciplines - from fleeting wildlife moments to meticulously composed portraits.

The E-PL1s features:

• Contrast-detection autofocus only
• 11 AF points, no phase-detection
• Face detection support
• Continuous AF capable, but limited tracking sophistication
• No eye or animal eye AF
• AF performance tends to be slower and less reliable in low light or fast action

The Sony A9 II, however, represents a leap forward:

• Hybrid autofocus with 693 phase-detection points covering 93% of the frame
• Eye and animal eye AF with deep machine learning
• 20 fps continuous burst with full AF/AE tracking
• Touchscreen AF point selection and tracking
• Exceptional low-light AF sensitivity down to EV -3
• Advanced tracking algorithms enabling uncompromising performance for fast-moving subjects

During real-world use, the A9 II locking onto athletes or birds in flight is a testament to its technological sophistication. By contrast, the E-PL1s only reliably tracks static or slowly moving subjects and may hunt significantly in challenging light or complex scenes.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Mechanics

Image stabilization can make or break handheld shooting quality, particularly with telephoto or macro lenses.

• E-PL1s: Features sensor-based image stabilization (unspecified axes), which helps reduce blur in moderate conditions but is less effective with longer telephoto glass.
• A9 II: Includes 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization capable of compensating for pitch, yaw, X/Y shifts, and roll - highly effective even with super-telephoto lenses.

The shutter speed range also differs:

• E-PL1s: 60 s to 1/2000 s, no electronic shutter.
• A9 II: 30 s to 1/8000 s mechanical shutter, and an electronic shutter allowing an ultra-fast 1/32000 s silent shooting option without rolling shutter artifacts.

This allows the A9 II to freeze extremely quick motion or shoot wide-open in bright conditions without ND filters.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition in the Moment

The Olympus has a small fixed 2.7-inch LCD (230k dots), adequate but offering no touch controls or tilt, which can hamper usability in unconventional angles.

Sony enhances shooting flexibility with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen (1440k dots). The touchscreen supports intuitive AF point selection and menu navigation. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the A9 II is 3.68 million dots with near 100% framing coverage and 0.78x magnification - providing a bright, lag-free window that closely approximates an optical viewfinder's experience, invaluable in bright outdoor conditions or fast action.

The E-PL1s omits a built-in EVF (optional external units available), which may deter users accustomed to viewfinder shooting or demanding eye-level precision.

Lens Ecosystems: MFT Versus Sony E-mount

Lens availability and quality are vital to maximize camera potential.

• The Olympus E-PL1s supports Micro Four Thirds lenses with a crop factor of 2.0x, giving equivalent focal lengths doubled relative to full frame. About 107 native lenses are available, including primes and zooms, many compact and affordable, ideal for beginners and casual photographers.

• Sony’s E-mount system enjoys a far more expansive selection of over 120 lenses, including professional G Master series lenses optimized for high resolution and fast apertures. The full-frame sensor benefits significantly from large aperture primes and specialized telephotos, indispensable for pro portrait, wildlife, and sports work.

Both systems support autofocus and manual lenses, but the Sony ecosystem’s overall breadth, including third-party options (Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss), points to more flexibility and upgrade paths at various price points.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance and storage capacities affect convenience, especially for travel and professional usage.

• The Olympus E-PL1s offers approximately 290 shots per charge (CIPA standard), powered by the BLS-1 battery pack. It relies on a single SD/SDHC card slot. USB 2.0 connectivity is modestly slow by modern standards, and there is no built-in wireless communication (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC).

• The Sony A9 II boasts around 690 shots per charge (CIPA) with the NP-FZ100 battery - more than double the E-PL1s. It includes dual SD card slots supporting UHS-II speeds for fast buffer clearance, essential during burst shooting. A9 II has comprehensive built-in wireless features for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling image transfer, remote control, and tethering. HDMI and USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports facilitate high-speed data output and external recording.

Professionals will appreciate the A9 II’s superior battery longevity and storage redundancy, critical for uninterrupted workflows.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Durability is a pivotal consideration.

• Olympus E-PL1s housing is primarily plastic with no environmental sealing, limiting its suitability for harsh outdoor or adverse weather conditions.
• Sony A9 II features a magnesium alloy body with extensive sealing against moisture and dust (though not fully waterproof or shockproof), allowing confident use in demanding environments.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Broadcast-Grade

For photographers who shoot occasional video or hybrid content:

• The Olympus E-PL1s supports HD video at 1280x720p/30fps in Motion JPEG format - basic by today’s standards, limited no advanced codecs, frame rates, 4K, or microphone inputs.
• Sony A9 II delivers robust video with UHD 4K (3840x2160) at 30p, a 100 Mbps XAVC S codec, and professional audio with mic and headphone jacks. Although it lacks specialized 4K photo modes, the video quality and controls are near broadcast standard, appealing to multimedia professionals.

Performance in Specific Photography Genres

To make this comparison more actionable, here is detailed genre-based analysis integrating our practical testing and feature benchmarking.

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

Portrait Photography

• Skin tone rendering: The Sony’s larger sensor and superior processing produce more natural skin tones with extended dynamic range and pleasant tonality. Olympus can render acceptable portraits but tends to lose subtle shadow gradation and facial detail.
• Bokeh / Background Blur: The E-PL1s’s smaller sensor limits shallow depth-of-field effects; the Sony’s full-frame sensor excels here, especially with fast primes delivering creamy, smooth backgrounds.
• Eye Detection AF: Only present on the Sony A9 II, vastly aiding focus precision in portraits, especially with moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Sony’s sensor captures considerably more latitude, preserving details in highlights and shadows - a crucial asset for landscapes.
• Resolution: 24MP vs 12MP offers finer detail and larger print potential in the Sony.
• Weather Sealing: The A9 II’s sealing is a significant advantage for outdoor photographers enduring unpredictable elements.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus Speed and Tracking: The Sony A9 II’s AI-assisted, hybrid AF system crushes the entry-level Olympus in speed, accuracy, and reliability.
• Burst Rate: Up to 20fps versus 3fps on the Olympus, essential for capturing decisive moments.
• Telephoto Use: Sony’s lens ecosystem and stabilization combine for unparalleled reach and sharpness.

Sports Photography

• Again, the Sony A9 II outclasses with its lightning-fast shutter, top-tier AF tracking, and high frame rate, offering decisive advantages in capturing athletes in motion.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-PL1s’s smaller size and quieter operation favor inconspicuous shooting typical of street photography.
• Sony A9 II, though larger, offers silent electronic shutter shooting, but is not as pocketable.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack specialized focus stacking modes; however, Sony’s advanced AF and stabilization improve macro precision, particularly with suitable lenses.

Night / Astro Photography

• Sony A9 II’s low-light sensitivity, high ISO performance, and extended shutter range make it superior for astrophotography and night scenes.

Overall Scores and Performance Summary

Genre-Specific Performance Ratings

• Portrait: E-PL1s – 6/10 | A9 II – 9.5/10
• Landscape: E-PL1s – 5.5/10 | A9 II – 9/10
• Wildlife: E-PL1s – 4/10 | A9 II – 9.8/10
• Sports: E-PL1s – 3/10 | A9 II – 9.7/10
• Street: E-PL1s – 8/10 | A9 II – 7/10
• Macro: E-PL1s – 5/10 | A9 II – 8.5/10
• Night/Astro: E-PL1s – 4/10 | A9 II – 9.2/10
• Video: E-PL1s – 3/10 | A9 II – 9/10
• Travel: E-PL1s – 8/10 | A9 II – 7/10
• Professional Use: E-PL1s – 2/10 | A9 II – 10/10

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Olympus E-PL1s:

• Ideal for beginner photographers entering mirrorless photography
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking a compact, easy-to-use camera
• Travel and street shooters who prioritize portability over extremes of performance
• Casual users who do not require fast continuous shooting or advanced video

Sony A9 II:

• Demanding professionals needing cutting-edge autofocus and speed
• Sports and wildlife photographers requiring reliable tracking and burst shooting
• Portrait and landscape photographers seeking highest image quality and dynamic range
• Hybrid shooters and videographers needing 4K, audio connectivity, and robust workflow
• Those investing in a long-term versatile full-frame system with access to extensive lens options

Final Thoughts: Reflections on Evolution and Purpose

The Olympus E-PL1s stands as a capable, entry-level mirrorless camera that served as a stepping stone in the Micro Four Thirds lineage, embodying an era where accessible, compact interchangeable-lens cameras began to rival the DSLRs of the past. However, its technical limitations - in sensor size, autofocus sophistication, and video ability - reflect the ten years since its introduction.

In contrast, the Sony A9 II exemplifies modern mirrorless technology’s apex, integrating best-in-class sensor design, autofocus engineering, ergonomics, and connectivity into a commanding tool built for professional photographers. While prohibitively expensive for many enthusiasts, it stands unrivaled for targeted disciplines demanding uncompromising performance.

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Sony A9 II front Sony A9 II screen back

When selecting between these cameras, one must weigh priorities carefully - whether ease of use and compactness trump advanced control and speed, or if professional ambitions necessitate investment in the A9 II’s modern features and lens ecosystems.

This comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing, comparative analysis of frame-to-frame responsiveness, image quality benchmarking under varied conditions, and practical field experience across genres to provide a comprehensive, authoritative guide to these two mirrorless milestones.

This article integrates tested user experience, technical data, and detailed feature breakdowns with comparison photography and visual aids to empower informed buyer decisions for enthusiasts and professionals alike.