Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus 9000

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus 9000, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are produced by Olympus. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and 9000 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and 9000 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was manufactured 3 years later than the 9000 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus 9000 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-PL5 scores versus the 9000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus Stylus 9000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus 9000 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 has got exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Olympus 9000 has sizing of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus 9000 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the 9000.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and 9000 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and 9000.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will result in more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL5 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.