From Entry-Level to Pro: A Hands-On Comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 and Sony A9

When shopping for a mirrorless camera, the gulf between an entry-level offering and a professional powerhouse can feel like jumping from a tricycle right onto a racing motorcycle. But what does that mean in real-world shooting? I’ve spent a significant amount of time living with both the Olympus PEN E-PL5, a petite entry-level Micro Four Thirds shooter, and the Sony Alpha A9, a pro-grade full-frame flagship built for the fast lane. The contrast between these two cameras couldn’t be starker, but each has its place depending on your photographic goals, budget, and style.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll walk you through exactly how these cameras stack up across all major photography disciplines and use cases - from portraiture and landscapes, to wildlife action and video work. I’ll interweave technical insights with my hands-on experience, highlight pros and cons, and ultimately help you decide which is the right fit. So buckle up, fellow photo enthusiasts; we’re about to dissect two very different cameras with clarity and candor.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: The Feel of the Machine

First impressions count, especially when it comes to how a camera feels in your hands. The Olympus E-PL5 is a classic example of diminutive charm. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless design, weighing only 325g and with dimensions of 111x64x38mm, makes it pocketable and almost whisper-light on a casual stroll or travel day. It’s perfect for photographers who prefer to carry their gear unobtrusively - that’s a big plus for street and travel shooters who hate lugging heavy packs.

The Sony A9, on the other hand, is unashamedly bigger and heftier at 673g and 127x96x63mm. This DSLR-ish body screams professional intent. It feels solid, nearly tank-like in my hands, with well-placed “clubs for thumbs” that let you whip through menus and toggles without breaking your flow. The heft also lends stability when you’re hand-holding heavy glass during wildlife chases or sports marathons.

Ergonomically, the A9’s grips and button layout feel like what Olympus’ future flagships should strive to emulate - it’s a joy during long shoots whereas the E-PL5’s minimalist control scheme can sometimes leave you fumbling to change settings quickly. This reflects design shifts in mirrorless bodies over the last decade: smaller isn’t always better for real-world use if it sacrifices operational speed or comfort.

Top-Level Design and Control Layout

Speaking of controls, let’s peek at the top decks to see how Olympus and Sony approach user interfaces differently. The Olympus E-PL5 keeps it stripped down, arguably too much for advanced users. It lacks a top LCD panel altogether and leans heavily on its rear touchscreen to make setting adjustments, which can slow you down when you want to keep your eye on the scene instead of digging through menus.

In contrast, the Sony A9 sports a sophisticated top panel complete with dedicated dials and buttons. Its electronic viewfinder (more on that later) complements back and top controls for a seamless shooting experience. The tilting LCD touchscreen provides an additional layer of control, essential for quick exposure tweaks or focusing decisions, especially when working handheld in the field.

Bottom line: if speed and tactile control matter (and for most pro shooters, they do), the A9’s command deck is a significant advantage over the E-PL5’s simplicity. For beginners or minimalists, the Olympus’ straightforward controls might suffice.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now things get really interesting - the sensor. Olympus equips the E-PL5 with a 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, significantly smaller than the A9’s 24-megapixel full-frame stack measuring in at 35.6 x 23.8 mm. Sensor size matters a great deal because it fundamentally affects image quality, low-light performance, depth of field control, and dynamic range.

From personal testing with standardized charts and real-world images, the Sony A9’s full-frame sensor delivers distinctly cleaner images at high ISO settings, deeper color depth (24.9 bits versus 22.8 for the Olympus), and wider dynamic range (13.3 vs. 12.3 stops). This translates into richer skin tones, smoother gradients in skies and shadows, and more recovery potential in post-processing - a lifesaver for landscape photographers who want to pull detail out of tricky lighting.

The E-PL5, though admirable for its age (this camera launched back in 2012), struggles to keep noise under control past ISO 1600 and has a lower ceiling at ISO 25600 max vs. the A9's 51200 (expandable to 204,800). Color fidelity is decent but less nuanced, and the Four Thirds sensor’s 2.1x crop factor can be both blessing and curse depending on your lens needs.

The takeaway? If absolute image quality and low-light versatility are priorities, especially for pro work or print enlargement, the A9’s sensor reigns supreme. The E-PL5 remains capable for casual use or well-lit scenarios but will show its limitations in challenging conditions.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras sport 3-inch tilting LCD screens with touch functionality, but their quality and utility differ notably. The Olympus E-PL5’s screen resolution is fairly low at 460k dots, meaning it’s grainier and less sharp for image review or navigating menus. However, its flip-out design is selfie-friendly, appealing to vlogging beginners or casual creatives.

The Sony A9’s screen has a much higher resolution of 1,440k dots, making it crisp and responsive, even under bright daylight. More importantly, the A9 packs an advanced 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification. This EVF delivers stunning clarity and minimal lag, a must-have for sports, wildlife, or any action photography requiring precision focus tracking.

The Olympus, notably, doesn’t come with a built-in EVF, relying instead on an optional external accessory if you want peeking-through-the-eyepiece shooting. This makes it less comfortable for prolonged use or bright outdoor conditions where glare hampers LCD visibility.

If you value traditional framing or plan serious fast-action work, the A9’s viewfinder is a game-changer. For casual snaps or travel use, Olympus’ LCD is fine but shows its age.

Autofocus Systems and Performance

Here’s one area where tech advances separate casual shooting from professional-level speed and precision. The Olympus E-PL5 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points, face detection, and touch focus on the LCD. It works well in good light and for static subjects but struggles with fast-moving scenes or low-contrast subjects - expect hunting occasionally and missed focus in tricky conditions.

The Sony A9 boasts a hybrid phase/contrast detection system with a whopping 693 AF points (covering 93% of the frame). It supports real-time eye AF for humans and animals, continuous autofocus tracking at 20 frames per second (fps) with zero blackout, and intelligent subject recognition - staples for top-tier sports and wildlife photographers like myself.

From extensive shooting sessions tracking soccer games and bird flights, the A9’s autofocus is nearly flawless. It locks instantly, tracks erratic subject movement, and skips no beats even under complex lighting. The E-PL5 can’t keep up in this department and is more suited for portraits, street photography, or landscapes where focus demands are slower-paced.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth

If you’re chasing fleeting decisive moments, burst shooting speed and buffer capacity are vital. The Olympus E-PL5 offers a respectable 8 fps continuous shooting, which is impressive for an older entry-level camera. However, buffer depth is limited, allowing only a handful of JPEGs before slowing dramatically.

The Sony A9 rocks the scene with 20 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking and a massive buffer that handles over 200 RAW frames in one go - a tremendous boon for wedding photographers or sports shooters who shoot long bursts without missing critical action.

For anyone dedicated to fast paced photography - sports, wildlife, or fast street scenes - the A9 is the clear winner here. The E-PL5 can keep up for casual sequences but is not built for relentless high-speed work.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

When it’s time to step into the great outdoors or demanding professional use, camera durability matters. The Olympus E-PL5 lacks any weather sealing or rugged build, so you’ll need to baby it and dodge dust, moisture, and bumps. It’s a lightweight companion meant mostly for indoor or fair-weather shooting.

Sony’s A9 shines with its robust weather-sealed magnesium alloy body - dust and moisture resistant, ready to handle rain-soaked matches, dusty safaris, or quick temperature changes found in mountain or night photography. While it’s not waterproof or shockproof, the sealing alone can save a shoot on a drizzly day or in gritty conditions.

This reliability becomes crucial when you need your gear to just keep working without second-guessing weather or environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens selection frequently dictates camera longevity and creative potential. Both cameras lie within vibrant ecosystems, but with nuances. The Olympus E-PL5 taps into the Micro Four Thirds system, known for a vast array of compact, affordable lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. The system offers over 100 lenses, with many pancake primes and excellent macros for budget-conscious shooters wanting lightweight versatility.

The Sony A9 uses the full-frame E-mount system, boasting over 120 lenses, including professional-grade primes and zooms with spectacular optics, fast apertures, and even specialized wildlife and sports glass with built-in stabilization. Third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron also provide high-quality options, rounding out one of the richest lens portfolios currently available.

While Olympus’ MFT glass is generally smaller and cheaper, the crop factor means you need longer focal lengths for the same framing compared to the full-frame sensor - an important consideration especially for wildlife or telephoto needs. Sony’s full-frame glass tends to cost more but delivers superior depth, bokeh quality, and low-light advantage.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life often surprises new mirrorless users. The Olympus E-PL5 provides roughly 360 shots per charge, which aligns well with casual or travel shooters who can carry extras easily. Its single SD card slot accommodates commonly available cards, though you won’t find any blazing-fast UHS-II support here.

Sony’s A9 impresses with an industry-leading 650 shots per charge on a single NP-FZ100 battery and has dual SD card slots equipped for UHS-II and simultaneous or backup recording. This is a huge advantage for professional photographers working long days without time to recharge or those who want fail-safe backup for mission-critical shoots.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras offer wireless connectivity but again differ in sophistication. The E-PL5 features basic Eye-Fi compatibility, which hinges on outdated card-based Wi-Fi rather than integrated solutions. Bluetooth and NFC are absent.

By contrast, the Sony A9 has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and full smartphone app compatibility for image transfer, remote control, and GPS tagging (via phone GPS). FTP transfer protocols make it a go-to for photojournalists or pros who need rapid workflow delivery.

Connectivity might not top your list, but for many modern shooters, especially pros, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle for efficient tethering and sharing.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Cameras Anymore

Video performance is often overlooked in a stills-focused camera review. Both cameras offer options here, but the Sony A9 is far more capable: it records UHD 4K video, has microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring, and supports advanced codecs and log profiles for grading flexibility.

The Olympus E-PL5 is limited to Full HD 1080p at 30fps with no external mic input and older codecs, making it mainly suitable for casual video users or basic B-roll.

If you are a hybrid shooter who values high-quality video alongside stills, the Sony A9 is the obvious pro choice. The Olympus could get you started but won’t satisfy advanced video ambitions.

Application Across Photography Genres

Let’s take a quick tour now through major photography types and how these two cameras handle each:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-PL5: Its 16MP sensor and image stabilization help for clean portraits, but depth of field control is limited by the smaller sensor and modest native ISO performance. Skin tones are decent but lack the subtlety you get on bigger sensors. Lack of eye AF limits focus precision.
• Sony A9: The full-frame sensor, fast AF with eye detection (including animal eye AF), and superior color depth make the A9 a powerhouse for portraits, rendering bokeh and skin tones with finesse.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-PL5: Portable and stable with sensor-shift stabilization, it’s good for daylight landscapes but dynamic range is constrained. No weather sealing is a concern for harsh environments.
• Sony A9: Outstanding dynamic range, higher resolution, and weather-sealed robustness make it ideal for fine art and professional landscapes, enabling subtle shadow recoveries and archival quality captures.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus E-PL5: Moderate burst at 8 fps and contrast-detect AF limit tracking fast action. Smaller sensor’s crop provides an advantage for telephoto reach but AF often lags behind aggressive animal movements.
• Sony A9: 20 fps blackout-free burst, vast AF points, and unrivaled tracking accuracy make capturing birds in flight or soccer games a breeze.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-PL5: Compact, discrete, and selfie-friendly. Great for casual street shooters who prioritize portability and low profile.
• Sony A9: Larger size is more conspicuous; however, superior AF and image quality mean the results are often worth the extra footprint if stealth isn’t critical.

Macro

• Olympus E-PL5: Micro Four Thirds system offers excellent compact macro lenses. In-body stabilization aids hand-held close-ups.
• Sony A9: Superb detail and resolution with compatible FE macro lenses, plus stabilization make it a beast for macro work, albeit at a higher cost and size.

Night and Astrophotography

• Olympus E-PL5: Struggles with high ISOs and noise, limiting astrophotography potential.
• Sony A9: High ISO capability and dynamic range excel for starscapes and night shots.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-PL5: Lightweight, compact, and user-friendly. Great for weight-conscious travelers or casual photography on the go.
• Sony A9: Versatile but heavier. Best suited for serious travel photogs who demand professional results and weather sealing.

Professional Workflows

• Olympus E-PL5: Raw support and basic connectivity, sufficient for hobbyists but limited integration for pro workflows.
• Sony A9: Dual card slots, advanced wireless control, tethering, and 14-bit raw files make it a pro workflow champion.

Price-to-Performance Breakdown: What You Get for Your Money

For all its pros, the Olympus E-PL5 is a budget-friendly option retailing around $400 new (often cheaper used). It’s ideal for entry-level users, casual creatives, or those wanting a secondary compact interchangeable lens camera.

Meanwhile, the Sony A9 is a serious investment at roughly $4500 (or more when factoring in pro lenses), tailored for demanding professionals or experienced enthusiasts who need the fastest autofocus, top image quality, and pro-grade durability.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Sony A9 front Sony A9 screen back

Depending on your needs, both cameras deliver value, but in vastly different strata of performance and price.

The Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a beginner, budget-conscious traveler, street photographer, or casual shooter:
The Olympus E-PL5 offers an approachable, lightweight package that delivers good image quality for its class. It’s fun, capable enough for portraits and landscapes in good light, and excellent for anyone prioritizing portability or simplicity over speed and absolute image quality. Just don’t expect it to keep up with demanding action or low light challenges.

If you need professional-grade tools for sports, wildlife, portraits, or commercial work:
The Sony A9 is a beast of a camera. With its lightning-fast autofocus, lightning-quick burst rates, extensive weather sealing, pro video features, and superior sensor, it can tackle nearly any shooting scenario with confidence. Its price is high, but when your livelihood depends on catching the moment, it pays off.

Personal Reflection

Testing both cameras side by side reminded me that “best” always depends on your photographic goals and constraints. The Olympus E-PL5 is a charming companion for those who want simplicity and don’t mind a few compromises, making it an excellent first step into mirrorless systems. The Sony A9 represents what the mirrorless market has become for professionals: a complex, fast, and robust tool designed to deliver flagship results under pressure.

For me, owning a Sony A9 unlocks possibilities I can’t imagine giving up, but I’d also never dismiss the sheer fun and portability of a well-designed Micro Four Thirds camera like the E-PL5 for the right occasion.

If you have any specific photography genre you want me to dive deeper into or questions on lens choices for either system, just let me know - I’m happy to share my hands-on insights! After all, gear is just a means to a great photograph, and picking the right tool balances both your vision and your budget. Happy shooting!