Olympus E-PL8 vs Sony A9

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony A9, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and A9 (24MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and A9 (Full frame) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was released 7 months prior to the A9 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the A9 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Sony Alpha A9. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Sony A9 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 features outer dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Sony A9 has proportions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") and a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Sony A9 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL8 and the A9.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and A9 is 86 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading technical specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and A9.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony A9 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-PL8 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.