Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SH-50

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus SH-50, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SH-50 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SH-50 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was launched 5 years later than the SH-50 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL9 matches up against the SH-50 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus SH-50. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 has physical measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Olympus SH-50 has sizing of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus SH-50 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 vs the SH-50.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and SH-50 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and SH-50.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL9 has the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more modern E-PL9 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.