Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SP-590 UZ

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus SP-590 UZ, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was introduced 9 years later than the SP-590 UZ and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL9 scores against the SP-590 UZ with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus SP-590 UZ. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 provides outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Olympus SP-590 UZ has dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus SP-590 UZ in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL9 vs the SP-590 UZ.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and SP-590 UZ is 85 and 72 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over specifications. The photograph here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and SP-590 UZ.

To sum up, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will offer you greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.