Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SZ-12

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SZ-12, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SZ-12 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SZ-12 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-PL9 was announced 6 years after the SZ-12 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a short view of how the E-PL9 matches up against the SZ-12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Olympus SZ-12. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Olympus SZ-12 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 has outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Olympus SZ-12 has dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SZ-12 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the SZ-12.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and SZ-12 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The pic underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and SZ-12.

Plainly, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will render more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher E-PL9 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.