Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SZ-16 iHS

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SZ-16 iHS (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SZ-16 iHS (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was announced 5 years later than the SZ-16 iHS and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SZ-16 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-PL9 scores against the SZ-16 iHS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus SZ-16 iHS Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with exterior dimensions 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 SZ-16 iHS has dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SZ-16 iHS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 against the SZ-16 iHS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and SZ-16 iHS is 85 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The visual here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and SZ-16 iHS.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 has got the bigger sensor which will make achieving bokeh less difficult. The newer E-PL9 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.