Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SH-1

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SH-1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SH-1 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was revealed 3 years after the SH-1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PL9 matches up versus the SH-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with exterior 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) whilst the Olympus SH-1 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SH-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the SH-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and SH-1 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by checking technical specs. The pic here should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and SH-1.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 provides the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL9 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.