Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus Tough-3000

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus Tough-3000, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are produced by Olympus. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and Tough-3000 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was brought out 8 years later than the Tough-3000 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL9 matches up vs the Tough-3000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 offers outer dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Olympus Tough-3000 has dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus Tough-3000 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL9 versus the Tough-3000.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and Tough-3000 is 85 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The visual here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and Tough-3000.

All in all, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will result in greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.