Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus TG-850 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the TG-850 iHS (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 4 years later than the TG-850 iHS and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL9 matches up against the TG-850 iHS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 offers exterior measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-850 iHS has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus TG-850 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the TG-850 iHS.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and TG-850 iHS is 85 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and TG-850 iHS.

As you have seen, each of these cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL9 has the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult. The newer E-PL9 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.