Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-830 iHS

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus TG-830 iHS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the TG-830 iHS (16MP) is very close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and TG-830 iHS (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was launched 5 years after the TG-830 iHS which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-830 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL9 grades versus the TG-830 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Olympus TG-830 iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Olympus TG-830 iHS Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 offers physical dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Olympus TG-830 iHS has dimensions of 109mm x 67mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus TG-830 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PL9 and the TG-830 iHS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and TG-830 iHS is 85 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor sizes just by looking through a spec sheet. The image underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and TG-830 iHS.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL9 provides the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The more recent E-PL9 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.