Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus VR-340

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus VR-340, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the VR-340 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and VR-340 (1/2.3") have different sensor size.

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The E-PL9 was unveiled 6 years after the VR-340 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL9 grades versus the VR-340 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Olympus VR-340. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Olympus VR-340 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with outer dimensions 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 VR-340 has proportions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus VR-340 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the VR-340.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and VR-340 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and VR-340.

As you can see, both cameras have the same MP albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 has the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The younger E-PL9 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.