Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic 3D1

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic 3D1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and 3D1 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and 3D1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was introduced 6 years later than the 3D1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL9 grades versus the 3D1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with exterior dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic 3D1 has proportions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 versus the 3D1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and 3D1 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and 3D1.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will give extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.