Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic FH7

Here is a comprehensive review of the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic FH7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the FH7 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and FH7 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was revealed 6 years later than the FH7 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL9 grades versus the FH7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 features physical 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 Panasonic FH7 has dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic FH7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL9 vs the FH7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and FH7 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out specifications. The photograph here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and FH7.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 provides the bigger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler. The fresher E-PL9 provides an advantage in sensor technology.