Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic FS12

Following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic FS12, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and FS12 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and FS12 (1/2.3") have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was released 8 years after the FS12 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL9 grades vs the FS12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 offers outer dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic FS12 has sizing of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic FS12 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 vs the FS12.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and FS12 is 85 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specifications. The picture here might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and FS12.

Plainly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.