Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic FZ80

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic FZ80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is relatively close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and FZ80 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was brought out 14 months later than the FZ80 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-PL9 scores against the FZ80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with physical measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ80 has dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic FZ80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL9 and the FZ80.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and FZ80 is 85 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and FZ80.

All in all, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FZ80 will result in more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.