Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic GH3

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic GH3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is pretty close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL9 was manufactured 5 years later than the GH3 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL9 grades against the GH3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 provides physical measurements 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 GH3 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 versus the GH3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and GH3 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by researching technical specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and GH3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the exact same megapixels and you should expect comparable quality of images however you may want to take the production date of the cameras into account. The newer E-PL9 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.