Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic L1

Here is a in depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic L1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and L1 (7MP) but both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).

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The E-PL9 was announced 10 years later than the L1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL9 matches up against the L1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 offers outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Panasonic L1 has specifications of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic L1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 and the L1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and L1 is 85 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The photograph here will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and L1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Olympus E-PL9 to provide more detail with its extra 9MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 will have a benefit in sensor technology.