Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic LX7

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic LX7, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was announced 5 years later than the LX7 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PL9 grades versus the LX7 in the way 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-LX7. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has external measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic LX7 has specifications of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic LX7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 versus the LX7.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and LX7 is 85 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The graphic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and LX7.

To sum up, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 having a bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will offer you extra detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.