Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic TS30

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic TS30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the TS30 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and TS30 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was released 3 years after the TS30 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic TS30 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PL9 grades against the TS30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic TS30 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got external dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic TS30 has dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 20mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 versus Panasonic TS30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL9 and the TS30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and TS30 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The pic underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and TS30.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL9 features the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL9 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.