Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic ZS45

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic ZS45, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and ZS45 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 3 years after the ZS45 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-PL9 grades against the ZS45 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has exterior measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has specifications of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic ZS45 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 vs the ZS45.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and ZS45 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading through specifications. The pic here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and ZS45.

Plainly, both the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 offers the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF easier. The younger E-PL9 provides an edge in sensor innovation.