Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax E85

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL9 and Pentax E85, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and E85 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and E85 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL9 was released 8 years later than the E85 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL9 grades vs the E85 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Pentax Optio E85. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Pentax E85 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 enjoys physical dimensions 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 Pentax E85 has sizing of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 and Pentax E85 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL9 vs the E85.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and E85 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The photograph below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and E85.

Plainly, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will show more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.