Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax P70

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax P70, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and P70 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and P70 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was unveiled 9 years later than the P70 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL9 grades against the P70 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Pentax Optio P70. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got physical dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Pentax P70 has measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax P70 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL9 and the P70.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and P70 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing specifications. The visual below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and P70.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will render greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger E-PL9 provides a benefit in sensor tech.