Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax VS20

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Pentax VS20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-PL9 was unveiled 6 years later than the VS20 and that is quite a big gap 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 Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL9 grades vs the VS20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 offers external measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has specifications of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 versus Pentax VS20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 versus the VS20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and VS20 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and VS20.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 uses the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field easier. The fresher E-PL9 should have an advantage in sensor tech.