Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung HZ15W

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung HZ15W, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and HZ15W (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and HZ15W (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL9 was released 9 years later than the HZ15W and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL9 grades against the HZ15W in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Samsung HZ15W. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL9 features 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 Samsung HZ15W has measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung HZ15W in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the E-PL9 against the HZ15W.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and HZ15W is 85 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and HZ15W.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.