Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony NEX-3N

Olympus E-PL9 vs. Sony NEX-3N: An Expert Hands-On Comparison of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Contenders

In the evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, entry-level models have become pivotal for enthusiasts seeking capable yet affordable systems. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N, introduced five years apart respectively in 2018 and 2013, represent two such contenders with distinct design philosophies, technical configurations, and user-oriented features. This comprehensive comparison scrutinizes each camera’s capabilities across various photographic disciplines and technical parameters to aid discerning photographers in making an informed choice that aligns with their creative intentions and workflow demands.

First Impressions and Ergonomic Considerations: Size and Handling

The physical footprint and handling ergonomics of a camera heavily influence use-case suitability, particularly in disciplines demanding mobility or prolonged shooting sessions. The Olympus E-PL9 measures 117 x 68 x 39 mm and weighs 380 grams with battery, while the Sony NEX-3N is slightly smaller and lighter at 110 x 62 x 35 mm and 269 grams.

Both cameras adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, emphasizing compactness over DSLR bulk. The Olympus’s marginally larger size accommodates a more substantial grip, enhancing stability for users with larger hands or when employing heavier lenses. Conversely, the Sony’s smaller footprint caters to photographers prioritizing portability and unobtrusiveness, such as street or travel shooters.

While lightweight, the NEX-3N’s diminished bulk results in reduced physical control confidence, especially during dynamic shooting scenarios. The build materials in both models are plastic-centric, which is typical at this segment and price point; however, neither offers environmental sealing, which restricts rugged outdoor or harsh weather applications.

Control Layout and Interface: Usability Under Operational Stress

Top-tier usability stems not only from physical dimensions but also from control layout and accessibility, impacting responsiveness during critical moments.

The Olympus E-PL9’s TruePic VIII processor enables a responsive interface featuring touch-enabled tilting LCD with 1,040k dots resolution. This model includes a traditional mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation dial, and physical buttons providing tactile feedback. Its touchscreen interface facilitates intuitive AF point selection, menu navigation, and focus confirmation, accelerating workflow and minimizing user frustration.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-3N’s Bionz processor and tilting LCD present a lower pixel count at 460k dots and lack touchscreen support, relegating AF area selection and menu control to a combination of buttons and dials without the efficiency of touch input. Moreover, the absence of a dedicated exposure compensation dial, and less prominent physical controls reduces operational speed, particularly when changing settings on the fly.

Neither camera incorporates a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), a notable omission for photographers accustomed to eye-level framing and enhanced stability, but consistent with their entry-level target audience. Older Sony models also often balance this with the ability to add an EVF accessory, which in the NEX-3N’s case is unavailable, limiting adaptability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: In-Depth Technical Assessment

Sensor size, resolution, and accompanying imaging technologies dictate in large part final image quality, dynamic range, and ISO performance, which are crucial for professional-level output.

Sensor Size and Resolution

• Olympus E-PL9: Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm equating to approximately 225 mm² sensor area; 16 Megapixels resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels).
• Sony NEX-3N: APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm equating to approximately 367 mm² sensor area; 16 Megapixels resolution (4912 x 3264 pixels).

The Sony NEX-3N's larger APS-C sensor provides approximately 63% more surface area, facilitating better light-gathering capability and consequently improved dynamic range and noise performance. Laboratory testing, including DxOMark scores, reflects this with a high-ISO score around ISO 1067 (NEX-3N) versus untested but inherently limited performance on the Olympus Four Thirds sensor.

Imaging Pipeline and Processing

Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor provides reliable color rendition and noise reduction but generally cannot match the tonal latitude of the Sony’s Bionz processor paired with the higher dynamic range sensor. While both cameras incorporate anti-aliasing filters which slightly soften detail to avoid moiré, the Sony’s sensor resolution advantage yields a marginally greater potential for large-format viewing or cropping flexibility.

The Olympus’s sensor supports a slightly broader ISO range, 200-6400 native with expansion to 25600, versus Sony’s 200-16000 native ISO. In practice, the Sony's superior sensor technology enables cleaner images at higher ISO settings despite the Olympus’s higher numerical ISO ceiling.

Image Formats and Output

Both support RAW file capture essential for post-processing flexibility with respective proprietary formats (.ORF for Olympus and .ARW for Sony). The Olympus allows multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9), whereas the Sony is limited to 3:2 and 16:9 which may restrict certain compositional preferences without cropping.

Autofocus Systems: Responsiveness, Accuracy, and Tracking

Precision autofocus (AF) systems are paramount across most photographic genres, particularly sports, wildlife, and portraiture demanding accurate focus lock and swift response.

• Olympus E-PL9: Contrast-detection AF system with 121 focus points, including face detection, touch AF, continuous AF, and AF tracking capabilities.
• Sony NEX-3N: Contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points, supporting AF continuous and selective AF modes, but lacking face and eye detection.

The Olympus E-PL9’s 121 AF points offer significantly denser coverage across the frame, granting superior focus precision and flexibility in composition. Its face detection and touch AF support are notable advantages for portrait and casual photography, facilitating rapid subject acquisition and refocusing. The ability to continuously track moving subjects yields better performance for action and sports genres.

The Sony’s fewer AF points and absence of face/eye detection limit its usability in dynamic tracking scenarios. While the NEX-3N is competent for static subjects and moderate movement, it lacks the sophistication required for high-speed or erratic subjects such as wildlife or competitive sports. The slower continuous shooting speed of 4 fps versus Olympus’s 8.6 fps compounds this limitation.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Stabilization

Video has become an integrated part of modern still cameras, demanding robust recording abilities and image stabilization.

• Olympus E-PL9:
  • 4K UHD recording at 30p with 102 Mbps bitrate, MOV container using H.264 codec.
  • Electronic image stabilization integrated via sensor-shift (5-axis IS).
  • No external microphone or headphone ports.
• Sony NEX-3N:
  • Full HD 1080p recording; formats include MPEG-4 and AVCHD.
  • No image stabilization on body.
  • No external microphone or headphone ports.

The Olympus E-PL9 clearly surpasses the NEX-3N with native 4K capability, offering videographers enhanced resolution and post-production flexibility. The integrated 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization provides smoother handheld footage without requiring stabilized lenses, a critical feature for travel and run-and-gun videography.

Conversely, the Sony’s lack of in-body stabilization means video quality heavily depends on lens stabilization and steadiness of the operator, limiting video usability in dynamic environments.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

While neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing, their construction quality and durability differ subtly.

• Olympus E-PL9: Constructed primarily from polycarbonate with metal accents; average robustness; no sealing against moisture or dust.
• Sony NEX-3N: Similar plastic construction, lighter and less robust frame; no sealing or ruggedization.

Neither camera is recommended for adverse weather conditions or rugged outdoor use without protective housing. However, the Olympus’s slightly heavier and chunkier build inspires more confidence with larger lenses or prolonged handheld use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Olympus E-PL9 employs the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount ecosystem, providing access to a mature range of over 107 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, covering everything from wide-angle primes and zooms to macro and telephoto lenses, many of which incorporate optical stabilization to complement the sensor IS.

Sony NEX-3N uses the Sony E-mount, which by the time of its release had approximately 121 native lenses, rapidly expanding since. Sony E-mount offers extensive options ranging from compact primes to professional-grade telephotos, with robust third-party support.

The MFT system’s 2.1x crop factor necessitates focal length multiplication, impacting field of view for wide-angle shooting but enabling extended reach using smaller telephotos. The APS-C sensor’s 1.5x crop factor on the Sony offers a compromise between sensor size and lens size.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Olympus E-PL9: Approximate battery life of 350 shots per charge; uses SD cards (SD/SDHC/SDXC), UHS-I compatible; single card slot.
• Sony NEX-3N: Higher rated battery life at 480 shots; supports SD and Sony Memory Stick formats (SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo); single card slot.

While Sony provides superior battery longevity, Olympus owners benefit from higher write speed standards in card support due to UHS-I compatibility, potentially improving buffer management during burst shooting or video recording.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Olympus E-PL9 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, supporting remote control, image transfer, and integration with Olympus’s mobile apps, facilitating swift sharing and wireless tethering.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-3N lacks wireless connectivity altogether, restricting remote operation and requiring physical connection or card removal for file transfer, a notable usability drawback in contemporary workflows.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Olympus E PL9 front Olympus E PL9 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Portraiture:
The Olympus’s superior AF system with face and touch detection facilitates sharp, well-focused eye and face captures. Its 3-inch tilting touchscreen enhances composing unconventional angles while the in-body IS reduction aids in handheld low-light portraits. Slightly softer bokeh results from smaller Four Thirds sensor compared to Sony’s APS-C, but lens selection allows fast aperture options mitigating this effect.

Sony benefits from larger sensor depth of field control, delivering creamier backgrounds, but manual focusing and slower AF reduce ease in spontaneous portrait shoots.

Landscape:
Sony’s larger sensor area translates into higher dynamic range and more detail retention in shadows and highlights, vital for landscape photography. The NEX-3N’s 16 MP resolution at 3:2 aspect caters well for expansive compositions, while Olympus’s 4:3 sensor ratio suits in-camera cropping but with slightly less detail overall.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting outdoors use in unpredictable climates.

Wildlife and Sports:
Olympus’s faster burst shooting (8.6 fps) combined with 121 AF points and tracking renders it more adaptable to moving subjects. The smaller sensor crop factor yields equivalent telephoto reach with smaller lenses, advantageous for budget-conscious wildlife photographers.

Sony’s 4 fps continuous rate and fewer AF points hinder effectiveness in fast action scenarios. However, superior ISO performance may aid in low light sports venues.

Street Photography:
Sony NEX-3N’s lighter weight and lower profile offer discreetness. Its quieter operation and smaller body suit candid shooting. Yet Olympus’s improved AF responsiveness and touchscreen controls may yield faster capture of spontaneous moments.

Macro Photography:
Olympus’s in-body 5-axis IS provides a definitive advantage for macro work, stabilizing even the smallest focus bracketing or handheld close-up shots. MFT lenses specialized for macro work are abundant and often compact.

Sony’s lack of stabilization imposes reliance on tripod or stabilized lenses, increasing gear complexity.

Night and Astro:
Higher native ISO ceiling and larger sensor enhance Sony’s utility in low-light and astrography applications. Olympus’s noise profile degrades faster despite higher claimed ISO range. Lack of physical shutter sound suppression on Sony may be a distraction in quiet shooting conditions.

Video Production:
Olympus’s 4K video capability and sensor-shift IS surpass Sony’s Full HD limitation, appealing to hybrid shooters valuing stills and video combination. Absence of external audio I/O on both limits professional audio capture, necessitating external recorders for serious filmmakers.

Travel Use:
Sony excels in portability and battery life; Olympus’s inbuilt wireless enables on-the-go sharing though with modest battery life.

Professional Workflow Integration:
Neither model offers extensive customizability or durability expected from professional bodies, but Olympus’s touchscreen, exposure compensation dial, and advanced IS streamline basic professional workflows better than Sony’s more limited interface.

Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

The Olympus E-PL9 generally outranks Sony’s NEX-3N in autofocus system sophistication, burst speed, image stabilization, and video functionality. Sony’s sensor advantages grant it superiority in raw image quality metrics, battery endurance, and discreet handling.

Final Verdict: Matching Cameras to Photographic Needs

Choose the Olympus E-PL9 if you:

• Prioritize autofocus accuracy, especially for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography.
• Need integrated 5-axis in-body stabilization for macro and video.
• Desire 4K video capability for hybrid use.
• Value touchscreen interfaces and wireless connectivity.
• Can manage a slightly larger, heavier body.
• Are invested in Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.

Opt for the Sony NEX-3N if you:

• Seek the largest possible sensor at an entry-level price for ultimate image quality.
• Require longer battery life and ultra-compact portability for travel.
• Have minimal need for fast AF tracking or video 4K.
• Are comfortable with limited physical controls and reliance on non-touchscreen interface.
• Prefer the Sony E mount with its extensive lens options and subsequently available upgrades.

Summary

In sum, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 represents a more balanced, fully featured entry-level mirrorless camera optimized for practical user interaction, fast and reliable autofocus, modern video demands, and comprehensive connectivity, at the expense of a slightly smaller sensor.

The Sony NEX-3N offers appreciable image quality benefits through its larger APS-C sensor and longer battery life while compromising on autofocus sophistication, video features, and modern interface conveniences.

Both cameras have limitations due to age and segment constraints, but understanding their strengths and weaknesses allows photographers - from motivated amateurs to part-time professionals - to select the model that best complements their photographic priorities and budget.