Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony NEX-F3

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony NEX-F3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is fairly close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and NEX-F3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was released 5 years after the NEX-F3 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PL9 matches up vs the NEX-F3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got external dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-F3 has dimensions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 versus Sony NEX-F3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL9 versus the NEX-F3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and NEX-F3 is 85 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor sizes just by researching specifications. The pic underneath will offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and NEX-F3.

To sum up, both of these cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL9 includes the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The more modern E-PL9 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.