Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony QX1

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony QX1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Lens-style by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and QX1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was released 3 years after the QX1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL9 scores against the QX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Sony Alpha QX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 enjoys exterior 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 Sony QX1 has dimensions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 vs Sony QX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL9 and the QX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and QX1 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at technical specs. The pic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and QX1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL9 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony QX1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher E-PL9 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.