• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Fujifilm X-E3 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    26 vs 14 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Fujifilm X-E3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer video battery life
    80 vs 50 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 48 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X-E3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

  • Stylish, compact body; Great image quality; Very good overall performance; Touchscreen LCD; 4K UHD video recording.

  • Small EVF; Fixed display; Unreliable continuous autofocus.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Fujifilm X-E3
Canon EOS M3
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • NFC
Olympus E-PL9
Canon EOS M3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Fujifilm X-E3
Panasonic GX85
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Fujifilm X-E3
Olympus E-PL8
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compared to Sony A6500

Fujifilm X-E3
Sony A6500
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-PL9
Sony A6500
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-T30

Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm X-T30
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Internal flash
Olympus E-PL9
Fujifilm X-T30
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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