• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon V2 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.6 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    58.8 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    40 vs 14 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Nikon V2

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 40 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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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Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon V1

Nikon V2
Nikon V1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-PL9
Nikon V1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon V2
Nikon AW1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL9
Nikon AW1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon V2
Nikon V3
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL9
Nikon V3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon V2
Panasonic GX85
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
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

Nikon V2
Olympus E-PL8
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
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