• APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,500
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Leica TL advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.77 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Leica TL

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.6 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica TL

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Leica T (Typ 701)

Leica TL
Leica T (Typ 701)
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • $2800
  • APS-C
Olympus E-PL9
Leica T (Typ 701)
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Leica TL
Samsung NX3000
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-PL9
Samsung NX3000
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Leica TL
Panasonic GX85
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • 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

Leica TL
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compared to Leica TL2

Leica TL
Leica TL2
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus E-PL9
Leica TL2
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?