• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Fujifilm X100S 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Fujifilm X100S

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $1300 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 53 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.6 fps vs 5.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.6 fps vs 5.7 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    14 vs 8 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (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

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm X100S

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

  • Attractive, retro rangefinder-style design; Improved (excellent) still image quality that's even better thanks to second generation X-Trans sensor technology; Great, sharp f/2 35mm-equivalent lens; Overall better operation and performance than the X100; Addition of phase-detect pixels makes bright light autofocusing faster.

  • Low-light AF slow and inconsistent; Video quality, even at 60p, compromised by moire and lack of image stabilization; Combined four-way pad/Command dial means AF control points cumbersome to change; Too easy to bump control dials and change settings accidentally (especially the EV dial).

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X100

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
Olympus E-PL9
Fujifilm X100
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100T
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • External Mic Jack
Olympus E-PL9
Fujifilm X100T
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Fujifilm X100S
Panasonic GX85
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
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 X100S
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compared to Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100S
Fujifilm X100F
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Olympus E-PL9
Fujifilm X100F
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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