• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 128.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Panasonic TS7

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer video battery life
    80 vs 60 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 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

Panasonic TS7 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus PEN-F

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus PEN-F
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic TS7
Olympus PEN-F
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Panasonic GX85

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
Panasonic TS7
Panasonic GX85
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
Panasonic TS7
Olympus E-PL8
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic TS7
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-PL10

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL10
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Newer
Panasonic TS7
Olympus E-PL10
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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