• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 400.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic FZ1000 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.5 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Panasonic FZ1000

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 130 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    7 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 73 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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 Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

  • Extremely compact compared to interchangeable-lens camera with similar lenses; Comfortable grip and controls; Bright, far-reaching 16x zoom lens; Excellent electronic viewfinder; Versatile tilt/swivel LCD; Excellent performance; Great image quality

  • Body materials feel a bit plasticky; Connector compartment door is fiddly; Limited raw buffer depth; Battery life below average for class; No built-in neutral density filter

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX10

Panasonic FZ1000
Sony RX10
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $698
  • 1 inch
  • Top deck display
  • Integrated ND filter
Olympus E-PL9
Sony RX10
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $698
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • NFC

Compared to Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Panasonic FZ1000
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-PL9
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic FZ1000
Panasonic GX85
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • 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 Panasonic FZ2500

Panasonic FZ1000
Panasonic FZ2500
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $931
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic FZ2500
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $931
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic FZ1000
Olympus E-PL8
  • $773
  • 1 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
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