Table of Contents
amazon Olympus Pen E-PL9 reviews
Information of the machine
– 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor
– Micro Four Thirds lens mount
– 3-axis sensor-shift (sensor movement)
– 3-inch flip touch screen, 1037k dots
– Ability to record 4K video at 30/25/24fps
– FullHD 60p video recording, stereo sound
– ISO100 to ISO25600 (extended)
– Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
– Continuous shooting 8.5fps
– HDR, Focus Peaking
– There are 31 Art Filters
– Black/silver, white/silver, and coffee brown/silver
Open the box
As usual with the outside is a bit of information about Olympus Pen E-PL9; my main impression with the inside is that it comes with book manuals. If you have free time to do nothing, flipping through a book about 2cm thick to kill time is also a good way.
And here is our protagonist Olympus Pen E-PL9
Many upgrades to suit the market, such as raising the ability to record videos to 4K resolution at 30/25/24p or Full HD at 60p. The focus system is improved up to 121 when the E-PL8 is only 81, and the coverage is also higher.
Next is the changed exterior; there is an upgrade in the E-PL8 and back to an even older design that is the E-PL7, in which the grip has a similarity to create a firmer grip position. The plus point compared to previous versions is that the E-PL9 is now equipped with a flash right on the body.
The interface system has also been changed with many similarities with the E-M1 II. Still, with fewer options, the interface is intuitive and easy to change the appropriate customizations according to the user’s needs.
Unlike the E-PL8, which only includes Wi-Fi connectivity, the E-PL9 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for a faster and more convenient connection.
where can you get a Olympus Pen E-PL9 online
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Kit with 14-42mm EZ Lens, Camera Bag, and Memory Card (Onyx Black): Buy it now
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Body Only with 3-Inch LCD (Pearl White): Buy it now
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Body only with 3-Inch LCD (Honey Brown): Buy it now
Controls and Interface
The E-PL9 features a user-friendly interface with a good balance of physical controls and touchscreen functionality. The top plate houses the mode dial, power switch, shutter button, and a customizable function button. The mode dial includes a variety of shooting modes, including Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, as well as scene modes and Art Filters.
The rear of the camera is dominated by a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. The screen tilts up 80 degrees and down 180 degrees, making it perfect for selfies and vlogging. The touchscreen is responsive and allows for touch focus, touch shutter, and navigation through the camera’s menus. The lack of a built-in viewfinder might be a drawback for some, but the screen performs well even in bright sunlight.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 is equipped with a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, the same as found in the E-PL8. Despite not featuring the latest sensor technology, the E-PL9 delivers impressive image quality with excellent color reproduction, dynamic range, and detail.
The camera’s TruePic VIII image processor, inherited from Olympus’s flagship OM-D series, enhances image quality and processing speed. The native ISO range of 200-6400 (expandable to 100-25600) allows for versatility in various lighting conditions. Noise performance is commendable up to ISO 3200, with images remaining relatively clean and detailed. At higher ISO levels, noise becomes more noticeable but is still manageable with post-processing.
One of the standout features of the E-PL9 is its in-body 3-axis image stabilization system. This system compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. While not as advanced as the 5-axis stabilization found in higher-end models, it still provides a significant advantage over cameras without stabilization.
Autofocus Performance
The E-PL9 features a contrast-detect autofocus system with 121 focus points, providing a wide coverage area. The autofocus performance is quick and accurate in good lighting conditions, making it suitable for everyday photography. In low-light situations, the AF speed slows down slightly but remains reliable.
Face and eye detection AF are available, which is particularly useful for portrait photography. The camera can easily lock onto a subject’s face and eyes, ensuring sharp focus. For more control, the touchscreen allows users to select the focus point manually, which is especially handy when shooting in tricky situations or with a shallow depth of field.
Video Capabilities
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 is a capable video camera, offering 4K video recording at 30, 25, and 24 frames per second, as well as Full HD and HD options. The 4K footage is sharp and detailed, with good color accuracy and dynamic range. The in-body image stabilization helps reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother handheld footage.
The camera also includes several advanced video features, such as a dedicated video mode on the mode dial, manual exposure control, and the ability to use Art Filters in video mode. However, the lack of a microphone input is a limitation for serious videographers who require high-quality audio.
For casual vloggers, the E-PL9’s flip-down screen is a convenient feature, making it easy to frame shots and monitor recording. The camera’s compact size and lightweight design further enhance its suitability for vlogging and travel videos.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The E-PL9 offers a range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Olympus Image Share app allows for easy transfer of images and videos to a smartphone or tablet, as well as remote control of the camera. Bluetooth connectivity enables a constant connection between the camera and a mobile device, simplifying the process of sharing images on social media.
Battery life is rated at approximately 350 shots per charge, which is decent for a camera of this size. For extended shooting sessions, carrying a spare battery is advisable. The camera charges via a USB port, allowing for convenient charging on the go.
Ease of Use
Olympus has designed the E-PL9 with ease of use in mind, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers. The camera offers an intuitive user interface with a well-organized menu system. The Super Control Panel, accessible via the touchscreen, provides quick access to commonly used settings, making adjustments swift and straightforward.
The inclusion of Advanced Photo (AP) mode is a notable feature for beginners. This mode simplifies the process of capturing more complex shots, such as long exposures, HDR, panoramas, and multiple exposures. Each mode includes on-screen guides to assist users in achieving the desired results.
Art Filters and Creative Features
One of the defining features of the Olympus Pen series is the extensive range of Art Filters and creative shooting modes. The E-PL9 includes 16 Art Filters, such as Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, and Diorama, allowing photographers to experiment with different looks and styles. These filters can be applied to both still images and videos, adding a unique touch to your creations.
The camera also offers a variety of Scene modes, including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Sports, optimizing settings for different shooting scenarios. For those who enjoy in-camera editing, the E-PL9 provides options for adjusting saturation, contrast, and other image parameters directly on the camera.
Lenses and Expandability
The Micro Four Thirds system offers a wide range of lenses, making the E-PL9 a versatile camera that can adapt to various shooting needs. Whether you prefer prime lenses for portraiture, wide-angle lenses for landscapes, or telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, the Micro Four Thirds mount has you covered.
The E-PL9 is compatible with Olympus’s extensive lineup of M.Zuiko lenses, as well as lenses from other manufacturers, including Panasonic and Sigma. The compact size of Micro Four Thirds lenses complements the camera’s portable design, making it an excellent choice for photographers who value mobility.
Comparison with Competitors
In the crowded mirrorless camera market, the Olympus Pen E-PL9 faces competition from models such as the Panasonic Lumix GX85, Fujifilm X-A5, and Sony Alpha a6000. Each of these cameras has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and needs.
Compared to the Panasonic Lumix GX85, the E-PL9 offers a more stylish design and a broader selection of Art Filters. However, the GX85 features a higher resolution electronic viewfinder and 5-axis image stabilization, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize these features.
The Fujifilm X-A5 boasts a larger APS-C sensor, providing better low-light performance and a higher resolution of 24.2 megapixels. It also offers 4K video recording, albeit limited to 15 frames per second. The E-PL9, on the other hand, excels in its user-friendly interface and extensive creative options.
The Sony Alpha a6000, though an older model, remains a popular choice due to its excellent autofocus system and impressive burst shooting capabilities. However, it lacks 4K video recording and in-body image stabilization, areas where the E-PL9 has an advantage.
Value for Money
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 offers excellent value for money, providing a compelling blend of style, performance, and creative features at a reasonable price point. Its compact design, ease of use, and extensive range of Art Filters make it an appealing choice for beginners and casual photographers. At the same time, its robust image quality and expandability with Micro Four Thirds lenses cater to more advanced users.
While it may not have the latest sensor technology or the highest resolution, the E-PL9 delivers consistently good results in a variety of shooting conditions. The addition of 4K video recording and improved autofocus performance over its predecessor makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those considering an entry-level mirrorless camera.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish, compact design
- Excellent image quality
- In-body 3-axis image stabilization
- 4K video recording
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive range of Art Filters and creative features
- Wide selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- No built-in viewfinder
- No microphone input for video recording
- Limited battery life for extended shooting sessions
- Autofocus performance slows in low light