Olympus PEN E-PL9

22 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
design (10)
image quality (6)
portability (6)
performance (6)
durability (5)

Negative
viewfinder (4)
sensor (2)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 22 reviews of Olympus PEN E-PL9. The average rating for this product is 4.1/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. People really like the image quality and usability. The portability and performance also get good views. The sensor and viewfinder get critical comments. Views are divided on the screen.

design, performance, portability, usability, image quality

viewfinder, sensor

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Olympus PEN E-PL9 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 91/100 = Excellent quality.

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Review analysis

(Based on 22 reviews)

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Showing 11 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 11 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (11)

Expert review by : Daven Mathies (digitaltrends.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9 review

Great design ; Articulating touchscreen ; Fast performance ; Built-in stabilization ; Ideal for beginners

Poor manual controls ; Some confusing operation

With the PEN E-PL9, Olympus has made the best possible camera for the smartphone generation, other than an actual smartphone. It’s pretty, compact, fast, and simple to operate — great for someone ready to jump into the world of interchangeable lens...

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Expert review by : Jim Fisher (pcmag.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is, for the most part, the same mirrorless camera as the E-PL8, but adds a built-in flash and 4K video.

Snappy autofocus. 8.5fps burst shooting. In-body image stabilization. 4K video. Slim, attractive design. Tilting touch LCD. Built-in flash. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Aging 16MP image sensor. No EVF or add-on option. 4K video not easily accessible. Small Raw shooting buffer.

I'm being a bit kinder to the E-PL9 than I was to the E-M10 Mark III, which I reviewed earlier this year and gave a lower rating. Price is one factor, as the E-M10 is $50 more. Market is another; the PEN's appeal is to entry-level shooters, while the...

Apr, 2018

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Expert review by : Michelle Rae Uy (steves-digicams.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9

The Good. Olympus's latest compact oozes not only style but also smart little features that beginner photographers, bloggers, and selfie shooters will appreciate. The Olympus Pen E-PL9, released earlier in 2018, is a big, if beginner, camera in a...

Sep, 2018

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Expert review by (imaging-resource.com)

Olympus E-PL9 Review

The Olympus PL9 follows in the footsteps of the 2016-model year Olympus PL8, which was itself the seventh-generation model in a line which traces its heritage back to the PL1, back in April 2010. (Wondering why the disparity between generation and...

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Expert review by : Terry Sullivan (tomsguide.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9 Mirrorless Camera Review: Inexpensive and Versatile

Competition remains fierce in the mirrorless-camera market, which is good news for consumers, since cameras like the E-PL9 will offer a lot of value for the money. It shoots very good stills and videos, although it's challenged in low light and the...

Thin, nicely designed 3x optical zoom lens ; Shoots 4K-resolution video ; Relatively inexpensive ; Includes a built-in flash and hot shoe ; App comes with basic, but useful how-to videos

No electronic viewfinder ; Wi-Fi setup was a bit confusing ; Touch-screen LCD doesn't swing out to side ; Small grip

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is a good mirrorless camera for those graduating from smartphone photography.

Jun, 2018

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Expert review by : Michael Topham (trustedreviews.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9 first look

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is aimed at beginners and bloggers after a stylish and fashionable interchangeable lens camera that's superior to a smartphone.

Feb, 2018

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Expert review by : Rod Lawton (techradar.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9 review

Olympus updates its stylish entry-level mirrorless camera

Size and portability ; Attractive design ; Easy to use ; Image quality and effects ; 4K video and Clips modes

No viewfinder ; No accessory port ; ISO limit is only 25,600 ; Only uses 3-axis IS system ; Modest sensor specs ; Relatively expensive

The PEN E-PL9 is perfect for first-time buyers who’ve outgrown a smartphone and just want a camera that reliably captures sharp, well-exposed images, fits in a bag and doesn’t look like a piece of military hardware. There are cheaper alternatives, but...

Nov, 2018

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Expert review by : Dave Stevenson (expertreviews.co.uk)

Olympus E-PL9 review: A cheap and cheerful mirrorless perfect for travelling

This entry-level model from Olympus is pitched squarely at vloggers, bloggers and holiday snappers

Small size ; Tilting screen ; Attractive retro design ; Fun effects modes

No viewfinder ; No USB charging

Overall, this is a great little camera for those who are new to photography, or for those who have a little more experience but want something ultra-light and portable for their travels. It’s therefore very easy to recommend.

Dec, 2019

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Expert review by : Joshua Waller (ephotozine.com)

Olympus PEN E-PL9 Expert Review

Read our full review of the new Olympus PEN E-PL9, with a 16mp sensor, 4K video, and numerous shooting modes.

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 continues to deliver the same high image quality of other Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras, giving excellent colour reproduction and great JPEG images straight from the camera. Noise performance is good, although doesn't quite...

May, 2018

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Expert review by : Joshua Waller (ephotozine.com)