Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Olympus E-PL9

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Olympus PEN E-PL9 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and February 2018. Both the X-Pro2 and the E-PL9 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-Pro2) and a Four Thirds (E-PL9) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-Pro2		Olympus E-PL9
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		15.9 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-12800 (100-51200)		ISO 200-6400 (100-25600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD, 1620k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
8 shutter flaps per second		8.6 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
350 shots per battery charge		350 shots per battery charge
141 x 83 x 46 mm, 495 g		117 x 68 x 39 mm, 380 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Olympus PEN E-PL9? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Olympus E-PL9 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The X-Pro2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, graphite), while the E-PL9 is available in four color-versions (black, brown, blue, white).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL9 is considerably smaller (32 percent) than the Fujifilm X-Pro2. Moreover, the E-PL9 is markedly lighter (23 percent) than the X-Pro2. It is worth mentioning in this context that the X-Pro2 is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PL9 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-Pro2) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL9). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro2»	5.6 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Olympus E-PL9«	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.5 in	13.4 oz	350	n	Feb 2018	549			Olympus E-PL9
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-H1« »	5.5 in	3.8 in	3.4 in	23.7 oz	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm X-T100« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	15.8 oz	430	n	May 2018	599			Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X100F« »	5.0 in	3.0 in	2.0 in	16.5 oz	390	n	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-A3« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.0 oz	410	n	Aug 2016	399	-		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	1.9 in	17.9 oz	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	5.1 in	3.5 in	1.9 in	15.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	5.5 in	3.2 in	1.7 in	15.9 oz	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Nikon D500« »	5.8 in	4.5 in	3.2 in	30.3 oz	1240	Y	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Olympus E-M10 III« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.0 in	14.5 oz	330	n	Aug 2017	649			Olympus E-M10 III
	Olympus E-PL8« »	4.5 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	12.6 oz	350	n	Sep 2016	549	-		Olympus E-PL8
	Olympus E-M10 II« »	4.7 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.8 oz	320	n	Aug 2015	649	-		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-PL7« »	4.5 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	12.6 oz	350	n	Aug 2014	599	-		Olympus E-PL7
	Olympus E-PM2« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.3 in	9.5 oz	360	n	Sep 2012	499	-		Olympus E-PM2
	Sony A6500« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	2.1 in	16.0 oz	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399	-		Sony A6500
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Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-PL9 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 68 percent) than the X-Pro2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-PL9 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PL9 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X-Pro2 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PL9 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 24MP, the X-Pro2 offers a higher resolution than the E-PL9 (15.9MP), but the X-Pro2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 3.76μm for the E-PL9) due to its larger sensor. However, the E-PL9 is a much more recent model (by 2 years) than the X-Pro2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-Pro2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-Pro2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL9 are 23 x 17.3 inch or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inch or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inch or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-Pro2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL9 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the E-PL9 provides a better video resolution than the X-Pro2. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-Pro2 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL9 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Olympus E-PL9 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The E-PL9 has a touchscreen, while the X-Pro2 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Olympus E-PL9 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-Pro2 and the E-PL9 write their files to SDXC cards. The X-Pro2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL9 only has one slot. The X-Pro2 supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the E-PL9 can use UHS-I cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and Olympus PEN E-PL9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X-Pro2 has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PL9. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (unlike the E-PL9) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the X-Pro2 and the E-PL9 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The X-Pro2 replaced the earlier Fujifilm X-Pro1, while the E-PL9 followed on from the Olympus E-PL8. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Olympus websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Fujifilm X-Pro2 or the Olympus E-PL9 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-Pro2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2016).

Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL9:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (117x68mm vs 141x83mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 115g or 23 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (68 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the X-Pro2 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-Pro2 is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 12 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and the Olympus E-PL9 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-Pro2 or the E-PL9. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro2»	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Olympus E-PL9«	+	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Feb 2018	549			Olympus E-PL9
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-H1« »	+	86/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm X-T100« »	+	79/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	May 2018	599			Fujifilm X-T100
	Fujifilm X100F« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,299			Fujifilm X100F
	Fujifilm X-A3« »	-	74/100	4.5/5	-	4/5	Aug 2016	399	-		Fujifilm X-A3
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	+ +	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X-Pro1« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Nikon D500« »	+ +	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	1,999			Nikon D500
	Olympus E-M10 III« »	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2017	649			Olympus E-M10 III
	Olympus E-PL8« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Sep 2016	549	-		Olympus E-PL8
	Olympus E-M10 II« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2015	649	-		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-PL7« »	+	-	5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2014	599	-		Olympus E-PL7
	Olympus E-PM2« »	-	77/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	-		Olympus E-PM2
	Sony A6500« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399	-		Sony A6500
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-Pro2 vs Olympus E-PL9

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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