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Olympus E-M1 II vs Leica M9

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Leica M9 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2016 and September 2009. The E-M1 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the M9 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-M1 II) and a full frame (M9) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 18.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M1 II
versus
Leica M9
Olympus E-M1 II   Leica M9
Mirrorless system camera Rangefinder camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Leica M mount lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 18.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video no Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 80-2,500
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
18 shutter flaps per second 2 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationno shake reduction
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
440 shots per battery charge550 shots per battery charge
134 x 91 x 67 mm, 574 g 139 x 80 x 37 mm, 585 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Leica M9? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-M1 II and the Leica M9. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M9 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the E-M1 II is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-M1 II vs Leica M9
Compare E-M1 II versus M9 top
Comparison E-M1 II or M9 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica M9 is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Olympus E-M1 II. However, the M9 is slightly heavier (2 percent) than the E-M1 II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the E-M1 II is splash and dust resistant, while the M9 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 Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M1 II) and the Leica M Lens Catalog (M9).

Concerning battery life, the E-M1 II gets 440 shots out of its Olympus BLH-1 battery, while the M9 can take 550 images on a single charge of its Leica BLI-312 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
2.
 
Leica M9 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 585 g 550 n Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M10 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 660 g 210 Y Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X Vario 133 mm 73 mm 95 mm 680 g 450 n Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M8 139 mm 80 mm 37 mm 591 g 550 n Sep 2006 5,499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 500 Y Jan 2024 2,399 amazon.com
12.
 
OM System OM-1 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 520 Y Feb 2022 2,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 899ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-M1 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the M9, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-M1 II features a Four Thirds sensor and the Leica M9 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the M9 is 284 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-M1 II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the M9 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-M1 II and Leica M9 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Olympus E-M1 II offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 18.1 MP of the Leica M9. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 6.91μm for the M9). However, it should be noted that the E-M1 II is much more recent (by 7 years) than the M9, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The E-M1 II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the M9, the E-M1 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (50MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 64-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M9 are ISO 80 to ISO 2500 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the E-M1 II is build around a CMOS sensor, while the M9 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-M1 II versus M9 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the E-M1 II provides substantially higher image quality than the M9, with an overall score that is 11 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
2.
 
Leica M9 Full Frame 18.1 5212 3472none22.511.788469
3.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
4.
 
Leica M10 Full Frame 23.8 5952 3992none24.413.2213386
5.
 
Leica X Vario APS-C 16.1 4928 32721080/30p23.412.7132078
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
7.
 
Leica M8 APS-H 10.4 3936 2630none21.111.366359
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
10.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.6174978
12.
 
OM System OM-1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.4155377
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
14.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
16.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The E-M1 II indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M9 does not. The highest resolution format that the E-M1 II can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 II has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the M9 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the E-M1 II has a higher magnification than the one of the M9 (0.74x vs 0.68x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-M1 II, the Leica M9, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
2.
 
Leica M9optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
4.
 
Leica M10optical n3.0 / 1037 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Leica X Variooptional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Leica M8optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 2.0/s n n
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II5760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
12.
 
OM System OM-15760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The E-M1 II has a touchscreen, while the M9 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The E-M1 II has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the M9 does not have a selfie-screen.

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, the E-M1 II is one of those camera that have an additional 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 Olympus E-M1 II has 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 E-M1 II and the M9 write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M1 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the M9 only has one slot. The E-M1 II supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, while the M9 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Leica M9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
2.
 
Leica M9Y- / ----2.0---
3.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Leica M10Y- / -----Y--
5.
 
Leica X VarioYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Leica M8Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
OM System OM-1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
12.
 
OM System OM-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the E-M1 II offers wifi support, while the M9 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 II (unlike the M9) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-M1 II and the M9 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The M9 was replaced by the Leica M Typ 240, while the E-M1 II was followed by the Olympus E-M1 III. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M1 II and M9 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M1 II Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica M9 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-M1 II and the Leica M9? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/30p movies.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.68x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • 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 Ultra High Speed (UHS-II and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years of technical progress since the M9 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Leica M9:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (550 versus 440) out of a single battery charge.
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2009).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the E-M1 II is the clear winner of the match-up (27 : 4 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.

E-M1 II 27:04 M9

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the E-M1 II and the M9 in practical situations. 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 hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
2.
 
Leica M9........4.5/5.. Sep 2009 7,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Leica M104.5/5......4/54.5/5 Jan 2017 6,595ebay.com
5.
 
Leica X Vario3/5......4/54/5 Jun 2013 2,850ebay.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M8......+ +.... Sep 2006 5,499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
OM System OM-1 II............ Jan 2024 2,399 amazon.com
12.
 
OM System OM-15/5....87/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2022 2,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 899ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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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. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-M1 II vs Leica M9

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Rangefinder camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Leica M mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2016 September 2009
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 7,999
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 18.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 5212 x 3472 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 6.91 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 2.09 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 80 - 2,500 ISO
    ISO Boost 64 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 69
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 22.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.8 11.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1312 884
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x 0.68x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.5inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Manual Focus
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 18 shutter flaps/s 2 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationno handshake reduction
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Single UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI no HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Olympus E-M1 II Leica M9
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Olympus BLH-1 Leica BLI-312
    Battery Life (CIPA)440 shots per charge550 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 134 x 91 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.6 in)
    139 x 80 x 37 mm
    (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 574 g (20.2 oz) 585 g (20.6 oz)
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