Olympus PEN E-PL9 Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is a 16MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera — with 4K video and in-body stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Mirrorless Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus PEN E-PL9
Key Features — Olympus PEN E-PL9
16MP MFT Sensor: The Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 2x crop factor pairs well with the broad range of MFT-mount lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers.
TruePic VIII Processor: The same image processor found in higher-end Olympus bodies, handling noise reduction, color rendering, and overall image output.
In-Body Sensor-Shift IS: Optical image stabilization built into the camera body compensates for camera shake regardless of which lens is attached.
121-Point Contrast AF: The autofocus system covers the frame with 121 contrast-detection points and includes face detection for subject acquisition.
4K Video at 30fps: Records 4K footage at up to 30fps, with additional frame rate options at lower resolutions including 50fps and 60fps.
8.6fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 8.6 frames per second is useful for capturing candid moments and casual action.
Camera Specifications — Olympus PEN E-PL9
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Beginner-Friendly |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Resolution | 16MP |
| Processor | TruePic VIII |
| ISO Range | 100 – 25600 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Face Detection AF |
| AF Points | 121 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4608x3456 |
| Burst Rate | 8.6 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Olympus PEN E-PL9
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera powered by a 16MP sensor and TruePic VIII image processor. The ISO range spans 100 to 25600, and the autofocus system covers 121 focus points using contrast detection, with face detection AF, eye detection AF, eye tracking, and subject tracking built in. For stills, burst shooting reaches 8.6fps, and the maximum image resolution is 4608 x 3456 pixels.
Six color profiles are available including Standard, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, and Monotone. Video recording tops out at 4K at 30fps, with frame rate options of 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 50fps, and 60fps — all at 8-bit depth. The sensor-shift IBIS system provides in-body stabilization for both photo and video.
The 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD touchscreen resolves at 1,040,000 dots and supports touch input. A built-in pop-up flash with TTL support is included. Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with Micro HDMI and USB rounding out the ports.
The body weighs 380g and measures 117 x 68 x 39mm, running on the BLS-50 Li-ion battery rated at approximately 350 shots per charge.
Pros — Olympus PEN E-PL9
- ✓In-body sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS) helps reduce camera shake without relying on lens-based stabilization
- ✓4K video recording at up to 30fps with additional frame rate options including 24fps, 25fps, 50fps, and 60fps
- ✓Autofocus system includes face detection, eye detection, eye tracking, and subject tracking across 121 focus points
Cons — Olympus PEN E-PL9
- ✗No electronic viewfinder — the tilting LCD is the only way to compose shots
- ✗Video color profile limited to Standard only, with 8-bit bit depth restricting post-processing flexibility
- ✗No weather sealing, making it unsuitable for shooting in rain or dusty conditions
Reviews — Olympus PEN E-PL9
Videos — Olympus PEN E-PL9
Olympus PEN E-PL9 - Review and Sample Photos — digiDirect
Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus PEN E-PL9
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 have image stabilization?+
Yes, the E-PL9 features in-body sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS). Digital IS is not included. This helps reduce blur from camera shake during handheld shooting.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the E-PL9 support?+
The E-PL9 records up to 4K at a maximum of 30fps. Available frame rates include 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 50fps, and 60fps. All video is captured at 8-bit with a Standard color profile.
Does the camera have a viewfinder?+
No, the E-PL9 does not include an electronic or optical viewfinder. Composition is done entirely through the 3.0-inch tilting TFT LCD touchscreen, which has a resolution of 1,040,000 dots.
What memory cards does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 use?+
The E-PL9 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. There is a single card slot.
Is the E-PL9 weather sealed?+
No, the E-PL9 has no weather sealing. The body uses metal and plastic construction but is not rated for use in rain or dusty environments.
What wireless connectivity options does the E-PL9 offer?+
The E-PL9 includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also has a Micro HDMI output for connecting to external monitors or TVs, along with a USB port for data transfer and charging.