The E-PL9 from 2018 was a slim, style-focused PEN body at 331g with a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor, 3.5-stop IBIS, a fully articulated touchscreen, and Bluetooth. No 4K, no viewfinder, no mic port. It was effectively identical in capability to the E-PL10 that followed it. A budget used buy for someone who wants IBIS and a flip screen in the smallest Olympus form factor, but the lack of 4K is a real limitation. It replaces the Olympus PEN E-PL8. It has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL10. At 331g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 207g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 2g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 3.5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2018-03 |
| Weight | 331g |
| Dimensions | 117.1 × 60.8 × 38.9mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fully articulated |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.1MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 3.5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Battery | BLS-50 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 3.5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL9 weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 use?
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN E-PL9 weigh?
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 weighs 331g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL9 still worth buying?
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL10. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus PEN E-PL9 remains a capable body, but the Olympus PEN E-PL10 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.