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Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-PL9

The Nikon D3 and the Olympus PEN E-PL9 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2007 and February 2018. The D3 is a DSLR, while the E-PL9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D3) and a Four Thirds (E-PL9) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 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
Nikon D3
versus
Olympus E-PL9
Nikon D3   Olympus E-PL9
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
11 shutter flaps per second 8.6 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4300 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 117 x 68 x 39 mm, 380 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL9 can be obtained in four different colors (black, brown, blue, white), while the D3 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-PL9
Compare D3 versus E-PL9 top
Comparison D3 or E-PL9 rear

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 (68 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the E-PL9 is substantially lighter (71 percent) than the D3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3 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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D3) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL9). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PL9, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the E-PL9 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL9 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Feb 2018 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 US$ 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PL8 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Sep 2016 US$ 549ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Oct 2019 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 88 percent) than the D3, 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 Nikon D3 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-PL9 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PL9 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PL9 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3 and Olympus E-PL9 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the E-PL9 offers a higher resolution of 15.9 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3. 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 3.76μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the E-PL9 is much more recent (by 10 years and 5 months) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-PL9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-PL9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3 versus E-PL9 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
2.
 
Olympus E-PL9 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8116274
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
12.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.512.071768
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
16.
 
Olympus E-PL8 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.6103073
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.313.1132476
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The E-PL9 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the E-PL9 can use is 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful 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 Nikon D3 and Olympus E-PL9 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Olympus E-PL9none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
16.
 
Olympus E-PL8optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the D3, but is missing on the E-PL9 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The E-PL9 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3 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-PL9 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 Nikon D3 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.

The D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the E-PL9 uses SDXC cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL9 only has one slot.

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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 Nikon D3 and Olympus PEN E-PL9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-PL9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
11.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Olympus E-PL8Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y

It is notable that the E-PL9 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3 (unlike the E-PL9) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3 and the E-PL9 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the E-PL9 was followed by the Olympus E-PL10. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and E-PL9 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL9 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-PL9? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3:

  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 8.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
  • 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.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).

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Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL9:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (15.9 vs 12.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 13%.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
  • 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.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (117x68mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 920g or 71 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (88 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 5 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the E-PL9 is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.

D3 10:16 E-PL9

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-PL9 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

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 D3 and the E-PL9 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL9..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2018 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 US$ 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6............ May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PL8........4.5/54/5 Sep 2016 US$ 549ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL10....4/577/100..4/5 Oct 2019 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) 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.

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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: Nikon D3 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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date August 2007 February 2018
    Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED TruePic VIII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.2 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2290 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 922k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 8.6 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-PL9
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Olympus BLS-50
    Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    117 x 68 x 39 mm
    (4.6 x 2.7 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 380 g (13.4 oz)
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    Check E-PL9 offers at
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