Nikon Z9 vs OM System PEN E-PL3
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is praised for its sharp image quality, solid build, and excellent value at around $259, especially for outdoor and macro photography. However, users report significant noise at higher ISOs, slow autofocus in low light, and a confusing menu system. The proprietary battery and fragile battery door are also common complaints.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Solid build quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good outdoor and macro performance
- Compact and lightweight system
Cons
- Noise at high ISO
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Confusing menu system
- Proprietary battery
- Fragile battery door latch
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z9 | OM System PEN E-PL3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 12.300000190734863 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | TruePic VI |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | — |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 5 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓★ | — |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 1080p |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | — |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | — |
| Log Profile | ✓★ | — |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | AVCHD, AVI |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 1.07 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | — |
| USB | USB-C★ | — |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | — |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
- Strong display (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average affordability (0th percentile)0th %ile
- Below average af (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average sensor (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
OM System PEN E-PL3 Red
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 21 of 33 specs.
