Shocking Comparison: Canon EOS Rebel T6 vs Olympus Pen E-PL9 & Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the entry-level to mid-range market are the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and the Olympus Pen E-PL9, both offering compelling features and capabilities. However, when paired with the versatile Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens, the Olympus Pen E-PL9 presents a unique proposition. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two cameras, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different photography styles.

Image Quality and Sensor Size: A Tale of Two Formats

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 boasts a larger APS-C sensor, measuring 22.3 x 14.9mm, while the Olympus Pen E-PL9 utilizes a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, measuring 17.3 x 13mm. This difference in sensor size plays a significant role in image quality and performance. The larger APS-C sensor in the Canon Rebel T6 generally captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. This translates to images with a more pleasing bokeh effect, blurring backgrounds and isolating subjects.
On the other hand, the Olympus Pen E-PL9’s smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor offers advantages in terms of portability and lens size. The smaller sensor allows for a smaller camera body and smaller lenses, making the Olympus system incredibly compact and travel-friendly. Additionally, the smaller sensor size also contributes to a wider field of view with the same focal length, giving you a slightly wider perspective compared to the Canon Rebel T6.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Both the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and the Olympus Pen E-PL9 offer autofocus systems that are suitable for capturing everyday photos and videos. The Canon Rebel T6 features a 9-point autofocus system, while the Olympus Pen E-PL9 utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 121 points. In terms of speed, the Canon Rebel T6 generally performs slightly better in fast-action situations, thanks to its phase-detection autofocus points. The Olympus Pen E-PL9, however, excels in low-light scenarios, where its contrast-detection system can still achieve accurate focus.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rate: Capturing the Moment

For photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects, the continuous shooting capabilities of a camera are crucial. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 offers a maximum continuous shooting rate of 3 frames per second (fps), while the Olympus Pen E-PL9 can shoot at a rate of 8.6 fps. This is a significant difference, making the Olympus Pen E-PL9 a better choice for capturing fast-paced action, such as sports or wildlife photography.

Video Recording: Quality and Features

Both cameras offer decent video recording capabilities, but the Canon EOS Rebel T6 edges out the Olympus Pen E-PL9 in terms of video quality. The Canon Rebel T6 can record Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, while the Olympus Pen E-PL9 is limited to 30 fps at 1080p resolution. However, the Olympus Pen E-PL9 shines in its video features, offering built-in image stabilization and a variety of creative shooting modes, making it a more versatile option for video enthusiasts.

Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R: A Versatile Companion

The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens is a compact and lightweight kit lens that provides a versatile focal range, equivalent to 28-84mm in full-frame terms. It is a great all-around lens for everyday photography, covering a wide range of subjects from landscapes to portraits. While the lens is not as fast as some other options, it offers good image quality and sharpness, especially at its wide-angle end.

The Compact Advantage: Olympus Pen E-PL9’s Portability

One of the primary advantages of the Olympus Pen E-PL9, especially when paired with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens, is its remarkable portability. The compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly convenient to carry around, ideal for travel and street photography. The Canon Rebel T6, while not bulky, is noticeably larger and heavier, making it less suitable for those seeking a truly portable camera system.

Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Fit

Choosing between the Canon EOS Rebel T6 and the Olympus Pen E-PL9 with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and a larger sensor, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is a solid choice. However, if you value portability, compact size, and a versatile lens system, the Olympus Pen E-PL9 with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens is a compelling option.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are great for beginners. The Canon EOS Rebel T6 offers a more traditional DSLR experience with a larger sensor and a more intuitive interface. The Olympus Pen E-PL9, however, is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to handle for those new to photography.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens is the clear winner for travel photography. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for carrying around on trips, and the versatile lens covers a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
While both cameras offer decent video recording capabilities, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 provides higher video quality with Full HD 1080p resolution at 30 fps. However, the Olympus Pen E-PL9 offers more video features, including built-in image stabilization and creative shooting modes.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 generally performs better in low-light situations due to its larger APS-C sensor, which captures more light. However, the Olympus Pen E-PL9’s contrast-detection autofocus system can still achieve accurate focus in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera is better for budget-conscious photographers?
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 is generally more affordable than the Canon EOS Rebel T6, especially when considering the cost of the M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens. However, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 can be found at competitive prices, making it a value-for-money option for budget-conscious photographers.