Nikon 1 AW1 vs Olympus E-P3

Below, we are comparing the Nikon 1 AW1 and Olympus E-P3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 AW1 (14MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 AW1 (1") and E-P3 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The 1 AW1 was revealed 2 years later than the E-P3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the 1 AW1 scores against the E-P3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 AW1 & Olympus PEN E-P3. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery & Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 AW1 offers outside measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus E-P3 has dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 AW1 and Olympus E-P3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the 1 AW1 against the E-P3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 1 AW1 and E-P3 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 AW1 and E-P3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 AW1 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Nikon 1 AW1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The newer 1 AW1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.