Nikon 1 AW1 vs Olympus E-PL2

On this page, we are evaluating the Nikon 1 AW1 and Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the 1 AW1 (14MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is very similar but the 1 AW1 (1") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The 1 AW1 was announced 2 years later than the E-PL2 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the 1 AW1 matches up vs the E-PL2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 AW1 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 AW1 offers outside dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL2 has measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon 1 AW1 and Olympus E-PL2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 AW1 and the E-PL2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 AW1 and E-PL2 is 86 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The visual underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 AW1 and E-PL2.

Plainly, both the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 AW1 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Nikon 1 AW1 will offer greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The fresher 1 AW1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.