Nikon 1 J1 vs Olympus E-PL3

On this page, we will be evaluating the Nikon 1 J1 versus Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 J1 (10MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the 1 J1 (1") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) have different sensor measurements.

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The 1 J1 was introduced 5 months after the E-PL3 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the 1 J1 matches up vs the E-PL3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 J1 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 J1 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J1 offers outside measurements of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 J1 versus Olympus E-PL3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the 1 J1 vs the E-PL3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J1 and E-PL3 is 91 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The pic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J1 and E-PL3.

To sum up, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J1 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus E-PL3 will resolve more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively.