Nikon 1 J2 vs Olympus E-PL2

Below is a extended assessment of the Nikon 1 J2 vs Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 J2 (10MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the 1 J2 (1") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor size.

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The 1 J2 was unveiled 19 months later than the E-PL2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summation of how the 1 J2 matches up vs the E-PL2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J2 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J2 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J2 offers exterior dimensions of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL2 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 J2 vs Olympus E-PL2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the 1 J2 and the E-PL2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J2 and E-PL2 is 91 and 85 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J2 and E-PL2.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 J2 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL2 will resolve more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern 1 J2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.