Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-P1

Let's take a more detailed look at the Nikon 1 J3 versus Olympus E-P1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the E-P1 (12MP) is pretty close but the 1 J3 (1") and E-P1 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

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The 1 J3 was manufactured 4 years after the E-P1 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the 1 J3 scores versus the E-P1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 & Olympus PEN E-P1. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Olympus E-P1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Nikon 1 J3 offers outside measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Olympus E-P1 has specifications of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Examine the Nikon 1 J3 versus Olympus E-P1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the 1 J3 against the E-P1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and E-P1 is 92 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J3 and E-P1.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Nikon 1 J3 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The fresher 1 J3 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.