Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL1

Lets look a little more in depth at the Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus E-PL1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the E-PL1 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 J3 was introduced 3 years later than the E-PL1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 1 J3 matches up against the E-PL1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J3 & Olympus PEN E-PL1. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J3 provides outer dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1 has measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Check the Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus E-PL1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the 1 J3 against the E-PL1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and E-PL1 is 92 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J3 and E-PL1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 J3 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Nikon 1 J3 will show more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more recent 1 J3 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.