Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL3

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Nikon 1 J3 versus Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor size.

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The 1 J3 was revealed 2 years later than the E-PL3 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the 1 J3 scores versus the E-PL3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J3 has external measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL3 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check out the Nikon 1 J3 versus Olympus E-PL3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the 1 J3 and the E-PL3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and E-PL3 is 92 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The photograph here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J3 and E-PL3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1 J3 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Nikon 1 J3 will provide greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The more recent 1 J3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.