Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51


88 Imaging
53 Features
77 Overall
62
Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Introduced November 2013
- Replaced the Nikon 1 J2
- Newer Model is Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 325g - 111 x 64 x 38mm
- Launched August 2014
- Successor is Olympus E-PL7

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Overview
On this page, we will be evaluating the Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the E-PL6 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and E-PL6 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor size.

The 1 J3 was released 8 months prior to the E-PL6 which means that they are of a similar age. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the 1 J3 grades against the E-PL6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 & Olympus PEN E-PL6. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Olympus E-PL6 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Olympus E-PL6
1 J3 | E-PL6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL6 over the Nikon 1 J3
E-PL6 | 1 J3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2014 | ![]() | November 2013 | More modern by 8 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus E-PL6
1 J3 | E-PL6 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen size |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 J3 has external measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL6 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).
See the Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the 1 J3 vs the E-PL6.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the 1 J3 and E-PL6 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Sensor Comparison
Often, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The picture below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J3 and E-PL6.
As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Olympus E-PL6 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged 1 J3 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PL6 Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Olympus PEN E-PL6 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Olympus |
Model type | Nikon 1 J3 | Olympus PEN E-PL6 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2013-11-30 | 2014-08-01 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | TruePic VI |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | Four Thirds |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 35 |
Cross type focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon 1 | Micro Four Thirds |
Amount of lenses | 13 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 60 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 seconds | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 15.0 frames/s | 8.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/60 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 1072 x 720 (60 fps) 640 x 240 (400), 320 x 120 (1200) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 201g (0.44 lbs) | 325g (0.72 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 111 x 64 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 52 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.4 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 420 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | 360 images |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL20 | BLS-5 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail pricing | $170 | $300 |