Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51


89 Imaging
52 Features
63 Overall
56
Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Launched November 2013
- Older Model is Nikon 1 J2
- Replacement is Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 269g - 110 x 64 x 34mm
- Announced May 2013
- Superseded the Olympus E-PM1

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Overview
Lets look a little more closely at the Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the E-PM2 (16MP) is fairly similar but the 1 J3 (1") and E-PM2 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor size.

The 1 J3 was brought out 7 months after the E-PM2 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the 1 J3 scores against the E-PM2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus PEN E-PM2. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Olympus E-PM2 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Olympus E-PM2
1 J3 | E-PM2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | November 2013 | ![]() | May 2013 | More modern by 7 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper display (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PM2 over the Nikon 1 J3
E-PM2 | 1 J3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Olympus E-PM2
1 J3 | E-PM2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Physical Comparison
When you are going to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Nikon 1 J3 comes with physical 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-PM2 has specifications of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
See the Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the 1 J3 vs the E-PM2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and E-PM2 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by going over a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J3 and E-PM2.
As you can see, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-PM2 will deliver more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The more modern 1 J3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J3 vs Olympus E-PM2 Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Olympus PEN E-PM2 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Olympus |
Model type | Nikon 1 J3 | Olympus PEN E-PM2 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2013-11-30 | 2013-05-21 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | Four Thirds |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 116.2mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 |
Highest resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4608 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 160 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 35 |
Cross type focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon 1 | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of lenses | 13 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 60s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Maximum silent shutter speed | 1/16000s | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 15.0fps | 8.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/60s | 1/250s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
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 format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
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 | 201 grams (0.44 lb) | 269 grams (0.59 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 110 x 64 x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 52 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.4 | 22.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | 420 | 932 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | 360 images |
Style 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 | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $170 | $448 |