Nikon 1 J5 vs Olympus E-PL1s

Lets look a little more closely at the Nikon 1 J5 and Olympus E-PL1s, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the 1 J5 (21MP) and E-PL1s (12MP) and the 1 J5 (1") and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor size.

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The 1 J5 was released 4 years after the E-PL1s which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the 1 J5 matches up versus the E-PL1s with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 J5 & Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The complete galleries are available at Nikon 1 J5 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J5 provides exterior dimensions of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL1s has measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 J5 and Olympus E-PL1s in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the 1 J5 compared to the E-PL1s.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J5 and E-PL1s is 91 and 86 respectively.

Often, its hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The image below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J5 and E-PL1s.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J5 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Nikon 1 J5 will offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 9MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The newer 1 J5 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.