Nikon 1 J5 vs Olympus E-PL2

Its time to look a little more closely at the Nikon 1 J5 vs Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the 1 J5 (21MP) and E-PL2 (12MP) and the 1 J5 (1") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The 1 J5 was announced 4 years after the E-PL2 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the 1 J5 matches up against the E-PL2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J5 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 J5 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J5 features exterior measurements of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL2 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Examine the Nikon 1 J5 vs Olympus E-PL2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1 J5 against the E-PL2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the 1 J5 and E-PL2 is 91 and 85 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing technical specs. The pic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J5 and E-PL2.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 J5 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Nikon 1 J5 will deliver extra detail with its extra 9MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern 1 J5 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.