Nikon 1 S1 vs Olympus E-P3

The following is a complete review of the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-P3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 S1 (1") and E-P3 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor dimensions.

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The 1 S1 was revealed 23 months after the E-P3 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the 1 S1 matches up versus the E-P3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus PEN E-P3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera, you should factor in its weight and size. The Nikon 1 S1 has got physical dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-P3 has specifications of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-P3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the 1 S1 compared to the E-P3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S1 and E-P3 is 92 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S1 and E-P3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S1 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-P3 will provide greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer 1 S1 should have an edge in sensor technology.