Nikon 1 S1 vs Olympus E-PL1

The following is a thorough comparison of the Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus E-PL1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the E-PL1 (12MP) is very similar but the 1 S1 (1") and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S1 was manufactured 3 years after the E-PL1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the 1 S1 scores vs the E-PL1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 S1 has physical measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1 has dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus E-PL1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the 1 S1 and the E-PL1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 S1 and E-PL1 is 92 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading specs. The picture here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S1 and E-PL1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-PL1 will offer more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern 1 S1 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.