Nikon 1 S1 vs Olympus E-PL3

Let's look more closely at the Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is very similar but the 1 S1 (1") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The 1 S1 was released 22 months after the E-PL3 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 1 S1 matches up versus the E-PL3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S1 & Olympus PEN E-PL3. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery & Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Nikon 1 S1 has got outer dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL3 has specifications of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus E-PL3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the 1 S1 against the E-PL3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S1 and E-PL3 is 92 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing technical specs. The pic here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S1 and E-PL3.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 S1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus E-PL3 will deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher 1 S1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.