Nikon 1 S1 vs Olympus E-PL5

The following is a extended review of the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-PL5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the 1 S1 (10MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) and the 1 S1 (1") and E-PL5 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 S1 was brought out 10 months after the E-PL5 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 1 S1 grades vs the E-PL5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 S1 and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The entire galleries are available at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 S1 features physical measurements of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL5 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-PL5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 S1 versus the E-PL5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S1 and E-PL5 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The picture here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 S1 and E-PL5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S1 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus E-PL5 will deliver extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer 1 S1 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.