Nikon 1 S1 vs Olympus E-PM1

In this article, we are comparing the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-PM1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the E-PM1 (12MP) is very comparable but the 1 S1 (1") and E-PM1 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S1 was released 20 months after the E-PM1 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the 1 S1 matches up versus the E-PM1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S1 & Olympus PEN E-PM1. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery & Olympus E-PM1 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 S1 offers external dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Olympus E-PM1 has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Examine the Nikon 1 S1 versus Olympus E-PM1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the 1 S1 and the E-PM1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 S1 and E-PM1 is 92 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S1 and E-PM1.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Olympus E-PM1 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern 1 S1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.