Nikon 1 S2 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III: A Thorough Comparison for Your Next Mirrorless Camera

Selecting the right mirrorless camera can be a daunting task, with so many options boasting various features and capabilities. Today, we're diving deep into two noteworthy entry-level mirrorless cameras: the Nikon 1 S2 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Both cater to enthusiasts stepping up from compact cameras or smartphones, yet they bring distinctive approaches to design, technology, and performance.

In this comprehensive comparison, you'll get an expert’s take based on extensive camera testing experience. We'll cover everything from sensor technology to autofocus precision, ergonomics to video capabilities, and real-world use across diverse photography styles. By the end, you'll understand which model may better support your creative vision.

First Impressions: Design and Handling

Choosing a camera often begins with how it feels in your hands. Form factor, weight, and control layout all affect whether you’ll enjoy using it day in, day out.

Nikon 1 S2:

• Compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
• Lightweight at just 190 grams and physical dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm.
• Fixed 3-inch LCD screen with modest 460k-dot resolution.
• No electronic viewfinder (EVF), which means you'll rely entirely on the rear screen for composition.
• Lacks touchscreen or illuminated controls.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III:

• Traditional SLR-style mirrorless with sturdier build quality.
• Considerably larger and heavier at 410 grams and 122 x 84 x 50 mm.
• Features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a sharp 1.04 million dots.
• Equipped with a bright 2.36M-dot OLED EVF providing 100% coverage with 0.62x magnification.
• Controls are well organized but lack illuminated buttons.

The Nikon 1 S2’s compact size contrasts sharply with the Olympus E-M10 III’s more substantial grip and traditional SLR styling.

Expert Insight:
From our handling tests, the Nikon 1 S2's petite dimensions mean it fits easily into small bags and pockets - great for street and travel photography where discreetness and lightness matter. However, the absence of a viewfinder can hinder shooting in bright sunlight.

Meanwhile, the Olympus E-M10 III offers a more comfortable grip for extended sessions, especially with larger lenses. The tilting touchscreen and EVF combination provide versatile framing options. The ergonomics support more deliberate shooting, beneficial for portraits, landscapes, and studio work.

Sensor Technology: Image Quality Core

Image quality hinges largely on sensor size, resolution, and processing power. These two cameras differ significantly here.

The Olympus E-M10 III features a larger Four Thirds sensor compared to the smaller 1-inch sensor in the Nikon 1 S2, influencing dynamic range and noise performance.

Real-World Performance:
Our lab analysis and field tests show the Olympus E-M10 III’s larger Four Thirds sensor delivers better dynamic range and low-light performance. You get more detail retention in shadows and highlights, and cleaner images at higher ISOs. The Nikon’s smaller sensor inherently limits dynamic range, and noise becomes visible above ISO 1600.

For landscape photographers craving punchy skies and texture-rich scenes, the Olympus is a clear winner. The Nikon’s sensor, while adequate for daylight, struggles with subtle tonal transitions and low-light work.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Whether capturing wildlife or capturing fleeting street moments, autofocus (AF) capabilities make or break your shot.

In practical testing scenarios:

• Nikon 1 S2: Its hybrid phase-detection system coupled with 171 focus points enables fast and accurate autofocus, especially for moving subjects. Burst shooting rates up to 60fps with continuous AF help capture decisive moments in wildlife and sports, albeit at a cropped resolution.

• Olympus E-M10 III: Pure contrast-detect AF is slower but quite precise, especially in good lighting. Burst shooting is a modest 8.6fps, better suited to casual sports and everyday subjects. Face detection works reliably, though it lacks the advanced animal eye AF systems found in newer models.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The Olympus’s metal top plate and solid construction help it endure moderate professional use, while the Nikon’s plastic shell is less resilient over time. Neither offers weather sealing, so shooting in wet or dusty environments requires caution or additional protection.

User Interface and Controls

Look at the top panel and back screen design to understand how intuitive and speedy your shooting will be.

Olympus E-M10 III features dials for quick exposure compensation and shooting mode selection; Nikon 1 S2 keeps controls simplified.

Comparison Highlights:

• Nikon 1 S2: Minimal physical controls support beginners with simplified operation but limit manual control speed. No touchscreen, and the fixed low-res LCD hampers live view interaction.

• Olympus E-M10 III: Retro-inspired dials and buttons grant quick manual adjustment without digging into menus. Its responsive tilting touchscreen enables focus point selection and menu navigation easily.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

For composition and review, screens and EVFs are vital.

Olympus E-M10 III’s tilting touchscreen and sharp EVF provide a superior viewing experience compared to Nikon 1 S2’s fixed LCD.

The absence of an EVF in the Nikon means compositing relies solely on the dimmer LCD, which can be difficult under sunlight. The Olympus allows eye-level framing and instant access to menus via touchscreen - an appreciable advantage for dynamic shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens choices define creative possibilities.

If you want access to a broad array of lenses, especially manual focus, fast primes, and specialized optics, the Micro Four Thirds system wins hands down. The Nikon 1 system is more closed and has fewer native lenses, limiting long-term expansion.

Burst Rate and Buffer Depth: Catching the Action

The Nikon’s 60fps burst is extraordinary for an entry-level camera and facilitates capturing extremely fast action sequences (albeit with reduced resolution modes). This makes it ideal for sports or wildlife photographers needing quick reflexes.

The Olympus’s 8.6fps is respectable for everyday action but won’t replace professional sports cameras.

Video Capabilities

The Olympus E-M10 Mark III offers 4K UHD video, which is a significant step up for video enthusiasts and vloggers. Its built-in 5-axis stabilization ensures smoother footage handheld. The Nikon 1 S2, while capable of 1080p at 60fps, lacks stabilization and 4K support, limiting video creativity.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus offers slightly better battery life and supports fast SD UHS cards, preferable for high-bitrate 4K video and burst shooting. The Nikon’s microSD slot can be limiting for long shooting sessions or higher data throughput.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how the two cameras perform in specific applications that matter to you.

Nikon 1 S2 front Nikon 1 S2 screen back Olympus E M10 MIII front Olympus E M10 MIII screen back

Summary of Scores: How Do They Stack Up?

• Nikon 1 S2 scores highly on portability and high-speed action photography.
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III excels in image quality, versatility, and video features.

Final Thoughts: Which Mirrorless Camera Suits You?

Both the Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III offer compelling entry points into mirrorless photography, but which fits you depends on your priorities:

Pick the Nikon 1 S2 if you:

• Want an ultra-compact, lightweight camera for everyday snapshots and travel.
• Shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or street photography and require very high frame rates.
• Are on a budget (typically lower price point) and want an easy-to-use camera without complex controls.
• Are less concerned about low-light performance or interchangeable lens options beyond the limited native set.

Opt for the Olympus E-M10 III if you:

• Seek superior image quality with a larger sensor and advanced processing.
• Want 4K video and in-body image stabilization for creative freedom.
• Appreciate a robust lens ecosystem (able to experiment with primes, macros, and telephotos).
• Need better ergonomics, EVF, and touchscreen interface to boost your compositional control.
• Are interested in serious portrait, landscape, and low-light photography.

Getting the Most Out of Your Investment

Regardless of your choice, here are a few tips to maximize your experience:

• For Nikon 1 S2: Explore prime lenses in the Nikon 1 lineup for improved image quality. Try shooting in RAW mode for deeper editing control. Use external lighting to compensate for sensor limitations.

• For Olympus E-M10 III: Look into fast lenses (f/1.8 primes) for stunning bokeh and low-light shots. Use the 5-axis stabilization to venture into handheld video or macro photography. Customize your control dials for quick access to favorite settings.

Choosing between these cameras isn’t about “better” or “worse.” It’s about matching the tool to your style, budget, and goals. Both models represent accessible paths to creative photography with unique strengths.

If you’re serious about image quality, versatility, and future-proofing your system, the Olympus will serve you well. For simple, fast, and pocket-friendly photography on a budget, the Nikon 1 S2 still holds appeal.

Ready to explore these cameras firsthand? Visit your local camera store to hold them, test controls, and view sample images. Pair your camera with quality lenses and accessories to elevate your creative journey.

Happy shooting!

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing and real-world use cases, reflecting a deep understanding of camera technology and photography disciplines.