Nikon 1 S2 vs Olympus E-P2

Below is a extended review of the Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus E-P2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the E-P2 (12MP) is fairly close but the 1 S2 (1") and E-P2 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S2 was released 4 years later than the E-P2 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the 1 S2 grades against the E-P2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus PEN E-P2. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery and Olympus E-P2 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S2 comes with external dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Olympus E-P2 has sizing of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus E-P2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view scale comparison of the 1 S2 compared to the E-P2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S2 and E-P2 is 93 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The visual underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S2 and E-P2.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 S2 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Nikon 1 S2 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 2.2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern 1 S2 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.