Nikon 1 S2 vs Olympus E-PL5

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Nikon 1 S2 versus Olympus E-PL5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the E-PL5 (16MP) is pretty similar but the 1 S2 (1") and E-PL5 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 S2 was unveiled 21 months after the E-PL5 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the 1 S2 grades vs the E-PL5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 S2 & Olympus PEN E-PL5. The full galleries are provided at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery & Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 S2 comes with outside dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) and 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).

Compare the Nikon 1 S2 versus Olympus E-PL5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the 1 S2 vs the E-PL5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S2 and E-PL5 is 93 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading a spec sheet. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 S2 and E-PL5.

As you can see, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S2 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL5 will deliver extra detail having an extra 1.8MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger 1 S2 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.