Nikon 1 S2 vs Olympus E-PL8

Lets take a closer look at the Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus E-PL8, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the E-PL8 (16MP) is very comparable but the 1 S2 (1") and E-PL8 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 S2 was launched 3 years before the E-PL8 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the 1 S2 grades versus the E-PL8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 S2 comes with exterior measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL8 has measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 S2 and Olympus E-PL8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that moment. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the 1 S2 compared to the E-PL8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S2 and E-PL8 is 93 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by seeing specs. The graphic below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S2 and E-PL8.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 S2 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL8 will show more detail utilizing its extra 1.8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The older 1 S2 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.