Nikon 1 S2 vs Olympus E-PL9

Let's look a little more in depth at the Nikon 1 S2 versus Olympus E-PL9, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the E-PL9 (16MP) is very comparable but the 1 S2 (1") and E-PL9 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The 1 S2 was revealed 4 years before the E-PL9 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 1 S2 scores against the E-PL9 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S2 & Olympus PEN E-PL9. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery & Olympus E-PL9 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 S2 features exterior measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL9 has dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 S2 versus Olympus E-PL9 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the 1 S2 versus the E-PL9.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S2 and E-PL9 is 93 and 85 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S2 and E-PL9.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S2 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL9 will show greater detail because of its extra 1.8MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged 1 S2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.