Nikon 1 V1 vs Olympus E-P2

Lets look more closely at the Nikon 1 V1 and Olympus E-P2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 V1 (10MP) and the E-P2 (12MP) is very similar but the 1 V1 (1") and E-P2 (Four Thirds) have different sensor size.

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The 1 V1 was launched 22 months later than the E-P2 making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 1 V1 grades versus the E-P2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 V1 & Olympus PEN E-P2. The complete galleries are available at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery & Olympus E-P2 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 V1 has got exterior measurements of 113mm x 76mm x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Olympus E-P2 has measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs).

Check out the Nikon 1 V1 and Olympus E-P2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the 1 V1 compared to the E-P2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 V1 and E-P2 is 84 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 V1 and E-P2.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 V1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-P2 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images more aggressively. The younger 1 V1 provides a benefit in sensor innovation.