Nikon 1 V2 vs Olympus E-PL1s

Below is a extended review of the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL1s, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 V2 (14MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is very comparable but the 1 V2 (1") and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1 V2 was brought out 24 months later than the E-PL1s making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon 1 V2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the 1 V2 scores versus the E-PL1s with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 V2 & Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The entire galleries are available at Nikon 1 V2 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Nikon 1 V2 provides outside dimensions of 109mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.3" x 3.2" x 1.8") and a weight of 278 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1s has specifications of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Check out the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL1s in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the 1 V2 vs the E-PL1s.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V2 and E-PL1s is 85 and 86 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 V2 and E-PL1s.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 V2 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Nikon 1 V2 will provide more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The fresher 1 V2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.