Nikon 1 V2 vs Olympus E-PL2

Below is a extended review of the Nikon 1 V2 versus Olympus E-PL2, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 V2 (14MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is pretty similar but the 1 V2 (1") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 1 V2 was manufactured 21 months later than the E-PL2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon 1 V2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the 1 V2 grades against the E-PL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 V2 & Olympus PEN E-PL2. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V2 Gallery & Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 V2 provides outer measurements of 109mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.3" x 3.2" x 1.8") along with a weight of 278 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL2 has proportions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Check the Nikon 1 V2 versus Olympus E-PL2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the 1 V2 vs the E-PL2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 V2 and E-PL2 is 85 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading specifications. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 V2 and E-PL2.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 V2 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Nikon 1 V2 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer 1 V2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.