Nikon 1 V2 vs Olympus E-PL3

Its time to look more closely at the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1 V2 (14MP) and the E-PL3 (12MP) is pretty similar but the 1 V2 (1") and E-PL3 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The 1 V2 was announced 14 months after the E-PL3 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon 1 V2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the 1 V2 grades vs the E-PL3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus PEN E-PL3. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon 1 V2 Gallery and Olympus E-PL3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 V2 features exterior 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) while the Olympus E-PL3 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 V2 vs the E-PL3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 V2 and E-PL3 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 V2 and E-PL3.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 1 V2 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Nikon 1 V2 will offer you extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The newer 1 V2 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.