Nikon 1 V2 vs Olympus PEN E-PL7: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras have revolutionized photography for enthusiasts and professionals alike by offering compactness, quality, and versatility previously reserved for bulky DSLRs. Within this exciting realm, the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus PEN E-PL7 occupy interesting spots. Both are entry-level mirrorless models, yet their designs, technologies, and intended users diverge in meaningful ways.

Having spent countless hours shooting, tinkering, and analyzing cameras from all segments, I’ve had the chance to put the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus PEN E-PL7 through their paces across a spectrum of photographic disciplines - from landscape to street, portrait to wildlife, macro to night, and yes, even the all-important video capabilities. This article distills that hands-on experience, peppered with technical insights and practical advice to help you decide which of these two cameras deserves a place in your kit (or whether you should be looking elsewhere).

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Design Philosophy

Before even firing up the shutter, a camera’s physical feel can significantly impact enjoyment and usability. Nikon’s 1 V2 adopts the classic SLR-style mirrorless shape - with a grip and body reminiscent of a young DSLR - while the Olympus PEN E-PL7 opts for a more minimalist, rangefinder-inspired design emphasizing portability and style.

At 109x82x46mm and a mere 278 grams, the Nikon 1 V2 is compact and delightfully light, but it carries a chunkier 1-inch sensor, which influences its lens design and body depth. The Olympus E-PL7, slightly taller but noticeably slimmer at 115x67x38mm and 357 grams, smartly squeezes a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor into a svelte package, favoring a “slim and sleek” aesthetic preferred by street and travel photographers.

Ergonomically, the Nikon’s SLR-style grip offers a firm, reassuring hold - ideal for those upgrading from DSLRs or wanting one-handed stability. Olympus leans into a smooth, button-light fascia inviting more VA-based touchscreen control (yes, it’s touchscreen-enabled, unlike the Nikon’s fixed TFT LCD - more on that shortly). The E-PL7 is easier to slip into smaller bags or even jacket pockets, a feature many casual shooters will appreciate.

Performance aside, this initial tactile dance tells us the Nikon is designed for photographers seeking an all-around robust camera with a traditional feel. Olympus is courting those who prize elegance, portability, and snappy smartphone-like controls.

Taking Control: Button Layouts, Screens, and Viewfinders

Now, controls and interface matter enormously - especially for enthusiasts who want to tweak settings on the fly without fumbling through menus.

The Nikon’s top panel boasts a conventional mode dial, a shutter button encircled by the on/off switch, and direct exposure compensation plus a video record button. Meanwhile, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 takes a more spartan approach - no mode dial on top, relying instead on a combination of PASM (Program-Aperture-Shutter-Manuel) via the rear dial and screen-based menus. This keeps the camera visually clean but may slow down access for those who appreciate tactile physical dials.

Speaking of the screen, Nikon’s fixed 3.0-inch TFT LCD has a 921,000-dot resolution, respectable but not cutting-edge. Olympus counteracts with a higher-res 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,037,000 dots, enabling selfies and creative high- or low-angle shots - a smart plus for vloggers or selfie enthusiasts.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), though Nikon’s 1 V2 features a small 1,440-dot EVF with full coverage - great for outdoor composing in bright light - while Olympus relies on an optional external EVF accessory. In practice, I found Nikon’s EVF adequate though a touch cramped; Olympus users must rely exclusively on the rear screen unless they invest in the EVF-3 accessory.

The absence or optional nature of the EVF may be a dealbreaker if you frequently shoot in harsh sunlight or prefer viewfinder stability.

Peering Inside: Sensor Specs and Image Quality Fundamentals

Underneath the skin, sensor technology and image processing define core image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity.

The Nikon 1 V2 sports a 1-inch CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8mm, offering 14 megapixels of resolution. This sensor is smaller than the Micro Four Thirds system featured in the Olympus E-PL7, which uses a 17.3 x 13mm CMOS sensor delivering 16 megapixels. The larger sensor provides a significant edge for image quality, especially in terms of light gathering and dynamic range.

DXOMark’s ratings underscore this: Nikon scores an overall 50, with color depth at 20.2 bits, dynamic range at 10.8 EV, and low light ISO performance rating of 403. Olympus outpaces with a 72 overall score, 22.7 color depth, 12.4 EV dynamic range, and an impressive 873 low-light ISO score - roughly double Nikon’s.

In practical terms, the Olympus captures more subtle details in shadows and highlights, with less noise creeping in at higher ISOs, making it a more versatile choice for low-light and landscape photographers where image tone and clean exposure latitude matter.

Nikon’s 1-inch sensor and 2.7x crop factor (compared to Olympus’s 2.0x) means lenses behave more like super-telephotos, a boon for wildlife but a limitation for wide landscapes.

Helping the Eye: Autofocus Technology and Real-World Tracking

Autofocus defines how reliable and fast a camera is in capturing sharp images of moving or shifting subjects - a critical factor for sports and wildlife shooters.

Nikon’s 1 V2 utilizes a hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection with a whopping 73 focus points. It supports face detection and autofocus tracking but lacks continuous AF during video and touch-based AF.

Olympus’s E-PL7 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with 81 focus points, integrates face detection, continuous AF, and touch-based AF for faster, more natural focusing - especially useful in street and portrait modes.

While Nikon touts a blazing 15fps burst capacity (without AF tracking) versus Olympus’s 8fps, the lack of continuous AF in Nikon’s burst mode limits practical effectiveness for fast, unpredictable subjects like birds in flight or athletes.

In hands-on shooting, Nikon’s AF speed impresses in well-lit conditions for static or slowly moving subjects but can hunt in lower light or during continuous tracking. Olympus’s contrast AF is traditionally slower but benefits from a more refined algorithm and touch AF, which feels intuitive and precise for handheld, casual snaps.

Building Toughness: Construction, Weather Sealing, and Handling

There’s more to a camera than just image quality - build quality and durability influence whether it survives rough shoots or rainy hikes.

Both the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL7 target entry-level users, so neither boasts professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedization.

The Nikon employs a polycarbonate body with a solid grip and a built-in flash, which adds modest bulk but increases versatility indoors. The Olympus lacks a built-in flash, opting instead for sleeker lines and slimness, emphasizing style over all-weather toughness.

Importantly, Olympus offers sensor-based image stabilization (IBIS), making it a winner for handheld, lower-light, or video work. Nikon notably lacks any image stabilization system in its body - instead relying on lens stabilization alone if lenses support it. Since Nikon’s 1-mount lens ecosystem is fairly small, this limits options, especially for telephoto zooms.

Lens Lineups: Ecosystem and Versatility

A camera without lenses is just a box, so lens ecosystem counts enormously for long-term satisfaction.

Nikon’s 1-mount system features just 13 lenses, heavily skewed towards fixed-focal-length primes and fast zooms with a high 2.7x crop factor. This means wide-angle opportunities are limited to specialized lenses or adapters - something landscape or architecture shooters need to consider seriously.

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount, by contrast, offers more than 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties - covering everything from ultra-fast primes, versatile zooms, macros, fisheyes, and long telephotos. This ecosystem’s maturity translates to far more creative freedom.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered on the Go

In prolonged shoots or travel, battery endurance can make or break the experience.

The Nikon 1 V2 uses an EN-EL21 battery rated for roughly 310 shots per charge, modest but serviceable given the small sensor and efficient processor. The Olympus E-PL7, equipped with a BLS-50 battery, extends that to about 350 shots - besting Nikon marginally.

Both support SD / SDHC / SDXC cards with a single slot, standard for entry-level cameras. Neither supports dual card slots or faster USB 3.0 transfers, keeping data management straightforward but possibly limiting for professionals.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

Modern photography increasingly hinges on instant sharing and remote control.

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 includes built-in Wi-Fi, enabling remote operation, geotagging via smartphone GPS, and rapid image uploading - a real convenience for social media-minded users or frequent travelers. Nikon’s 1 V2 offers optional wireless adapters but no built-in connectivity, meaning more hassle to get images off quickly.

The Olympus’s touchscreen adds immediacy to focus and menu navigation - a missing feature on the Nikon that honestly felt archaic after a few shoots, especially for users accustomed to smartphone-style interaction.

How These Cameras Handle Different Photography Genres

To make a truly informed choice, we must break down strengths and weaknesses by photography style.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

The Nikon 1 V2’s 14MP sensor with excellent phase-detection AF and a fast shutter translates to crisp portraits with good eye detection, despite the smaller sensor's tougher bokeh generation. Its built-in flash adds flexibility for fill light.

Olympus’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range excel in skin tone rendering and provide a creamier bokeh thanks to Micro Four Thirds lenses. Touch AF is a boon for quick focusing on eyes or faces, particularly in casual or event settings.

Overall, Olympus is more forgiving and versatile for portraits, especially in natural light, while Nikon’s speed-focused AF makes it solid in controlled environments.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

Olympus clearly leads with its bigger sensor, higher dynamic range, and larger lens selection - including ultra-wide options - not to mention a tilting screen to help capture tricky compositions. The lack of weather sealing is a drawback, though common at this tier.

Nikon suffers from a smaller sensor, reduced DR, and a narrower native lens range, constraining landscape shooters wanting wide vistas or long exposures.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Performance, and Burst Rates

Nikon’s 2.7x crop sensor and fast 15fps burst rate shine here, allowing long effective focal lengths and rapid capture of wildlife action - within limitations caused by the lack of continuous AF during bursts.

Olympus’s larger sensor is a plus for image quality, but the somewhat slower burst and less effective AF tracking hamper fast subjects. However, the broader lens selection and IBIS help make sharper images with heavy zooms.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy, Low Light, and Frame Rates

Nikon’s high-speed burst and phase-detection AF give it a framework well-suited for sports, although the relatively limited buffer depth and AF tracking mean it lacks the full burst continuous AF found in pro-level models.

Olympus delivers excellent low-light performance and steady shots due to IBIS but falls short on frame rate and autofocus tracking precision.

Street Photography: Discreteness, Low Light, and Portability

Olympus’s rangefinder styling, compactness, tilting touch screen, and quieter shutter combine for a camera tailor-made for street shooters desiring low-profile operation and spontaneous snaps. Built-in stabilization and high ISO capability let you shoot discreetly in challenging light.

Nikon’s chunkier grip and louder shutter feel less discreet and more deliberate, making the PEN E-PL7 the richer option for street photography.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, Stabilization

Olympus’s expansive lens ecosystem includes excellent macro lenses and fast focusing abilities, combined with sensor stabilization, which makes handheld macro work more feasible.

Nikon’s limited lens options and lack of stabilization reduce its practicality for dedicated macro shooters.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

Olympus’s higher maximum ISO (25,600 vs Nikon’s 6,400), superior noise control, and better dynamic range make it a clear winner for nighttime or astro work. The PEN E-PL7’s timelapse feature adds versatility for creative exposure sequences.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs, Stabilization, and Audio Inputs

Both cameras record 1080p full HD video - Nikon up to 60fps, Olympus at 30fps max. Neither offers 4K video or microphone/headphone ports. Olympus’s sensor stabilization improves handheld video smoothness. Nikon lacks stabilization altogether.

For casual videographers, Olympus is slightly more capable out of the box, but both are limited for serious video work.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size/Weight

While the Nikon edges out on weight, its form factor and lens system may hamper travel versatility. Olympus’s greater connectivity, screen flexibility, and lens options favor travelers prioritizing nimbleness and convenience.

Professional Work: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow Integration

Neither camera is aimed at professionals, but Olympus’s better RAW support, wireless transfer, and image quality make it the more appealing backup or casual professional option.

Performance Ratings and Summaries

Let’s look at how these cameras stack up across broad criteria and photographic genres.

Olympus PEN E-PL7 scores about 72 overall, reflecting its strong imaging pipeline, ergonomic flexibility, and generous features. Nikon 1 V2’s 50 score points to its limitations in sensor size and missing image stabilization, despite fast burst shooting.

Olympus leads in landscape, portrait, street, macro, night, and video, while Nikon holds ground only in burst speed and tele-centric wildlife/sports scenarios.

Sample Gallery: Real Images to Judge the Output

What do these theoretical specs and numbers translate into? I shot side-by-side portraits in natural light, landscapes at dawn, careful macros, and evening street scenes.

Nikon 1 V2 screen back Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back

Olympus’s images showed pleasing skin tones, creamy bokeh, and nuanced shadow recovery. Nikon’s shots were sharp and contrasty but trailed in dynamic range and low-light noise. The zoomed examples highlight Nikon’s telephoto advantage but reveal Olympus’s better color fidelity and detail retention.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re after an entry-level mirrorless camera that excels in image quality, versatility, and ease of use with a strong lens lineup and modern convenience features, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is your clear winner. Its larger Micro Four Thirds sensor, built-in stabilization, touchscreen, and Wi-Fi connectivity align well with most enthusiast needs - landscapes, portraits, street, and casual video included.

If, however, your photography leans heavily toward sports or wildlife where blazing fast burst rates and a telecentric crop factor matter - paired with a preference for a traditional grip and eye-level EVF - you might appreciate the Nikon 1 V2 despite its older sensor technology and smaller lens range. It's a niche choice but one that can deliver results in specialized scenarios.

Budget-wise, Olympus delivers more bang for your buck at $499 versus Nikon’s $599, considering features and lens options.

Summary Table

Closing Advice for Enthusiasts and Professionals

I encourage enthusiasts on a budget or looking to step into mirrorless with flexibility to lean toward the Olympus PEN E-PL7. Its sensor advantage, feature set, and lens selection provide a solid foundation for creative growth.

Professional photographers might view these cameras as backup or second bodies for casual events rather than main workhorses. If lightweight and fast bursts with a telephoto bias matter, Nikon’s 1 V2 remains worth considering despite its age and sensor modesty.

Ultimately, test both if you can - handling and user interface comfort are personal, but the Olympus’s modern amenities and superior imaging performance make it a wiser overall pick given current photo culture and technology expectations.

Thanks for reading this deep dive! If you want tips on shooting with either camera or how to pick lenses for these systems, just ask - I’m always happy to share more field-tested wisdom. Happy shooting!