Nikon 1 V2 vs Olympus E-PL8

Here is a extensive overview of the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL8, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. The resolution of the 1 V2 (14MP) and the E-PL8 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the 1 V2 (1") and E-PL8 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizes.

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The 1 V2 was released 4 years earlier than the E-PL8 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Nikon 1 V2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the 1 V2 scores vs the E-PL8 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus PEN E-PL8. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon 1 V2 Gallery and Olympus E-PL8 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 V2 comes with outer measurements 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-PL8 has measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 V2 and Olympus E-PL8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the 1 V2 compared to the E-PL8.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V2 and E-PL8 is 85 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing specs. The visual below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 V2 and E-PL8.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 1 V2 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus E-PL8 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older 1 V2 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.