Nikon 1 V3 vs Olympus E-PL2

Following is a extensive analysis of the Nikon 1 V3 versus Olympus E-PL2, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Nikon and Olympus. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the 1 V3 (18MP) and E-PL2 (12MP) and the 1 V3 (1") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 V3 was introduced 3 years after the E-PL2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 1 V3 grades vs the E-PL2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 V3 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 V3 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon 1 V3 comes with exterior dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 381 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL2 has specifications of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Check out the Nikon 1 V3 versus Olympus E-PL2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the 1 V3 vs the E-PL2.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V3 and E-PL2 is 87 and 85 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing a spec sheet. The image here might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 V3 and E-PL2.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1 V3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Nikon 1 V3 will result in extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more modern 1 V3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.