Nikon S3100 vs Olympus E-PL1s

Below, we are matching up the Nikon S3100 vs Olympus E-PL1s, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S3100 (14MP) and the E-PL1s (12MP) is very well matched but the S3100 (1/2.3") and E-PL1s (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S3100 was introduced 3 months later than the E-PL1s and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon S3100 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the S3100 scores vs the E-PL1s with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S3100 & Olympus PEN E-PL1s. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S3100 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1s Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S3100 comes with exterior measurements of 94mm x 58mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 118 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL1s has dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Check the Nikon S3100 vs Olympus E-PL1s in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the S3100 and the E-PL1s.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S3100 and E-PL1s is 96 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S3100 and E-PL1s.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The S3100 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Nikon S3100 will resolve extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively.