Nikon S8100 vs Olympus E-PL1

Following is a detailed assessment of the Nikon S8100 versus Olympus E-PL1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the S8100 (12MP) and the E-PL1 (12MP) is very well matched but the S8100 (1/2.3") and E-PL1 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor size.

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The S8100 was announced 4 months after the E-PL1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S8100 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick summary of how the S8100 scores versus the E-PL1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S8100 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S8100 Gallery and Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S8100 has physical measurements of 104mm x 60mm x 30mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL1 has dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S8100 versus Olympus E-PL1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the S8100 and the E-PL1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S8100 and E-PL1 is 93 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The image underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S8100 and E-PL1.

As you can see, both cameras offer the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizes. The S8100 contains the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF more challenging.