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Nikon D3S vs Olympus E-PL2

The Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN E-PL2 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2009 and January 2011. The D3S is a DSLR, while the E-PL2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D3S) and a Four Thirds (E-PL2) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3S
versus
Olympus E-PL2
Nikon D3S   Olympus E-PL2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
720/24p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400) ISO 200-6,400
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
4200 shots per battery charge280 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g 114 x 72 x 42 mm, 362 g
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Check D3S offers at
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Check E-PL2 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3S and the Olympus PEN E-PL2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3S and the Olympus E-PL2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL2 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the D3S is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3S vs Olympus E-PL2
Compare D3S versus E-PL2 top
Comparison D3S or E-PL2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL2 is considerably smaller (67 percent) than the Nikon D3S. Moreover, the E-PL2 is substantially lighter (71 percent) than the D3S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3S is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PL2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3S) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PL2, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3S gets 4200 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the E-PL2 can take 280 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3S has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 i Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 i Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1230 g 1500 i Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 i Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 i Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 i Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 i Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus XZ-2 113 mm 65 mm 48 mm 346 g 340 i Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-PL2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 88 percent) than the D3S, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3S features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-PL2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PL2 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D3S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PL2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3S and Olympus E-PL2 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the E-PL2 offers a slightly higher resolution of 12.2 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.29μm versus 8.43μm for the D3S). However, it should be noted that the E-PL2 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 2 months) than the D3S, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage.

The Nikon D3S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL2 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3S versus E-PL2 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the D3S provides substantially higher image quality than the E-PL2, with an overall score that is 27 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 1.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
2.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592i22.711.7107871
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV APS-H 16.0 4896 32641080/30p22.812.0132074
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2229081
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
12.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2230380
13.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
14.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
15.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
17.
 
Olympus XZ-2 1/1.7 11.8 3968 29761080/30p20.411.321649
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the E-PL2 provides a faster frame rate than the D3S. It can shoot movie footage at 720/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D3S has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3S, the Olympus E-PL2, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVoptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D300Soptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D700optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-P3optional i3.0 / 614 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional i2.7 / 230 fixed i 1/2000s 3.0/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
17.
 
Olympus XZ-2optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/2000s 5.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the D3S, but is missing on the E-PL2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The Nikon D3S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D3S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the E-PL2 uses SDHC cards. The D3S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL2 only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3S and Olympus PEN E-PL2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-PL2istereo / iiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IVistereo / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D300Sistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D700ii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-P3istereo / iiimini2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-PL1istereo / iiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-PL3istereo / iiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Olympus XZ-2istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3S (unlike the E-PL2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3S and the E-PL2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3S was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the E-PL2 was followed by the Olympus E-PL3. Further information on the features and operation of the D3S and E-PL2 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3S Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL2 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3S or the Olympus E-PL2 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3S:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (27 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4200 versus 280) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2009).

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Olympus PEN E-PL2:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (720/30p versus 720/24p).
  • More compact: Is smaller (114x72mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 878g or 71 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (88 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 2 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D3S is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3S 16:08 E-PL2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3S and the Olympus E-PL2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D3S or the E-PL2 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IV5/5....89/100.... Oct 2009 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus XZ-24/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
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  • Kodak AZ901
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  • Leica C-LUX
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  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
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  • Leica M10-P
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  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
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  • Leica S Typ 006
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  • Leica SL
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  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
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  • Leica T
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  • Leica V-LUX 1
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  • Leica V-LUX 3
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  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
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  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
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  • Nikon 1 V1
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  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
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  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
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  • Nikon D2H
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  • Olympus E-M10
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  • Panasonic FZ80
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  • Pentax 645D
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  • Pentax K-30
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  • Pentax KP
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  • Pentax MX-1
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  • Pentax WG-8
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  • Ricoh GR
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  • Samsung NX1
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  • Sigma fp
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  • Sony A1
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  • Sony A7
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  • Sony A7S
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A58
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  • Sony A99
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  • Sony A850
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  • Sony A6000
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  • Sony A6600
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  • Sony H200
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  • Sony HX80
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  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony WX800
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  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Nikon D3S vs Olympus E-PL2

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date October 2009 January 2011
Launch Price USD 5,199 USD 599
Sensor Specs Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4032 x 3024 pixels
Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 4.29 μm
Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 5.42 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 720/24p Video 720/30p Video
ISO Setting 200 - 12,800 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 102,400 ISO no Enhancement
Image Processor EXPEED Truepic V
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 82 55
DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 21.4
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.0 10.2
DXO Low Light (ISO) 3253 573
Screen Specs Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
Viewfinder Field of View 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 921k dots 460k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
Shooting Specs Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium CF cards SDHC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
Connectivity Specs Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Nikon D3S Olympus E-PL2
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Olympus BLS-5
Battery Life (CIPA)4200 shots per charge280 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
(6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
114 x 72 x 42 mm
(4.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
Camera Weight 1240 g (43.7 oz) 362 g (12.8 oz)
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