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Olympus E-PL1 vs Nikon D800

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Nikon D800 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2010 and February 2012. The E-PL1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D800 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-PL1) and a full frame (D800) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 36.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PL1
versus
Nikon D800
Olympus E-PL1   Nikon D800
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 200-3,200 ISO 100-6,400 (50 - 25,600)
Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
290 shots per battery charge900 shots per battery charge
115 x 72 x 42 mm, 334 g 146 x 123 x 82 mm, 1000 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Nikon D800? 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 Olympus E-PL1 and the Nikon D800. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL1 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, yellow, white), while the D800 is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-PL1 vs Nikon D800
Compare E-PL1 versus D800 top
Comparison E-PL1 or D800 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D800 is considerably larger (117 percent) than the Olympus E-PL1. Moreover, the D800 is substantially heavier (199 percent) than the E-PL1. It is noteworthy in this context that the D800 is splash and dust-proof, while the E-PL1 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 Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL1) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D800). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Olympus E-PL1, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-PL1 gets 290 shots out of its Olympus BLS-1 battery, while the D800 can take 900 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL9 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Feb 2018 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 799ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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-PL1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 80 percent) than the D800, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-PL1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Nikon D800 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D800 is 283 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-PL1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D800 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-PL1 and Nikon D800 sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the D800 offers a higher resolution than the E-PL1 (12.2MP), but the D800 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D800 is a much more recent model (by 2 years) than the E-PL1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D800 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D800 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL1 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D800 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-25600.

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.

E-PL1 versus D800 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D800 offers substantially better image quality than the E-PL1 (overall score 41 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.8 bits higher color depth, 4.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.6 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
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
2.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
3.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
4.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
5.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
6.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
7.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
8.
 
Olympus E-PL9 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8116274
9.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
10.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
11.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
12.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
13.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
14.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
15.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
16.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
17.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D800 provides a better video resolution than the E-PL1. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D800 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus E-PL1 and Nikon D800 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
3.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Olympus E-PL9none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
13.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
15.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the E-PL1 and the D800 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-PL1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D800 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The Nikon D800 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 E-PL1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the D800 uses Compact Flash or SDXC cards. The D800 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL1 only has one slot. The D800 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the E-PL1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Nikon D800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
7.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-PL9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
9.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D800 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The E-PL1 lacks such a headphone port.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D800 (unlike the E-PL1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-PL1 and the D800 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-PL1 was replaced by the Olympus E-PL2, while the D800 was followed by the Nikon D810. Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL1 and D800 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-PL1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D800 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus E-PL1 or the Nikon D800 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL1:

  • More compact: Is smaller (115x72mm vs 146x123mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 666g or 67 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (80 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2010).

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D800:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (36.2 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 76%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (41 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (4.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (900 versus 290) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the E-PL1 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D800 is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-PL1 06:22 D800

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-PL1 and the Nikon D800 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the E-PL1 or the D800. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL9..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2018 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 799ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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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    Specifications: Olympus E-PL1 vs Nikon D800

    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 Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2010 February 2012
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 2,999
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 36.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4032 x 3024 pixels 7360 x 4912 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm 4.88 μm
    Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2 4.20 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Truepic V EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.5 25.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.1 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 487 2853
    Screen Specs Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards CF or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Olympus E-PL1 Nikon D800
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-1 Nikon EN-EL15
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge900 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 115 x 72 x 42 mm
    (4.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
    146 x 123 x 82 mm
    (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 334 g (11.8 oz) 1000 g (35.3 oz)
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    Check E-PL1 offers at
    ebay.com
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    Check D800 offers at
    ebay.com

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