• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon AW1 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Nikon AW1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Nikon AW1
Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm lens (Silver)

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL8

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon AW1
Nikon V2
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Olympus E-PL8
Nikon V2
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon AW1
Nikon J3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
Olympus E-PL8
Nikon J3
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon V3

Nikon AW1
Nikon V3
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL8
Nikon V3
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon AW1
Panasonic GX85
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Nikon AW1
Olympus E-PL9
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
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