• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • 15.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Olympus AIR advantages over Nikon 170

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.61 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 320 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 8.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 170 advantages over Olympus AIR

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus AIR
Body Only (White)
  • Body Only (White)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens (White)
All AIR Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon 170
NIkon KeyMission 170

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nokia N8

Olympus AIR
Nokia N8
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compare Olympus AIR vs Nokia N8

Nikon 170
Nokia N8
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon 170 vs Nokia N8

Compared to Samsung Galaxy S II

Olympus AIR
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • Rear display
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus AIR vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Nikon 170
Samsung Galaxy S II
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $200
  • 1/3.2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compare Nikon 170 vs Samsung Galaxy S II

Compared to Panasonic GM1

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compare Olympus AIR vs Panasonic GM1

Nikon 170
Panasonic GM1
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs Panasonic GM1

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM5
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus AIR vs Panasonic GM5

Nikon 170
Panasonic GM5
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs Panasonic GM5

Compared to YI M1

Olympus AIR
YI M1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Olympus AIR vs YI M1

Nikon 170
YI M1
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • NFC
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 170 vs YI M1

Compare Other Cameras?