• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 18.4 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Nikon V3

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.52 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon V3 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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 310 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    18.4 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    40 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

Review Excerpt

  • Very small body, with solid feel; Fast AF; No-nonsense interface. Excellent video capture, Good picture quality.

  • Body could be smaller for sensor size; High ISO isn't as good as other compact system cameras; Battery life below average; Weak flash; Confusing controls.

  • Very compact for an interchangeable-lens camera; Generous kit includes lens, high-res electronic viewfinder and accessory grip; Good image quality for the sensor size; Amazing burst performance; Lightning-fast autofocus; Intuitive touch-screen makes focusing a snap

  • Smaller sensor than most rivals limits possibilities for available-light shooting; Program mode opts for wide-open aperture most of the time; Limited dynamic range; Noisy shadows; Below-average battery life; Pricey when considering its image quality

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Nikon V3
Nikon J2
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
Nikon V3
Nikon J3
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon V3
Nikon S1
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon J1
Nikon AW1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon V3
Nikon AW1
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon J1
Nikon J5
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Nikon V3
Nikon J5
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
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