• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 960.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Canon SX720 HS

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.19 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/3200 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX720 HS advantages over Nikon J1

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Newer
    9 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Nikon J1
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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.

  • Read our Nikon J1 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Canon SX720 HS
Nikon J2
  • $469
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J3

Canon SX720 HS
Nikon J3
  • $469
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S1

Canon SX720 HS
Nikon S1
  • $469
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SX720 HS vs Nikon S1

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Nikon J1
Panasonic ZS60
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon J1 vs Panasonic ZS60

Canon SX720 HS
Panasonic ZS60
  • $469
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon SX720 HS vs Panasonic ZS60

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Nikon J1
Canon SX730 HS
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Canon SX730 HS

Canon SX720 HS
Canon SX730 HS
  • $469
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Canon SX720 HS vs Canon SX730 HS

Compare Other Cameras?