• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Pentax Q-S1

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    81 mm vs 69 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Pentax Q-S1 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.4 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    23 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

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
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon J1
Kit with 10-30mm Lens
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  • Kit with 10mm and 10-30mm Lenses
All J1 Deals

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Buy the Pentax Q-S1
Kit with 5-15mm Lens
All Q-S1 Deals

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

Pentax Q-S1
Nikon J2
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q-S1 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

Pentax Q-S1
Nikon J3
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q-S1 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

Pentax Q-S1
Nikon S1
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q-S1 vs Nikon S1

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon J1
Pentax Q7
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon J1 vs Pentax Q7

Pentax Q-S1
Pentax Q7
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax Q-S1 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Nikon S2

Nikon J1
Nikon S2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S2

Pentax Q-S1
Nikon S2
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q-S1 vs Nikon S2

Compare Other Cameras?