• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Pentax Q10

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    372 vs 183 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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 Q10 advantages over Nikon J1

  • 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
  • Lighter weight
    296g vs 396g
    Lighter weight
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    12.4 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

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
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1
Kit with 10-30mm Lens
  • Kit with 10-30mm Lens
  • Kit with 10-30mm and 30-110mm Lenses
  • Kit with 10mm and 10-30mm Lenses
All J1 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax Q10
Kit with 5-15mm Lens
All Q10 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 Pentax Q

Nikon J1
Pentax Q
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Nikon J1 vs Pentax Q

Pentax Q10
Pentax Q
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $695
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Pentax Q10 vs Pentax Q

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 Q10
Nikon J2
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q10 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 Q10
Nikon J3
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax Q10 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 Q10
Nikon S1
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Pentax Q10 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 Q10
Pentax Q7
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax Q10 vs Pentax Q7

Compare Other Cameras?