• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Pentax WG-3 GPS

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.34 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
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.21 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 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 1.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Pentax WG-3 GPS advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    60 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • 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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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

  • Eye-catching, aggressive styling; Digital Microscope mode with 6 LED ring light; Improved ruggedness; Front-panel monochrome LCD readout; Can power up via inductive charging.

  • Struggles in low-light situations despite bright f/2 max lens aperture; So-so image and video quality; User interface has steep learning curve; Poor battery life.

  • Read our Pentax WG-3 GPS Express 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 WG-3 GPS
Nikon J2
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax WG-3 GPS 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 WG-3 GPS
Nikon J3
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax WG-3 GPS 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 WG-3 GPS
Nikon S1
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Nikon S1

Compared to Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Nikon J1
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon J1 vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Pentax WG-3 GPS
Ricoh WG-4 GPS
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Ricoh WG-4 GPS

Compared to Ricoh WG-4

Nikon J1
Ricoh WG-4
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Nikon J1 vs Ricoh WG-4

Pentax WG-3 GPS
Ricoh WG-4
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • Slow-motion videos

Compare Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Ricoh WG-4

Compare Other Cameras?