• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Samsung NX3000

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.30 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 5.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Samsung NX3000 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $529 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 370 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
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Kit with 20-50mm Lens
  • Kit with 20-50mm Lens
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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

Samsung NX3000
Nikon J2
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Samsung NX3000 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

Samsung NX3000
Nikon J3
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Samsung NX3000 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

Samsung NX3000
Nikon S1
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Nikon S1

Compared to Fujifilm X-M1

Nikon J1
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon J1 vs Fujifilm X-M1

Samsung NX3000
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Fujifilm X-M1

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Nikon J1
Canon EOS M3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Fast startup
  • Thinner
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon J1 vs Canon EOS M3

Samsung NX3000
Canon EOS M3
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Samsung NX3000 vs Canon EOS M3

Compare Other Cameras?