• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

Buy From

Differences

Pentax K2000 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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

Nikon J1 advantages over Pentax K2000

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 3.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 4 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

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.

The Competition

Compared to Canon XSi

Pentax K2000
Canon XSi
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
Nikon J1
Canon XSi
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D60

Pentax K2000
Nikon D60
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Nikon J1
Nikon D60
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Thinner
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Pentax K2000
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Nikon J1
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J2

Pentax K2000
Nikon J2
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Nikon J3

Pentax K2000
Nikon J3
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
Compare Other Cameras?