Pentax Q vs Nikon J3

Nikon J3 advantages over Pentax Q

• Larger sensor
  1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Less expensive
  $600 vs $750 (MSRP)
  Save money for lenses or accessories
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 2.86 vs 1.54 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  J3 test data on DxO Mark Q test data on DxO Mark
  420 vs 189 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• On-sensor phase detect
  Yes vs No
  Usually improves live view and video AF performance
• More telephoto lens reach
  81 mm vs 47 mm
  Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
• More dots on screen
  921k vs 460k dots
  Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
• Shoots 60p video
  Yes vs No
  A faster framerate can give you more editing options
• Wider angle kit lens
  27 mm vs 47 mm
  Capture more of the scene with the included lens
• Faster JPEG shooting
  60.0 fps vs 5.3 fps
  Faster JPEG shooting (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