• 1/2.35 inch 27.3mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 180.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Pentax V20 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories

Nikon J1 advantages over Pentax V20

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.35 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.85 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • More pixels
    10.1 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • 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 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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.

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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Buy the Pentax V20

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

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 W60

Pentax V20
Pentax W60
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Pentax V20 vs Pentax W60

Nikon J1
Pentax W60
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Pentax W60

Compared to Nikon S560

Pentax V20
Nikon S560
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More pixels

Compare Pentax V20 vs Nikon S560

Nikon J1
Nikon S560
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $250
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S560

Compared to Olympus FE-370

Pentax V20
Olympus FE-370
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $136
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Pentax V20 vs Olympus FE-370

Nikon J1
Olympus FE-370
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $136
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Olympus FE-370

Compared to Nikon J2

Pentax V20
Nikon J2
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax V20 vs Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon J3

Pentax V20
Nikon J3
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax V20 vs 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

Compare Other Cameras?