Sony DSLR-A300 vs Nikon J1

Sony DSLR-A300 advantages over Nikon J1

• Lens selection
  Good 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)
• Tiltable Screen
  Tiltable vs Fixed
  Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
• 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.

  DSLR-A300 test data on DxO Mark J1 test data on DxO Mark
  538 vs 372 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• Longer stills battery life
  More info

  Longer stills battery life

  Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

  Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

  730 vs 230 shots
  Capture more photos
• More telephoto lens reach
  105 mm vs 81 mm
  Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
• Hot shoe
  Hot shoe vs None
  Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
• Bigger JPEG buffer
  Unlimited vs 12 shots
  Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)