• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Nikon J3

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Nikon J3 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Higher effective ISO
    420 vs 372 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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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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.

  • We haven’t finished our review of the Nikon J3, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Nikon J3
Nikon J2
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon J3
Nikon S1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon J1
Nikon AW1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon J3
Nikon AW1
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J1
Nikon J4
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon J3
Nikon J4
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon J1
Nikon J5
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Nikon J3
Nikon J5
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Compare Other Cameras?