• 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 V2

  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.86 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner

Nikon V2 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    40 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy the Nikon J1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon V2

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 Nikon V1

Nikon J1
Nikon V1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon V2
Nikon V1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Nikon V2
Nikon J2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
Nikon V2
Nikon J3
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Nikon V2
Nikon S1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $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 V2
Nikon AW1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
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