• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Sony RX100

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 10.0 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

Sony RX100 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 11.0 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    1229k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • 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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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.

  • Excellent high-ISO performance for such a compact model; Smart controls; Small body; Bright lens; 10fps full-res burst mode; Very fast shutter response; Excellent LCD.

  • Lens flare at night; Poor rendering of yellows; Slow flash recycling; Soft corners wide open; Continuous AF mode slow to lock.

The Competition

Compared to Sony RX100 II

Nikon J1
Sony RX100 II
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Sony RX100
Sony RX100 II
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Sony RX100 III

Nikon J1
Sony RX100 III
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Bigger pixels
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony RX100
Sony RX100 III
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Sony RX100
Nikon J2
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $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
Sony RX100
Nikon J3
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Sony RX100
Nikon S1
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
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