• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Nikon P300 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon J1 advantages over Nikon P300

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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 Nikon P300

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 Nikon P310

Nikon P300
Nikon P310
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon P300 vs Nikon P310

Nikon J1
Nikon P310
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon P310

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon P300
Nikon J2
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P300 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

Nikon P300
Nikon J3
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P300 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

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Nikon P300
Olympus XZ-10
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon P300 vs Olympus XZ-10

Nikon J1
Olympus XZ-10
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Olympus XZ-10

Compared to Fujifilm XQ2

Nikon P300
Fujifilm XQ2
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon P300 vs Fujifilm XQ2

Nikon J1
Fujifilm XQ2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $200
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon J1 vs Fujifilm XQ2

Compare Other Cameras?