Nikon J1 vs Leica C

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon J1 vs Leica C

1 inch 116.2mm²
10.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Nikon J1 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the J1.

1/1.7 inch 43.3mm²
12.1 megapixels
28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Leica C Review.

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Leica C

Larger sensor
1 inch vs 1/1.7 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 3.41 vs 1.90 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
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.
J1 test data on DxO Mark C test data on DxO Mark

372 vs 193 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Leica C 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
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
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
More dots on screen
922k vs 460k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
More pixels
12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Longer exposure
250 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Higher extended ISO
12800 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

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
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

Amazon
Adorama
Read J1 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read C User Reviews

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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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica C

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

We haven’t reviewed the Leica C.
Read our Leica C Preview

The Competition

Compared to Canon S100

Nikon J1

Canon S100

$500
1 inch

Larger sensor
Slower slow-motion

$429
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Canon S100

Leica C

Canon S100

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

$429
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Built-in GPS

Compare Leica C vs Canon S100

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1

Nikon J2

$500
1 inch

$550
1 inch

Less expensive
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Leica C

Nikon J2

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$550
1 inch

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Leica C vs Nikon J2

Compared to 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

Leica C

Nikon J3

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$617
1 inch

Larger sensor
Less expensive

Compare Leica C vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1

Nikon S1

$500
1 inch

Wider angle kit lens

$199
1 inch

Less expensive

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S1

Leica C

Nikon S1

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$199
1 inch

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Leica C vs Nikon S1

Compared to Panasonic LF1

Nikon J1

Panasonic LF1

$500
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$248
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon J1 vs Panasonic LF1

Leica C

Panasonic LF1

$699
1/1.7 inch

$248
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive

Compare Leica C vs Panasonic LF1

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