• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/1.83 inch 36.9mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Nokia N8

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/1.83 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 1/5 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • 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 1/5000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nokia N8 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    12 mm vs 29 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    691k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

Your purchases support this site

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 Nokia N8, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax A40

Nikon J1
Pentax A40
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nokia N8
Pentax A40
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax S12

Nikon J1
Pentax S12
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Nokia N8
Pentax S12
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Nokia N8
Nikon J2
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • 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
Nokia N8
Nikon J3
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Nokia N8
Nikon S1
  • $549
  • 1/1.83 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Compare Other Cameras?