• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 75.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Sigma DP3 Merrill

  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $1000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 230 vs 97 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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

Sigma DP3 Merrill advantages over Nikon J1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • 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
    14.8 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • 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
  • 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

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 J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J3
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon S1
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon J1
Nikon AW1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon AW1
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon J1
Nikon J4
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
Sigma DP3 Merrill
Nikon J4
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Compare Other Cameras?