• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon S3700 advantages over Nikon J5

  • Less expensive
    $129* vs $497
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    20 mm vs 31 mm
    Thinner

Nikon J5 advantages over Nikon S3700

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 2.37 vs 1.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    59.4 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    20 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S3700

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J5

Review Excerpt

  • Photographer-friendly controls; Impressive dynamic range for its class; Very fast hybrid autofocus; Fast high-speed shooting capabilities; Tilting touchscreen display.

  • No hot shoe or viewfinder; Aggressive noise reduction, even at base ISO; 4K video is limited to 15fps.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S5300

Nikon S3700
Nikon S5300
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • HDMI out
Nikon J5
Nikon S5300
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $210
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compared to Samsung NX Mini

Nikon S3700
Samsung NX Mini
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J5
Samsung NX Mini
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon J4

Nikon S3700
Nikon J4
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J5
Nikon J4
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon 350 HS

Nikon S3700
Canon 350 HS
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
Nikon J5
Canon 350 HS
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $209
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon A300

Nikon S3700
Nikon A300
  • $129
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $137
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Nikon J5
Nikon A300
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $137
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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