• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 300.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZS7 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $650 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon J1 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZS7

  • Larger sensor
    1 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 1.42 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
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • 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
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.51 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 1.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 3 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

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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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 Panasonic DMC-ZS3

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
Nikon J1
Panasonic DMC-ZS3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon SX200 IS

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Canon SX200 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Nikon J1
Canon SX200 IS
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $267
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZS5

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Nikon J1
Panasonic DMC-ZS5
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon J2

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Nikon J2
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Nikon J3

Panasonic DMC-ZS7
Nikon J3
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
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