• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  •  
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Samsung NX100 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    563 vs 372 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 420 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    614k 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
    14.6 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Nikon J1 advantages over Samsung NX100

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.43 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle kit lens
    27 mm vs 31 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 8 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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
  • 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

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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 Sony NEX-5

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-5
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon J1
Sony NEX-5
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-5N
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon J1
Sony NEX-5N
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J2

Samsung NX100
Nikon J2
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Sony NEX-6

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-6
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Nikon J1
Sony NEX-6
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon J3

Samsung NX100
Nikon J3
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
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