Nikon 1 J1 vs Nikon D40X

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon D40X, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon 1 J1 was introduced in January 2012 and Nikon D40X was introduced in May 2007. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon 1 J1 Highlights

      • 10.1 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 135 Focus Points (135 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon D40X Highlights

      • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 3 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon D40X.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz)
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J1

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J1 over Nikon D40X.

      Nikon 1 J1 vs Nikon D40X
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 1,600
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 135 vs 3
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 230k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs
      Lighter 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz) vs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 J1.

      Advantage of Nikon D40X

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D40X over Nikon 1 J1.

      Nikon 1 J1 vs Nikon D40X
      Larger Sensor 1-inch vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
      Center Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentamirror)
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/60 sec vs 1/200 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 372 vs 516
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.5 vs 22.4
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.0 vs 11.4
      Higher DxO Overall Score 56 vs 63

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D40X.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon 1 J1 Nikon D40X
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 J1 Nikon D40X
        Low Resolution Sensor10.1 Megapixel10.2 Megapixel
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot230k dot
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon 1 J1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution and Nikon D40X has a 2.5" screen with 230k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Nikon D40X

      Nikon D40X has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon 1 J1.

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J1 features a 10.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400. Nikon D40X features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon 1 J1 can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2160, 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon D40X is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon 1 J1 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Nikon D40X has Nikon F lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 J1 its crop factor is equal to 2.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D40X its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 J1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D40X nothing can be done. On Nikon D40X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J1 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 J1 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots and Nikon D40X comes with EN-EL9 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 J1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon D40X has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 J1 has Electronic shutter. Nikon D40X has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on Nikon 1 J1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D40X. Nikon 1 J1 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Nikon D40X can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J1 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points and Nikon D40X has 3 focusing points..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Nikon 1 J1 and 17.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D40X. Nikon D40X also accepts external flash which can be connected via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync or signal or and ground contacts and safety lock. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 J1 and 1/200 sec on Nikon D40X.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 J1 body has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 30 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.18") and Nikon D40X body has dimensions of 124 x 94 x 64 mm (4.88 x 3.7 x 2.52"). Nikon 1 J1 weighs 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz) and Nikon D40X weighs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz).

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      106 mm

      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      124 mm

      94 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      94 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      30 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon D40X

      Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon D40X for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      POOR
      45
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      POOR
      52
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      POOR
      46
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      POOR
      51
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      GOOD
      71
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz)
      GOOD
      77
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon D40X and give them scores of 57 and 54 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      OVERALL
      57
      OVERALL
      54

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 63

      Photo

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      POOR
      54
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      GOOD
      74
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      71
      •   3 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon D40X

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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