Nikon 1 J1 vs Pentax ist DS2

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2
      57
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      53
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 J1 and the Pentax ist DS2, 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 Pentax ist DS2 was introduced in August 2005. 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

      Pentax ist DS2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon 1 J1
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DS2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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 Pentax ist DS2.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

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

      CONS

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   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 - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   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

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   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
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J1

      Nikon 1 J1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J1 over Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon 1 J1 vs Pentax ist DS2
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592 vs 3008 x 2008
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 135 vs 11
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      HDMI Output vs
      Lighter 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz) vs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

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

      Nikon 1 J4
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      1-inch

      18.4 MP

      Nikon 1 J2
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Nikon 1 J3
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Nikon 1 J5
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.8 MP

      Canon 5D IV
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      30.4 MP

      Nikon Z8
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 5D III
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      22.3 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D40X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 5D II
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      Full Frame

      21.1 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DS2

      Pentax ist DS2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DS2 over Nikon 1 J1.

      Nikon 1 J1 vs Pentax ist DS2
      Larger Sensor 1-inch vs APS-C
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentaprism)
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Average Metering vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon Z6
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Canon Rebel XSi
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Nikon 1 AW1
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      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      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 Pentax ist DS2
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 J1 Pentax ist DS2
        Low Resolution Sensor10.1 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot210k 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 Pentax ist DS2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Pentax ist DS2

      Pentax ist DS2 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.95x (0.63x 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. Pentax ist DS2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      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. Pentax ist DS2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon 1 J1 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Pentax ist DS2 has Pentax KAF 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 Pentax ist DS2 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 Pentax ist DS2 nothing can be done. On Pentax ist DS2 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 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 Pentax ist DS2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 J1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Pentax ist DS2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 J1 has Electronic 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 Pentax ist DS2. Nikon 1 J1 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Pentax ist DS2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J1 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points and Pentax ist DS2 has 11 focusing points..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Nikon 1 J1. Pentax ist DS2 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 J1.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 J1 body has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 30 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.18") and Pentax ist DS2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Nikon 1 J1 weighs 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz) and Pentax ist DS2 weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz).

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      106 mm

      61 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      61 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 J1 and Pentax ist DS2

      Nikon 1 J1 and Pentax ist DS2 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

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 J1 and Pentax ist DS2 and give them scores of 57 and 53 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

      Pentax ist DS2

      OVERALL
      57
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      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
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Video

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

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

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      74
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 J1

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   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

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 234 g (0.52 lb / 8.25 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)


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

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