Nikon 1 J2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 J2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, 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 J2 was introduced in August 2012 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 was introduced in December 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J2 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 over Nikon 1 J2.

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.

Screen

Nikon 1 J2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot and 1,036k dot resolutions respectively. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

Nikon 1 J2 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. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 features a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 169 mm². Its native ISO range is 200 - 25,600 and expands to 125 - 25,600 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
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Nikon 1 J2 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and 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. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 can take pictures up to 4592 x 3448 resolution.

Lens Mount

Nikon 1 J2 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 has Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 J2 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 Micro Four Thirds sensor in Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 its crop factor is equal to 2x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 J2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 nothing can be done. On Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J2 nothing can be done.

Built-in Wi-Fi on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
  Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon 1 J2 has a Type C HDMI and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 has a Micro Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon 1 J2 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots.

External Storage Slots

Nikon 1 J2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

Shutter

Nikon 1 J2 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 J2, and up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/500 sec with mechanical shutter on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. Nikon 1 J2 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.

Focusing

Nikon 1 J2 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 has 23 focusing points..

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Nikon 1 J2 and 4.00 m on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 J2 and 1/50 sec on Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1.

Nikon 1 J2 body has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 30 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.18") and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 body has dimensions of 99 x 55 x 30 mm (3.88 x 2.16 x 1.2"). Nikon 1 J2 weighs 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 weighs 204 g (0.45 lb / 7.20 oz).

Nikon 1 J2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1

106 mm

61 mm

99 mm

55 mm

61 mm

55 mm