Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon 1 J2

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2
      59
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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 J3 and the Nikon 1 J2, 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 J3 was introduced in November 2013 and Nikon 1 J2 was introduced in August 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon 1 J3 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 160 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 135 Focus Points (135 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 15.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon 1 J2 Highlights

      • 10.1 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 135 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon 1 J3
      4. Advantage of Nikon 1 J2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      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 J3 and Nikon 1 J2.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)

      CONS

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52
      •   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 - 220 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54
      •   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


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J3
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J3 over Nikon 1 J2.

      Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon 1 J2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 10.1 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 vs 3872 x 2592
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 15.0 fps vs 10.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 420 vs 363
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.0 vs 10.8
      Lighter 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) vs 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 J3.

      Nikon 1 J1
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Nikon 1 J5
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.8 MP

      Nikon 1 J4
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      18.4 MP

      Nikon D3500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Pentax K-1 II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      36.4 MP

      Sony a7C II
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      33.0 MP

      Nikon Z50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon Z5
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Pentax K-7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Nikon D7000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J2

      Nikon 1 J2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J2 over Nikon 1 J3.

      Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon 1 J2
      Lower Native ISO 160 vs 100
      Higher DxO Color Depth 20.4 vs 21.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 52 vs 54
      Longer Battery Life 220 shots vs 230 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 J2.

      Nikon 1 J1
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      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Nikon 1 J4
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      1-inch

      18.4 MP

      Nikon 1 J5
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      1-inch

      20.8 MP

      Panasonic GM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Sony ZV-E1
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-T100
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Leica M-E Typ 220
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      Full Frame

      18.0 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 J3 Nikon 1 J2
        Video Capture
        Many Focus Points135135
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type C Type C
        Light201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 J3 Nikon 1 J2
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor14.2 Megapixel10.1 Megapixel
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Viewfinder
        Low Flash Sync Speed1/60 sec1/60 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low DxO Overall Score5254
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WU-1b mobile adapter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life220 shots230 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot resolution.

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J3 features a 14.2 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 160 - 6,400. 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 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.


      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 J3 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. 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.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon 1 lens mount. Due to their 1-inch sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) 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.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 J3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J2 nothing can be done. On Nikon 1 J2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J3 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. Nikon 1 J3 has a Type C HDMI and Nikon 1 J2 has a Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2 come with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots on Nikon 1 J3 and with battery life of 230 shots on Nikon 1 J2.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2 have Electronic. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on both models. Nikon 1 J3 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps. Nikon 1 J2 can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Both cameras have Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m.. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 J3 body has dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14") and Nikon 1 J2 body has dimensions of 106 x 61 x 30 mm (4.17 x 2.4 x 1.18"). Nikon 1 J3 weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) and Nikon 1 J2 weighs 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz).

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      101 mm

      61 mm

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      106 mm

      61 mm

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      61 mm

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      61 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2

      Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2 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 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      POOR
      48
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      POOR
      46
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      POOR
      49
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      POOR
      46
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 J2 and give them scores of 59 and 58 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 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 54

      Photo

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      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

      Video

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

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

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      GOOD
      74
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      77
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   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 J3

      Nikon 1 J2

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 238 g (0.52 lb / 8.40 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots


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

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