Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax K-7

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7
      59
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      72
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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 Pentax K-7, 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 Pentax K-7 was introduced in October 2009. 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

      Pentax K-7 Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 2,000 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.2 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon 1 J3
      4. Advantage of Pentax K-7
      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 J3 and Pentax K-7.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      •   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
      •   2,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      •   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
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.2 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 61
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots

      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 Pentax K-7.

      Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax K-7
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 2,000
      More Focus Points 135 vs 11
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 15.0 fps vs 5.2 fps
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.0 vs 10.6
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      Higher Video Recording Limit 30 min vs 25 min
      Lighter 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) vs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

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

      Nikon 1 J1
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      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 1 J2
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      10.1 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

      Nikon D7000
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K-7

      Pentax K-7
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-7 over Nikon 1 J3.

      Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax K-7
      Larger Sensor 1-inch vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 15 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 160 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 vs 4672 x 3104
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Viewfinder vs Optical (pentaprism)
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/8000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/60 sec vs 1/180 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 420 vs 536
      Higher DxO Color Depth 20.4 vs 22.6
      Higher DxO Overall Score 52 vs 61
      Microphone Input vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 220 shots vs 980 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-7.

      Pentax K-5
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon 5D III
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      Full Frame

      22.3 MP

      Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
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      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P2
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      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Canon Rebel XSi
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Fujifilm GFX 100S
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      Medium format

      102 MP

      Sigma sd Quattro
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      APS-C

      29 MP

      Sony a9
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      Full Frame

      24.2 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 Pentax K-7
        Video Capture
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type C
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 J3 Pentax K-7
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min25 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WU-1b mobile adapter
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax K-7 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 921k dot resolution.


      Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Pentax K-7

      Pentax K-7 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.92x (0.61x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon 1 J3.

      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. Pentax K-7 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 2,000 and expands to 100 - 6,400 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 J3 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. Pentax K-7 is equipped with PRIME II processor and can take pictures up to 4672 x 3104 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3936 x 2592, 3072 x 2048, 1728 x 1152 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon 1 J3 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Pentax K-7 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 J3 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 K-7 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.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-7

      Pentax K-7 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      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 Pentax K-7 has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 J3 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots and Pentax K-7 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 980 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 J3 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Pentax K-7 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 J3 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 J3, and up to 1/8000 sec on Pentax K-7. Nikon 1 J3 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps. Pentax K-7 can shoot continuously up to 5.2 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J3 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with 135 (41 cross-type) focusing points and Pentax K-7 has 11 focusing points..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Nikon 1 J3 and 13.00 m on Pentax K-7. Pentax K-7 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 J3 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K-7.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 J3 body has dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14") and Pentax K-7 body has dimensions of 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.16 x 3.82 x 2.87"). Nikon 1 J3 weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz) and Pentax K-7 weighs 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz).

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      101 mm

      61 mm

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      131 mm

      97 mm

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      61 mm

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      97 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax K-7

      Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax K-7 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

      Pentax K-7

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      80
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      GOOD
      71
      •   2,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.2 fps
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   2,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.2 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      GOOD
      83
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      82
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax K-7 and give them scores of 59 and 72 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

      Pentax K-7

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      72

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      67
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   2,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 61

      Photo

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      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
      GOOD
      77
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.2 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      42
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      GOOD
      74
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon 1 J3

      Pentax K-7

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 980 shots


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

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