Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon 1 J3

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 J4 and the Nikon 1 J3, 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 J4 was introduced in April 2014 and Nikon 1 J3 was introduced in November 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon 1 J4 Highlights

      • 18.4 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 160 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 171 Focus Points (171 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,037k dot Fixed Screen
      • 60.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      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

      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 J4 and Nikon 1 J3.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      •   Video Capture
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)

      CONS

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      •   Small Sensor
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   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


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.4 Megapixel
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   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

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J4

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J4 over Nikon 1 J3.

      Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon 1 J3
      Higher Sensor Resolution 18.4 Megapixel vs 14.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 5232 x 3488 vs 4608 x 3072
      More Focus Points 171 vs 135
      More Cross-type Focus Points 105 vs 41
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,037k dot vs 921k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 60.0 fps vs 15.0 fps
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs via optional WU-1b mobile adapter
      Longer Battery Life 300 shots vs 220 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 J4.

      Advantage of Nikon 1 J3

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 J3 over Nikon 1 J4.

      Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon 1 J3
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Lighter 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz) vs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)

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

      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 J4 Nikon 1 J3
        Video Capture
        Many Focus Points171135
        Many Cross-type Focus Points10541
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Light232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz)201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 J4 Nikon 1 J3
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        High Native ISO160160
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Viewfinder
        No External Flash Connectivity
        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 Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life300 shots220 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 J3 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 1,037k dot and 921k dot resolutions respectively. Nikon 1 J4 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality 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.

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J4 features a 18.4 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 - 12,800. 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 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 160 - 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 J4 is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 5232 x 3488 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3920 x 2616, 2608 x 1744 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon 1 J3 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution.


      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 J4 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J3 nothing can be done. On Nikon 1 J3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 J4 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J4 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 J4 has a Mini HDMI and Nikon 1 J3 has a Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 J4 comes with EN-EL22 battery pack with battery life of 300 shots and Nikon 1 J3 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 J4 has a single MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon 1 J3 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 J3 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 J4 can shoot continuously up to 60.0 fps. Nikon 1 J3 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Both cameras have Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with Nikon 1 J4 having 171 (105 cross-type) focusing points and with Nikon 1 J3 having 135 (41 cross-type) focusing points and ..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon 1 J4 and 5.00 m on Nikon 1 J3. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 J3.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 J4 body has dimensions of 100 x 60 x 29 mm (3.92 x 2.36 x 1.12") and Nikon 1 J3 body has dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14"). Nikon 1 J4 weighs 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz) and Nikon 1 J3 weighs 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz).

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      100 mm

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      101 mm

      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      61 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 J3

      Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 J3 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 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k 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 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      77
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      72
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      77
      •   Small Sensor
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz)
      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)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      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

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 J3 and give them scores of 64 and 59 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 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      OVERALL
      64
      OVERALL
      59

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 18.4 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 52

      Photo

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      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

      Video

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      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 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   105 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      74
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   41 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   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 J4

      Nikon 1 J3

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 201 g (0.44 lb / 7.09 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots


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

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