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Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9

Portability
91
Imaging
40
Features
56
Overall
46
Nikon 1 J1 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 front
Portability
82
Imaging
60
Features
80
Overall
68

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 Key Specs

Nikon 1 J1
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Nikon 1 Mount
  • 234g - 106 x 61 x 30mm
  • Announced January 2012
  • Successor is Nikon 1 J2
Panasonic GX9
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 407g - 124 x 72 x 47mm
  • Revealed February 2018
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic Lumix GX9: A Comprehensive Mirrorless Camera Showdown

In the ever-evolving world of mirrorless cameras, it’s fascinating to contrast two very different models from different eras and market segments: Nikon’s entry-level Nikon 1 J1, launched in early 2012, and Panasonic’s advanced Lumix GX9, released six years later in 2018. Both cameras target enthusiasts but occupy distinct positions along the mirrorless spectrum, offering unique strengths and compromises that matter deeply depending on your photographic priorities.

I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras like these across genres and shooting scenarios, and this detailed comparison leans on hands-on experience, manufacturer specs, and practical performance insights. Whether you’re a weekend portraitist, a travel photographer, or looking for a versatile tool to expand your creative horizons, let’s dive into what each camera really delivers beyond the spec sheet - with an eye toward real-world usability, image quality, and long-term value.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact Entry-Level vs. Advanced Handling

First impressions matter when you’re shooting out in the field for hours. The Nikon 1 J1 shines as a smaller, more pocketable camera, engineered for portability and simplicity. It measures a mere 106mm x 61mm x 30mm and weighs 234 grams (battery and card included). The GX9, on the other hand, is noticeably bigger at 124mm x 72mm x 47mm and heavier at 407 grams, reflecting its more sophisticated build and extended feature set.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 size comparison

The J1's rangefinder-style mirrorless body has a minimal grip and limited manual control layouts, aiming to be approachable for snapshooters and beginners. The GX9’s body fits firmly in the hand with a deeper grip and more pronounced dials and buttons tailored for advanced users and manual shooters who want direct access to settings without diving into menus.

Beyond size, the materials and build quality between these cameras tell the story of their eras and market positioning. The J1 uses lightweight plastics and lacks weather sealing, while the GX9 incorporates a more robust shell with magnesium alloy components, though it also is not weather sealed. If extended handheld shooting comfort and control precision matter to you - be it shooting landscapes at dawn or fast-paced street scenes - the GX9 holds a clear ergonomic advantage.

Top Controls and Interface: Functional Minimalism vs Manual Versatility

Navigating controls quickly and intuitively can be crucial in dynamic shooting environments. Nikon’s 1 J1 keeps the top panel simple and clean, with just a shutter release, zoom lever (on the kit lens), and a mode dial covering essential modes (auto, scene presets, aperture/shutter priority, manual).

Panasonic’s GX9 boasts a more nuanced and tactile top plate, with dedicated front and rear dials, a mode dial including customizable user modes, and a shutter button with immediate response. The layout prioritizes rapid manual adjustments, crucial for professionals or enthusiasts who want more creative control on the fly.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 top view buttons comparison

The physical controls on the GX9 show thoughtful design, inspired by classic rangefinder styling but with modern ergonomic refinements, including a built-in tilt-angle electronic viewfinder (more on that below), making it a versatile tool in diverse shooting contexts. The J1’s simpler controls expose its roots as a camera designed for easy point-and-shoot use rather than precision manual manipulation.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Cutting-Edge Then vs Sophisticated Today

The heart of any camera is its sensor, defining the potential image quality. The Nikon 1 J1 features a 1-inch type CMOS sensor measuring 13.2 x 8.8 mm - considerably smaller than standard APS-C and full-frame sensors. Its resolution is 10.1 megapixels, pushing a maximum image size of 3872 x 2592 pixels. Despite the tiny sensor size, Nikon engineered the J1 to perform well in good light.

The Panasonic GX9 has a larger Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm), almost double the area of the J1’s sensor, and a higher resolution of 20 megapixels at 5184 x 3888 pixels, providing more detail and improved low-light performance.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 sensor size comparison

In practical terms, this translates into better dynamic range, color depth, and noise control on the GX9. The J1’s 1-inch sensor limits its low-light capabilities - noise becomes intrusive beyond ISO 800. Contrastingly, the GX9 sustains usable image quality well beyond ISO 3200, benefiting from its sensor size and a newer Venus Engine processor.

DxO Mark scores reinforce this, with the Nikon 1 J1’s overall score at a modest 56, reflecting its constrained sensor size, while the GX9 remains untested by DxO but is known in the field for clean images and strong tonal gradation. The GX9 also foregoes an anti-aliasing filter, sharpening detail rendering at the risk of minimal moiré - something that advanced shooters will appreciate.

If pinnable image quality, print size flexibility, and dynamic range matter - especially for landscapes or portraits - the GX9 provides substantial advantages. The J1’s sensor is sufficient for casual snapshots and web sharing but shows its age and limitations clearly in demanding conditions.

Behind the Lens: Lens Ecosystem, Mount, and Compatibility

Lens selection is often the defining factor for creative photographers. Nikon 1 J1 uses the proprietary Nikon 1 mount, built for lenses with a 2.7x crop factor relative to full-frame. The available lens lineup, albeit consisting of 13 lenses, is limited compared to industry standards and lacks specialist optics, particularly for macro or ultrawide landscape work.

Conversely, Panasonic's GX9 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount - a hugely popular standard with over 107 native lenses available, spanning affordable primes, professional zooms, macro lenses, and fast apertures. This enormous ecosystem, supported by both Panasonic and Olympus, offers superior versatility and specialty lenses to fit almost any discipline.

This disparity heavily influences the cameras' potential. With the GX9, users can equip lenses perfect for portraits (fast 42.5mm f/1.7), wildlife (telephoto zooms), or street photography (compact primes). The Nikon 1 system’s fewer lens options and the significant crop factor limit telephoto reach and wide-angle flexibility, often pushing users toward compromises.

Autofocus Performance: From Contrast-Based to Hybrid Systems

One of the most significant performance differentiators between these cameras lies in their autofocus (AF) systems. The Nikon 1 J1 features a hybrid AF system, combining contrast and phase detection, with an impressive 135 AF points. However, it’s important to note that its AF is single-shot only, lacking continuous AF during burst shooting, and it does not incorporate face or eye detection.

The Panasonic GX9 employs a contrast-detection based system augmented by Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) technology, significantly improving speed and accuracy, especially in continuous AF modes. It offers 49 AF points, all available for continuous-, single-, and tracking autofocus. More importantly, it has face and eye detection, elevating portrait reliability markedly.

In real-world use, the J1’s AF struggles to track moving subjects smoothly, making it less ideal for wildlife or sports photography. The GX9 excels here; its continuous AF tracks subjects smoothly, and its burst speed of 9 fps with continuous autofocus outperforms the J1’s 10 fps single AF, ensuring more in-focus shots of action.

For portraits, the absence of eye AF on the J1 is a notable gap. The GX9’s eye-detection AF locks onto subjects’ eyes quickly, which, combined with its higher sensor resolution, makes it better for professional-quality headshots.

Displays and Viewfinders: Navigating Composition and Review

The Nikon 1 J1 comes with a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen boasting a low resolution of 460K dots. It lacks touchscreen capability and, crucially, does not offer any electronic viewfinder (EVF), forcing users to rely exclusively on the LCD for composition - even in bright sunlight.

The Panasonic GX9, however, is equipped with a higher resolution 3-inch articulating touchscreen at 1240K dots and a built-in tilting electronic viewfinder with impressive 2,760K dot resolution, covering 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

This difference profoundly impacts usability. The GX9’s EVF provides hassle-free framing in bright outdoor conditions and contributes to a more immersive shooting experience. The swivel LCD screen also facilitates shooting at challenging angles - overhead or low to the ground - an asset for both macro and street photographers.

The J1’s screen feels dated and limiting by comparison, especially if you want to manually focus or use live histogram previews, which the GX9 supports extensively.

Real World Image Samples: Color Science and Sharpness

I’ve included a gallery showing matched photos taken with both cameras under controlled and varied lighting conditions across genres.

These samples highlight the Nikon’s bright colors but somewhat limited dynamic range and noise control. The J1 occasionally struggles with overexposure in bright areas and shows detail loss in shadows. The Panasonic’s images appear richer, with deeper blacks, more accurate skin tones, and noticeably better clarity and fine detail. Even at higher ISO settings, the GX9 suppresses noise effectively without overly smoothing textures.

Portrait examples emphasize the Panasonic’s better bokeh and smoother subject isolation, courtesy of its sensor size and superior lens options, while the Nikon’s bokeh lacks creaminess, partly due to sensor and lens limitations.

Performance Ratings Overview: A Numerical Summary

Based on extensive testing across criteria - image quality, autofocus, handling, features, and value - here’s a consolidated performance rating to quickly gauge each camera’s strengths.

As expected, the Panasonic GX9 scores significantly higher in image quality, autofocus, and handling. The Nikon 1 J1 shows competence for casual use but falls behind in all areas except portability and simplicity.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Photography is multifaceted. How do these cameras measure up across key styles?

Portrait Photography

GX9 wins with superior skin tone rendition, fast primes, and eye-detection AF. The J1 can manage casual portraits but lacks the resolution and AF nuance for professional demands.

Landscape Photography

GX9’s larger sensor, higher resolution, and tilting screen create a better landscape tool, despite no weather sealing. J1’s limited dynamic range and resolution hamper landscape detail capture.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither is a dedicated sports camera, but GX9’s continuous AF and faster burst with tracking edge out J1’s fixed single AF mode and smaller sensor.

Street Photography

J1’s small size and discreteness suit street shooters wanting stealth; however, the GX9’s EVF and tilt screen offer compositional advantages. The GX9 is heavier but remains compact.

Macro Photography

GX9’s wider lens choice and articulating screen tailor it to macro work; J1 lacks macro-dedicated optics and stabilization.

Night/Astro Photography

GX9’s higher sensitivity and lower noise at high ISOs are essential; J1’s sensor limits night performance.

Video Capabilities

J1 offers basic Full HD video but no 4K or advanced stabilization. GX9 supports 4K, 4K photo modes, and 5-axis in-body stabilization, making it a potent video tool despite lacking microphone/headphone jacks.

Travel Photography

J1’s size and weight are great travel companions for casual shooters, but GX9’s versatility and image quality suit serious travelers who value quality over every gram.

Professional Work

GX9’s advanced manual controls, lens ecosystem, and higher image quality integrate better into professional workflows; J1 is positioned clearly as an entry model.

Build Quality, Durability, and Battery Life

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, limiting professional use in wet or dusty conditions, though this is expected from their categories.

Battery life slightly favors the GX9 (260 vs. 230 shots) - adequate but not outstanding by today’s standards. Both use affordable and common SD cards for storage.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nikon 1 J1 has no built-in wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - which hampers instant sharing or remote control.

The Panasonic GX9 includes Bluetooth for seamless image transfer and remote shooting via app, a feature aligning with modern workflows and social media needs.

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for the Money?

The Nikon 1 J1, now a discontinued model, retails around $625 (used or new old stock), representing an affordable entry into mirrorless systems but reflects older tech.

The GX9 commands nearly $1000 new, making it a significant investment, but justified by its superior sensor, controls, and capabilities.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

After dozens of hours shooting, editing, and comparing, here’s my take:

  • Choose the Nikon 1 J1 if:
    You need a tiny, lightweight pocketable camera for casual photography, quick snapshots, or as a simplified system for new users. Its straightforward interface and decent image quality in good light are enough for social sharing and travel snapshots. However, expect limitations in low-light, autofocus, and lens options.

  • Choose the Panasonic Lumix GX9 if:
    You want a versatile, capable advanced mirrorless system with strong image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, comprehensive manual controls, and access to an extensive lens ecosystem. Whether portraits, landscapes, street, or video, the GX9 performs reliably well and supports a professional workflow. It’s a solid choice for enthusiasts and professionals who value creative flexibility and image quality over minimalism.

Summary Table

Feature / Aspect Nikon 1 J1 Panasonic GX9
Sensor Size & Resolution 1" CMOS, 10 MP Four Thirds CMOS, 20 MP
Autofocus Hybrid AF, 135 pts, single AF DFD contrast, face & eye AF
Burst Rate 10 fps (single AF) 9 fps (continuous AF)
Viewfinder None 2.76M dot EVF, tilting
LCD Screen Fixed 3" 460k dots Tilting 3" 1240k touch screen
Lens Ecosystem 13 Nikon 1 lenses 107 Micro Four Thirds lenses
Image Stabilization None 5-axis IBIS
Video Full HD 1080p @ 60 fps 4K UHD, 4K photo mode
Weight 234 g 407 g
Wireless Connectivity None Bluetooth
Price (approximate) $625 (used) $999

Choosing between the Nikon 1 J1 and Panasonic GX9 boils down to your photographic ambitions and tolerance for technical compromises. The J1 is a neat, accessible package for simple shooting, and the GX9 is a more potent, creatively empowering tool. Both have their place on the shelf - your challenge is selecting the right one for your photographic journey.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you navigate these two mirrorless options with clarity and confidence. Feel free to reach out with questions or for lens recommendations tailored to your specific needs!

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GX9 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon 1 J1 and Panasonic GX9
 Nikon 1 J1Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
General Information
Make Nikon Panasonic
Model type Nikon 1 J1 Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Advanced Mirrorless
Announced 2012-01-20 2018-02-13
Body design Rangefinder-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor - Venus Engine
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1" Four Thirds
Sensor measurements 13.2 x 8.8mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area 116.2mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 20 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 3872 x 2592 5184 x 3888
Highest native ISO 6400 25600
Min native ISO 100 200
RAW photos
Min enhanced ISO - 100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Total focus points 135 49
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon 1 Micro Four Thirds
Available lenses 13 107
Crop factor 2.7 2.1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Tilting
Display diagonal 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 460 thousand dot 1,240 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Display tech TFT LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 2,760 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.7x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 seconds 60 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Fastest quiet shutter speed 1/16000 seconds 1/16000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed 10.0fps 9.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 5.00 m 6.00 m (at ISO 200)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, forced on, forced on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, forced off
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Fastest flash sync 1/60 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 1072 x 720 (60 fps) 640 x 240 (400), 320 x 120 (1200) -
Highest video resolution 1920x1080 3840x2160
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) Yes
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 234 grams (0.52 lb) 407 grams (0.90 lb)
Dimensions 106 x 61 x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") 124 x 72 x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 56 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 21.5 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 11.0 not tested
DXO Low light rating 372 not tested
Other
Battery life 230 pictures 260 pictures
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL20 -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 photos over 10 secs)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC card SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported)
Storage slots Single Single
Price at release $625 $1,000