Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3
91 Imaging
40 Features
56 Overall
46


90 Imaging
47 Features
48 Overall
47
Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Key Specs
(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
- Replacement is Nikon 1 J2
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 264g - 108 x 67 x 32mm
- Introduced August 2011
- Succeeded the Panasonic GF2
- Replacement is Panasonic GF5

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Overview
In this article, we will be matching up the Nikon 1 J1 versus Panasonic GF3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1 J1 (10MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 J1 (1") and GF3 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor size.

The 1 J1 was introduced 6 months after the GF3 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 1 J1 grades against the GF3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 J1 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J1 over the Panasonic GF3
1 J1 | GF3 |
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Reasons to pick Panasonic GF3 over the Nikon 1 J1
GF3 | 1 J1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J1 and Panasonic GF3
1 J1 | GF3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2012 | ![]() | August 2011 | Same generation |
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen size |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen |
Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 J1 comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon 1 J1 versus Panasonic GF3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 J1 compared to the GF3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J1 and GF3 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by seeing specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J1 and GF3.
All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J1 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF3 will show extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively.

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J1 vs Panasonic GF3 Specifications
Nikon 1 J1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon 1 J1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2012-01-20 | 2011-08-11 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | - | Venus Engine FHD |
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 | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 160 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 23 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon 1 | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of lenses | 13 | 107 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3" | 3" |
Display resolution | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 60 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames per second | 3.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.00 m | 6.30 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/60 secs | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
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) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD, Motion JPEG |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 234g (0.52 lb) | 264g (0.58 lb) |
Dimensions | 106 x 61 x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 108 x 67 x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 56 | 50 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.5 | 20.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | 10.1 |
DXO Low light rating | 372 | 459 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 photos | 300 photos |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL20 | - |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Price at launch | $625 | $360 |