Nikon 1 J1 vs Sony a3500

Here, we will be reviewing the Nikon 1 J1 vs Sony a3500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the 1 J1 (10MP) and a3500 (20MP) and the 1 J1 (1") and a3500 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 1 J1 was announced 3 years before the a3500 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 J1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 1 J1 scores vs the a3500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J1 and Sony Alpha a3500. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J1 Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J1 offers physical dimensions of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 J1 vs Sony a3500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the 1 J1 and the a3500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J1 and a3500 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading through specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J1 and a3500.

All in all, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 J1 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony a3500 will give you more detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older 1 J1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.