Nikon 1 J1 vs Sony HX300

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Nikon 1 J1 versus Sony HX300, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the 1 J1 (10MP) and HX300 (20MP) and the 1 J1 (1") and HX300 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The 1 J1 was manufactured 13 months before the HX300 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon 1 J1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 1 J1 scores versus the HX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The entire galleries are available at Nikon 1 J1 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 J1 comes with outside measurements of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 234 grams (0.52 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 J1 versus Sony HX300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the 1 J1 versus the HX300.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J1 and HX300 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The visual below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J1 and HX300.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 J1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX300 will show extra detail due to its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older 1 J1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.