Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q
91 Imaging
40 Features
60 Overall
48


93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 238g - 106 x 61 x 30mm
- Revealed August 2012
- Old Model is Nikon 1 J1
- Newer Model is Nikon 1 J3
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Announced June 2011
- Successor is Pentax Q10

Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Overview
Here is a comprehensive review of the Nikon 1 J2 versus Pentax Q, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the 1 J2 (10MP) and the Q (12MP) is fairly well matched but the 1 J2 (1") and Q (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

The 1 J2 was manufactured 14 months later than the Q making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the 1 J2 grades against the Q with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J2 & Pentax Q. The entire galleries are available at Nikon 1 J2 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J2 over the Pentax Q
1 J2 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | August 2012 | ![]() | June 2011 | Fresher by 14 months |
Display resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Nikon 1 J2
Q | 1 J2 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon 1 J2 and Pentax Q
1 J2 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly display |
Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J2 has exterior measurements of 106mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) and the Pentax Q has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Compare the Nikon 1 J2 versus Pentax Q in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the 1 J2 against the Q.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J2 and Q is 91 and 93 respectively.

Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J2 and Q.
As you can see, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1 J2 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh simpler and the Pentax Q will resolve more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The newer 1 J2 provides an advantage in sensor tech.

Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J2 vs Pentax Q Specifications
Nikon 1 J2 | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon 1 J2 | Pentax Q |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2012-08-09 | 2011-06-23 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed 3 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 116.2mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 135 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon 1 | Pentax Q |
Available lenses | 13 | 8 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 921 thousand dots | 460 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Maximum quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/60 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
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 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic 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 proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 238g (0.52 lbs) | 180g (0.40 lbs) |
Dimensions | 106 x 61 x 30mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.2") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 54 | 47 |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.3 | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 10.8 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 363 | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 230 shots | 230 shots |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Pricing at launch | $550 | $695 |