Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon Z30

Lets take a closer look at the Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon Z30, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Nikon. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the 1 J3 (14MP) and Z30 (21MP) and the 1 J3 (1") and Z30 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The 1 J3 was manufactured 9 years earlier than the Z30 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon 1 J3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Nikon Z30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the 1 J3 grades vs the Z30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon Z30. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Nikon Z30 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J3 provides outer dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Nikon Z30 has proportions of 128mm x 74mm x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") along with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 J3 vs Nikon Z30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the 1 J3 versus the Z30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and Z30 is 92 and 79 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J3 and Z30.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Nikon Z30 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 7 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged 1 J3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.