Nikon 1 J3 vs Panasonic G3

Below is a complete overview of the Nikon 1 J3 versus Panasonic G3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the G3 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and G3 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor sizing.

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The 1 J3 was manufactured 2 years later than the G3 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 J3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the 1 J3 grades versus the G3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are available at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J3 features outside dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 J3 versus Panasonic G3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the 1 J3 compared to the G3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and G3 is 92 and 83 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J3 and G3.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 J3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic G3 will produce more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger 1 J3 should have an advantage in sensor technology.