Nikon 1 J3 vs Panasonic GF5

On this page, we are reviewing the Nikon 1 J3 versus Panasonic GF5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is very comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and GF5 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizing.

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The 1 J3 was introduced 21 months after the GF5 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the 1 J3 grades against the GF5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 J3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J3 enjoys physical dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 J3 versus Panasonic GF5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the 1 J3 and the GF5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and GF5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out technical specs. The image underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J3 and GF5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Nikon 1 J3 will provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more modern 1 J3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.