Nikon 1 J3 vs Panasonic GX1

Let's look a little more in depth at the Nikon 1 J3 and Panasonic GX1, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is fairly close but the 1 J3 (1") and GX1 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The 1 J3 was unveiled 22 months after the GX1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the 1 J3 matches up against the GX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 J3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 J3 offers outer dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Panasonic GX1 has measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 J3 and Panasonic GX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the 1 J3 against the GX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and GX1 is 92 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specifications. The picture here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J3 and GX1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J3 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GX1 will result in more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The newer 1 J3 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.