Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51
![Nikon 1 J3 front Nikon 1 J3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-1-J3/Nikon-1-J3-front.jpg)
![Pentax Q front Pentax Q front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-Q/Pentax-Q-front.jpg)
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Announced November 2013
- Previous Model is Nikon 1 J2
- Renewed by Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Released June 2011
- Updated by Pentax Q10
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Overview
Lets look closer at the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the Q (12MP) is pretty similar but the 1 J3 (1") and Q (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizing.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The 1 J3 was unveiled 2 years after the Q which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the 1 J3 scores against the Q when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 & Pentax Q. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Pentax Q
1 J3 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | November 2013 | ![]() | June 2011 | Newer by 30 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Nikon 1 J3
Q | 1 J3 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q
1 J3 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Missing Touch screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and size. 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 Pentax Q has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the 1 J3 against the Q.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q size comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Pentax-Q-size-comparison.jpg)
Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and Q is 92 and 93 respectively.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q top view buttons comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Pentax-Q-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by going over specifications. The pic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J3 and Q.
To sum up, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The 1 J3 using its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Nikon 1 J3 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher 1 J3 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q sensor size comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Pentax-Q-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-1-J3-vs-Pentax-Q-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2013-11-30 | 2011-06-23 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
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 | 14MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 160 | 125 |
RAW data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 135 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Nikon 1 | Pentax Q |
Available lenses | 13 | 8 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 921 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Max silent shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shutter speed | 15.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 5.60 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/60 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
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) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 201 gr (0.44 lb) | 180 gr (0.40 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 52 | 47 |
DXO Color Depth score | 20.4 | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.0 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 420 | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | 230 images |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $170 | $695 |