Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51


92 Imaging
36 Features
56 Overall
44
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 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
- Released November 2013
- Superseded the Nikon 1 J2
- Later Model is Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Overview
In this article, we will be analyzing the Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the Q10 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and Q10 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

The 1 J3 was introduced 15 months after the Q10 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the 1 J3 matches up vs the Q10 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 J3 & Pentax Q10. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Pentax Q10 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Pentax Q10
1 J3 | Q10 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | November 2013 | ![]() | September 2012 | More modern by 15 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q10 over the Nikon 1 J3
Q10 | 1 J3 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Pentax Q10
1 J3 | Q10 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Physical Comparison
If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J3 provides external measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Pentax Q10 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).
Check the Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the 1 J3 against the Q10.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 J3 and Q10 is 92 and 92 respectively.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Sensor Comparison
Typically, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The pic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 J3 and Q10.
As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1 J3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Nikon 1 J3 will produce greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent 1 J3 provides a benefit in sensor tech.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J3 vs Pentax Q10 Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q10 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon 1 J3 | Pentax Q10 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Released | 2013-11-30 | 2012-09-10 |
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 surface area | 116.2mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
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 |
Number of lenses | 13 | 8 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 921k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Optical (optional) |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Max silent shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shutter speed | 15.0 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | 7.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/60 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
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) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data 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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 201 grams (0.44 lbs) | 200 grams (0.44 lbs) |
Dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 102 x 58 x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 52 | 49 |
DXO Color Depth score | 20.4 | 21.1 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.0 | 10.9 |
DXO Low light score | 420 | 183 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | 270 images |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $170 | $350 |