Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony A290

Here is a in-depth review of the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony A290, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and A290 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The 1 J3 was unveiled 3 years later than the A290 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 J3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick overview of how the 1 J3 grades vs the A290 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 J3 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 J3 offers 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) and the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the 1 J3 and the A290.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 J3 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The visual below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 J3 and A290.

All in all, both of those cameras come with the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The 1 J3 provides the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF trickier. The newer 1 J3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.