Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N
92 Imaging
44 Features
63 Overall
51


89 Imaging
57 Features
52 Overall
55
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 201g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Released November 2013
- Old Model is Nikon 1 J2
- Renewed by Nikon 1 J4
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 200 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 269g - 110 x 62 x 35mm
- Released February 2013
- Replaced the Sony NEX-F3
- Replacement is Sony a5000

Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Overview
Its time to look much closer at the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-3N, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the 1 J3 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the 1 J3 (1") and NEX-3N (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

The 1 J3 was launched 10 months later than the NEX-3N so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the 1 J3 scores against the NEX-3N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 J3 & Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J3 Gallery & Sony NEX-3N Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 J3 over the Sony NEX-3N
1 J3 | NEX-3N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | November 2013 | ![]() | February 2013 | Fresher by 10 months |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer screen (+461k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3N over the Nikon 1 J3
NEX-3N | 1 J3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-3N
1 J3 | NEX-3N | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very accurate focusing | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Physical Comparison
For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J3 offers physical measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 201 grams (0.44 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has proportions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).
Check out the Nikon 1 J3 and Sony NEX-3N in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the 1 J3 against the NEX-3N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 J3 and NEX-3N is 92 and 89 respectively.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Sensor Comparison
Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing specifications. The visual here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the 1 J3 and NEX-3N.
Plainly, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1 J3 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony NEX-3N will show greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer 1 J3 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.

Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 J3 vs Sony NEX-3N Specifications
Nikon 1 J3 | Sony Alpha NEX-3N | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon 1 J3 | Sony Alpha NEX-3N |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Released | 2013-11-30 | 2013-02-25 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 116.2mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4912 x 3264 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 16000 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 200 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 135 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 41 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Available lenses | 13 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of display | 921k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Highest quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 15.0 frames/s | 4.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 5.00 m | - |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | - |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Highest flash synchronize | 1/60 secs | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported 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 |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
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 sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 201 gr (0.44 pounds) | 269 gr (0.59 pounds) |
Dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 110 x 62 x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 52 | 74 |
DXO Color Depth score | 20.4 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.0 | 12.5 |
DXO Low light score | 420 | 1067 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 pictures | 480 pictures |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL20 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes | - |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Price at launch | $170 | $399 |