Nikon 1 J5 vs Nikon D3100

Below is a extensive comparison of the Nikon 1 J5 and Nikon D3100, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are created by Nikon. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the 1 J5 (21MP) and D3100 (14MP) and the 1 J5 (1") and D3100 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The 1 J5 was released 4 years later than the D3100 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 J5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Nikon D3100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the 1 J5 scores versus the D3100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 J5 & Nikon D3100. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 J5 Gallery & Nikon D3100 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 J5 has got external dimensions of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 231 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Nikon D3100 has proportions of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).

Look at the Nikon 1 J5 and Nikon D3100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the 1 J5 vs the D3100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the 1 J5 and D3100 is 91 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The graphic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 J5 and D3100.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 J5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Nikon 1 J5 will give you more detail as a result of its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent 1 J5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.