Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3
84 Imaging
40 Features
68 Overall
51


91 Imaging
56 Features
57 Overall
56
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 383g - 113 x 76 x 44mm
- Revealed January 2012
- New Model is Nikon 1 V2
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800
- 1280 x 720 video
- Sony E Mount
- 225g - 110 x 60 x 33mm
- Revealed August 2011
- Succeeded the Sony NEX-3
- Later Model is Sony NEX-F3

Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Overview
In this article, we will be matching up the Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the 1 V1 (10MP) and NEX-C3 (16MP) and the 1 V1 (1") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

The 1 V1 was launched 6 months after the NEX-C3 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before diving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 1 V1 scores versus the NEX-C3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 V1 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 V1 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 V1 over the Sony NEX-C3
1 V1 | NEX-C3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 920k | Sharper screen (+1k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-C3 over the Nikon 1 V1
NEX-C3 | 1 V1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Nikon 1 V1 and Sony NEX-C3
1 V1 | NEX-C3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2012 | ![]() | August 2011 | Same age |
Focus manually | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Absent Touch friendly screen |
Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Physical Comparison
If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 V1 enjoys external dimensions of 113mm x 76mm x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") and a weight of 383 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Sony NEX-C3 has sizing of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).
Look at the Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the 1 V1 against the NEX-C3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 V1 and NEX-C3 is 84 and 91 respectively.

Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Sensor Comparison
Typically, its hard to see the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by going through specs. The image underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 V1 and NEX-C3.
All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 V1 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony NEX-C3 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively.

Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 V1 vs Sony NEX-C3 Specifications
Nikon 1 V1 | Sony Alpha NEX-C3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon 1 V1 | Sony Alpha NEX-C3 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2012-01-20 | 2011-08-22 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 13.2 x 8.8mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 116.2mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4912 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 135 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon 1 | Sony E |
Available lenses | 13 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of display | 921k dots | 920k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD | TFT Xtra Fine LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 1,440k dots | - |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Maximum quiet shutter speed | 1/16000s | - |
Continuous shooting rate | 10.0 frames/s | 6.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/250s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
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) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 383 gr (0.84 pounds) | 225 gr (0.50 pounds) |
Dimensions | 113 x 76 x 44mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.7") | 110 x 60 x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 54 | 73 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.3 | 22.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.0 | 12.2 |
DXO Low light rating | 346 | 1083 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 350 shots | 400 shots |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL15 | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $670 | $343 |