Clicky

Nikon 1 J5

 
Nikon 1 J5 front
 
Portability
91
Imaging
53
Features
78
Overall
63

Nikon 1 J5 overview

Nikon 1 J5 is Nikon's Entry-Level Mirrorless digital camera first launched on April of 2015. It comes with a 21 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712.

Nikon introduced this model in an effort to improve the earlier Nikon 1 J4 (Read Full Comparison)

The 1 J5 places at #46 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and all round #266 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to look at our Advanced camera search to find camera ratings based on your customized criteria.

Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

The following is a chart of multiple criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon 1 J5 history

The Nikon 1 J5 is part of a family of products. You can see the complete list below.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Nikon-1-J5 front thumbnailNikon 1 J521MP1"20.0 fps2015
Nikon-1-S2 front thumbnailNikon 1 S2
1 J5 vs 1 S2
14.2MP1"60.0 fps2014
OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
Nikon-1-J4 front thumbnailNikon 1 J4
1 J5 vs 1 J4
18MP1"60.0 fps2014
Nikon-1-V3 front thumbnailNikon 1 V3
1 J5 vs 1 V3
18MP1"60.0 fps2014
Nikon-1-J3 front thumbnailNikon 1 J3
1 J5 vs 1 J3
14MP1"15.0 fps2013
Nikon-1-AW1 front thumbnailNikon 1 AW1
1 J5 vs 1 AW1
14MP1"60.0 fps2013
Leica to Release Innovative Hybrid Medium Format Camera in 2 Years
Nikon-1-S1 front thumbnailNikon 1 S1
1 J5 vs 1 S1
10MP1"15.0 fps2013

Nikon 1 J5 Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of good and bad points of the Nikon 1 J5 based on factors that are generally viewed as useful in a digital camera.

built-in flash
change lenses (Nikon 1 mount)
comes with HDMI port
display is selfie friendly
does not have anti-alias filter
fast continuous shooting (20.0 frames per second)
features touch focus
has a tilting screen
has manual focus
includes face detect focus
includes tracking focus
lighter than competition in class (231 grams)
megapixel count decent (21MP)
NFC support
saves RAW formats
screen is a decent size (3 inch)
sensor size is good (1")
silent shutter (1/16,000s)
supports phase detect auto focus
touchscreen functionality
very good screen resolution (1,037 k dot)
video res high (3840 x 2160 pixels)
does not have headphone port
does not have microphone port
external flash not possible
no image stabilization
not so great battery (250 CIPA)
Photographer Triumphs in Lawsuit Over Creative Commons Image Rights

Nikon 1 J5 Sensor information

The Nikon 1 J5 features the Expeed 5A processor chip. The sensor dimension in the Nikon 1 J5 is 13.2mm x 8.8mm (1"). The 116 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 5568 x 3712 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2.

TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 21MP and gives a standard ISO range of 160 - 12800. RAW photos are saved so the user has more room to maneuver in post.

Nikon decided to omit the anti-alias filter for the Nikon 1 J5. This might result in more sharper photographs but could cause moire under some circumstances.

The graphic below displays the 1 J5's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The 1 J5 sensor comes with a crop factor of 2.7 and is highlighted in green.

Nikon 1 J5 sensor size Sony Japan Introduces 5G Transmitter for Alpha Cameras

To get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon 1 J5 dimensions

Nikon 1 J5 weighs in at 0.51 lbs (231 grams or 8.15 ounces) and features outer size of 98mm x 60mm x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 grams so the Nikon 1 J5 is lighter as compared to its competitors.

Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

The following is a pic of the Nikon 1 J5 beside a softdrink to help you have a sense of its size.

Nikon 1 J5 dimensions scale

The top view directly below will highlight the button design on the 1 J5.

Nikon 1 J5 topview buttons dials

Nikon 1 J5 Lens information

The 1 J5 fits the Nikon 1 mount and has 13 lenses on sale. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our collection that will fit the 1 J5.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Nikon-1-Nikkor-AW-11-27.5mm-f3.5-5.6 lensNikon 1 Nikkor AW 11-27.5mm f3.5-5.611-27.5mmf/3.5-5.6 182g
Nikon-1-Nikkor-VR-30-110mm-f3.8-5.6 lensNikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.630-110mmf/3.8-5.6 180g
Kodak's Tri-X Black-and-White Film Now 30% Cheaper
Nikon-1-Nikkor-VR-10-30mm-f3.5-5.6 lensNikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.610-30mmf/3.5-5.6 115g
Nikon-1-Nikkor-VR-10-100mm-f4.5-5.6 lensNikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.610-100mmf/4.0-5.6 298g
Nikon-1-Nikkor-18.5mm-f1.8 lensNikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f1.819mmf/1.8 70g
Nikon-1-Nikkor-VR-10-30mm-f3.5-5.6-PD-Zoom lensNikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom10-30mmf/3.5-5.6 85g
AI-made Images of Food Appear More Delicious Than Real Photos
Nikon-1-Nikkor-VR-10-100mm-f4.5-5.6-PD-Zoom lensNikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.6 PD-Zoom10-100mmf/4.5-5.6 515g
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Nikon 1 J5 Connectivity

The 1 J5 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • NFC Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that feature NFC and / or Bluetooth support can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily send images and usually alter camera settings without connecting physically with the camera.

A few apps also give a Liveview and click the shutter in case you aren't near the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. Virtually all cameras will allow you to recharge the battery through the USB port.

Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

Nikon 1 J5 Video information

The maximum video resolution in the Nikon 1 J5 is 3840 x 2160 and it can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 2160p offers a great resolution for video. You can easily downsample to Full HD in order to get improved video. Be wary of the large file sizes and ensure you have good SD cards with good write speeds. The body doesn't feature a mic and / or headphone socket so you get absolutely no control over your sound. It is perhaps best to take a look at a different camera if you require better sound in your videos.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus

Nikon 1 J5 Weather Sealing

Nikon 1 J5 doesn't have weather sealing so wet conditions could ruin the camera.

Nikon 1 J5 Screen and Viewfinder

The Nikon 1 J5 comes with a 3" tilting screen having a resolution of 1,037k dots.

The screen is selfie friendly to shoot self portraits and even group shots when needed. Additionally the screen is touch friendly so you can easily shift focus point as well as change settings using your finger.

Nikon 1 J5 screen and viewfinder Leica to Release Innovative Hybrid Medium Format Camera in 2 Years

The View Finder specifications regarding Nikon 1 J5 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be really beneficial in bright outdoor situations which can easily make the camera screen washed out and hard to view.

Nikon 1 J5 Shutter information

Nikon 1 J5 continuous shooting speed is 20.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds. The camera also features silent electronic shutter of 1/16000 seconds. Beware that the electronic shutter may lead to "rolling shutter" under some situations.

C500 Mark II gets new Cinema RAW Light modes from Canon

Nikon 1 J5 Flash and Hot shoe information

Nikon 1 J5 boasts just inbuilt flash with no external flash ability.

Nikon 1 J5 Autofocus information

Nikon 1 J5 boasts both Phase Detect AF along with Contrast Based AF. Phase Detection focusing is a lot quicker and precise as compared to Contrast Based focusing. The camera comes with Face detection making it handy for people photography.

The Sensor comes with 171 focus points to choose from. Nikon 1 J5 has touch to focus. You are able to use your fingers in order to change focus. It also includes Tracking AF for things on the move. Nikon 1 J5 has manual focusing if needed in low light scenarios or you require more accurate focusing control.

Photographer Triumphs in Lawsuit Over Creative Commons Image Rights

Nikon 1 J5 Battery life

The battery (EN-EL24) on the Nikon 1 J5 is built to last for 250 images with respect to the CIPA requirements which is lesser in comparison with its competition. The general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 features the highest possible (750) battery life in this category of cameras.

Underneath is a list of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras having the best battery life:

Nikon 1 J5 for specific styles of photography

The following chart provides a analysis of the Nikon 1 J5 for specific styles of photography. To understand more, browse to the specific section below.

Nikon 1 J5 as a Portrait photography camera

The Nikon 1 J5 has a rating of 65 which is very good, and means the camera is a fine pick to use for portrait photography. Shooting portraits favors greatly towards sensor resolution, support for RAW files in addition to the flexibility to use external flash.

Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation
manual focus
decent sensor resolution (21MP)
sensor size is decent (1")
supports face detect autofocus
delivers RAW formats
external flash not possible

Nikon 1 J5 Street photography details

Getting a wonderful rating of 80, the Nikon 1 J5 is a terrific choice for street photography. A very good street photography camera comes with a fine balance of picture quality and portability.

Kodak's Tri-X Black-and-White Film Now 30% Cheaper
screen tilts
good sensor size (1")
supports RAW formats
boasts focus via touch
lighter than competitors (231g)
lack of image stabilization

Nikon 1 J5 Sports photography details

A above average sports photography rating of 64 suggests the Nikon 1 J5 is a respectable option for shooting sports. A camera needs excellent focusing plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

AI-made Images of Food Appear More Delicious Than Real Photos
quiet shooting (1/16,000 seconds)
fast shooting (20.0 fps)
good MP (21MP)
decent sensor size (1")
provides tracking autofocus
has phase detect AF
does not have image stabilization
not so great battery pack (250 per charge)

Nikon 1 J5 Travel photography information

Portability is very crucial in buying a camera for travel. Over-all, the Nikon 1 J5 gets a superb 80 for a travel camera which makes it a tremendous option for your travels.

TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance
lighter than average (231 grams)
supports focus via touch
megapixel count good (21 megapixels)
has built in flash
screen is selfie friendly
terrible battery power (250 CIPA)

Nikon 1 J5 Landscape photography information

For anyone who is looking to choose a camera for landscape photos, the most essential aspect will be image quality. The Nikon 1 J5 with it's above average grade of 69 for a landscape camera is a fine option amongst it's rivals.

Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence
you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Nikon 1 mount)
screen size is good (3")
MP count good (21MP)
nice sensor size (1")
does not have low pass filter
supports RAW formats
does not have image stabilization
bad battery pack (250 shots)

Vlogging with Nikon 1 J5

A vlogging camera ought to posses a moving display screen, microphone input and ideally image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Nikon 1 J5 is a fine choice for vlogging as it delivers a very good rating of 75.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
screen is selfie friendly
touchscreen
features face detection focusing
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 pxls)
lighter than competition (231 grams)
lack of image stabilization
lack of external mic support

Nikon 1 J5 Alternatives

If you are in the market for alternatives to the 1 J5, below is a list of the top scored cameras which fall within the category of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The line graph underneath shows you a bird's eye view of the 1 J5 vs it's top scored competitors suggested earlier.

Following are several cameras you might regard as alternatives. To read a thorough comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

Leica to Release Innovative Hybrid Medium Format Camera in 2 Years

Specifications

General Information
Brand
Nikon
Model type
Nikon 1 J5
Category
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed
2015-04-03
Body design
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor Chip
Expeed 5A
Sensor size
1"
Sensor measurements
13.2 x 8.8mm
Sensor surface area
116.2mm²
Sensor resolution
21 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Highest resolution
5568 x 3712
RAW files
Highest native ISO
12800
Min native ISO
160
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points
171
Lens
Lens mount type
Nikon 1
Total lenses
13
Focal length multiplier
2.7
Screen
Screen type
Tilting
Screen diagonal
3 inch
Screen resolution
1,037k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
65
DXO Color Depth rating
22.1
DXO Dynamic range rating
12.0
DXO Low light rating
479
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Maximum silent shutter speed
1/16000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
20.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance
5.00 m (ISO 100)
Flash settings
Auto, auto + red-eye reduction, fill-flash, fill-flash w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear curtain w/slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, off
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
4K (15p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (120p/60p/30p)
Highest video resolution
3840x2160
Video file format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
231 gr (0.51 pounds)
Physical dimensions
98 x 60 x 32mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
250 photos
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Battery ID
EN-EL24
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
microSD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Pricing at launch
$497