Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3 Comparison

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Nikon 1 J4

18 MP | 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Nikon D3

12 MP | Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

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Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Nikon cameras cameras with different body types: Nikon 1 J4, which was introduced in April 2014 is a Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a 18.0MP 1" sensor whereas Nikon D3, which was introduced in April 2008 is a Pro DSLR camera with a 12.0MP Full frame sensor. As you can see, D3 is 6 years older than 1 J4. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Despite some fundamental differences of these two body types, Mirrorless cameras are becoming serious alternatives to DSLR cameras thanks to their size/weight advantages and recent improvements in their focus speeds , which makes this comparison even more interesting.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon 1 J4 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2014-04-10

18MP - 1" CMOS Sensor

ISO 160 - 12800

Nikon 1 Mount

3" Fixed Type Screen

60 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

1,200 fps High-Speed Video

Built-in Wireless

232g. 100 x 60 x 29 mm

Replaced Nikon 1 J3 Compare

Nikon D3 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2008-04-18

12MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor

ISO 200 - 6400 ( expands to 100-25600)

Nikon F Mount

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

11 fps continuous shooting

No Video Mode

1300g. 160 x 157 x 88 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Nikon D3 was replaced by Nikon D3S. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3
Nikon D3S vs Nikon 1 J4

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Nikon 1 J4 over Nikon D3

Wireless Connection	Built-In vs None	Better connectivity
Built-in Flash	Yes vs No	Useful in low-light
Touch Screen	Yes vs No	Easy control of camera functions
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution	18 MP vs 12 MP	50% more pixels
Max ISO	12.800 vs 6.400	100% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points	171 vs 51	120 more focus points
Number of Cross Type Focus Points	105 vs 15	90 more cross type focus points
LCD Screen Resolution	1.037k dots vs 922k dots	12% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	60.0fps vs 11.0fps	49 fps faster
Weight	232 g vs 1300 g	1068 g lighter
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080 vs None	Higher Resolution Video

Reasons to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon 1 J4

External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Optical vs None	Better framing and control
Max Mech. Shutter	1/8000s vs 1/4000s	faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life	4300 shots vs 300 shots	4000 more frames with a single charge
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs No	creative shooting
Sensor Pixel Area	71.40µm² vs 6.36µm²	1022% larger pixel area
Top LCD	Yes vs No	Help viewing and changing settings easily
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Flash Sync Port	Yes vs No	Connect off-camera flash
Storage Slot	2 vs 1	Extra storage slot

Common Strengths of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3

RAW Support	Yes vs Yes	Better image quality
Continuous Shooting	60.0fps vs 11.0fps	Fast shooting speeds

Common Weaknesses of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3

In-body Image Stabilization	No vs No	No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles

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Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon 1 J4 has external dimensions of 100 x 60 x 29 mm (3.92 x 2.36 x 1.12″) and weighs 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz) (including batteries). Nikon D3 has external dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46″) and weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3. Nikon 1 J4 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 60mm narrower, 97mm shorter and 59mm thinner than Nikon D3.

Comparison image of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3.

Comparison image of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3.

Top View Comparison image of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon 1 J4 is significantly lighter (1068g ) than the Nikon D3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since Nikon D3 has a Full frame sensor and Nikon 1 J4 has a smaller 1" sensor, Nikon 1 J4's lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will generally be lighter and smaller than the Nikon D3 lenses.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

1 J4

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

1 J4

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Thanks to the weather sealed body of D3, you can use this camera with more confidence under conditions where there is risk of exposure to water and dust compared to 1 J4.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3: Sensor Comparison

Nikon 1 J4 has a 18.0MP 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 4 processor. On the other hand, Nikon D3 has a 12.0MP Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed processor.

Nikon 1 J4's sensor provides 6MP more than Nikon D3's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the 1 J4 and D3 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 Cameras

As seen above, Nikon D3 has a 7.4x Larger sensor area than Nikon 1 J4. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3 Comparison of Available Lenses

Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. When we look at the available lenses for these two cameras, we see that Nikon D3 has an advantage over Nikon 1 J4 There are 309 lenses for Nikon D3's Nikon F mount, on the other hand there are only 13 lenses for Nikon 1 J4's Nikon 1 lens mount.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. None of these bodies have sensor based image stabilization so you have to buy lenses with Optical stabilization feature. Currently there are 7 lenses for Nikon 1 mount and 106 lenses for Nikon F mount with IS.

Lens Type	# of Nikon 1 J4 Lenses	# of Nikon D3 Lenses
Standard Zoom	4	33 (17 Full Frame)
Standard Prime	2	21 (18 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom	1	33 (17 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime	2	48 (46 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom	2	53 (43 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime	n/a	45 (44 Full Frame)
SuperZoom	2	30 (6 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime	n/a	8 (3 Full Frame)
Macro Prime	n/a	26 (23 Full Frame)
Perspective Control Prime	n/a	11 (11 Full Frame)
Telephoto Mirror Prime	n/a	1 (0 Full Frame)
TOTAL	13	309 (228 Full Frame)

What types of Photography are Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon 1 J4 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Nikon D3 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Nikon 1 J4 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Medium sized Body
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
No Image Stabilization
Large Body
Read the details

Nikon 1 J4 for Sports Photography

GOOD

Nikon D3 for Sports Photography

EXCELLENT

Fast Continuous Shooting: 60.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
105 Cross Type Focus sensors
171 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 11.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
15 Cross Type Focus sensors
51 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 4300 shots
Good Low Light ISO
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Nikon 1 J4 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

232g
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Medium size Body
Read the details

Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Large Body
1300g
Body Thickness 88mm
Read the details

Nikon 1 J4 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon D3 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Live-view
Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Large Full frame (36 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Read the details

Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon D3: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon D3 scores compare:

Nikon 1 J4

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #70 out of 126 in Rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #326 out of 1218 in all Cameras

Nikon D3

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #13 out of 36 in Large SLR cameras
Ranked #263 out of 1218 in all Cameras

Nikon D3 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon 1 J4 mainly because of its huge advantage in Image quality. In all other areas, Nikon 1 J4 excels. It is a tough choice!
If image quality is your priority, get the Nikon D3.
If you are ready to compromise image quality for extra features, compactness and value, choose Nikon 1 J4

Nikon D3 vs Nikon 1 J4 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Nikon 1 J4	Nikon D3
Brand	Nikon	Nikon
Announced	2014-04-10	2008-04-18
Body Type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless	Large SLR
Sensor
Type	CMOS	CMOS
Size	1"	Full frame
Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm	36 x 23.9 mm
Area	116.16mm²	860.40mm²
Megapixels	18 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	5232 x 3488	4256 x 2832
Max Native Light sensitivity	12,800 ISO	6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	25600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	160 ISO	200 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	171	51
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Nikon 1	Nikon F
Number of Available Lenses	13	309
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	1,037k dots	922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a	0.7x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/8000s
Max Electronic Shutter	1/16000s	n/a
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	No	No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.00 m (ISO 100)	no built-in flash
Max Flash Sync	n/a	1/250s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	60.0 fps	11.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	None
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264	n/a
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	232g	1300g
Dimensions	100 x 60 x 29mm	160 x 157 x 88mm
Battery Life	300 shots	4300 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested	81
DxO Color Depth	not tested	23.5
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested	12.2
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested	2290
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