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Nikon 1 J4 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Nikon 1 J4

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    Main Features

    • 18MP - 1" CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 160 - 12800
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 60 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 1,200 fps High-Speed Video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 232g. 100 x 60 x 29 mm
    • Replaced Nikon 1 J3
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon 1 J4 Overview

    First introduced in April 2014 , Nikon 1 J4 is a 18.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Nikon 1 lens mount. Nikon replaced the older 1 J3 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon 1 J3

    Nikon 1 J4 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon 1 J4 is a member of Nikon's J series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Nikon J Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    2015 21.0MP - 1" 20.0 fps 98 x 60 x 32mm 231g
    Nikon 1 J4
    2014 18.0MP - 1" 60.0 fps 100 x 60 x 29mm 232g
    Nikon 1 J3
    Compare
    2013 14.0MP - 1" 15.0 fps 101 x 61 x 29mm 201g
    Nikon 1 J2
    Compare
    2012 10.0MP - 1" 10.0 fps 106 x 61 x 30mm 238g
    Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    2012 10.0MP - 1" 10.0 fps 106 x 61 x 30mm 234g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Nikon J5 vs 1 J4 vs 1 J3 vs 1 J2 vs 1 J1

    Nikon 1 J4 has an Overall Score of 59/100 and ranked #143 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #327 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Nikon 1 J4 Physical Specs
    Nikon 1 J4 weighs 232 g (0.51 lb / 8.18 oz) and has external dimensions of 100 x 60 x 29 mm (3.92 x 2.36 x 1.12″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, Nikon 1 J4 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 29mm, it is also quite small, 21mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 J4
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    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 J4
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    Average
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    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon 1 J4 with the dimensions:

    Nikon 1 J4 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon 1 J4 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon 1 J4, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon 1 J4 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon 1 J4 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon 1 J4 with its main competitors:

    Nikon 1 J4 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 1 J4 Thickness vs 1 J4
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    231g 1g lighter 32mm 3mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J3
    Compare
    201g 31g lighter 29mm equal thickness
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    234g 2g heavier 30mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    381g 149g heavier 33mm 4mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J2
    Compare
    238g 6g heavier 30mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    383g 151g heavier 44mm 15mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    344g 112g heavier 45mm 16mm thicker
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Sony a5000
    Compare
    269g 37g heavier 36mm 7mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon 1 J4 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon 1 J4 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon 1 J4 has a 18.0MP 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5232 x 3488 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. 1 J4 has a native ISO range of 160 - 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Nikon 1 J4 is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon 1 J4 vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon 1 J4's 1" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon 1 J4 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon 1 J4 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon 1 J4 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Nikon 1 J4 has a Nikon 1 lens mount and currently there are 13 native lenses available for this mount. Although limited in number and versatility, Nikon 1 mount provides the compact and lightweight lenses that the system promises. With an adapter, you can mount Nikon F lenses and thanks to focal length multiplier of 2.7x, some of these lenses will give you a very long focal length reach.

    Nikon 1 J4 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 7 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 2 lenses with weather sealing for 1 J4 but bear in mind that 1 J4 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Nikon 1 J4 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Nikon 1 Mount Lenses for Nikon 1 J4
    Model Focal Length on 1 J4 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6
    189-810mm 1" 560gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f1.8 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f1.8
    51.3mm 1" 70gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6
    81-297mm 1" 180gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f4.5-5.6
    27-270mm 1" 298gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 10mm f2.8 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 10mm f2.8
    27mm 1" 77gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6
    18.9-35.1mm 1" 125gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f1.2 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f1.2
    86.4mm 1" 235gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 Lens Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6
    27-81mm 1" 115gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Nikon 1 J4 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Nikon 1 J4 LCD

    Nikon 1 J4 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,037k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

    LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

    Nikon 1 J4 back view and LCD

    1 J4 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Olympus OM-D E-M10 (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Nikon 1 J4 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon 1 J4 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( smartphone app allows for photo sharing) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

    You can connect 1 J4 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Nikon 1 J4 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 300 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, Nikon 1 J4 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend 1 J4 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Nikon 1 J4
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon 1 J4 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Nikon 1 J4 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 220shots No No No
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 310shots Yes No No
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 J2
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots No No No
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Sony A6000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon 1 J4 Camera Sony a5000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 420shots Yes No Yes

    Nikon 1 J4 Video Features

    With Nikon 1 J4, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60p,30p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon 1 J4 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    1 J4 also a high speed mode where it captures videos at 1,200 fps for ultra slow motion videos. 1 J4 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Nikon 1 J4 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Canon EOS M3 or Canon EOS M in a similar price range.

    Nikon 1 J4 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon 1 J4 can shoot continuously at max speed of 60 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. 1 J4 also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/16000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

    Flash

    Unfortunately 1 J4 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon 1 J4 features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 171 focus points and 105 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

    Nikon 1 J4 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Nikon 1 J4 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon 1 J4 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Full HD Video
    Touch Screen
    Face Detection Focusing
    18.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    12.800 Max ISO
    171 Focus Points
    1.037k dots LCD Resolution
    1/16000s Electronic Shutter Speed
    60.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    232g Light Body
    105 Cross Type Focus Points
    Panorama Shooting
    1,200 fps High Speed Video
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon 1 J4 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Viewfinder Option
    x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Battery Life: 300 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon 1 J4 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon 1 J4 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon 1 J4 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 has a score of 34 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over the1 J4.
    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 of how we scored Nikon 1 J4 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 for Street Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 has a score of 47 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Medium sized Body
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 J4 for Street Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 for Sports Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 has a score of 67 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 60.0fps
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    105 Cross Type Focus sensors
    171 Focus Points
    Wireless Connection
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 J4 for Sports Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 for Daily Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    232g
    Medium size Body
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 J4 for Daily Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon 1 J4 has a score of 33 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over the1 J4.
    Live-view
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon 1 J4 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon 1 J4 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon 1 J4 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon 1 J4 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon 1 J4

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon 1 J4 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon 1 J5
    Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J3
    Nikon 1 J3
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J1
    Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    Nikon 1 V3
    Nikon 1 V3
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J2
    Nikon 1 J2
    Compare
    Nikon 1 V1
    Nikon 1 V1
    Compare
    Sony A6000
    Sony A6000
    Compare
    Sony a5000
    Sony a5000
    Compare

    Nikon 1 J4 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon 1 J4 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Nikon 1 J4's price range.

    Pentax K-5
    Pentax K-5
    Compare
    Sony A55
    Sony A55
    Compare
    Sony A33
    Sony A33
    Compare
    Pentax K-50
    Pentax K-50
    Compare
    Pentax K-30
    Pentax K-30
    Compare
    Pentax K-7
    Pentax K-7
    Compare
    Canon 100D
    Canon 100D
    Compare
    Canon 550D
    Canon 550D
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon 1 J4
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon 1 J4?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon 1 J4?
    is the Nikon 1 J4 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon 1 J4 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon 1 J4?
    What is the Weight of Nikon 1 J4?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon 1 J4?
    Nikon 1 J4 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon 1 J4
    Announced 2014-04-10
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Nikon 1
    Number of Lenses 13
    Focal Length Multiplier 2.7×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 1,037k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Max Electronic Shutter Speed 1/16000s
    Continuous Shooting 60.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 5.00 m (ISO 100)
    Flash Modes 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
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size 1"
    Sensor Dimensions 13.2 x 8.8 mm
    Sensor Area 116.16mm2
    Sensor Resolution 18 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5232 x 3488
    Max Native ISO 12,800
    Min Native ISO 160
    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
    Number of Cross Focus Points 105
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1472 x 984 (60p, 30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 232g
    Physical Dimensions 100 x 60 x 29mm
    Battery Life 300 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model EN-EL22
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type microSD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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