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Nikon 1 J3 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon 1 J3 is a 14.2 MP CX Format mirrorless camera — with 1080p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon 1 J3 Mirrorless Camera

Nikon 1 J3 Mirrorless Camera

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Camera Overview — Nikon 1 J3

The Nikon 1 J3 is a compact mirrorless camera built around a 14.2 MP CX Format (Nikon 1) sensor paired with Nikon's EXPEED 3A image processor. It delivers a maximum still resolution of 4608 x 3072 pixels and an ISO range spanning 160 to 6400, giving shooters reasonable flexibility across a variety of lighting conditions. One of the camera's most compelling attributes is its burst mode capability, reaching up to 60 frames per second — a notable figure for a compact system camera in this class.

The hybrid autofocus system combines phase detection and contrast detection across 135 focus points, and includes subject tracking for moving targets. On the video side, the J3 records up to 1080p at 60fps in 8-bit color, with frame rate options of 30fps and 60fps. Six color profiles are available for both stills and video, including Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape.

The 3.0-inch TFT LCD display resolves 921,000 dots, and the camera ships with a built-in pop-up flash with i-TTL control. The body is constructed from aluminum alloy and polycarbonate, measures 101 x 61 x 29 mm, and weighs just 201g. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, and the camera offers Micro HDMI output and USB connectivity.

Key Features — Nikon 1 J3

14.2MP CX Format Sensor: Nikon's compact CX format sensor captures images at up to 4608 x 3072 pixels, keeping the overall body size small while delivering usable resolution for everyday shooting.

60fps Burst Shooting: Capable of capturing up to 60 frames per second in electronic shutter mode, making it well-suited for freezing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

135-Point Hybrid Autofocus: Combines phase detection and contrast detection across 135 focus points for fast, accurate focusing in a wide range of shooting situations.

Subject Tracking AF: Automatically tracks moving subjects across the frame, helping maintain focus during action sequences without manual adjustment.

1080p Video at 60fps: Records Full HD video at up to 60fps with 8-bit color output, suitable for smooth motion capture and standard editing workflows.

201g Compact Body: Constructed from aluminum alloy and polycarbonate at just 201g and 101 x 61 x 29 mm, making it one of the more portable mirrorless options for travel or everyday carry.

Camera Specifications — Nikon 1 J3

Nikon 1 J3 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypeMirrorless
SensorCX Format (Nikon 1)
Resolution14.2 MP
ProcessorEXPEED 3A
ISO Range160 – 6400
AF SystemPhase Detection, Contrast Detection, Hybrid (Phase + Contrast)
AF Points135 points
Max Photo Resolution4608 x 3072 px
Burst Rate60 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame Rate60fps

Description — Nikon 1 J3

The Nikon 1 J3 is a compact mirrorless camera centered on a 14.2 MP CX Format (Nikon 1) sensor processed by the EXPEED 3A engine. It captures stills at up to 4608 x 3072 pixels and offers an ISO range of 160 to 6400 for adaptable shooting in various lighting situations. The standout specification is the camera's burst mode, which reaches 60 frames per second — useful for sports, wildlife, or any fast-action scenario.

Autofocus uses a hybrid phase and contrast detection system spanning 135 points, with subject tracking enabled. Video recording tops out at 1080p at 60fps in 8-bit color, with both 30fps and 60fps available. Six picture control profiles — Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape — apply equally to stills and video.

The rear 3.0-inch TFT LCD resolves 921,000 dots for clear framing and playback. A built-in pop-up flash with i-TTL is included. The body measures 101 x 61 x 29 mm, weighs 201g, and is built from aluminum alloy and polycarbonate.

Connectivity includes USB and Micro HDMI output, with SD/SDHC/SDXC card support. The EN-EL20 lithium-ion battery provides approximately 220 shots per charge.

Pros — Nikon 1 J3

  • ✓Exceptional 60 fps burst mode for capturing fast-moving subjects
  • ✓Hybrid autofocus with 135 points combining phase and contrast detection, plus subject tracking
  • ✓Compact and lightweight body at 201g with aluminum alloy and polycarbonate construction

Cons — Nikon 1 J3

  • ✗No viewfinder of any type — display-only shooting
  • ✗No weather sealing, limiting use in adverse conditions
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless transfer or remote control

Videos — Nikon 1 J3

Nikon Mirrorless Cameras you probably didn't know about! Why Nikon 1 failed. — Hamer Reviews

Resources & Downloads — Nikon 1 J3

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 1 J3

What memory cards does the Nikon 1 J3 accept?+
The J3 is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Any card within these standards should work for both photo and video capture.
Does the Nikon 1 J3 have a viewfinder?+
No. The J3 does not include a built-in viewfinder of any type. Composing shots is done exclusively via the 3.0-inch TFT LCD display, which resolves 921,000 dots.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the J3 support?+
The J3 records video at up to 1080p with frame rate options of 30fps and 60fps. Video is captured in 8-bit color depth.
Does the J3 have built-in wireless connectivity?+
No — the J3 does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. File transfer to a computer requires a USB connection or removing the memory card directly.
What is the autofocus system like on the Nikon 1 J3?+
The J3 uses a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection and contrast detection across 135 focus points. Subject tracking is also supported, making it practical for moving subjects.
Does the Nikon 1 J3 have image stabilization?+
The J3 relies on lens-based stabilization only. There is no in-body image stabilization and no digital IS, so stabilization performance will depend on the lens being used.

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