Key Difference – Canon PowerShot G3 X vs Nikon 1 J5
Canon PowerShot G3 X and Nikon 1 J5 are two of the cameras that were released in 2015 by the two giants in the industry. The Canon PowerShot G3 X was introduced in June 2015 while the Nikon 1 J5 was introduced in April 2015. So, both the cameras, Canon PowerShot G3 X and Nikon 1 J5, belong to the same period, almost. However, the two cameras have different body types. The key difference between the two cameras is that Canon PowerShot G3 X has an SLR like bridge body whereas the Nikon 1 J5 is a Rangefinder type mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Let us review the specifications and features of the two cameras first before moving on to the comparison to find the difference between the two, the Canon PowerShot G3 X and Nikon 1 J5.
Canon PowerShot G3 X Review – Specification and Features
Sensor and Image Quality:
The Canon PowerShot G3 X sensor features a BSI-CMOS sensor and is sized at 13.2 x 8.8 mm (1”). It is powered by a DIGIC 6 processor. The pixels supported by the sensor is 20 megapixels. The Maximum resolution that is supported is 5472 x 3648 pixels. The aspect ratio support is 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9. The supported ISO range is 125 – 25600. It is also capable of saving in RAW format for later processing.
Lens:
The lens is fixed on this camera. The Canon PowerShot G3 X features a focal range of 24-600mm. This provides great wide angle capability as well as a great telephoto reach at the same time. The supported aperture at wide angle is f2.8, which is fast but, at the tele end, the aperture that is supported is f5.6, which is satisfactory.
Photography and Video Features:
The PowerShot G3 X can continuously shoot at 5.9 fps, and the maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec. Expert users also have the ability to get hold of the manual exposure mode. This camera also has an external flash and also is capable of supporting an external flash for flash photography. It also consists of a built-in mic and mono speaker. This camera has a port to support an external headphone and a microphone too. Time-lapse recording is also supported by this camera.
Video recordings can be done at a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The files can be saved in MP4 and H.264 formats.
Screen and Viewfinder:
The size of the screen is 3.2 inches. The LCD on this camera can be tilted. It is also a touchscreen, which enables the user to take advantage of the controls from his fingertips. The Canon PowerShot G3 X also has a built-in electronic optical viewfinder.
Connectivity :
The camera can be connected to other devices via the USB 2.0 port or mini HDMI for faster transfer of files.
Battery Life:
The battery is capable of supporting 300 shots per single charge. This is an average value when compared with similar DSLRs.
Dimensions and Weight:
The weight of the camera is 733 g. The dimensions are 123 x 77 x 105 mm. It is heavier compared to its own class, which may be a deciding factor. But, the body is waterproof, so it is capable of operating in any kind of weather.
Nikon 1 J5 Review – Specification and Features
Sensor and Image Quality:
The Nikon 1 J5 features a 21 megapixels BSI-CMOS sensor with a size of 13.2 x 8.8 mm (1”). It is powered by an Expeed 5A processor. The maximum resolution that can be shot by this camera is 5568 x 3712 pixels with an aspect ratio of 3:2. The ISO range supported by the camera is 160 – 12800. RAW format is supported by the camera which is a great feature for post processing.
Lens:
Nikon 1 J5 consists of a Nikon 1 Mount. There are 13 lenses that can be supported by this mount. The camera does not have image stabilization feature, but 7 of these lenses come with the image stabilization feature. There are a further 2 lenses that are weather sealed, but the camera itself is not weather sealed.
Photography and Video Features:
The Nikon 1 J5 is able to support continuous shooting at 60 fps. The maximum shutter speed supported is 1/16000 sec, which is great for moving shots. The camera is also able to support contrast and phase detection autofocus, which is a rare feature available in cameras these days. The autofocus system has 171 points to choose. The camera also supports a built-in mic and mono speaker but does not support an external mic or headphone. The Nikon 1 J5 does not have an anti-aliasing filter nor an optical low pass filter and that enables more detail and clarity in the images. Also, time-lapse recording is supported by this camera.
The Nikon 1 J5 can also support a video resolution of up to 3840 x 2160. The savable formats are MP4 and H.264 formats. The high-speed mode can capture videos at 120 fps for ultra-slow motion effect.
Screen and Viewfinder:
The screen is 3 inches wide with a supported resolution of 1,037k dots. The screen can also support touch, which enable the user to control camera function from their fingertips. This also reduces the need for more buttons on the camera.
Connectivity:
Wireless connectivity can be achieved by the use of Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and NFC. Mini HDMI and USB 2.0 ports give the camera the ability to connect to external devices. This enables direct transfer of media.
Battery Life:
The camera is capable of supporting 250 shots per single charge, which is a low value in comparison with similar cameras.
Dimensions and Weight:
The weight of the camera is 213 g. The dimensions of the camera are 98 x 60 x 32 mm. This is a very compact camera. It is light and small and can be carried easily and taken wherever the need arises.
What is the difference between Canon PowerShot G3 X and Nikon 1 J5?
Sensor and Image quality
Image Stabilization
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Optical
Nikon 1 J5: None
Image Stabilization feature offers better images at longer focal lengths and longer exposure because of the avoidance of blur.
Maximum ISO
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 25600
Nikon 1 J5: 12800
The higher ISO value can be used in a low light situation to increase the sensitivity of the camera. But the downside is that a higher ISO will usually provide us with a low-quality image.
Lens and Related Features
Focus Points
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 31
Nikon 1 J5: 171
This gives the Nikon 1 J5 the ability to focus on more points in and image. This in turn will give us a better chance to focus on the exact part we really want.
Lens
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Fixed
Nikon 1 J5: Interchangeable
An interchangeable lens gives a wider range of lenses to choose from and a wide range of capabilities associated with it.
Shutter Speed
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 1/2000 sec
Nikon 1 J5: 1/16000 sec
Faster shutter speeds can capture a moving image better with the blur and which in return will result in a better, detailed image.
Rapid Fire
Canon Power Shot G3 X: 5.9 fps
Nikon 1 J5: 60 fps
When the need arises to capture the picture of a moving image, a faster fps will give us a better choice of images than a slower frames per second.
Video Features
Video Resolution
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 1920 x 1080
Nikon 1 J5: 3840 x 2160
The Nikon 1 J5 has a better video resolution which makes it recording more detailed than the other.
Screen and Viewfinder
Viewfinder
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Electronic (Optical)
Nikon 1 J5: None
The camera, while using the viewfinder, can save battery by turning off the screen. This feature can be very useful when the battery is at a very low end.
LCD Screen Size and Resolution
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 3.2 inches, 1620 dots
Nikon 1 J5: 3 inches, 1037 dots
The larger screen gives the user the ability to view the image taken, or to be taken, more clearly. The higher resolution will enable the user to see the pictures in more detail than the other.
Dimensions and Weight
Dimension
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 123 x 77 x 105 mm
Nikon 1 J5: 98 x 60 x 32 mm
The smaller camera enables to take it where ever you go and to take photos at a notice.
Weight
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 733 g
Nikon 1 J5: 231 g
The Nikon 1 J5 is a very light camera which gives it the ability to be taken anywhere and can be used at any moment when a shot needs to be taken.
Price
Canon Power ShotG3 X: Expensive
Nikon 1 J5: Cheaper
The Nikon 1 J5 is cheaper than the Canon power shot G3X, which with its features may be the better camera of the two.
Special Features
External Flash
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Yes
Nikon 1 J5: No
This gives the camera a better option in flash photography where the external flash can be used in low light conditions.
Flash Coverage
Canon PowerShot G3 X: 6.8m
Nikon 1 J5: 5.0m
The canon power shot G3X flash can go further than the Nikon 1 J5 by 1.8m, which gives it a much better range.
Mic, Headphone Port
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Yes
Nikon 1 J5: No
The external mic and headphone is able to provide more quality than the built-in ones as they have a better ability to filter out noise in a better way.
Environmental Sealing
Canon PowerShot G3 X: Yes
Nikon 1 J5: No
The Canon Power Shot G3X is capable of operating in any harsh type of weather than the Nikon 1 J5.
Canon PowerShot G3 X vs. Nikon 1 J5 User Review
Canon PowerShot G3 X User Review
The Canon PowerShot G3X has a very comfortable grip, feel safe, and has a textured coating for a great feel. It is weather and dust proof and can operate under any weather condition.
The Canon G3 X SLR is a compact camera. The lens has a focal length range of 24-600 mm. This is ideal for wildlife photography and anything that needs to be shot from a distance. Another important feature is the maximum aperture range achieved by the camera which is f/2.8-5.6, comparing it with other cameras in the market, the CMOS sensor is comparatively bigger and the tele reach is larger too. However, the problem with long lenses is the fact that a shake in the camera will create blur in the image. The advanced dynamic image stabilizer on the Canon PowerShot G3X has a low standard and high settings for optical and digital corrections.
In Canon PowerShot G3X, the storage is able to support RAW and JPEG files simultaneously until the disk is full. Videos can be shot at full-HD at a maximum frame rate of 60frames per second 35Mbps. It also comes with a headphone and mic port, which increase the quality of the video. It also comes with NFC and Wi-Fi, which gives it remote control. The touchscreen responds quickly, but it’s a bit hard to follow moving objects that are far away from the screen. This is a disadvantage of not having a built-in viewfinder. However, an external viewfinder can be attached if needed. The screen is capable of tilting, and shots can be taken from a wide range of angles. Another feature is that the auto-focus system is fast and accurate.
Nikon 1 J5 User Review
The body of the Nikon is made up of plastic and give out a metallic look. The Nikon 1 J5 has a 21-megapixel resolution sensor. This sensor is back-side illuminated meaning there is no circuitry interfering with the light receptors. This in turn will increase the image quality in low light. There is no anti-aliasing filter either, which increases the detail of the images even further. The processing engine supports continues shooting at a rate of 60 frames per second. This is great to shoot fast occurring moments like involving a water splash. The shutter is electronically controlled. This makes the camera smaller and to achieve an impressive shutter speed of 1/16000 sec. This is great to shoot fast moving objects and also wide aperture in bright situations.
The screen of the camera can be flipped by 180 degrees. This is great for taking selfies, and when the screen is face-forward it automatically changes to selfie, face detection mode. But, there is no viewfinder and an external one cannot be attached either. Video can be shot at 4K at 15 frames per second, and full HD can be shot at 60 frames per second. 20 megapixels images can be shot when video recording without disrupting the video. Wi-Fi and NFC can be used to connect the camera remotely even with phones. Micro SD cards are supported, and this makes the camera smaller. This camera does not have an anti-aliasing filter which makes for a more detailed image.
Canon PowersShot G3 X vs. Nikon 1 J5 Pros and Cons
Both of these cameras have many features that are unique to each one. From an imaging perspective, both cameras are well balanced although, the lens changing feature of the Nikon 1 J5 outshines the Canon PowerShot G3 X. The Nikon 1 J5 is smaller and can be carried easily. It is also a cheaper camera with great value for money with the features it presents. Canon PowerShot G3 X also has many features that cannot be overlooked as it may be preferred over the Nikon 1 J5 only for the specific features it presents.
The ultimate decision has to be made by the users as their preference could be the one that decides which camera they may opt for.