Nikon J1 vs Canon SX260 HS

Cameras
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Nikon J1 vs Canon SX260 HS

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1 inch 116.2mm²
10.1 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Nikon J1 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the J1.

1/2.3 inch 28.1mm²
12.1 megapixels
25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Canon SX260 HS Review.
See real-world photos taken with the SX260 HS.

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Canon SX260 HS

Larger sensor
1 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Slower slow-motion
1200 fps vs 240 fps
Supports slower slow-mo
Bigger pixels
~ 3.41 vs 1.54 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
RAW file ability
Yes vs No
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Fast startup
~1.40 vs 1.9 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Less shutter lag
0.09 vs 0.52 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Longer exposure
30 vs 15 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
Faster JPEG shooting
57.9 fps vs 10.3 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/3200 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SX260 HS advantages over Nikon J1

Less expensive
$350 vs $650 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
More pixels
12.1 vs 10.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Slow-motion videos
Both provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Integrated ND filter
Neither provide
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Neither provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Nikon J1

Kit with 10-30mm Lens

Kit with 10-30mm Lens
Kit with 10-30mm and 30-110mm Lenses
Kit with 10mm and 10-30mm Lenses

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX260 HS

Canon SX260 HS

Review Excerpt

Very small body, with solid feel; Fast AF; No-nonsense interface. Excellent video capture, Good picture quality.
Body could be smaller for sensor size; High ISO isn't as good as other compact system cameras; Battery life below average; Weak flash; Confusing controls.
Read our Nikon J1 Full Review

20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.
Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.
Read our Canon SX260 HS Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Nikon J1

Nikon S9100

$500
1 inch

Slower slow-motion
Larger sensor

$254
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS

Nikon S9100

$480
1/2.3 inch

Built-in GPS
Manual focus

$254
1/2.3 inch

In-camera panoramas
Fast startup

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S9100

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1

Nikon J2

$500
1 inch

$550
1 inch

Less expensive
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J2

Canon SX260 HS

Nikon J2

$480
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$550
1 inch

Larger sensor
Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1

Nikon J3

$500
1 inch

Bigger pixels

$617
1 inch

Higher effective ISO
More dots on screen

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon J3

Canon SX260 HS

Nikon J3

$480
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$617
1 inch

Larger sensor
Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon J3

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1

Nikon S1

$500
1 inch

Wider angle kit lens

$199
1 inch

Less expensive

Compare Nikon J1 vs Nikon S1

Canon SX260 HS

Nikon S1

$480
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$199
1 inch

Larger sensor
Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Nikon S1

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Nikon J1

Canon SX280 HS

$500
1 inch

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$300
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon J1 vs Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS

Canon SX280 HS

$480
1/2.3 inch

Shoots 24p video
Slow-motion videos

$300
1/2.3 inch

Built-in Wi-Fi
Shoots 60p video

Compare Canon SX260 HS vs Canon SX280 HS

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