• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Nikon J1 advantages over Leica TL2

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    57.9 fps vs 20.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Leica TL2 advantages over Nikon J1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1230k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    29 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/40000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon J1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica TL2

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.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon J1
Nikon J2
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
Leica TL2
Nikon J2
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon J1
Nikon J3
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dots on screen
Leica TL2
Nikon J3
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon S1

Nikon J1
Nikon S1
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
Leica TL2
Nikon S1
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Samsung NX500

Nikon J1
Samsung NX500
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica TL2
Samsung NX500
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Leica TL

Nikon J1
Leica TL
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica TL2
Leica TL
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1350
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
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