Nikon 1 J3 review

Can Nikon's smallest CSC deliver the goods?

Nikon 1 J3 review
The Nikon 1 J3 is a very small CSC

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

Here we compare the Nikon 1 J3 with the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M, Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic GF5.

JPEG signal to noise ratio

Nikon 1 J3 JPEG Signal to Noise Ratio

These results show that the Nikon 1 J3 has a stronger signal to noise ratio than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M, Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic GF5.

Raw signal to noise ratio

Nikon 1 J3 TIFF Signal to Noise Ratio

The signal to noise ratios of the TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon 1 J3 are weaker than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M and Nikon 1 V2 throughout the sensitivity range, and weaker than the Panasonic GF5 until ISO 800, until it overtakes it from there and upwards.

JPEG dynamic range

Nikon 1 J3 JPEG Dynamic Range

The Nikon 1 J3's images showing a similar dynamic range to the Nikon 1 V2 throughout the sensitivity range.

Raw dynamic range

Nikon 1 J3 TIFF Dynamic Range

TIFF images (after conversion from raw) from the Nikon 1 J3 are weak, containing less dynamic range than the Olympus PEN Mini E-PM2, Nikon 1 J2, Canon EOS M and Nikon 1 V2, but it does have a stronger dynamic range than the Panasonic GF5 across the full sensitivity range.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

Latest in Compact Cameras
Canon PowerShot V1 compact vlogging camera on a white desk, lens folded away
I tested the Canon PowerShot V1, and the beginner vlogging camera feels like the complete package but for this one thing
Holding the Fujifilm GFX100 RF medium-format compact camera
Fujifilm GFX100RF preorders are live: where to buy Fuji's latest medium format compact camera
Canon March 2025 launch teaser
Canon teases two big vlogging camera launches for next week – and one looks to be the PowerShot V1
Holding the Fujifilm GFX100 RF medium-format compact camera
I tried Fujifilm’s new medium-format GFX100RF, and it could just be the most desirable compact camera ever
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Latest in Reviews
The Kiwi design K4 Boost Battery strap being worn by Hamish
I test VR headsets for a living, and this affordable headstrap is the first Meta Quest 3 accessory you should buy
Both Kiwi design G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips
I thought VR controller grips were pointless until this Meta Quest 3 accessory proved me wrong
The Kiwi design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap
Want to upgrade your VR headset? Look no further than my new favorite Meta Quest 3 headstrap
WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR main image
I tested the WithSecure Elements EPP and EDR - read how I rated this Endpoint Protection for small business
The RIG M2 Streamstar.
I wanted to love the new RIG M2 Streamstar, but this pricey gaming microphone fails to deliver
Bambu Lab H2D Vs X1C
I've been reviewing the hotly anticipated Bambu Lab H2D for a month, and it's the most versatile machine I've ever used