Nikon's entry mirrorless — the 1 J3, 14MP 1-inch, Nikon 1 mount, no viewfinder, 2013.
The Nikon 1 J3, released in 2013, was an entry-level mirrorless camera in Nikon's Nikon 1 system, the compact J-line aimed at everyday users stepping up from a phone or point-and-shoot. It kept the small 1-inch sensor format that defined the system's speed and size.
This is a mirrorless camera on the Nikon 1 mount, using a 1-inch sensor of roughly 14 megapixels. It has no viewfinder; composition is via the rear screen, which is typical of the entry J-series. It offers fast hybrid autofocus and quick continuous shooting from the small sensor, and it records Full HD video. Native Nikon 1 lenses are small to suit the format.
The 1 J3 suited beginners, general and travel photographers wanting a pocketable interchangeable-lens camera with simple operation. The 1-inch sensor is smaller than APS-C, trading low-light performance and background blur for compactness, while the roughly 2.7x crop factor lengthened effective reach. The lack of a viewfinder means composing on the screen, which can be awkward in bright sun.
As a compact mirrorless body, check the sensor for dust and marks and test the rear screen for dead or stuck pixels and responsiveness. Request the shutter actuation count, inspect the card and battery door latches, and confirm the EN-EL20 battery holds charge with a charger included. The Nikon 1 system is discontinued, so native lenses and support are limited, and resale sits at the budget end.