Nikon Nikon V1 and J1 hands-on impressions

stratokaster

Top Veteran
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Name
Pavel
Today I was invited by Nikon to the event dedicated to the launch of the new Nikon 1 system. At the event, I had a chance to briefly handle the new cameras and lenses.

Here are my initial impressions.

w7cTbTmnhd0HDjJ6hG3A.jpg


First of all, the cameras are not small. For example, if you hack off the viewfinder hump off the G3, it will be exactly the same size as Nikon J1. But, of course, G3's sensor is significantly larger. The lenses, on the other hand, are absolutely tiny; the tele lens (30-110) is smaller than the Panasonic 14-42 kit zoom.

zal3Srkw1oWBr4oucfrd.jpg


AF is FAST!!! The G3 is no slouch either, but Nikon's AF is much faster. The focusing spot turns green the instant you press the shutter button.

The speed of these small cameras is simply astonishing, you can shoot 10 fps in RAW with continuous AF or 60 fps in full-resolution JPEG without continuous AF.

V1 and J1 are loaded with cool features like slow motion video etc. In fact, I am under impression that the cameras are very much video-oriented. The video mode is very impressive: you can choose between 1920x1080 (60i or 30p) and 1280x720/60p with full manual exposure. The V1 even has the input for an external stereo microphone. And you can capture full-resolution stills while shooting video. This is something no other camera can do.

Of course, there are some problematic moments. The lenses are very slow in terms of max aperture and they don't even have the focusing ring. The cameras don't have the standard hot shoe. But overall I think Nikon has a winner. The IQ most certainly will be good enough, the size of cameras and lenses is right, the speed is simply amazing. And don't forget about the body colors! Soccer moms and other fashionable amateurs will be happy.

More shots of the cameras:

oPNmASCWn4x3qh0syCPH.jpg


c2VLlUnSjef1gcnOEdXI.jpg


Ao7h4bw4VMSLIeXc8Fcs.jpg


mY7LqZIdzmB4RJwZ8ytu.jpg


a0RTQNfgarXBZYHlVdEQ.jpg
 
Nikon 1/EVF

Today I was invited by Nikon to the event dedicated to the launch of the new Nikon 1 system. At the event, I had a chance to briefly handle the new cameras and lenses.

Here are my initial impressions.

w7cTbTmnhd0HDjJ6hG3A.jpg


First of all, the cameras are not small. For example, if you hack off the viewfinder hump off the G3, it will be exactly the same size as Nikon J1. But, of course, G3's sensor is significantly larger. The lenses, on the other hand, are absolutely tiny; the tele lens (30-110) is smaller than the Panasonic 14-42 kit zoom.

zal3Srkw1oWBr4oucfrd.jpg


AF is FAST!!! The G3 is no slouch either, but Nikon's AF is much faster. The focusing spot turns green the instant you press the shutter button.

The speed of these small cameras is simply astonishing, you can shoot 10 fps in RAW with continuous AF or 60 fps in full-resolution JPEG without continuous AF.

V1 and J1 are loaded with cool features like slow motion video etc. In fact, I am under impression that the cameras are very much video-oriented. The video mode is very impressive: you can choose between 1920x1080 (60i or 30p) and 1280x720/60p with full manual exposure. The V1 even has the input for an external stereo microphone. And you can capture full-resolution stills while shooting video. This is something no other camera can do.

Of course, there are some problematic moments. The lenses are very slow in terms of max aperture and they don't even have the focusing ring. The cameras don't have the standard hot shoe. But overall I think Nikon has a winner. The IQ most certainly will be good enough, the size of cameras and lenses is right, the speed is simply amazing. And don't forget about the body colors! Soccer moms and other fashionable amateurs will be happy.

More shots of the cameras:

oPNmASCWn4x3qh0syCPH.jpg


c2VLlUnSjef1gcnOEdXI.jpg


Ao7h4bw4VMSLIeXc8Fcs.jpg


mY7LqZIdzmB4RJwZ8ytu.jpg


a0RTQNfgarXBZYHlVdEQ.jpg

Pavel, you have a G2, so how does the view finder of the V1 compare to the panny. Also was the build ok , quality?
Thanks Dennis.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to getting hold of one of these to play with. I also noticed they go to 1/16000 sec which is astonishing!! The spec does look very very good.
 
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