I tried out the Nikon 1 V1 (and Nikon 1 J1) mirrorless interchangeable lens (MIL) digital camera over the Chinese New Year.
Here’s what I like and dislike about Nikon’s debut into this relatively new segment of digital cameras.
This is a joint review in partnership with Tech65.org. Check out their video review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.
Both the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 comes with a choice of 3 lenses. Their bundled prices are tabulated below.
| Nikkor Lens kit | Nikon 1 V1 | Nikon 1 J1 |
| 10mm | S$1,269 | S$969 |
| VR 10-30mm | S$1,199 | S$899 |
| 10mm + VR 10-30mm | S$1,399 | S$1,099 |
| VR 10-30mm + VR 30-110mm | S$1,449 | S$1,149 |
The Nikon 1 has a crop factor of 2.7, so the 10, 30 and 110 mm focal lengths of the Nikon 1 lenses are equivalent (35mm format) to 27, 81 and 297 mm respectively.
Likes
I like the simplicity and clean design of the camera. It’s as simple to use (actually simpler) as a digital compact, and yet it’s only slightly heftier than a compact, but with faster focusing and better image quality.
The new CX format 1-inch 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is larger than those in compact cameras but smaller than other MIL cameras. It has a crop factor of 2.7 and allows lenses to be compact.
With a bigger sensor than most compacts, the image quality was noticeably better. Focusing was also very fast with its hybrid Contrast and Phase detection auto-focus.
So on those days that I just want a point-and-shoot that I can leave on auto and snap away at those precious spontaneous moments, this would be an ideal choice.
Such as when people come and go over the Chinese New Year period to “拜年” and you just want to shoot stills and videos of the kids spewing their well-wishing lines to earn their ang pows.
No need to frighten the kids with this gigantic and obstructive DSLR getting in the way. Besides, the design is retro and nice, very similar to the Olympus PEN, whose design I also like.
The main specs common to both V1 and J1.
- 10.1-megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with 2.7x crop factor
- Hybrid AF system using both phase and contrast detection
- Up to 60fps at full resolution with electronic shutter only
- Full HD 1080/60i video
- ISO 100-3200, with Hi 1 option at ISO 6400
And the white design of the Nikon 1 V1 that I used was the conversation topic drawing oohs and aahs from the subjects.
(That is invariably followed by more oohs and aahs when they hear the price of the camera).
On the main mode dial, you can see the four main shooting modes for using the camera. The usual Still shooting mode and Movie recording mode, as well as two interesting new modes: Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector.
Motion Snapshot
The first time I shot with Motion Snapshot mode I really liked the effect. What happens is that when you half-press the shutter release button, the camera begins to record video in its buffer.
