The Nikon 1 V1 is known for its very fast autofocusing, 10fps continuous shooting and Full HD video capabilities. The best in its class when these features are taken into account. The 10.1 Megapixels Nikon V1 with the 10-30mm (27-80mm equivalent) kit lens is priced around $849.
→ Click here to see the latest Nikon V1 price (White)
I wrote this Nikon V1 review to evaluate for myself if I should rush out and lay my hand on this very handsome EVIL Nikon!
Features of the Nikon V1
The most compelling feature of the Nikon V1 is the ability to shoot continuously AF at 10fps. At these speeds, the electronic shutter operates at 1/16000 speed which is roughly the maximum that the Nikon V1 series offers. Hence, the Nikon V1 represents the last stage of evolution in that series offered by Nikon. The company claims that the camera can shoot up to 58 Large Fine JPEG or 44 RAW files with the mechanical shutter. Now make the shutter fully automatic and the Nikon V1 can shoot up to 100 JPEG’s at 10fps. This is indeed a compelling feature of the V1 which should attract you to buy the camera.
Large 3″ LCD(921k dots) and 1.44M dots EVF
What I Like About the Nikon V1
The feature that I like the most about the Nikon V1 is the built-in electronic viewfinder with 1.44M dots resolution and 100% frame coverage. It has a large 3″ LCD display (921k pixels) for playback, menu navigation and composition. This makes it possible for positioning the camera better with respect to the target and the wide screen making it easier to compose and view the photos already taken.
Nikon V1 – Low light high ISO shot by Steve Huff
What I Dislike About the Nikon V1
Though the camera is meant for auto shooting mode, there is the concern of picture quality in at higher ISO settings. Despite the relatvely small Nikon CX-format sensor, pictures taken at ISO 1600 are still usable. However, I feel it’s too grainy when max it out at ISO 3200. The camera is not up to the level of a DSLR as far as getting the most out of the picture quality. This is the only jarring aspect in an otherwise great camera for the casual photographer.
Nikon 1 Lenses
Currently there are only 4 Nikon 1 lenses available: 10mm f/2.8, 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 and 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 PD Zoom. The widest angle lens is the 10mm which is 27mm equivalent in 35mm format and the longest zoom is 110mm which is 297mm equivalent in 35mm format.
For a technical review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1, visit dpreview.com
Overall Thoughts about the Nikon 1 V1
The Nikon 1 V1 fits into the not-so-professional yet not-fully-amateur cameras. This sandwich positioning reflects in the way the camera’s feature/price combination matrix works. Overall, the camera is good if one intends to go for a shoot in the wilderness at ultra-fast shutter speed or trying to autofocus at hyperactive kids. A cautionary note would be that you should stick to low ISO settings if you want good image quality.