Yesterday, Electroworld unveiled Nikon’s interchangeable lens cameras (ILC), the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1. These types of cameras falls between your high-end point-and-shoot cameras and your DSLRs. They are compact, yet can accommodate different lenses and take almost DSLR-like photos.
At the heart of the Nikon 1 cameras is Nikon’s own and very new, CX sensor. It’s smaller than other ILC sensors out there but it doesn’t compromise on speed, dynamic range and image quality at all. Thanks to its EXPEED 3 processor, the Nikon 1 cameras feels really fast… from focusing, to processing and saving your picture. It packs a combination of Contrast and Phase-Detection AF in a single hybrid sensor that contributes to the fast focusing and the 135 focus points (my Nikon D90 only has 9) will make sure you’ll get the best results.
I was able to try out these Nikon 1 cameras and I was really impressed with its all-around quick response, excellent quality even in indoor shots and very smart auto mode. The only qualm I have coming from my familiarity of the DSLR is its simplistic approach when it comes to dials. The only quick toggle I can do is shutter speed and aperture. If I want to change WB and ISO I need to dig into the menu, which to be fair is quite intuitive and simple.
The Nikon 1 J1 is geared towards the consumers who hasn’t handled a DSLR yet and not sure if they want to go that route. Or those who wants something small yet with DSLR-like controls. It’s smaller than the V1 and doesn’t have a viewfinder nor a hotshoe for external accessories. It comes in red, white, pink, silver, or black with a 10mm to 30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The Nikon 1 J1 retails for Php31,999.
The Nikon 1 V1 is for the enthusiasts or professional photographers who needs a secondary, less bulky camera that can do the job. It’s the bigger sibling of the J1 with a bright, 1440k electronic viewfinder, a mechanical shutter, and a covered slot (not hotshoe and no built-in flash) for proprietary Nikon 1 accessories. It can also take still photos while shooting Full HD videos without interruption. It comes in black, or white with a 10mm to 30mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The Nikon 1 V1 retails for Php43,999.
If you’re already a Nikon DSLR owner, there’s an F-mount adapter that lets you use your Nikkor lens on any of these Nikon 1 cameras. No word yet on how much it costs here.
As of right now, only the black and white colors are available but the rest of colors (including colored lens) will be available early next year. You can buy these cameras at Electroworld and Nikon stores in the metro.
You might want to head to http://nikon1.nikon-asia.com to know more about the features of these cameras.