Nikon 1 V2 camera review

The second generation of Nikon’s older mirrorless system intrigues with its difficult combination of manageability and functionality. The camera interface has improved over the first version, but is still inferior to the best models of other brands. At the same time, the expressive handle, a modern viewfinder position the device in the class of “advanced” system compacts, and some characteristics Nikon 1 V2 will surprise even professionals.

Nikon 1 V2 camera

14.2MP 10-30mm, F3.5-5.6 3.0″ new

The developers put the emphasis on speed. A promising hybrid focus system – some of the sensor pixels work like DSLR phase-autofocus sensors – virtually eliminates the lag in sharpening, and two next-generation Expeed processors handle 850 million pixels per second. As a result the camera is capable of shooting at 15 fps, and if you block autofocus and exposure, the speed goes up to 60 full-size images per second. For comparison, professional flagship Nikon D4 gives “only” 11 fps, and reporter’s Canon EOS-1D X about 14 fps.

It’s interesting that the new item’s videographic functionality is more or less conventional at the same time. While the V2 allows you to plug in an external microphone and control exposure while shooting, the footage itself is recorded in the usual 1080@60i or 30p modes without the ability to control compression quality or other professional features. Unless in amateur use, speed shooting modes will be interesting: when you reduce the frame to 640×240 pixels you can capture fast action at 400 fps, and in tiny 320×120 pixels get 1200 fps.

Voluminous growth on top of the camera hides a modern electronic viewfinder with a resolution of about a million and a half pixels and a built-in flash guide number 5 . You can also use an external, plug-in hot shoe. 3-inch display with 921 thousand pixels. pixels. Is not equipped with a swivel mount and is not pressable like its major competitors.

For the experienced amateur photographer without specific genre preferences and corresponding equipment requirements, the Nikon One V2 is still not the best or the only choice. Cameras like the Sony NEX-6 and NEX-7, the Panasonic G5 or GH3, the Olympus OM-D offer more organic functionality and better ergonomics. But if you’re into sports or reportage and need maximum recording speed, the Nikon V2 is beyond competition. Keep in mind that, unlike most systemic devices, Nikon One models are equipped with a relatively small matrix of the inch format 13,2 x 8,8 mm , and in terms of photo quality, especially at high sensitivities, known to be inferior to most competitors.