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Nikon system camera reviews

The Nikon 1 series is a unique example of how photographic manufacturers must find a way out of difficult situations amid a changing market. Nikon’s continued strength in the SLR segment has allowed it to carve out a niche for itself in the burgeoning mirrorless class by developing a lineup of cameras with a unique set of features.

Nikon 1 V3

Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon 1 V3

18.3MP 10-30mm PD F3.5-6.6 3″ 36 000 Dollars.

The Nikon 1 series is a unique example of how photo makers must find a way out of tough situations amidst a changing market. Nikon’s continued strength in the SLR segment has allowed it to carve its own niche in the burgeoning mirrorless class by developing a range of models with a unique set of features. One such certainly winning find is the V3 camera, whose analogues among competitors are impossible to find.

As the main trump card in the struggle for photographers’ attention the developers took advantage of the main advantage of the Nikon 1 system – the speed, which is provided by a small one-inch matrix. An upgraded 18 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, with 105 pairs of phase-autofocus sensors spread out over virtually the entire frame, offers absolutely incredible performance. 60 fps for a burst of 40 RAW images in focus locked and 20 fps in active focus can now hardly be achieved by any other “systematic” compact. What’s more, there was nothing like it even in the professional SLR segment.

Nikon 1 V3 also excels at high-speed video shooting. 120 fps recording mode is now available at 1280 × 720 pixels. Videographic functionality provides full exposure control, audio recording level control, the ability to use an external microphone, including condenser microphone, as the audio jack provides power if necessary.

To emphasize the main advantage of the Nikon 1 system – compactness – the body design has been significantly redesigned. The camera is considerably smaller than its predecessors. The solid handle protrusion is reduced to a small flush, but those who value comfort and ergonomics over compactness can take advantage of an additional accessory – a removable grip with a second shutter release button and a wheel with customizable functions. The victim of the body’s downsizing was the built-in electronic viewfinder. However, for those who like to compose their shots by looking through the eyepiece, the manufacturer offers an optional external viewfinder. It’s got great features, including 2.3 million dots.

Nikon 1 V2

Photo equipment

Nikon 1 V2

14.3MP 10-30mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 26,000 Dollars.

While the Nikon 1 V3 can be recommended as a second camera for professional photographers, the retired and cheaper V2 has all the chances to find appeal among amateurs. It doesn’t have the record-breaking performance of its successor and can’t offer the same clever ergonomics, but it’s still a small, fast camera with an abundance of settings and manual control options. And when you consider that it’s offered at a lower price than a number of much less capable amateur “systems,” enthusiastic photographers should definitely consider it.

Compared to most mid-range mirrorless cameras, the V2 looks tiny. A magnesium-alloy body and a large, quite comfortable grip make the camera comfortable to hold and well-balanced. Two parameter selection wheels allow you to work relatively quickly with the setting of filming settings.

The speed, inherent in all Nikon 1 cameras, is reinforced here by the quick response of the electronics to user requests and the fast and sensitive hybrid autofocus. Compactness, not least due to the small one-inch sensor. Two processors are involved in the shooting, each responsible for a different front of work, which allows the camera to achieve impressive if not as record-breaking as the V3 performance. The apparatus is able to record images at up to 15 fps and keep the subject in focus. Predictive Shooting Mode, or Slow Review, as it’s called here, makes it possible to record a burst of images before you even press the shutter, making it that much easier to catch the right moment in the frame.

Specifications:

Manufacturer

Nikon

Model

V2

Average price*

810

Matrix

Type

CMOS

Size, mm

13,2×8,8

Effective pixels, millions

14,2

Lens, focusing

Bayonet compatible optics

Nikon 1

Digital zoom, magnification

Image stabilization***

Manual

+

Photo Shooting

ISO sensitivity**

160-6400

Shutter speed range, sec

30-1/4000

Scene programs

Mode A

+

S mode

+

M Mode

+

Manual white balance

+

Guide number of built-in flash, m

5

Connecting an external flash

Hot-shoe

3:2 image format

+

16:9 aspect ratio

+

RAW

+

Capture speed frames per burst

15 fps 45 JPEG

Video and sound

Video, pixels

1920×1080@30p

Sound Video

+

Sound commentary

Voice recorder

Camera

LCD monitor, inches

3,0

LCD monitor resolution, thousand pixels

921

Viewfinder****

je

Memory Cards

SD/SDHC/SDXC

Power*****

Li-ion

Dimensions, mm

108x82x46

Weight, g

338

Announcement Date

24.10.2012

Nikon 1 J4

Photo equipment

Nikon 1 J4

14.3 Megapixel 10-30mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 19 900 Dollars.

The fourth generation of “system” cameras Nikon J series to a greater extent than its predecessors, meets the generally accepted idea of what should be a modern amateur camera. The novelty has turned out well-balanced by functionality, dimensions and control structure. A simplified interface and set of automated shooting controls should help newcomers get the hang of it and the results are just as good. At the same time the camera offers a set of both creative and entertainment features.

Thanks to the emergence of this camera touch screen, the user has the ability to change the way you want, just by pointing a finger at the screen, and not having to remember which menu or what combination of keys or wheels it is set. Tapping the screen makes it easier to manipulate the palette of artistic software filters, applying the desired effect in the desired amount in a particular area of the picture. Or if you’re too lazy to remove your gloves in freezing temperatures the resistive screen only triggers by skin contact , touch control can be used for some operations only – like selecting the sweet spot – and other operations can be performed with the body buttons.

From the flagship V3, the latest amateur model borrowed more powerful electronics and the latest generation sensor with phase detection AF. So, despite the noticeable increase in resolution, and hence the amount of graphic information to process, the J4 can now also shoot 20fps with continuous autofocus. True, the buffer memory is smaller here, so the series will be shorter. Video mode has increased in frame rate with Full HD.

To transfer footage to J4 through the card reader will not be very convenient, because as the media used cards format microSD – very small, quite fragile, and most importantly are designed specifically to get lost. The alternative will be a module for transmitting photos and videos via Wi-Fi: not very fast, but much more reliable. With his help, saving the finished material on the computer as an intermediate action can be ruled out and immediately send pictures and clips to Internet galleries or social networks.

Nikon 1 AW1

Photo equipment

Nikon 1 AW1

14.3 megapixel 11-27.5 mm F3.5-5.6 AW 3″ 26 000 Dollars.

Speaking of the Nikon 1 paradigm as a field of unique “system” cameras, the AW1 cannot be overlooked. It can dive into water and shoot up to 15 meters deep without expensive boxes and special ports for lenses. Previously, only compacts with built-in optics were able to do this. Two waterproof lenses are available for the AW1. Naturally, all other Nikkor optics are available on land, including SLR models. And if the one-inch format has some limitations in terms of image quality, the images you get with the AW1 are sure to be far better than those you get with amphibian compacts.

Designers have tried to give the rugged, sealed construction quite a “secular” look, and unlike many “water-swimming” cameras, Nikon 1 AW1 does not give anything away its specialization. It will look appropriate and discreet in any situation, not just at a dive center or ski resort.

With its outward neutrality the camera is quite adapted for extreme travel. Thanks to the added structural reinforcement, falling from 2 meters onto dry land is not a problem. The camera retains its full performance in conditions of prolonged exposure to frost. Built-in GPS module with electronic compass and altimeter – additional useful functionality for the traveling photographer. This camera, like the rest of the Nikon 1 system, stands out for its quick response to user actions, productive autofocus and fast burst response. So extreme sports shooting that also involves adverse environmental conditions is the most suitable format for it.

Specifications:

The manufacturer

Nikon

Model

AW1

Average price*

new

Sensor

Type

CMOS

Size, mm

13,2×8,8

Effective pixels, millions

14,2

Lens, focusing

Bayonet compatible optics

Nikon 1

Digital zoom, multiplicity

Image stabilization***

Manual

+

Photo mode

ISO sensitivity**

160-6400

Shutter speed range, sec

30-1/16000

Scene programs

7

Mode A

+

S-mode

+

M Mode

+

Manual white balance

+

Driving number of built-in flash, m

5

Connecting an external flash

3:2 image format

+

16:9 aspect ratio

+

RAW

+

Speed of shooting frames per series

15 fps 45 JPEG

Video and sound

Video, pixels

1920×1080@60i

Video sound

+

Sound Commentary

Recorder

Camera

LCD monitor, inches

3,0

LCD monitor resolution, thousands of pixels

921

Viewfinder****

Memory cards

SD/SDHC/SDCX

Power*****

Li-ion 220

Dimensions, mm

114x72x37

Weight, g

201

Announcement date

19.09.2013

Nikon 1 S2

Photo equipment

Nikon 1 S2

14.3MP 10-30mm F3.5-5.6 3″ 15 600 Dollars.

In terms of affordability in the entry-level segment, only Samsung cameras can compete with the S2 if we consider current rather than obsolete models, of course . Pay attention to this camera should be for those who are looking for in a camera more versatility and better shooting quality than compacts can offer in this price range, but still appreciate the “pocketability”. Here again, the only rival to the S2 will be the Samsung NX Mini, but the competitor loses considerably in the number of available lenses.

At a low resolution of 14 megapixel sensor attracts other advantages. It’s primarily equipped with phase difference sensing of light waves. This made the autofocus not only accurate but also fast. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of sharpening in an entry-level camera, as its target audience is unlikely to bother with manual focus. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, and the moiré reduction is done by software. This gives you real image detail that’s higher than on most cameras with higher rated resolutions. Expeed 4A processor delivers continuous shooting at 20fps in full frame rate and with active autofocus. The J4 differs from the J4 in its smaller size, a normal medium-resolution display, and lack of Wi-Fi. A wireless interface will be available as an option if needed: a miniature WU-1a transmitter will add a missing but popular feature.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 1
  1. Harper Brooks

    I would like to know if anyone has any experience with Nikon system cameras. I am thinking of purchasing one but I would like to hear some honest reviews about the camera’s performance, image quality, features, and overall user experience. Are they worth the investment? Any specific model recommendations would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights!

    Reply
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