The Nikon V1 mirrorless camera, based on the same base as the younger Nikon J1 model, but with some differences. Back in September 2011 Nikon introduced a new system of cameras with interchangeable optics, the debate about the pros and cons of which has not subsided to this day. The Nikon 1 has both supporters and detractors, as many Nikon fans were expecting a very different approach and result.
The main reason why critics of the system complain about the lack of what they see as the size of the sensor. That’s not what the camera designers think, and they’re absolutely right about the system concept. Another reason is explicitly amateurish purpose of the new cameras. From the leader in professional equipment, apparently, they expected something competitive at least with simple DSLRs.
Technical Specifications
Mount: Nikon 1
Sensor size: CMOS, 13.2 × 8.8 mm
Krop factor: 1
Sensor size: 10.1 megapixels, 3872×2592 pixels.
Viewfinder: electron-optical, TFT, 0.47 inch,
1,440,000 dots
LCD: 7.5 cm TFT LCD monitor, resolution
About 460,000 dots
Frame Format: 3:2, 16:9
Autofocus: single point AF: 135 focus zones, autofocus-
Boron AF-area: 41 AF-area
Shutter speed: 30-1/16000 s
Shooting modes: P, A, S, M, auto scene selection
Continuous shooting: high resolution: approx. 10, 30
or 60 fps
Exposure metering: Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot metering
aligns with focus point
White Balance: Auto, 8 settings with fine adjustment
Sensitivity: Auto, 100-3200 ISO extendable to 6400 ISO
Flash: External, hot shoe,
X-sync at 1/250 sec
Video: HD 1920×1080/60i, Time Lapse Video,
Motion snapshot, MOV, H.264/
MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding, AAC sound, embedded-
stereo microphone
Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Interfaces: high-speed USB, mini-HDMI Type C , NTSC,
PAL, 3.5mm audio
Power: Lithium-ion battery EN-EL15
Dimensions: 113×76×43.5 mm
Weight: 383 g
Price: 23 600 Dollars. with 10-30 mm lens
Accessories: CD with software, strap, charger, battery, protective cover, cables
Introduction
Nevertheless, the system turned out to be interesting, the necessary minimum of optics and accessories were introduced immediately, at the same time as the release of both cameras, and the high price is gradually falling to an acceptable level.
There are only two cameras in the system so far, the V1 and J1, for which four lenses are available. The new lens series includes the compact moderate wide-angle 1 Nikkor 10mm, the standard 3x zoom 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm, the telezoom 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm, and the motorized variable speed zoom 1 Nikkor 10-100mm PD-ZOOM, specifically designed for video shooting.
This set-up covers all the needs of amateurs for the first time. In addition, there is an adapter that allows you to install on the cameras of the new system optics SLR Nikon. The system also includes miniature flash SB-N5 Speedlight for V1 camera, external microphone and compact GPS-module GP-N100.
The test of the simpler and cheaper J1 was published in the last issue of our magazine, this time we will take a look at the bigger and more expensive model which is equipped with 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm PD-ZOOM.
This kit enables you to shoot stills with just one lens, covering the entire range of lenses currently available on these cameras, and to achieve maximum performance for high-quality, easy-to-use video.
Design, ergonomics and controls
The V1 doesn’t seem much different from the J1 in terms of what it really does.
The differences primarily concern the optional high-resolution EVF and the need for an external flash, as the built-in flash is not available on the V1.
Other differences for photography are less significant and are mainly related to the use of accessories.
The Nikon V1 is similar in design to its smaller counterpart, but it’s hard to mix them up, especially because of the protruding viewfinder at the top of the camera. The control layout is the same and this is a big plus.
Only the body mount lock is on the front, the other controls are mainly concentrated on the right side of the camera. On the top panel of the video button, the shutter button and the trigger button. The buttons don’t protrude over the surface of the body.
On the rear panel on top and to the right of the monitor is a button to switch speed modes, taking the user to the menu, a multifunction “rocker” to change settings. Mode dial just below, Disp button., playback button.
Next, a multi-function joystick and menu and delete buttons. Top left socket for external flash and accessories, which can be closed by a removable cover.
The flash is custom-designed for the new series, so you can’t plug any other flash into the socket. The controls are quite small, but spaced well apart. The risk of accidentally switching modes is minimized.
Camera connectors covered by a cover. At the bottom of the body tripod socket and cover for battery and memory card compartment. The camera controls in this series are quite simple and are dedicated to compact users. Nikon V1 comes in two colors: white and black.
Camera Features
As said before, the concept of the new series seems wrong to many, but in my opinion, there is no need to turn a compact amateur camera into a competitor to advanced DSLRs.
Nikon created cameras in the compact class, but with interchangeable high-quality optics. This approach allows you to customize the capabilities of a small camera to suit your anticipated shooting scenes.
In some versions the camera will be as miniature as possible, in some versions it will have a significant size for example, when installed through the adapter telephoto lens from a DSLR . Nikon V1 features a 10.1-megapixel CX-format high-speed CMOS sensor with real-time autofocus.
New sensor enables very high continuous shooting speeds without deteriorating quality: up to 60 fps in continuous bursts and up to 10 fps in tracking focus. Camera can take high-resolution photos during video shooting without interrupting recording.
The autofocus of the camera is very fast and almost inertia-free with the standard optics. The autofocus sensitivity in all lighting conditions is very good. Exposure modes include the classic P/A/S/M kit and Scene mode.
You have to enter the menu to change the mode, but this is familiar to all users of compacts. High-resolution video shooting produces high-quality movies.
Autofocus works quickly and steadily when shooting video. Smart picture selection mode where the camera takes 20 pictures, automatically selects 5 of them to save the best one.
Snapshot motion mode allows you to shoot a short video while taking a photo. The two actions then combine to create a “live” picture. The camera display is beautiful: clear and bright images with very saturated colors.
Test shooting
Test shooting was done both outdoors in different weather conditions and indoors. Familiarity with another camera of this series allowed me to predict the result to a certain extent, so the method of shooting was a little different.
Beside photography itself, a significant part of the test was dedicated to video shooting with the 1 Nikkor 10-100mm PD-ZOOM lens. But first, let’s talk about still photography.
Considering that the range of the new superzoom is quite large, it is very tempting to use this lens as the only lens because, despite its large size compared to the other lenses in this series, it allows you to cover the entire range you need.
But it is not easy. I found the optical quality to be very good, both in sharpness and natural colors, but the lens barrel was just awkward in some cases. It is difficult to shoot vertical shots with this lens.
When you rotate the camera, the slider that controls the zoom is almost inaccessible. The frame is obviously designed for horizontal positioning of the camera, which is quite natural for video shooting.
Another disadvantage of specialization is the smooth and quiet movement of the zoom. What is a definite advantage for video is not always good for photography. When taking quick photos, sometimes you just don’t have time to zoom in and out fast enough.
The autofocus, however, is still very good, silent and fast. No complaints about the accuracy of the exposure modes, as well as to the white balance. The camera worked particularly well under artificial light, except perhaps for old incandescent bulbs.
They give the image a traditional yellow tint. The dynamic range of the sensor is very good, shadows retain maximum detail. A characteristic feature – the files lend themselves well to subsequent processing.
For the most part, all scenes were shot with the automatic sensitivity setting in the 100-3200 ISO range. Some photos showed that image noise is almost nonexistent up to 800 ISO.
At ISO 1600 sensitivity it makes noise in the shadows, but at ISO 3200 or higher it can be seen across the whole image area when zoomed in.
The quality of video is very good, motorized zoom with adjustable speed allows for a very smooth zoom, but to hold the horizon when shooting handheld is still quite difficult, so when shooting video it is better to use a tripod.
Full resolution still photos can be taken without interrupting the filming process. Autofocus and zoom are very quiet, so the recorded sound is not burdened by camera noise. You can use an external microphone for high-quality recording.
Recommendations
The V1 produces good quality images like the J1. Good focus speed and accurate auto-exposure control allow you to shoot almost any scene.
Regarding the 1 Nikkor 10-100mm PD-ZOOM motor super zoom, the lens is excellent optically, but is well suited for video shooting and can be used as a general purpose lens if you don’t want instant focal length changes.
For fast still pictures, a different lens is better. The camera also boasts a good viewfinder and excellent video capture.
The editorial team would like to thank Nikon New York office for the equipment provided for testing.
Picture tests
1. A frosty morning and the soft haze in the winter air are captured very accurately 28mm, f/5.3, 1/500s, ISO 100 .
2. Sharp oncoming light, but in the shadows even black clothes are well reproduced 40mm, f/5.3, 1/1000s, ISO 100 .
3. The frame taken during video shooting has an aspect ratio of 16:9, but its resolution matches the full capability of the sensor 25 mm, f/16, 1/60 s, ISO 140 .
4. An example of a covert gallery shot. It was safe to shoot from afar 100 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 s, ISO 1000 .
5. Mixed lighting in a shopping mall. Good tonal reproduction, colors are absolutely natural 13.5mm, f/5, 1/60s, ISO 125 .
6. A sunny winter day with big differences in brightness, but the picture turned out really well 40mm, f/5.3, 1/160s, ISO 100 .
7. The low light of a spring day, the tonality is very accurately reproduced, and the file has a margin for processing 12.1mm, f/6.3, 1/640s, ISO 100 .
8. Excellent color balance. Leaden spring water, bright birds, and pale pieces of ice are faithfully rendered 100mm, f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 200 .
How does the sensor performance of the Nikon V1 mirrorless camera compare to other cameras in its class? Is it worth considering despite its potential need for a sensor reboot?