Test of Nikon 1 V2 and Nikon 1 J3: cameras were better than expected

In the last few years there have been two conflicting trends in the amateur camera market: on the one hand, manufacturers are trying to fit the familiar and popular features into increasingly compact bodies, while on the other hand, the physical size of the image sensors is increasing. The “race for megapixels” in the matrix construction has been largely replaced by the chase for larger size, and the compactness of the camera against the background of high quality formed images attracts not only beginners but also advanced amateurs and professionals. The mirrorless or system cameras with interchangeable optics that appeared in early 2009 are answering to both trends, adding to the compact size of the body and the large sensor the flexibility of your choice of optics.

Test: Vladimir Dorofeev

The Nikon 1 J3 mirrorless camera

Specifications

	Nikon 1 V2	Nikon 1 J3
Bayonet	Nikon CX, cropped factor 2.7
Image sensor	CMOS 13.2×8.8 mm, 14.2 megapixels
Processor	EXPEED 3A dual processor, processing images at 850 megapixels per second
Dust-proof	Sensor cleaning when turning on/off	no
Viewfinder	0.47-inch TFT electronic LCD viewfinder with 1,440,000 dots of resolution and 100% frame coverage	no
Display	7.5 cm TFT LCD screen with 921,000 dots
built-in flash	i-TTL, GN 5m ISO 100
ISO sensitivity	ISO 160-6400 in 1 EV steps
Shutter Speed Range	mech. Shutter: 30 to 1/4000 s, electron. shutter: from 30 to 1/16000 s	electronic shutter: from 30 to 1/16000 s
Autofocus	135-point hybrid autofocus center 73 supports phase AF
Exposure metering	TTL with image sensor. Matrix, center weighted, spot
Shooting Modes	automatic, P, A, S, M
Frame Recording Format	JPEG, RAW NEF 12 bit, RAW+JPEG
Continuous Shooting	5, 10, 15, 30 or 60 frames per second
Video	Full HD at 30 or 60i frames per second, slow motion
Memory cards	SD, SDHC, SDXC
Interface	USB, HDMI Type C, multi-function accessory jack	USB, HDMI Type C
Power	7.2 V, 1,485 mAh lithium-ion battery, 310 shots	7.2V lithium-ion battery, 1020mAh, 220 shots
Dimensions	107.8×81.6×45.9 mm	101×60.5×28.8mm
Weight	278g 337g with battery	201 g 244 g with battery

Introduction

Nikon announced the Nikon 1 mirrorless system in September 2011, two years after Olympus and Panasonic launched their first mirrorless cameras. Announcement caused a lot of doubts and criticism: the novelties fully met expectations on the size of the body, but based on one-inch CMOS-matrix 13,2 × 8,8 mm.

The logicality of the decision for the manufacturer is hard to question: Nikon was desperately trying not to lose time and join the rapidly growing mirrorless segment of the camera market, while trying to avoid “cannibalism” by clearly separating the new system from its SLR models.

The logic is clear, but the new system’s appeal and competitiveness have been, and continue to be, the source of considerable debate. However, Nikon is diligently ramping up its lineup of mirrorless cameras and its fleet of optics: 7 cameras and 11 lenses in 2 years – the result is impressive.

One way or another, the Nikon 1’s interest is in. How well the manufacturer has used the potential of interchangeable optics with a small image sensor and whether the system can be considered a serious tool? Let’s try to answer these questions by taking the Nikon 1 V2 and Nikon 1 J3, two current models of Nikon 1 system cameras, in the company of 6 lenses for testing.

Workmanship, controls and ergonomics

We can discuss the advantages and disadvantages endlessly, but it’s impossible to deny the Nikon 1 system in the high quality of workmanship: both models are made carefully, carefully and with attention to detail, inspire respect and give no reason to complain. The company is not shy with the prices, but the cameras and lenses of the system used materials and quality of assembling correspond to it. The Nikon 1 J3 body is made of aluminum, the Nikon 1 V2 chassis is made of metal.

High-quality plastic of the senior model is pleasant to the touch, metal and similar plastic is used in the system lenses. The only criticism I can have is the design of the built-in flash on the younger model: it raises some doubts about its durability.

Tested models are similar in many respects in terms of their contents and capabilities the differences lie in terms of ergonomics, equipment and functionality. The target audiences for which the test heroes are intended are easily identifiable by their appearance. So, the layout and design Nikon 1 J3 reminds the usual compact digital cameras no viewfinder, the controls are very few, and the model is clearly designed for beginners and users of “digital cameras” . The Nikon 1 V2 looks like a scaled-down copy of a traditional DSLR, with an electronic viewfinder and an expanded set of controls it’s more likely to appeal to photographers looking for quick control over the shooting process.

Nikon 1 V2 seems to be one of the most attractive-looking cameras: the images, unfortunately, don’t convey the marvelous combination of “toy-like” and compactness with “seriousness.

The set of controls on the top panel of the Nikon 1 J3 is limited to a dial to select shooting modes and 3 buttons – power, video recording and shutter release. The power button took some getting used to: I constantly confused it with the video record button. I didn’t like the mode dial: it’s easy to find, but I don’t understand why it doesn’t have a direct access to creative modes. The Nikon 1 V2’s top panel is traditional and convenient: power on with the lever on the shutter button, the selection dial gives direct access to all shooting modes, and the control dial is well-placed.

The front panel is not overloaded on both models: the controls are limited to the lens release button and the AF-assist illuminator. IR remote sensor added on V2. Mine Nikon 1 J3, equipped only with an electronic shutter, covered with a transparent screen designed to protect the matrix from dust the Nikon 1V2, in which the electronic shutter is adjacent to a mechanical, no such screen.

The rear panel of the Nikon 1 J3 is laconic: dominated by a 3-inch 7.5 cm diagonally display with a resolution of 921,000 dots, to the right of which are the view button, menu access, multiselector and delete button. The brightness margin of the display is enough for use in most situations, but it fails in bright sunlight. It’s not clear why Nikon still doesn’t use touch-screen displays on its Nikon 1 cameras: such a solution is clearly called for, and can add a lot of convenience and responsiveness.

The Nikon 1 V2’s display is the same as that of its smaller sister model, but it has an electronic viewfinder above, buttons to the left of the display, a DISP button for switching display modes and an F button for direct access to frequently changed settings. The compact size of the body imposes restrictions on the size of the controls, but the Nikon 1 V2 managed to make them as comfortable as possible. I would add that both models are equipped with a quality multi selector, providing quick navigation through menus and camera settings.

In terms of ergonomics, the Nikon 1 J3 resembles an ordinary compact camera, with an extremely limited set of controls and unarticulated inarticulate grip. The fact that this is not a trivial budget compact, you remember only when you change lenses.

Nikon 1 V2 is more familiar and friendly. First of all, by the presence of a good electronic viewfinder with brightness adjustment, diopter correction and 100% frame coverage. The senior model is surprisingly more convenient than expected: despite its diminutive size the controls are cleverly arranged, the camera confidently stays in your hand, and the body in the form of a traditional DSLR was not a design extravagance, but a successful solution that provides comfortable and reliable work.

Flash

The models we tested had the same built-in flash output, modes and i-TTL control the previous flagship Nikon 1 V1 had no built-in flash . Flashes are raised by pressing a special button, a Nikon 1 J3, located on the left side of the body next to the connectors.

Nikon 1 V2 – on the side of the flash body. The declared characteristics of flash meets, but the limitation of the younger model – electronic shutter J3 gives a shutter speed sync only 1/60 second or slower – which imposes certain restrictions on the successful operation in fill-in flash mode the older model when using a mechanical shutter sync speed is 1/250 seconds .

The Nikon 1 V2’s accessory slot hints unambiguously at the acquisition of an on-camera flash, but the manufacturer’s decision to use a special slot that limits your choice to just two models – the Nikon 1 SB-N5 and SB-N7 – leaves you perplexed. I believe that the ability to use external flashes Nikon Speedlight would encourage many owners of Nikon DSLRs to buy a Nikon 1 as a second camera.

Focusing

The models tested use the same autofocus modules: a hybrid system with 73 phase and 135 contrast autofocus points. I believe the Nikon 1 autofocus remains one of the leaders in the mirrorless market, although competitors have narrowed the gap in the 2 years since the release of the system. Nevertheless, the autofocus of both cameras is accurate, fast and sure, regardless of the lens used.

The undeniable pluses are the AF tracking and continuous autofocus, while the drawbacks include the inability to influence the choice of focus method phase or contrast and a drastic drop-off in adverse lighting conditions when the autofocus shifts to contrast.

Manual focus remains the lot of devotees: the ease of operation of the rotary multi-selector is very much offset by the lack of detail in the display. Nikon responded to the criticism of manual focus fans by releasing its top-of-the-line Nikon 1 Nikkor 32/1 lens.2 – the system’s first lens with a dedicated manual focus ring.

Performance

At first glance, it is hard to classify the heroes of the review as record-breakers: the time from start-up to the first shot, recording to the memory card, browsing and menu navigation do not differ from the competitors’ indicators. But the tested models have undeniable advantages: the electronic shutter speed of 1/16000 second and the ability to record a series of 40 full-length frames at up to 60 frames per second. Both are unnoticeable when you look at the specifications, but both are useful when you use them.

Shooting

Usability and ergonomics are important, but image quality is still the main characteristic of photo equipment, and it is the capability of the unusually small sensor that caused the greatest concern. similarly to the automotive industry, where the engine volume is one of the objective characteristics that make it possible to compare competing models head-to-head, the “engine volume” – the sensor area – of the Nikon 1 is almost half the area of micro4/3 standard sensors 17.3×13 mm and 3.2 times less than the area of APS-C format sensors 23.5×15.6 mm .

Let’s start with the conclusions: no miracle happened, but the tested models were not disappointing either. The manufacturer managed to squeeze the maximum out of the inch sensor, but competing on an equal footing in noise and dynamic range is not yet possible. The tested models are based on CMOS image sensors manufactured by Aptina with a resolution of 14.2 megapixels and ISO 160-6400.

Detail and sharpness are perfectly fine, and the high quality of Nikon 1 optics is a big part of it: none of the six lenses we tested caused any troubles or was a limiting factor. 14 megapixel resolution is hardly a record one nowadays, but it is quite enough for comfortable work and printing up to A3 format+.

Noise is expectedly present at high ISO, but properly exposed shots pleasantly surprised: with noise suppression turned off up to ISO 800 noise is insignificant, ISO 1600 is okay, ISO 3200 is conditionally acceptable, but ISO 6400 is worth avoiding, as it is the case with the main competitors. Noise reduction is very forgiving, preserving as much detail as possible.

the image sensor size reminds us of itself in pictures with underexposed areas: without noise reduction an obtrusive color noise becomes visible already at ISO 400, and the function turning on leads to a decrease in the resolution in underexposed areas which have been corrected.

The above said to a great extent concerns shooting in RAW NEF : the frame without underexposed areas does not cause problems at ISO 160-1600 and is quite acceptable at ISO 3200. Noise reduction is present in RAW pictures regardless of the menu settings, but it is applied rather delicately.

Not bad result overall, if worse than the competition, then surprisingly not at all. However, a lot depends on proper exposure.

I should mention two unusual automatic settings of the cameras we tested. On the one hand, the perfectly working in Nikon’s DSLRs AutoISO function in the tested models often unreasonably slows down the shutter speed in an effort to avoid high sensitivity values, which leads to blurry and off-blur stills, on the other hand, the built-in exposure meter algorithms are programmed to prevent underexposure and, accordingly, the appearance of color noise , which often leads to “knocked out” areas when shooting contrast scenes. The offered “Picture Styles” have no visible effect. I prefer the traditional “light exposure”, so the default setting had a negative 1/3 or even 2/3 stop exposure compensation, which gave the usual result, though at the risk of color noise.

Active D-Lighting partially rectifies the situation, and in automatic modes I would recommend using it all the time. For complex contrast scenes it is useful to use HDR mode. The lack of exposure bracketing was disappointing: combined with the outstanding continuous shooting speed of 60 frames per second, it would have provided a comfortable handheld shooting series for HDR.

The younger model lacks a dedicated exposure lock button: on the V2 the AE-L/AF-L function is brought out on the multi selector, on the J3 the exposure is only blocked by half-pressing the shutter button.

I liked the way the automatic white balance worked: both cameras confidently and correctly render colors even in difficult lighting conditions.

To sum up: I expected worse! Unfortunately, we can’t say that the Nikon 1 system compares or exceeds the big-name competitors, but considering the difference in image sensor size, the result is respectable.

Video

Both cameras we tested offer impressive video potential that’s as good as, and often better than, the competition’s offerings. Full HD video with reliable autofocus, predictable exposure metering, confident white balance and the ability to flexibly adjust will not disappoint the owner.

Conclusions

My acquaintance with the Nikon 1 system helped to break my absentee preconceptions. Nikon 1 actually turned out to be better than the specifications suggested. The camera system Nikon 1 can be the next step for those who shoot with digital cameras, but decided to go for a higher quality and functionality, and when choosing a second camera for advanced amateurs should not forget about Nikon 1 at all: the experience and achievements of one of the undisputed market leaders are fully embodied in the cameras and lenses Nikon 1.

Among the system’s many undeniable strengths are the quality lineup of lenses, one of the best autofocus modules, the confident operation of the automatic, and the high quality of workmanship and materials.

Disadvantages are also present, the main one being the high price, often exceeding the price of competing models from other manufacturers equipped with larger sensors.

The Nikon 1 has clear potential and a clear vector for development: progress does not stand still, and in a few years today’s limitations related to the physical size of sensors will be largely overcome. Nikon is working for the future.

Tests in pictures

Neutral and correct color reproduction. Nikon 1 V2. ISO 250, 1/60 s, f/8.

High sharpness and lack of “mush”, typical of smaller sensors. Nikon 1 V2. ISO 800, 1/25s, f/8.

The range of brightness of not the most complex scene exceeds the capabilities of the sensor. High sharpness and detail on the Nikon 1 10-30/3 kit lens.5-5.6 VR already at fully open aperture. Nikon 1 V2. ISO 220, 1/125 s, f/3.5.

Nikon offers a quality superzoom with equivalent focal lengths of 27-270 mm and optical stabilizer. Nikon 1 J3, 10-100/4-5 lens.6 VR. ISO 200, 1/250 s, f/6.3, 100 mm focal length Eq. 270 mm .

Handheld night photography with the new Nikon 1 32/1.2 lens. Nikon 1 J3, ISO 1100, 1/60 s, f/1.2. Noise reduction off.

ISO 2200 – annoying color noise and obvious loss of detail. Nikon J3, ISO 2200, 1/30 s.

Excellent quality in favorable conditions. Nikon J3, ISO 160, 1/2500 s, f/2.8.

Reduced detail, but color noise is unobtrusive and easily removed in post-processing. ISO 2800, 1/15 s, f/5.6

In an attempt to avoid underexposed areas, the automatic often “overexposes” frames. Matrix metering, ISO 160, 1/2000 s.