Nikon 1 1 V1 10.1 MP Digital Camera - Black (Kit w/ VR 10-30mm Lens) (27504)

Buying a digital camera has become quite possibly one of the most difficult consumer electronics decisions there is with so many manufacturers offering such a sizeable number of models. It’s also important to understand how the digital camera market is structured – traditionally there have been two market segments – at one end is the point and shoot segment and the other is the full on DSLR. The newest and fastest growing segment has been created to bridge the gap in between these two –offering cameras with near DSLR performance and features (most importantly the ability to use inter-changeable lenses) without the mass weight and size of a full blown DSLR setup. Fuji and other competitors have been dominating this new market having successfully used the shared Micro four-thirds format. For Nikon, the V1-1 was the first Nikon to enter this new market and as such was highly anticipated given Nikon’s domination in the DSLR market and the fact the V1 was in Nikon’s R&D department for over 3 years before release.

If you have research this camera you will know it arrived to mixed reviews – mostly all negative. Industry professionals were very disappointed the V1 did not use the favored micro four-thirds format and went with a smaller proprietary processor CMOS sensor. The end result is that a smaller processor (compared to the micro four-thirds format) limits your ultimate image size and detail which doesn’t bode well for commercial and professional applications. In other words, if you were waiting for a compact DSLR Nikon keep looking – this camera is not for you. So who is it for?

All of the mostly negative attention on what the V1 could not do overshadowed the many things that it does do and does exceptionally well. The good news is that poor reviews forced Nikon to reduce V1 prices and depending on what you are looking for this camera may be the bargain of the century.

For starters the smaller processor (that may be a limitation for some who need very large detailed shots) is considerably faster than larger processors. In fact Nikon claims the V1 processor has the fastest processing and Auto-focus ability on the market. Also keep in mind at 10.1 mega pixels the V1 has plenty of detail to produce professional quality images up to a size of 8 ½” x 11” and obviously anything smaller. In other words if your camera needs are largely for online internet and/or electronic .jpg images or printed stills up to 8 ½ “ x 11” the Nikon V1 1 will not disappoint. Given that the vast majority of everyday camera users can work within these parameters the Nikon v1-1 is well worth a serious look.

Nikon also packed this camera full of other features as well – it has a large color viewfinder, very high quality magnesium alloy construction, it will shoot HD video, the ability to purchase an adapter and use other Nikkor lenses, an optional external flash, timed photography, multiple image grab, ability to shoot HD video and take still images at the same time, “world’s fastest” autofocus, time delay sequence photography and continuous shooting are some of the more noteworthy. Normally most of us don’t use the majority of these features however because of the V1’s incredibly fast processor speed and relative ease of operation you might find yourself experimenting with some of these features as even an amateur can get near professional results. Maximum possible image size 3872 x 2592 and the sensitivity range is from 100 to 3200 ISO with the H1 setting having the equivalent of 6400 ISO. Also worth mentioning is that the native aspect ratio is 3:2 like a conventional DSLR.

Ease of Use. The V1 is not a complicated camera to operate – all controls are relatively logically laid out and the ability to update firmware is easily done through the Nikon website and a supplied USB cable. From an ergonomic perspective the weight and feel are very good however there are some design features that are positive and negative. The V1 has an actual viewfinder which is positive; however it has a sensor and will not switch it on unless you are actually looking through it before the image is displayed. This can be a burden however you can still shoot using the image display screen or blindly. The image selector dial the sets your shooting mode (i.e. to shoot still images or HD video) does not have enough resistance and as a result it can easily change modes – you may not be aware of this and could lose a critical image as a result. Also there is not a built in flash and oddly the Nikon supplied one uses the battery within the V1 camera to operate – thus you are restricted to using only the Nikon V1 flash unit. Also, the flash shoe cover does not attach firmly and can become easily unattached so be wary of these minor inconveniences.

Performance- The multi-image capture mode where the camera takes multiple shots and electronically decides the ideal image I found to be a useless feature. The speed and precision of the AF and image processor has an uncanny ability to take excellent shots in the normal auto shooting mode and I would strongly recommend that setting as a result. Two things I must say about the camera – the speed of the processor in auto-focus and image processing is extremely effective in taking excellent quality shots. You will find that you delete far fewer images then with most cameras. One other benefit to the faster processor is that if you for whatever reason need faster shutter speeds such as with motor sports the ability to track and produce very hi-quality images is again very impressive. My final point of praise for this camera is the low light performance. Although some complain about the lack of a built in flash the low light performance of this camera is incredible – for extreme low light photography a tri-pod is essential but you can shoot fully moon quality images with professional results all done on the auto setting (again provided you have a tri-pod) Overall the V1 camera is an amazing performer with quality in virtually all light settings and shutter speeds. The speed of the processor literally turns you into a point and shoot professional using real camera lenses of your choice.

Who should buy this camera ? If you are ultimately someone who enjoys using a point and shoot style camera but are often frustrated by the limits of the built in lens the Nikon V1 is the answer. By offering the flexability of inter-changeable lenses and a host of features with superior speed and near DSLR level performance in non commercial applications it is hard to go wrong. However if you do require the ability and performance of a DSLR in a compact size look elsewhere. At the right price it is incredible value.

Recommend this product? Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 500.00
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts