Nikon Singapore launched Nikon 1 system of interchangeable lens cameras today, where attending media were some of the first in Singapore to handle the new cameras. Read on for our first impressions!
The new Nikon 1 brand joins the existing Nikon D-series DSLR cameras and COOLPIX compact cameras to form the third brand in Nikon's digital camera lineup. Nikon describes the brand concept behind Nikon 1 as 'Don't miss that special moment within a moment'; as such, the Nikon 1 series cameras are packed with new features and innovative functions, combining still image and movie-recording technologies, and allowing anyone to effortlessly capture special memories without fail. Nikon calls the Nikon 1 series an 'Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens', suggesting the creation of a new camera category in the market.
At launch, the Nikon 1 brand consists of two cameras: the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1.
Primary Features
Nikon 1 mount with NIKKOR lenses - Nikon is dedicated to the highest image quality, and a new line of NIKKOR lenses are available for the new CX format Nikon 1 cameras. Existing F-mount NIKKOR lenses can also be used by means of an F-mount adaptor.
Hybrid AutofocusSystem - Nikon 1 cameras are the first in the world to be equipped with a new super high-speed AF CMOS image sensor and offer focal plane detection AF. The Nikon 1 cameras offer 73 autofocus points, and automatic switching between Phase-detection and Contrast-detection AF as the situation dictates.
EXPEED 3 Image Processing Engine - Nikon 1 series cameras are equipped with Nikon's latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 3. They are the first cameras in Nikon's lineup to incorporate the new engine.
Compact Size and Weight - At 294g (V1) and 277g (J1), the Nikon 1 series is amongst the lightest interchangeable lens cameras available, perfect for vacations, special events, and everday scenes.
Motion Snapshot - Nikon 1 series camears offer the Motion Snapshot feature, an innovative method of combining movie-recording and image capture out of camera, with slow-motion video capture shortly before the shutter press, which ends the video with a still image.
Smart Photo Selector - In Smart Photo Selector mode, the camera focuses and buffers images when the shutter is pressed halfway. When the shutter is fully depressed, the camera selects five best images from the buffer filled with images taken before and immediately after the shutter press., ensuring that the perfect shot is always taken.
Bright 1440k-dot Electronic Viewfinder - The Nikon 1 V1 is equipeed with the highest resolution electronic viewfinder available on an interchangeable lens camera today.
Additional Features
1080i 60ps full-HD movie-recording
Support for shooting in RAW (NEF format)
Lenses Available at Launch
The Nikon 1 series launches with three NIKKOR lenses for the Nikon 1 lens mount.
1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 - A 3x standard zoom with a 35mm field-of-view (FOV) equivalent of 27-81mm, it incorporates a retractable lens mechanism and vibration-reduction (VR). It has a minimum focus distance of just 0.2m for extremely close-up shooting.
1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 - A 3.7x telephoto zoom lens with a 35mm FOV equivalent of 81-297mm, it incorporates VR in a compact and lightweight construction with a retractable lens mechanism.
1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 - A slim, wide-angle prime lens with a 35mm FOV equivalent of 27mm, it has a depth of only 22mm (pancake lens construction).
Initial Impressions
Picking up the camera, the first thing that strikes is that despite it's light weight, the cameras are very solidly constructed, and all the buttons click and depress in a manner that inspires confidence. As with the camera bodies, the 1 NIKKOR lenses are lightweight but don't feel cheap. Nikon has clearly given a lot of thought into the experience of using the camera, and it shows in the construction quality of the bodies and lenses. The 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens mounted on the Nikon 1 V1 feels especially well put together.
Autofocus is snappy as expected, holding it's own amongst all the different camera makers that have touted the fastest autofocus in the world. Constant autofocus during video-recording functions well too. The Nikon 1 series aims to make photography as intuitive as possible, and it for the most part it succeeds. The firmware and hardware work well together to make shooting simple despite the lack of dedicated buttons and controls for many functions such as ISO-sensitivity; it is not frustrating to shoot with these cameras despite their lack of dedicated controls.
Closing Thoughts
Nikon has come up with an intriguing new lineup of cameras that might just create a new market segment. Looking at the build, sensor size, and capabilities of the Nikon 1 series, we feel that Nikon is not trying to wrestle against the incumbent leaders in the existing mirrorless interchangeable lens market. Instead, Nikon has designed the Nikon 1 from the ground up to create a product that they feel best addresses the needs of the photography market today and in the future.
Local availability has yet to be specifically announced; it was mentioned at the launch event that Nikon 1 cameras will be available for retail sometime in late October, in time for the Christmas period. Singapore pricing has yet to be announced either, though Nikon 1 cameras are already available for pre-order on Amazon.com. We expect prices to start from S$800 for the J1 kit options and S$1100 for the V1 kits.
Stay tuned for a full review of the Nikon 1 V1 and J1. For now, we leave you with a gallery of images taken at the launch.
Presenting: Nikon 1
The Nikon 1 J1 in silver, with matching 1 NIKKOR 30-110mm telephoto zoom.
The Nikon 1 V1 in black, with 1 NIKKOR 10mm pancake lens.
The Nikon 1 J1 in pink, with matching 1 NIKKOR 30-110mm telephoto zoom.
Last edited by CCJ; 21st September 2011 at 06:28 PM.
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