First off let me start out by saying I was NOT excited about this camera when it was announced. The small sensor size with the lack of full manual controls that work without having to sort through menus made it far less than desirable to me. I took it as an over priced compact camera that they added extra lenses to and not worth any serious consideration. Even with that said I understand. Nikon started developing this camera way before the micro 4/3 and the NEX series cameras were available. They spent 4 years planning this camera and in that time the Olympus Pen series took off running and that spawned a whole slew of ILS cameras. A dozen or so cameras later from Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and Samsung, Nikon enters the arena with the Nikon J1 and its bigger brother the V1. ![]()
My first impression was the sensor was way too small to compete and the UI was lacking enough to warrant the high price tag (649.99 for the J1 and 949.99 for the V1). So I decided that since I will be showing and selling these cameras this season I should at least give it a fair shake. So I gave it a whirl and what do ya know?! Its a great little camera! For what and who its marketed to its PERFECT! I don't say that about too many things. I do not think I have ever came across a camera that had everything but this one really does. That is as long as I am looking at it from a point and shooter's perspective who wants a bit more camera without all the hassles. It has the features a snapshot connoisseur would want. The mode dial gives only 4 options (movie, still image, motion snapshot and smart photo selector) so no worries about the meanings of M,P,S,A. Movie mode works really well, even in low light. the smart photo selector is fast and right on. The focus is extreme to say the least. Quick and accurate so far in all situations. The motion snapshot is something that could be really neat but the way its processed is lacking. it actually does two files one still and a short little clip. Then the software adds them together and shows it as a short clip that ends with a transition into the snapshot with a bit of the Ken Burns effect. The LCD is amazingly clear! I think that might be the best hardware feature on the entire camera! Its not something numbers can explain....you really need to see it. Here is a shot that came straight out of the camera in a low light situation. It took the shot at 1/6th of a second and an aperture of f3.5. The ISO was at 1600 which did quite well. ![]()
SO with this all said I have changed my opinion about this camera and think it will be a much bigger player than I originally thought. After using this I can honestly say it would make a great addition to any photography buff's collection or a fantastic main camera for any soccer mom or single dad who just wants a good camera to catch the moments.
