Alright photo geeks. Indeed, Nikon just announced their new line of compact cameras, the “1” series. Two bodies — the V1 and the J1 — along with four lenses: a 10mm f/2.8, 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, 30-110mm f/3.8-f/5, and 10-100mm f/4.5-5.5 “power zoom” lens.
Here’s some highlighted specs on the beefier V1 in case you haven’t heard:
_12mp, CMOS sensor
_1080HD video (30, 60i frame rates…can get 60p at 720HD)
_RAW file + jpg (5 fps)
_SD card
_ISO 100 – 3200, 6400 hi
_$899.95 retail price
Confession: Its no secret that I dig little cameras, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these!, but please note I HAVE NOT touched one of these cameras, nor been briefed in detail about them.
So.. We (I ?) knew this was coming, but rather than me spouting off about having played with the system (I can’t), or telling you what your feelings about this system should be (I won’t), I’m turning the tables on you.
What’s your take? Love, hate, indifferent? Insights?
[Just a hunch, but your comments on this post – glowing or otherwise – might help inform Nikon about what your thinking.]Link to so more info here via B&H.
I think specs-wise it’s a sweet package. The camera is quite unique, because the sensor fills a gap between compacts and 4/3. And knowing Nikon I expect the picture quality to be not much worse than 4/3. Why play the same game as all the other companies when you can change the rules? That’s typical for Nikon. They still haven’t released a 5d competitor, but their D700 sells and sells and sells.
I think there are many people who will be interested in the 1. Most will be upgrading from compacts, but only few DSLR owners will be “downgrading” to the 1 series. The cameras offer interesting options for the casual shooter and will become even better once there are more lenses. I see also possibillities here: The 2.7 crop gives you a lot of reach. Perfect for soccer mums, bird photographers and voyeurs haha
Imo the reactions are too negative. I think people forget this is a new SYSTEM. There will be more cameras and more lenses in the future. Right now, they’re too expensive, but that will change. Nikon will sell a whole lot of those. Everyone wants a D4 or D800, but few can afford such an expensive camera.
I think what we all wanted was something between the Fuji X100 and the Leica M9 and I feel like we got something below the x100.
I agree with Kurtis. A classically styled, compact, mirrorless camera that can take our existing lenses. And does not cost as much as a used car. Add a nice pancake lens in a reasonable price point and then a few higher end lenses to compete withe the Summicron crowd. DX sensor. No video. Put the kick ass video capability in the D800 if it ever comes out.
I waited for Nikon to come out with something to compete with the Canon’s G line. When the P7000 came out I was excited and bought one. Now I have a camera that is slow to use with poor autofocus and the lens cover does not open all the way. I so wanted to love that camera, now it’s a doorstop. It’s becoming harder and harder to defend my position as a Nikon shooter.
I saw somewhere that Nikon claims this camera was introduced to make the press happy. I hope that’s not true.
Meh. The white J1 looks pretty, but It’s not really offering me anthing. If I want something in my pocket I’ll carry a point and shoot. If I want something fast I’ll carry my DSLR. The lens offerings won’t meet my needs (and, not having invested in Nikon, the adaptor wouldn’t serve my needs).
I pre-ordered one when I saw it released. I liked a Nikon F-mount compatable EVF mirrorless option. I thought I could just throw it into my bag as a small backup.
After I read the details, I cancelled my order. Why?
– The sensor is too small. I’ll wait for the reviews, but I expect high ISO and depth of focus limitations.
– Compatibility with Nikon lenses. I had hoped to stick my 24 1.4 on it. With a 2.7x crop factor, that’s not great. Maybe someone will hang a 12-24 2.8 off it, but even at 12mm, we’re talking 32mm. There really don’t seem like any wide angle options. And I’m not sure how metering, aperture setting, and autofocus will work on F-mount lenses. Especially Gs, that lack a manual aperture control.
– I want to see how good those lenses are. I want sharp, contrasty, pro quality. I suspect these are consumer lenses. I own a load of Leica Summilux and Nikon pro lenses – I don’t like mid-range glass. It’s a terrible investment.
– Wow, this sucker is expensive! Like $900 for the V1 (the J1 is for kids and soccer moms). Then you need to get some lenses. And a flash (which really looks weak). And a GPS unit (I shoot my 300s with the nikon GPS unit when traveling). And a F-mount adapter. And. And. And. We’re talking $1500 for a new system with two lenses that look midrange.
– Manual controls? Doesn’t look easy…even if you simply wanted aperture priority.
Bottom line, that Sony NEX-7 looks like it hit the ball out of the park. 24MP, EVF, Zeiss lenses, manual (programmable) controls. I suspect we’re looking at a Nkon flop. Enthusiasts wont buy the V1 because the stats pale to the competitors and the glass looks inferior. Soccer moms are going to love the alternatives that are less expensive and better looking.
With that said, some of the software features look interesting, but they’ll be duplicated by their competitors. I hope they’ll slide them into updated D400/D800/D4 bodies.
I’m waiting for Leica’s mirrorless…but I’m tempted by the Sony flagship. Now, maybe there’s special magic in that little 2.7x crop factor sensor. I doubt it, though. Bring on the reviews.
I think the V1 looks very interesting. While I am worried about the small sensor, I also understand that this is a completely new sensor, so it may work for the situations it is intended for… mostly social photography – people pictures. The V1 has some amazing features, and I am eagerly waiting to see some real world samples.