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.
The Nikon 1 system is intriguing and powerful but is controversial because of its sensor size. I’ve been thinking a bunch about the camera and thought about parallels to the iPad and the new tablet computers. I decided to write down my thoughts in a blog post.
Nikon Creates a Tablet (Nikon 1) but is it an iPad?
A small camera, sure! The 1 Series I don’t get. It’s a point and shoot with changeable lenses?
Didn’t Fuji just boost their image and credibility with launching a okay camera BUT with a big sensor?
It’s not that every small camera needs a big sensor these days. But with a range of lenses I might wanna get decent pictures with the camera that s available for these lenses. A viewfinder also points to that Nikon was aiming at a more pro sumer level, but then the quality doesn’t hold up. Too bad, Nikon could have done so much right so easily.
I am definitely interested in these little guys. For a couple of reasons really. One, like you said…the compactness of them. Better than a point and shoot and the coolpix range I am sure. The second is the full HD video. Why has nikon waited for make a camera with full HD on these little guys? I would be curious as to what the quality is on these compared to a conventional DLSR video.
The biggest defect in their design is the lack of manual controls. Give me thumbwheels and buttons so I don’t have to do everything through a menu. A faster prime would also be nice. An interesting first offering, but they missed the boat. We want an X100 with lens options.
I have zero interest in these new Nikons. While these new mirrorless systems might have compact CAMERAS, the lenses are massive. Compact they are not.
I won’t be buying a digicam with a tiny sensor; I’ll stick to using a fixed lens 35mm compact or a DSLR. I tend to ‘walk around’ with a prime on my DSLR (and perhaps another in my pocket) so I’m not exactly weighed down. The (f/2.8) zoom only gets used for certain specific applications, such as fast moving events.
***Nikon (or any other manufacturer) – I want a camera like the Olympus Stylus Epic/mju II: small and rugged contoured (ie truly pocketable) splashproof body; non-interchangeable 35mm equivalent fast lens, which retracts behind a clamshell cover; APS-C sized sensor; a 100% OVF (simple on a fixed focal length fixed lens camera, and cheaper than an EVF; an inbuilt flash; Raw support; 12Mpx; Excellent IQ at ISO 1600 (not bothered beyond there); film emulation modes – Velvia, Provia, Tri-X etc; a spot meter; fast operation; and the biggie – NO MENUS. No dials either – full auto, with a rugged body. The only options would be available when pressing a menu button – just one screen. That’s it. High image quality, large sensor, easy to use. Perfect small camera.***