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.
Interesting. I like the small camera idea as well. I don’t like that 2.7x factor though. Who can do that math easily? I saw the images up to ISO 800 and they look very good. The price point for me is a little high though. the m4/3 cameras are roughly $150-$200 less. It is nice that Nikon will have an adapter to have AF with their larger sensor siblings. I doubt I will be moving from my GF1 to a new system. I’m of a wait and see at this point.
I realize that it isn’t attempting to be a DSLR, and I appreciate the size; but my initial thoughts on it are that they are hoping to pull an apple off of the tree (In reference to Apple when they tell people what they will clamor over), and that the price is too high for what it is. Don’t get me wrong here, I do like Nikon and Apple, but I believe this camera will have the same start up issues that iPad had (Several that think it is pretty cool, but economy says no way).
I think this camera will do well with “soccer moms” and others wanting a small, compact camera that has better IQ and low light performance than a compact. I don’t think it was designed for the enthusiast crowd to be a replacement for their DSLR.
To me, it’s a bit too big to fit in my pocket like my S95 and if i’m going to carry a bag, I’ll take my D7000 with me. The ergonomics of a large lens on a small body just does not appeal to me.
I won’t be purchasing one but I won’t be purchasing anything resembling any of the current MILC. I do though know quite a few people that the 1 system would be perfect for. Hopefully they will drop the price a bit because it seems about ~150 too high.
Like many, I’m not impressed with mirror-less cameras in general (so far) and while I certainly don’t begrudge Nikon for shipping consumer level products, I do have a little difficulty seeing where N1 fits in their product strategy. There was a quote from Nikon stating that the release was designed to deflect criticism from the press about the lack of mirror-less offerings. I’m not sure about the accuracy of that quote but I have a little trouble with a company that allows it’s product road map to be altered by the press rather than staying true to its own identity and strategy.
Also like, everyone else; Give me a D4 or a D800. STAT! I’m in sore need of a new body and I’m loathe to spend money on a D700 or D3s with their replacements so close (let’s hope) in the wings.
I”m confused at Nikon’s offering.
Sensor is smaller than m4/3 which is stable in the marketplace – and the design is not indicative of past offerings including the Italian influence on the D series.
The whole product line and the reasoning of such is peculiar.
They should have just copied the Panasonic Gf-1 with an updated sensor – done.