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.
Hugely disappointing. With Sony’s NEX-7 coming out with an APS-C sensor and 24 megapixels, I think these cameras are going to be relegated to Soccer Mom’s purses.
Nikon #FTW would have been APS-C and FX sensors with a Leica M mount, so you could use Zeiss, Voightlander, and Leica Glass. But 2.7x crop factor? That’s a pretty small sensor baby.
Oh dear.
Where are Nikon going with this half-baked idea?
I’m a long-standing Nikon user, with a bunch of lovely Nikon lenses that I rarely get the chance to use now… video is my main work, and I jumped all over the D90 when it came out – ‘downgraded’ to get one.
The D90 is a kick-ass fun still camera, but sucked for video use – shame.
So I waited many long months for Nikon to answer the Canon 5D2.
Answer never came, so I jumped ship to the 5D2 – it sucks as a still camera; I *much* prefer a Nikon for stills, but stills alone is not where the future lies.
And the Canon range has become pretty much ‘de-facto’ for video DSLR use now.
Where are Nikon in this burgeoning field? Nowhere, sadly.
This new V1/J1 format fails on so many levels I have to really question Nikon’s vision. What would make someone buy this over other mirrorless systems?
Very sad.
@ Andy Mac “– I jumped ship to the 5D2 – it sucks as a still camera –”
Surely not? http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/verdict.shtml
What I really find irritating about comments like yours is the definition that Nikon is the be and end all of still photography. So you have the edge on ridiculously high ISO noise performance? Big woop, who the hell would even want to use above 1600 ISO ratings on modern day sensors, processors, compression and post processing? Have ever actually hands-on compared a D700 and a 5D Mk. II in image quality? The Canon offers amazing quality even with it’s outdated hardware. I have shot with both the aforementioned cameras in low light, ice-hockey, concerts and night clubs (I own the 5D mk. II and borrowed the D700 before making the purchase and have used it on location at photo shoots after buying the Canon as well) and found the image quality to be almost identical. The Nikon over saturates some blues and reds a bit and the Canon, true to form produces a pretty smooth cold tone curve when settings are left to default. Granted, when you really turn the ISO up the Nikon performs better, but better isn’t exactly much when noise absolutely gross on both and makes the pictures unusable. To end the rant, I’ve seen both brands in action and capable of producing amazing results in every situation (except for video, where Canon triumphs hands down and the GH2 conquers all). I believe knowing your system and having the right tools and skill in post processing is key to achieve great images on both. So Canonikon is equally matched I would say, although my personal preference is and has been for quite a long time on Canon’s offerings. But that again is >personal preference<.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_II/verdict.shtml
Oh, and to answer the topic: I'm thinking this is going the a massive flop. The CX sensor is all wrong, too small and cropped out of the range, too expensive compared to the competition and with a new mount… Terrible. I don't brand hate, I simply feel bad for Nikon already. I see 3 additional big problems here: Olympus, Panasonic and Sony exist. Can't wait to really go hands-on with the new NEX-7.
No idea why I posted the same link twice. Oh well. I really do like that review though.
Entry level DSLRs aren’t really that big. I think camera companies in general are going about this the wrong way. I think they should be working on the size of the lenses more than the size of the cameras. I’d like to see more pancake lenses personally.
I like that idea nick. Can they make SLR lenses any smaller?
I would like it if they made a small rugged and simple DSLR.
If they could just make a range finder that was simple, small and rugged similar to the x100 but with the capabilities to use the SLR lens and at the same time its own smaller lenses that would be cool too.
But I am dreaming. I don’t plan on buying a new camera for two years. I want to see my D90 break. Like a favorite worn out shirt.
Its promising.
I don’t care about megapixels so 10m is good for me. It seems like they are just trying to beat the S95, G12 and lumix type cameras. They are all expensive will smaller sensor sizes. I was hoping for a larger sensor type of camera and more direct controls. But this is the start of things so I imagine it there will be other mirror-less versions that are geared towards different people.
I personally would dig a small camera that would compete with the x100. Something cheaper. I imagine once the technology ages (for mirror-less cameras) prices may drop a bit. As a hobbyist I can’t justify putting that much money into a system just for the mirror-less features. I like seeing through the lens optically. I will have to stick to my D40 for a carry everywhere camera.
I think Nikon were left with no choice but to inter the mirror less market. however not sure were this sits and does it just confuse things? Personally i’m glad that people are saying the specs are not great. i Just purchased the D7K which is grate and wouldn’t want a newer smaller camera bettering it just yet.
I’m sure there will be fans and look forward to trying it out but i’m more than happy to have my D80 D90 D7K in my hand