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.
Starting with film back in 1992, I finally turned to DSLRs in 2005.
While these kinds of cameras are more likely to replace digital compacts,
they are helping Panasonic, Olympus and Sony making a lot of money.
I think it’s wise for Nikon to finally enter the game.
However, with the smaller sensors, Nikon is more likely to compete with Pentax’s new system.
Eventually, Nikon and Canon will have to introduce their APS-C EVILs.
BR,
George Lien
I have to say that the specs are a turn-off, especially for the money. The size is nice and so is the design, I’m not ripping that, besides I have yet to hold one in person. I briefly looked at a sample by Jared Polin on froknowsphoto and though the sensor is small the quality seems to be good. http://froknowsphoto.com/nikon-1-j1-sample-image-and-video/
indifferent
Really disappointing offering IMO. Crop factor is a non-starter. I think they would have been smarter to join the u4/3 consortium and offer their processing and lens design talents to an established market. They could have been real contenders. I wonder if Canon is watching the reaction to this introduction? 😉
Canon is scheduled to announce something in 4-6 weeks. Would be interesting to see if they go the Sony NEX-7 route, or stick interchangeable lenses on their P&Ss, like Nikon’s 1 series appears to be.
I think the small sensor size is a huge failure. The camera is basically the same size as the newest Sony NEX cameras, and those pack a WAY larger APS-C sensor. Same price range too. If Nikon would have put an APS-C sensor in I would have preordered immediately. If they would have done a 4/3, I’d be strongly considering it. At 2.7x crop, it’s not even an option.
A larger sensor gives you more DOF control, better low-light performance, and practical use of my Nikkor lenses. Those things are super important to me, and most photographers.
This camera isn’t being marketed to enthusiast photographers.