Nikon J1:Compact cameras with interchangeable lenses [Review]

Hybrid cameras are on the rise, Nikon J1 with the balance of affordability and interchangeable lenses can closely match the high end DSLR’s image quality. The best part of Nikon J1 is it gives the portability of a point and shoot camera.

Nikon J1

 

Specification:

  • Approx. 2.7 x lens focal length (35 mm format equivalent).
  • 13.2 mm x 8.8 mm CMOS sensor
  • High-performance Dust shield glass
  • 2 NIKKOR lenses : Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens & Nikkor 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6
  • Electronic shutter 1/16,000-30s in steps of 1/3 EV;Bulb; Time(requires optional ML-L3 remote control) Flash sync speed Synchronizes with shutter at X=1/60s or slower.
  • Electronic (Hi): Approx. 10, 30, or 60 fps
  • 1080/60i/30p Full HD movie recording
  • ISO sensitivity: ISO 100 – 3200 in steps of 1 EV.
  • Built-in flash
  • 10.1MP CMOS sensor .

Don’t’s

  • Lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a lower resolution LCD screen which is available on Nikon V1 which is costlier than the Nikon J1 digital camera.
  • 10.1 MP seems less compared to other digital cameras in the market but the images shot using this camera had a more natural feel to it by not stuffing more mega pixels in this camera.

Unboxed:

The Nikon J1 package as sold in the market has these following accessories:

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  1. Strap.
  2. Rechargeable Li-ion battery with charger.
  3. USB cable.
  4. Body cap.
  5. Lens cap, rear lens cap.
  6. CD-ROM.
  7. User manual.
  8. Lens hood.
  9. Main Digital Camera unit.
  10. 2 Nikkor interchangeable lenses.

Image Quality and Resolution.

As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon J1, we’ve shot a few sample images under various lighting conditions. Check the image quality below.

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Nikon 1 scores heavily – it is lightening quick to focus and follow the focus. The J1 has the fastest burst mode of any camera we have tested, running to 10, 30 or 60 frames per second and using the 30-110mm lens, images were sharp right across the frame. There is no noise on the images.

 

Video Quality and resolution

As part of our image video testing for the Nikon J1, we’ve a sample video uploaded on YouTube do watch it highest resolution to get the actual quality.

[youtube]xVKPkHsiuuc[/youtube]

Colors were bright and true and the recorded images were sharp, with plenty of detail in each frame only worry seems to be the sound track of the recording was picking up noise (caused by winds ) even after turning on wind noise reduction.

Verdict :

Nikon has succeeded in producing a camera that sits between its compact and DSLR cameras, but if you are PRO you won’t be going for it but ideal for those jumping from the compact camera segment but doesn’t want to be confused with high end DSLR cameras. Looking beyond the megapixels war because the J1 is about quality not quantity.