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September 21, 2011: Nikon has introduced the Nikon 1, a new interchangeable-lens digital camera system built from scratch to offer still image and movie recording.
Built around a 13.2 x 8.8 mm CMOS sensor with a 2.7x crop factor and 10.1-megapixel resolution, the new system is showcased in two cameras, the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon 1 J1. Nikon has named the new sensor format ‘CX’ to fit in with its existing DX (APS-C) and FX (36 m 24 mm) sensor formats. Both cameras are fitted with a new EXPEED 3 imaging engine that uses dual processors to provide fast response speeds. Nikon claims it can process images at 600 megapixels per second, enabling the new cameras to record full-resolution stills at up to 60 frames/second and also support the capture of full-resolution photos while recording a movie.
The Nikon 1 V1 is the higher-specified model in the pair and features a 0.47-inch, 144,000-dot TFT LCD colour viewfinder with dioptre control and brightness adjustment. Measuring approximately 113 x 76 x 43.5 mm and with a body weight of 294 grams (without battery and card), this model comes in black and white. It sports a 3-inch TFT LCD monitor with 921,000 dots and brightness adjustment.
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Front view of the Nikon 1 V1 in black without a lens. (Source: Nikon.)
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Rear view of the Nikon 1 V1. (Source: Nikon.)
The Nikon 1 J1 is designed for snapshooters and lacks a viewfinder. Measuring approximately 106 x 61 x 29.8 mm and with a body weight of 234 grams, this model comes in high-gloss white, matt black, high-gloss red, silver and hot pink.
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Front view of the Nikon 1 J1 in silver with the 30-110mm zoom lens. (Source: Nikon.)
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Rear view of the Nikon 1 J1 in black. (Source: Nikon.)
Features that differentiate the two models are shown in the table below.
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Nikon 1 V1
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Nikon 1 J1
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Viewfinder
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0.47-inch, 144,000-dot TFT LCD
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None
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Monitor
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3-inch TFT LCD with 921,000 dots
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3-inch TFT LCD with 460,000 dots
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Flash
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Add-on
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Built-in
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Audio
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Stereo plus microphone input
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Stereo without microphone input
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Battery capacity (CIPA rating)
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350 shots/charge
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230 shots/charge
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Body dimensions (wxhxd)
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113 x 76 x 43.5 mm
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106 x 61 x 29.8 mm
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Body weight (without battery and card)
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294 grams
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234 grams
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Both models come with new pre-post capture technology, which enables them to start recording images before you fully press the shutter button, and continue after you’ve clicked. A new autofocusing system uses 73 focus points and the sensor will switch between Phase-Detection AF (the default) and Contrast Detect AF according to which best suits the type of subject detected.
Nikon has introduced a new Motion Snapshot mode that records a one-second slow-motion movie and a still image simultaneously. Once the shot is recorded, the two images are combined to create a ‘living image’. A new Smart Photo Selector (SPS) mode harnesses the pre-post capture technology by recording 20 still images in quick succession. The best shot is instantly displayed on the monitor, and four more are saved for you to choose from. The camera recommends shots based on factors such as facial expression, composition and focus.
Both models support Full HD movie recording using the MOV file format and H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding compression. Slow-motion movies can be recorded in VGA size at 240 or 400 frames/second or in QVGA size at 1200 fps. Maximum recording time is up to 20 minutes with the 1080p formats and 29 minutes at 720p.
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The Nikon 1 J1 in white shown with all four new lenses. (Source: Nikon.)
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The Nikon 1 J1 in white with the 10mm f/2.8 ‘pancake’ lens and new SB-N5 Speedlight. (Source: Nikon.)
The new cameras will be released along with four lenses. The standard single-lens kit will bundle the camera body with the general-purpose 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The Slim Lens Kit replaces it with the ultra-thin 1 Nikkor 10mm f/2.8 wide-angle ‘pancake’ lens. Two Double Zoom Kits will be offered, one with the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 zoom and the other with the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 Nikkor 10mm f/2.8 lens. Other accessories include a new SB-N5 Speedlight and a GPS unit. An F-mount adapter has also been announced.
You can use Nikon’s external stereo microphone, the ME-1, with the Nikon 1 V1. And both Nikon 1 cameras come with Nikon’s new Short Movie Creator software, which automatically creates short movies from still images, movie footage and music as well as Motion Snapshots.
The new cameras are scheduled to go on sale late next month. Pricing has still to be determined. For more information, visit www.nikon.com.au.
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