Is Nikon 1 V1 the one?

After a L-O-N-G wait, like Johnny Come Lately; Nikon finally waded into the mirrorless- lens-swapping game with their new Nikon 1 system.

According to Nikon...

Nikon Inc. today announced a revolutionary new digital imaging system built from the ground up to empower users with new ways to tell stories through photography, driven by imaginative next-generation technology.

The iconic new Nikon 1 system is designed to become one with the user and their lifestyle, providing a unique form of expression with amazing image quality, speed and portability.

Huh? That's a mouth full, but being a Nikon fan boy myself; I can't say I am not excited what Nikon have to offer :)

There are two model in the Nikon 1 range...

The cheaper J1 which according to Nikon...

Five eye-catching hues that complement the camera's minimal design will add a splash of color to your daily life.

Perfect for any occasion, you will want to take it with you, everywhere you go.

Lenses also come in the same five colors so you can express yourself even more creatively.

This is the V1, a US$ 900.00 (estimated) "pro" magnesium alloy body with a built-in hi resolution EVF that Olympus owners will envy!

The V1 only come dress like NZ All Black or Bridal White ;)

"Nikon has announced the V1 enthusiast small sensor mirrorless camera." Dpreview report Nikon's announcement today.

I am sure the phrase "small sensor" hit Nikon fan boys like a bucket of cold water  ;)

Actually, the sensor in the new Nikon 1 is not that small; take a look at the diagram below...

The Nikon 1 sensor is 4 times LARGER than those in most compact cameras and 2.5x LARGER than the 1/1.7" type used in enthusiast compacts like the Canon G12. 

However on the other end, it is HALF the size of a Micro Four Thirds camera and ONE THIRD the size of APS-C used in most DSLRs.

Smaller sensor does not necessary mean it's image quality is that much more inferior than a larger one.

Take a look at my test between the E-P2 v G12 and you might agree!

Nikon US provided 5 sample images taken with a V1, take a look at the 5th; I am impressed indeed!!

This was shot with the "kit lens" (1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6) at ISO 100.

And this is a 200% crop from the picture above! Impress?  I am!  Can't wait to get ONE!

 This is the long winded press release from Nikon, just in case you are interested  ;)

The New Nikon J1 and V1 Cameras as Well as Four New Ultra-Portable Lenses are Engineered for Expressive Living

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept 21, 2011) – Nikon Inc. today announced a revolutionary new digital imaging system built from the ground up to empower users with new ways to tell stories through photography, driven by imaginative next-generation technology. The iconic new Nikon 1 system is designed to become one with the user and their lifestyle, providing a unique form of expression with amazing image quality, speed and portability.

From Nikon, a company with more than 75 years in imaging excellence, the Nikon 1 J1 is an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses that opens the door to a fresh way to capture pictures and High Definition (HD) movies. This Nikon 1 system represents a new category of camera that challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing a pocketable form factor with unbelievable speed, combined with the high image quality that only Nikon could create.

Thanks to a wealth of innovative technologies, the Nikon J1 camera is a simple to use conduit for creativity, seemingly anticipating a consumer's needs in any situation. Moments are instantly captured using amazingly fast new hybrid Autofocus (AF), and blazing fast speed with continuous AF. Users can also shoot with confidence knowing that the Smart Photo Selector will automatically capture the best possible image without a second thought.

Furthermore, just a touch of the shutter button instantly captures a high quality image while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p movies, and the exciting new Motion Snapshot mode captures fleeting moments like never before with a combination of moving and still images, bringing memories to life.

To accompany this exciting new form factor, Nikon created the entirely new 1 NIKKOR lens system that seamlessly integrates powerful precision optics into a camera platform to capture more of the world around the user.

"The needs of the consumer are changing and the world is becoming one of visual conversation, which paves the way for the next chapter in image capture devices. The new Nikon 1 system is the culmination of more than 75 years of optical excellence and relentless pursuit to the unrivaled technological advancements in camera technology," said Bo Kajiwara, Director of Marketing, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's new 1 J1 camera allows consumers to have confidence in a new way to express themselves, with amazing speed, versatility, ease of use and portability."

For the rest of the release, go HERE.

So all you Nikon Fanboys, Nikon 1 lovers or you just wanna find out how Nikon latest offering perform in the REAL WORLD; do check back after December 28!

Oh.... if you are expecting me to shoot some BRICK WALL to test the V1, sorry; you will be disappointed ;)

You Might also like the following posting on the Nikon 1 V1
Encounter Of The Nikon 1 Kind!
Nikon 1 V1 @ Wellington Rose Garden