Nikon 1 J2 Pro Reviews

The J2 may only be the junior member of the Nikon 1 family, but its significantly cheaper price and more targeted approach make it a better choice than the V1 for compact camera users looking to upgrade to a more advanced system. It is still expensive though compared to rivals like the Sony NEX-F3, Olympus E-PM2 PEN Mini, Samsung NX1000 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5, so you'll need to decide if the out-and-out speed and beginner-friendly approach are really worth the price of admission.

It won't appeal to photographic tinkerers, but the stylish design and dependable image and video quality add up to a good deal

The Nikon 1 J2 is the more compact, and more stylish looking camera from the Nikon 1 series available in six different colours, with matching lens colours. With a smaller sensor than the Micro Four thirds system, it allows smaller lenses, and the 10 megapixel sensor achieves an amazing 60fps shooting, high speed video and full HD recording. Nikon has used the high speed sensor to develop "Motion snapshot", a combination of video and a photo, as well as Smart Photo Selector that chooses the best 5 photos from 30 taken at 30fps. Continuous shooting is excellent: 60fps at full resolution is generally unheard of except in high end video. Although it seems a shame that there is not the option to use the high speed shooting for other things, such as auto exposure bracketing. Nikon has addressed some of the complaints about the original Nikon J1, with the addition of Panoramic mode, HDR, digital filters and effects, a higher resolution screen, and another setting on the mode dial to get to your preferred mode more quickly.

This one’s looks outstrip performance, but small size and access to a wide range of lenses via adapter make it a sound option, though going for the older and cheaper J1 might be the sensible idea.

The Nikon 1 J2 is likely to capitalise on the success of its predecessor, but it's certainly not worth existing users upgrading. For those looking for their first compact system camera, the Nikon 1 is a good investment, while those who already own DSLRs may like to consider it for a second camera.

The Nikon 1 J2 is a subtle reworking of the original J1. A year has gone by since the original’s launch, but this latest model isn’t a big enough leap forward to warrant a brand new release. The J2 still has its good points though: there’s the hybrid autofocus system and fast burst mode; but the lack of an intuitive menu system for more demanding users and still no accessory port or hotshoe for flash or a viewfinder will limit the appeal for more demanding users. Image quality is good enough, but it’s still a whisker behind the competition in this regard too. The small sensor and low resolution are now matched (arguably out-performed) by the likes of Sony’s RX100 fixed-lens compact camera, so that adds an extra dimension of competition for Nikon’s 1-series.