Nikon 1 J3 Pro Reviews

The ILC segment represents an interesting design challenge for camera manufacturers. They are a step-up from point-and-shoots, but a step-down of DSLR cameras – designing a camera to appeal to both types of users is a difficult task. With the Nikon 1 series, Nikon seems to have made a concerted effort to appeal more to the auto point-and-shoot user. It’s difficult to recommend the J3 as a secondary camera for DSLR users because they’ll likely find the output and features lacking compared not only to their DSLRs, but also compared to some other ILCs on the market. On the other hand, the J3 is probably worth a look for point-and-shoot users looking to upgrade to a camera that will afford them a little bit more creative control.

The J3 ($599.95 direct with 10-30mm lens)$599.99 at Crutchfield.com represents the third generation of Nikon's compact interchangeable lens camera system. It's a bit more mature in design than the J1$396.95 at Samy's Camera Inc, but no longer occupies the entry-level slot in the family. The smaller, less-expensive S1 is now the low-end body, ringing up at $100 less. The 14-megapixel J3 burst shoots at up to 60 frames per second, can capture slow-motion video, and has a couple of innovative shooting modes like Motion Snapshot and Slow View. It doesn't beat our current Editors' Choice Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, which includes enthusiast-level features like a hot shoe and a built-in EVF, but casual shooters who are interested in a compact camera with some interesting features should give it some consideration.

The Nikon 1 J3 is a very likeable camera, and if you're new to the CSC market it's certainly a good option. The number of compatible optics are growing for the Nikon 1 range, with some, such as the 50mm f/1.8 being a good investment to help you get more from the camera. With a few niggles, though, it's far from being perfect.

The J3 may be slightly smaller, lighter and faster than its J2 predecessor but the change is all too slight, despite the exterior design rejig and menu overhaul. The camera definitely wins in the speed department and it takes decent pictures too. But the increase in resolution from 10- to 14-megapixels in this update hasn't pushed forward image quality as the 1-series still sits slightly behind current Micro Four Thirds cameras in this department. For these slight improvements there's a noticeable price push for the latest model which, at the current £575 pre-release asking price, puts it well outside of its apparently entry-level appeal. But there is some attraction, mainly in the camera's quirky special shooting modes. There's a lot going on under the hood too but, despite all its hidden techy gems, we feel that the J3 doesn't advance the series at a price point that's pushing it.