Nikon 1 J3 Pro Reviews

Nikon introduced two new 1-series models at CES 2013, the J3 and the S1. The main differences are these: the Nikon 1 J3 will retail in kit-form for about $100 more than the S1 because it features a larger 14.2 megapixel CX-format CMOS image sensor and a slightly longer range 10-30mm zoom lens, and the ability to capture more photos in Smart Photo Selector Mode. However, the J3 does have an older, menu-based navigation system and a slightly less dynamic 160-400 ISO range.

Nikon's 1 series of CSCs and its collection of CX-compatible lenses continues to grow, and is possibly shaping up to be a nice little system, but the J3 shows that it still has a long way to go. Considering its high price point the J3 really doesn't have much to recommend it apart from its elegant good looks. It lacks a number of useful features found on many of its cheaper rivals; its overall image quality and high-ISO noise control are lagging some way behind the rest of the field, and its control interface is clumsy, slow and poorly thought out. About the only rays of sunshine are its excellent hybrid autofocus system and its overall performance. If you only ever use automatic shooting modes then you'll feel right at home, but if you're looking for a creative hobby camera then you'd be better off saving your money and looking elsewhere.

The Nikon 1 J3 is smaller and lighter than the J2 available in five different colours, with the small sensor size allowing for smaller lens. The sensor has been increased to 14.2 megapixels and achieves an amazing 60fps shooting, high speed video and full HD recording. The high speed sensor allows for a couple of features unique to the Nikon 1 series;"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. The camera features hybrid AF, with contrast and phase detection built into the sensor, and provides fast focusing. Image quality is very good, with great colour and detail, and noise performance is good up to ISO 1600. The Nikon 1 J3 has a solid metal body and is one of the more compact mirrorless camera systems available, thanks to the small kits lenses available being very compact thanks to the pancake design and collapsible zooms.

I enjoyed using the Nikon 1 J3. I like its small size, light weight feel and its modern, sleek appearance. The camera's buttons and controls, while small, work well and I appreciated the dedicated movie button. I was not fond of the camera's fragile pop-up flash, which could be a problem if used frequently. Performance is a strong point, as the J3 is reliably quick in all respects. It has very good image quality, even in low light, and excellent movie ability. The camera has quite a few advanced features, including a Motion Snapshot mode that combines movies and photos, and its innovative Slow View mode that lets the user select the best photo taken by the camera. It also has a broad array of settings that appeal to the more advanced user, such as manual exposure, shutter priority and aperture priority. However, advanced users may become frustrated by the need to constantly access the camera's menu, as there are few functions that can be enabled by buttons or dials. Also, since the camera's battery life is rather short, users should consider purchasing a back-up battery.

While the Nikon 1 J3 is a good fit for beginners, it's not so well-suited to serious amateurs. The J3 is a very small, high-quality, discreet and generally fast camera but its interface is quite clearly not geared toward users who like to take full control of the picture-taking process. Most of the features these photographers want are there, but too many of them are buried within the menu, which is bound to be a source of frustration to any power user. The V2 is a much better fit for prosumers. Which leaves the J3 in something of an odd position - simpler and cheaper than the flagship V2, but more expensive than the new S1 entry-level model, and therefore not the first Nikon 1 model that naturally springs to mind for many would-be upgraders for whom price is a primary concern. We still like the Nikon 1 J3, but are ultimately left a little confused by the simplified control layout that appeals more to beginners, and the bigger price-tag that doesn't...

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.