Nikon V1 Pro Reviews

The Nikon V1 is priced like a high-end mirrorless camera and delivers solid performance, but doesn't offer the level of controls or lens options that demanding photographers require.

The J1 and V1 share much of the same hardware for still image and video production, along with menus, shooting modes and almost every other quantifiable feature. Both produce good still and video image quality, with decent high ISO noise performance considering the diminutive sensor size. Shutter lag and autofocus acquisition times are good and the cameras can shoot in JPEG or NEF (RAW) format. Combined with Nikon 1 lenses the cameras are relatively compact and light. For users intending to mount only the Nikon 1 lenses either camera will serve admirably and, in terms of output, equally well. Menus on either camera make changing camera shooting settings somewhat tedious for folks who like to shift settings on-the-fly. Both the J1 and V1 can accept the FT-1 F-mount adapter that permits the cameras to utilize a wide variety of Nikon F-mount lenses including 65 current models along with older legacy glass. While both cameras can accept the FT-1 the V1 makes the best possible use of these additional lens options by virtue of its viewfinder. Hand holding shorter lenses steadily is more viable with the V1 and the viewfinder offers prospects for easier composition and capture when bright outdoor days make monitors hard to use. If you're considering a Nikon 1 as a force multiplier for your existing cache of lenses over and above that afforded by your DSLR, the V1 is the way to go.

We really have difficulty recommending the V1 as tested simply because it’s wildly expensive, and the results don’t measure up to the competition. Think about this for a moment: you can buy a 24-MP Sony NEX-7 for $1,500, with an 18-55mm lens and a flash. Would you rather own that camera with its nearly universal high ratings, APS-C sized sensor and AVCHD video, or the V1? Case closed. Now, what about the V1 with a flash and kit lens for about a grand? More palatable, yes — but why not a 16MP Nikon D5100 DSLR kit for $850? You get the point. You have many more options available and should pursue them. Although we liked really, really liked the new power zoom and the SB-N5 Speedlight, you should pass the V1 by.

I personally loved this camera and feel its superior build quality, distinguished personality and excellent image output will turn a few heads. Despite its high price, which does impact on its overall rating here, no doubt it will bite into the sales of other already established compact systems from the likes of Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony who have all shown their take on compact mirrorless models for over a year and then some.

The Nikon V1 has appealing specifications for compact camera owners ready to get 'serious' about their photography. But it is expensive and users ready to take control over camera settings may be frustrated with a camera designed primarily to be operated in fully automated mode.

Overall if you only take one thing away from this review it's that the Nikon 1 system really is something special even with these first models. Don't get bogged-down by the sensor size and instead revel in the speed. It's the fastest mirror-less ILC to date and if this suits your subject you'll love it. In fact it's hard not to become evangelical and I commend Nikon for doing something different and truly compelling. Of the two models, you may find the V1 despite its foibles and price tag the preferred option, but again the J1 gets my choice, especially in the twin lens kit with the tiny 30-110mm telephoto zoom. Grab those rebates now before the world realises how good it is.

A classy camera, but those willing to spend this much are likely to be left feeling dissatisfied

The V1 is beautifully made, fun to use, has an excellent built-in EVF and delivers good quality pictures in most situations, including fast action. The problem is that it isn't clear who it's for, and so it falls between two stools. If it's aimed at the mass market consumer the V1 is way too expensive and, as Olympus found to their cost, not including a flash is commercial suicide. The V1 does have some clever modes but they aren't the kind you'd use every day, while some of the more popular consumer features (e.g. filter effects, scene modes, panorama modes etc.) are missing. On the other hand the V1 won't appeal to the serious enthusiast, due to its emphasis on clever gimmicks over user control and the fact that, thanks to the small sensor, the image quality is not as good as cameras costing half the price (and which, to add insult to injury, are smaller). This, sadly, makes the V1 difficult to recommend

As to whether the Nikon 1 V1 is a good camera for serious amateurs, the answer is not so clear-cut. The V1 is doubtlessly a 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. Small firmware changes, such as making the "F" button customisable and/or the self-timer button reprogrammable could make the Nikon V1 more appealing to this group - the question is whether Nikon wants these people to use the V1 in the first place, or wants them to buy their SLRs instead.

Image quality from the Nikon V1 is good and noise is nicely controlled, especially if you have time to process the raw files individually. The sensor is small enough to allow a small camera body, but large enough to enable control over depth of field. We think the Nikon V1 would grab more attention if Nikon had distinguished its handling a little more from that of the J1. Giving it an articulated touchscreen, an exposure mode dial and a customisable button or two would make it quicker to use and more versatile.

The Nikon 1 V1 is an interchangeable lens camera that's capable of supplying great image quality, and it's well built, but it's poor when it comes to usability. Furthermore, its sensor is very small and not up to the standard of competing cameras from Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony.

The Nikon 1 V1 is a remarkably adept point and shoot system camera that truly befits Nikon’s stated aim of providing an easy to use, quality compact system camera. It represents a truly bold and brave step by Nikon into the compact, mirrorless system camera market. However, there’s an elephant in the room and it’s a whopper. The price.

I can imagine the 1 series being very popular with consumers and people who want the high speed and high quality video, and the Nikon 1 V1 certainly delivers that. Or for those that want a more compact mirrorless camera, the kits lenses available so far (10mm, 10-30mm, 30-110mm) are very compact thanks to the pancake design and collapsible zooms. However, I suspect that more serious photographers or more adventurous may find some of the limitations a little puzzling.