The first two cameras are the V1 and J1. Both are equipped with a 10.1 megapixel “CX”-size sensor (13.2mm by 8.8mm) that is both significantly smaller and lower-resolution than the Sony NEX and MFT competition, and apparently the world’s fastest (73-point!) autofocus system. The V1, which is the higher-range and more expensive ($899) offering, has a viewfinder, mechanical shutter, no built-in flash, and a hot shoe for external flash or GPS. The J1 ($649) doesn’t have a viewfinder (you have to use the three-inch display), has an electrical shutter, and no hot shoe — but it does have a pop-up flash. Both cameras will come with 10-30mm kit lens when they’re released on October 20.
Beyond the specs, Nikon’s new camera system introduces two neat features: Motion Snapshot, which captures a normal photo, but also one second of video footage (at 60fps) either side of the photo; and Smart Photo Selector, which apparently uses exposure, composition, focus, and facial recognition to pick out the best photo from a series (handy, given our digital predilection for shooting thousands of photos of the same subject). Motion Snapshot sounds like the perfect feature for partygoers who always “miss the perfect moment” — though how the V1 and J1 can start recording video before you push the button is beyond me.
Most importantly, though, the V1 and J1 will support Nikon’s entire range of Nikkor F-mount lenses. You will need an adaptor of course (Mount Adaptor FT1 – pictured above), and this glorious piece of adaptic optics doesn’t yet have a release date or price… but there’s no denying that Nikon’s horde of (D)SLR users must be excited at the prospect of a slimline Nikon camera body that they can strap their favorite lenses on to. Who knows what the optical characteristics, image quality, and crop factor will be once an SLR lens is strapped onto a Nikon 1 camera, though.
Having said all that, Nikon actually envisions its new camera system as a low-level product for consumers that are looking to upgrade from point-and-shoot cameras, but while retaining the compact form factor; just like Olympus and Panasonic’s MFT cameras, in other words. The price points for the V1 and J1 seem a little high for consumers, but hopefully the advanced AF system, Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector are enough to distance Nikon from the competition.
Now, my darling Canon, where is your mirrorless camera that will work with my EOS lenses?
Read more at Geek, PopPhoto, DPReview, or watch the video below
[img]http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pZW1eIfLkysGVGzglfpzd16JQqw/0/di[/img]</img>
[img]http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/pZW1eIfLkysGVGzglfpzd16JQqw/1/di[/img]</img>
[img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?d=yIl2AUoC8zA[/img]</img> [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?d=Gu391qSwH_A[/img]</img> [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?i=VW-DeRKPA1U:JmCL51m8LFs:V_sGLiPBpWU[/img]</img> [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?i=VW-DeRKPA1U:JmCL51m8LFs:F7zBnMyn0Lo[/img]</img> [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?d=dnMXMwOfBR0[/img]</img> [img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ziffdavis/extremetech?d=TzevzKxY174[/img]</img>
[img]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ziffdavis/extremetech/~4/VW-DeRKPA1U[/img]
View the full article
View the full article