Review: Nikon 1 J1 Interchangeable Lens Camera

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

When Nikon finally decided to join the mirrorless and ILC (Interchangeable Lens Cameras) this year, many enthusiasts expected expensive prosumer type models with a lot of technical features similar to Nikon's market leading DSRLs. The Nikon 1 J1 ($649) with a 10-30mm lens, the more consumer oriented of the two models released isn't dirt cheap and it isn't all that complicated to use. With a Lego-like cuteness factor seemingly geared to the fashionable and trendy set and an extremely compact body, the Nikon 1 J1 is full of surprises.

Given Nikon's photographic pedigree, we have to say that we expected a lot more from the Nikon 1 J1. At first glance, this pretty camera seems overly simple and just a notch above Nikon's CoolPix point and shoot line.

Compared to its contemporaries, recent products from Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Pentax, the subdued all-plastic Nikon 1 seems almost Spartan in terms of physical buttons and tactile controls.

Here are this camera's most notable features:

• Nikon's EXPEED 3 processor delivers outstanding performance, high-speed processing, cutting edge phase detection autofocus, and the fastest data transfer rates


• The Nikon CX-format super high-speed AF CMOS sensor gives you the power to snap gorgeous 10.1MP shots that will be rife with colour and detail


• An incredible 10 fps speed in autofocus mode means you'll be able to capture moments that happen in the blink of an eye


• The 73-point AF array ensures all fast-moving action is sharp and clear


• Motion Snapshot offers a photo animation experience to bring you favourite photos to life with just a click


• Capture Full HD movies and photos at the same time; autofocus helps to keep every movie and image looking its best


• Smart Photo Selector helps you get the very best shots – no more blurry shots or closed eyes – with every click of a button


• A wide ISO range helps you snap incredible photos whether the light is bright or low


• The 3” LCD monitor features an anti-glare coating so it's easy to view every moment with perfect clarity, even outdoors


• This model comes complete with the compact 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm lens which helps you capture sharp details with up to three times magnification


• The lens also features Vibration Reduction (VR II) and a silent stepping AF motor (STM)

The top of the camera sports a video shooting button next to the shutter button and an understated power on/off button and the retractable flash. The Nikon 1 J1 has no ports for a larger flash or other accessories, which is present in its more expensive sibling the Nikon 1 V1.

Like the Nikon 1 V1, the J1 features a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor at 0.52 by 0.34 inches--is smaller than those in the Micro Four-Thirds System cameras made by Panasonic and Olympus. It is not yet know if this new system can tap into Nikon's expansive lens system by way of adaptors but we sure hope so.

How times have changed. The Nikon 1 strips down the interchangeable lens camera while this Nikon FE from the 70s is all about complex manual controls

The rear is composed mostly of the large 3 inch screen one of the the simplest selection of controls on an ILC camera without any touch screen controls. The menu system, which is intuitive and straightforward, easily allows access to all the cameras controls and features and there aren't that many, again, in comparison to the competition.

Olympus, Sony and Panasonic offer a rich range of effects and photo modes that enable users to get creative an give theri a variety if moods and textures. Nikon's ILC has none of this. 

Instead, Nikon offers four main shooting modes, all controlled using a small dedicated rear dial. Still image mode, the one we used the most and there are  five exposure modes, including Scene Auto Selector, programmed auto, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, manual and shutter-priority 

Naturally, there's a RAW option as well. Motion Snapshot,, the camera buffers video and saves about 1 second of 1920-by-1080 video captured just before the shutter snaps. In this mode, video plays back in slow motion briefly and fades out leaving the still image and you can choose themes and soundtracks. 

Not sure who would use this feature as it seems more gimmicky than useful but can probably find its place in certain special situations during weddings, birthdays and food fights.

We are a bit put off by the lack of useful functions, even in a camera like this which is designed to be simple to use. A panorama mode would have been great on this camera.

The best test of the Nikon 1 was when we took it with us to a trip to Buffalo. It was the perfect pocket camera and we were able to move easily with it and even take photos in locations where larger DSLRs would have been a hassle.

We didn't fidget with the controls, we simply left it on automatic or on Aperture priority mode and went off shooting. As a street shooter or snap-shooter, the Nikon 1 J1 works really well and it is reasonably fast.

While having less choices in terms of settings and control, we found the process of taking photos much easier with the 1 J1 than with similar cameras we tested. Knowing you are limited in terms of photographic treatment and settings keeps you focused on just getting the best possible photo and we're fine with that. Controls are intuitive once you figure out how the menu flow works. But, it does require digging in.

Slideshow

Some things came across right away when testing the Nikon 1 J1. First is that the camera quickly grows on you. We weren't too attracted to the white and grey look of our loaner unit when we first received it but after using it exclusively for a week, we grew very fond not just of how it looked but how it handled.

The Nikon 1 J1 has astounding low light capabilities even if it is only rated for ISO 3200, it can manage some really sublime photos outdoors in the early evening provided the camera is steady. We also found it to be fast to deploy and reasonably quick to autofocus. It isn't as fast as the Olympus E-PL3 or the Panasonic GF3 but still quite quick.

Conclusion

The Nikon 1 J1 isn't for the finicky prosumer or someone who likes various in-camera settings or editing features or a lot of accessories.

If you like a simple, smart and uncomplicated camera that can deliver stunning photos in most situations as well as record some of the best HD quality video in the market, then the Nikon 1 J1 deserves consideration.

There are a few aspects that dampen our enthusiasm for this camera.

The price is up there and will be a a factor when it is measured against the more established competition. $650 for a plastic ILC with only 3 available lenses in its system and a limited range of features might have made sense in 2009 but with what's available today from other manufacturers, it is a hard sell.

We wouldn't be surprised to see people consider a larger DSLR for this price.

The Nikon 1 J1 isn't everything we had hoped for as Nikon's first ILC. It is, however, a fashionable and capable camera that will deliver great photos even for the least experienced photographers. 

It has more in common with a point and shoot camera's features than it does with a DSLR.

Having said that, it is also an extremely enjoyable travel camera which gets the nitty gritty out of the way of making photos and gets the job done in most conditions.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5