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The J1 and V1 are the first of Nikon’s new system cameras. They are based on a new sensor format (CX sensor with 13.2 x 8.8 mm) which is a combination of image sensor and phase detection focusing system. We tested the new flagship Nikon V1.

TIPA Camera Test Online: Nikon V1

By TIPA

Cameras

21 November 2011 14:00

The J1 and V1 are the first of Nikon’s new system cameras. They are based on a new sensor format (CX sensor with 13.2 x 8.8 mm) which is a combination of image sensor and phase detection focusing system. We tested the new flagship Nikon V1.


Comments on Handling

The camera is basically designed and sized like a compact camera. It offers a new lens mount system for the new Nikon 1 lenses and offers two view finder systems: First an EVF with very high resolution (1.44 MP RGB dots) which offers a very brilliant and crisp image. Secondly a large and bright LCD on the back which offers also high resolution (921.000 RGB dots). A sensor will switch automatically between both viewfinder systems when the photographer looks through the ocular.

The camera offers manual focusing, but the lenses doesn’t offer focus rings. So the user has to change the focus setting with setup-dial and the zoom switch in the upper right of the camera’s back (which is also used as zoom switch when reviewing images). This is manual focusing like that found in a simple compact camera and very uncomfortable.

The camera is extremely fast: It offers SLR like focusing speed due to the combination of a phase detection focusing system and the image sensor. In addition it uses a new image sensor which allows extremely high serial shooting modes.

The camera very few function elements on the top: Only the ON/OFF switch, the shutter release button and the additional release button to start video recording are located here. The other function elements are placed on the back. Beside the zoom switch, which is also been used for changing manual focus and aperture and shutter-speed settings in A, S and M mode, the photographer finds a combination of a 4 way cursor pad and a setup dial on the back. This setup dial can also be used for menu navigation. The camera has a newly designed menu which looks very stylish. It is well arranged and clearly structured - the photographer will be able to handle the camera with the minimal amount of practice.

A built-in flash system is missing (in contrast to the Nikon J1). The camera offers a special accessory shoe which allows the user to install an optional compact flash or some other accessories like a GPS system or a microphone adapter for better sound recordings in video mode.


Test shots


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The model shot shows a slight of brighter neutral greys and the red nuances into the direction of the more yellow coloured area. Skintones are very fine and the high resolution sharpness is also noticeable.

 


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The exposure settings for this shot are nearly perfect. The shot was taken in P mode. The lighter grey areas have a little yellow shift, while red and especially blue nuances are boosted. 


Comments on Image Quality

Colour:
The camera showed a nearly perfect saturation in our test chart shot. The mean saturation is 101.1 percent but there are some colours which are accentuated. The red colour has a very high yellow rate which is noticeable in the red fabric of the model’s t-shirt and especially the blue nuances are boosted by a high magenta rate. Skintones are reproduced nearly perfectly.

Sharpness:
The V1 (and the J1 which was tested at the same time) showed an excellent performance in our resolution tests. The V1 reproduced the test chart with 2179 lines per picture height in its images with 2592 lines per picture height so that that it reaches nearly its nominal resolution. The result of the J1 is nearly the same: It gains 2201 lines and therefore within the limits of measuring and production tolerances between both cameras.

The camera showed a lot details in our real life shot like the portrait and testbox shot. Even in the corners of the images it its very good.

Noise:
The noise results are very good for a compact camera and on an average level for CSC or SLR systems. In lower ISO speed settings (100 to 400) the camera will gain nearly noise free and very smooth images even though it uses a very small image sensor. Colour noise is visible in images taken with ISO 1600 or 3200. The colour noise is consequently filtered and therefore shows some colour smear/colour clouds in images taken with higher ISO settings. Therefore it was a good idea to limit the ISO speed setting to ISO 3200 maximum instead of offering extremely high ISO settings.


Opinion

Pros:
     + very compact CSC system with interchangeable lenses
     + stylish body
     + extremely fast (focusing, burst mode, video modes etc.)
     + very good resolution results
     + good noise results for a compact camera

Cons:
     - Handling (like manual focusing) is limited by the very compact size and need for additional accessories (flash system)


To download the PDF specifications sheet for the Nikon V1, click HERE.


About TIPA

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is a non-profit oranisation made up of a worldwide family of independent photo & imaging magazines with the most expert editors.

TIPA uses BetterNet GmbH in Heidelberg, Germany to perform routine digital camera tests based on an independent and objective testing method. The TIPA sponsored tests range from small compact cameras to popular DSLRs and even up to high-tech medium format models.

For more information on TIPA, its members and the annual TIPA Awards, visit www.TIPA.com.