Nikon has announced the next iteration of its 'flagship' model to the Nikon 1 camera system, the Nikon 1 V2 model, which will be available in either a black, or white finish. The Nikon 1 system cameras represent Nikon's involvement in the mirrorless camera market, with the V2 aimed squarely at the dedicated enthusiast photographer, while the recently announced J2 camera, which is designed primarily as a point-and-shoot device, is orientated towards the mass consumer market. Contrary to the unremarkable update of the original J1 to the J2, the new V2 offers some very tangible and welcome changes from its predecessor, the V1.
All the Nikon 1 system cameras to date have what Nikon described as their CX-format sensors, which produce a 2.7x crop factor from the 35mm (135) format. The first significant difference between the V1 and V2 is a completely new 14.24-megapixel sensor that replaces the 10-megapixel sensor of the V1 model. The higher resolution is certainly a good move on the part of Nikon, since lack of resolution was one of the criticisms often levelled at the V1.
The handling characteristics of the V1 also leave a lot to be desired in some areas, most noticeably the poorly positioned and badly designed mode dial on the rear panel, which is notorious, because it is all too easy to shift it inadvertently. Nikon have clearly listened to the feedback received on the V1, as the mode dial has been repositioned to the top plate of the V2. There is an additional command dial on the rear panel, to the right of the monitor screen, and for buttons arranged along the left edge of the screen. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) has a larger housing, principally to accommodate a built in flash unit, although as ever the positioning of a flash so close to the central axis of the lens makes it of questionable value. In what appears to be a shift towards function over form the sleek profile of the original V1 has given way to a more angular appearance in the V2, which now has a large finger grip for the right-hand, which together with the EVF housing, gives the new camera a far chunkier look compared with its predecessor.
There have also been some functional changes. Most notably the enhanced in-camera processing by virtue of the new EXPEED 3A chip, which is claimed to process image files at the rate of 850-megapixels/second. The phase-detect continuous autofocus operates at up to 15 fps; the previous limit was 5 fps. The V2 offers the same 60 fps when focused is fixed for the first frame. The normal ISO range has also shifted at both ends, with the base value now raised to ISO 160, while the top end has been increased to ISO 6400 (the normal ISO range of the V1 is 100 - 3200). There is a new "Slow View" feature, which enables the camera to record 40 consecutive frames, at full resolution, and then allows the user to review the images in slow motion, so they can select and save the optimum frame. The V2 now supports wireless connectivity, although this does require the optional Nikon WU-1b Wi-Fi adapter.
Aside from the differences commented on above there is little else to differentiate the specification of the V1 from the V2. One aspect of the new camera that will be of interest is the effect, if any, on image quality as a consequence of its smaller pixel pitch.
Announced alongside the V2, is a new external flash unit SB-N7 Speedlight. Small and lightweight it offers a modest output (Guide Number: 59feet/18 m at ISO 100,10mm lens). The maximum flash duration is 1/1650, the flash reflector covers an angle of view of a lens with a focal length of 10mm (6.7 mm with the wide flash adapter); three AAA size batteries power the unit.
Finally, Nikon also announced the development of three new 1 Nikkor lenses for the Nikon 1 system:
Camera Feature |
Nikon 1 V1 |
Nikon 1 V2 |
Sensor resolution |
10.1 million pixels |
14.2 million pixels |
Sensor type |
CMOS |
CMOS |
CX-format |
13.2 mm x 8.8 mm |
13.2 mm x 8.8 mm |
Pixel Pitch |
3.40µ |
2.86µ |
Built-in sensor cleaning |
Yes |
Yes |
Image size |
3,872 x 2,592 |
4,608 x 3,072 |
Image processor |
EXPEED 3 |
EXPEED 3A |
Viewfinder type |
0.47″ 1.44m dot EVF |
0.47″ 1.44m dot EVF |
Viewfinder coverage |
100% |
100% |
Built-in flash |
No |
Yes |
Flash sync-speed |
1/60 (Electronic), 1/250 (Mechanical) |
1/60 (Electronic), 1/250 (Mechanical) |
Storage media |
1x SD |
1x SD |
Max frame rate |
5 frames per second 10, 30 or 60 fps using Electronic (Hi) shutter |
5 frames per second 10, 15, 30 or 60 fps using Electronic (Hi) shutter |
Max shutter speed |
Electronic Shutter: 1/16,000 sec, Mechanical Shutter: 1/4,000 sec |
Electronic Shutter: 1/16,000 sec, Mechanical Shutter: 1/4,000 sec |
Exposure metering |
TTL metering using image sensor |
TTL metering using image sensor |
Base ISO |
ISO 100 |
ISO 160 |
Normal ISO range |
ISO 100-3,200 |
ISO 160-6,400 |
Extended ISO range |
ISO 6,400 |
N/A |
Autofocus system |
Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF) |
Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF) |
Video |
Yes |
Yes |
Max video clip duration |
20 min in 1080/60i and 1080/30p, 30 min in 720/60p |
20 min in 1080/60i and 1080/30p, 30 min in 720/60p |
Max video resolution |
1920×1080 @ 30p, 60i |
1920×1080 @ 30p, 60i |
Audio recording |
Built-in stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable Optional external ME-1 microphone |
Built-in stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable Optional external ME-1 microphone |
LCD Size |
3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
LCD Resolution |
921,000 dots |
921,000 dots |
Built-in GPS |
No |
No |
Wi-Fi Support |
N/A |
WU-1B |
Battery |
EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery |
EN-EL21 Lithium-ion Battery |
Battery capacity |
350 shots (CIPA) |
310 shots (CIPA) |
Battery charger |
MH-25 Battery Charger |
MH-28 Battery Charger |
USB interface |
2.0 |
2.0 |
Weight (Body Only) |
294 g (10.4 oz.) |
278 g (9.8 oz.) |
Dimensions |
113 x 76 x 43.5mm |
107.8 x 81.6 x 45.9mm |
Nikon V2 camera - sales start date: 22nd November 2012
RRP: Nikon 1 V2 10-30mm Kit: £799.99 / €999.00
RRP: Nikon 1 V2 10-30mm & 30-110mm: £969.99 / €1199.00
SB-N7 Speedlight - sales start date: 31st January 2013
RRP £149.99 / €179.00
© Simon Stafford October 2012
Posted on: Thursday 25 October 2012
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