Did We Underestimate the Nikon J1?

[NickTrop]

I dunno. The sensor's awfully small. Why buy this thing when you can buy a micro 4/3rds camera with a much larger sensor?

Jim B.

A fair point. But I think that manufacturers in general have reached economic equilibrium in the DSLR segment and even going back to 4/3 cameras are "skimping" on sensor size and other more costly components (like shutters and viewfinders) to make a buck. This is why I'm kinda down on CEVIL cameras in general. I think most consumers will look at capabilities over things like sensor size anyway. The only reason I prefer a larger sensor is because of less noisy high ISO performance, some better DOF play, crop factor issues with legacy glass... etc. Does the average consumer care about such things?

 

[ruby.monkey]

I dunno. The sensor's awfully small. Why buy this thing when you can buy a micro 4/3rds camera with a much larger sensor?

Jim B.

Sensor size means pretty much sod-all to most buyers even at the more-features-than-a-P&S level.

 

[willie_901]

At this point in time small sensors are seriously handicapped by the physics of Bayer filter imaging. The dynamic range decreases as sensor size decreases.

While I would rather have a Nikon 1 Series than any camera with a smaller sensor, my experience with M 4/3 taught me the smallest acceptable sensor, for my needs, is APS-C.

 

[claacct]

In fact it was Nikon that underestimated the mirrorless market.

Sony and Fuji are the new Canon and Nikon without the market share.

 

[f16sunshine]

I'm interested with the photos people will take with this camera. The form factor will make it a non-factor in my future purchase choices. Small sensors have advantages in DOF and macro work. If Nikon has found the formula to make this small sensor produce great detail and low noise, it could be more useful than a large sensor at times. Again I'm curious with what folks will do with this set.

I'm not entirely sold on interchangeable lens cameras being an absolute requirement to succeed in the marketplace. For many ammeters changing lenses is more a novelty than anything else. Not all but most (certainly not among the members here). I wish actually to see companies focus on specialty cameras like the x100 that do one thing well. Coming from using TLR's and a big Fuji GW690iii. I like having a fixed lens and the stability that lends to a camera and focus it requires of the photographer to see his/her shot. To much time is wasted on lens work by photographers. It's a case of too many options when fewer are better. The nikon system is not for pros who understand this. It is a vehicle for Profits for Nkon. I don't blame them for developing a system like this. I just think they are missing an opportunity by following the herd. Besides, These big bulky lenses on the mirrorless cameras are ridicules. 😱

 

[Danlo]

The last 4 or 5 entry's on my blog is taken with the Nikon J1. Its a highly underestimated camera. I would go so far as to say that its made for experienced photographers, because the raw-files is totally different to work on than my other Nikon and Panasonic cameras. I guess its the aptina-sensor..
http://blogg.hogbergphotography.com

 

[rxmd]

The last 4 or 5 entry's on my blog is taken with the Nikon J1. Its a highly underestimated camera. I would go so far as to say that its made for experienced photographers, because the raw-files is totally different to work on than my other Nikon and Panasonic cameras. I guess its the aptina-sensor..
http://blogg.hogbergphotography.com

Good shots, thank you. I especially like the diptychs.

It really seems to be an underestimated camera.

 

[Contarama]

Nikon geared up hard and put some serious jack into this camera system. I think we are seeing the beginning of a revolution! And I can still use my F mount lenses...

 

[celluloidprop]

It's not useful for me, but I think the V1 is a very interesting camera. Files appear to be excellent for the sensor size, and 10MP is more than enough if you print rarely or not at all.

 

[Bill58]

I just bought one (J1) last Saturday w/ the 10mm. lens for my wife and she just loves it. It's perfect for her--pretty red (!), small/ light, fully auto, great color images. She now takes it literally everywhere she goes and wears it like a "necklace". She also has the nice, leather case with a finger grip. I paid $650 for the whole kit, plus 8mb/ 1,000 image memory card here in Korea.

She previously used a Nikon FM2 w/ a 24mm Nikkor.

Her 1st few images w/ the J1 are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/78048625@N07/

 

[Bill58]

Nikon geared up hard and put some serious jack into this camera system. I think we are seeing the beginning of a revolution! And I can still use my F mount lenses...

I just posted about this camera, but your comment about being able to use F mount lenses intrigued me. Can you use Ais lenses w/ or w/o an adapter?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[rxmd]

It's not useful for me, but I think the V1 is a very interesting camera. Files appear to be excellent for the sensor size, and 10MP is more than enough if you print rarely or not at all.

That last sentence is pretty funny, you seem to have really bought into the megapixel hype.

If you don't print at all, 2MP is good enough, too. How often do you look at pictures onscreen at more than 1600x1200 resolution? My guess is: never.

The applications where you actually need the resolution are pretty rare - usually in those areas where you need reserves for postprocessing involved and where people do examine detail (landscape or product photography). If all you want to do is print, 6MP would be more than enough too, even if you print 12x18" regularly. How close to your prints to you creep up? Leica makes 10MP digital rangefinders and so far I haven't heard serious complaints how this is good only "if you print rarely or not at all".

 

[zwarte_kat]

huh?

huh?

That last sentence is pretty funny, you seem to have really bought into the megapixel hype.

If you don't print at all, 2MP is good enough, too. How often do you look at pictures onscreen at more than 1600x1200 resolution? My guess is: never.

The applications where you actually need the resolution are pretty rare - usually in those areas where you need reserves for postprocessing involved and where people do examine detail (landscape or product photography). If all you want to do is print, 6MP would be more than enough too, even if you print 12x18" regularly. How close to your prints to you creep up? Leica makes 10MP digital rangefinders and so far I haven't heard serious complaints how this is good only "if you print rarely or not at all".

He says "MORE THAN ENOUGH", seems he didn't buy into the megapixel hype to me. BTW, I use all the 7D's megapixels quite often even for online images, when I crop.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

actually, the j1 is pretty cool. i think it isn't for most of us here (who consider themselves as power users) but i can think of who will greatly want this: my internet savvy kids. they do web photos + youtube videos and this j1 makes it really easy and not kludgy like a lot of other cameras.

 

[Contarama]

I just posted about this camera, but your comment about being able to use F mount lenses intrigued me. Can you use Ais lenses w/ or w/o an adapter?

Thanks,
Bill

Here is an overview of the adaptor...I am not sure on the AIS lenses but I don't exactly see why they couldn't be used manually...

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/acil/accessories/mount_adapter_ft1/compatibility.htm