New Nikons: V1 and J1

[Rob-F]

These cameras don't seem to fit under any of our established categories, so I'll put it under general discussion. They are new, just having arrived at our local St. Louis dealer's yesterday. Both have sensors smaller than 4/3 or micro 4/3 cameras, but larger than on a P&S. My dealer said they use a "new technology" and are claimed to deliver results equal to a 4/3; or maybe better, I don't know. The High-ISO performance is supposed to be very good. They plan to make some prints soon so we can see the results.

The "V" in "V!" is for "viewfinder." The other one, sans viewfinder, is the J1. They should have called it the "SF1" for "sans finder." I liked them both. The EVF in the V1 is wonderfully bright and clear. All the clarity and detail you could want.

However, the lenses and, I suppose, the mount, are obviously going to be proprietary to Nikon. That could be a limitation compared to micro-4/3, which can accept lenses from various makers.

So. It will be interesting to see how well it is received.

 

[Gary E]

I just saw one in the flesh, and I must say it does look nicely built. The colors were great looking too, but the painted versions (vs the anodized aluminum ones) looks just that, like a coat of paint applied (dipped is more like it).

I think the ability to adapt lenses will not be as attractive as on the other u4/3 or APS-C bodies due to the high xFactor with the Nikon 1.