Nikon 1 V3 announced

[VF101]

Nikon has announced the newest camera body for its mirrorless line Nikon 1. While I really like my Nikon V1, I'm extremely disappointed by the direction Nikon is heading now. Well, the V3 is getting even faster, Nikon claims "20 fps continuous shooting rate with AF tracking". The sensor now gives you 18 MP. And they even have a new standard zoom, which Nikon says is the "world's lightest interchangeable lens equipped with a power-drive zoom function". The LCD is now "a vari-angle LCD monitor that enables flexible shooting from any angle".

So, why am I disappointed? The integrated EVF is gone. You can buy an accessory viewfinder, but the slick package isn't anymore. Needless to say, the EVF alone costs more than my V1 did cost last year. Nikon, instead of improving the flaws of the V1, is releasing new cameras that deny their unique selling point. Which is really sad.

Here's the official Nikon press release.

 

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Nikon has announced the newest camera body for its mirrorless line Nikon 1. While I really like my Nikon V1, I'm extremely disappointed by the direction Nikon is heading now. Well, the V3 is getting even faster, Nikon claims "20 fps continuous shooting rate with AF tracking". The sensor now gives you 18 MP. And they even have a new standard zoom, which Nikon says is the "world's lightest interchangeable lens equipped with a power-drive zoom function". The LCD is now "a vari-angle LCD monitor that enables flexible shooting from any angle".

So, why am I disappointed? The integrated EVF is gone. You can buy an accessory viewfinder, but the slick package isn't anymore. Needless to say, the EVF alone costs more than my V1 did cost last year. Nikon, instead of improving the flaws of the V1, is releasing new cameras that deny their unique selling point. Which is really sad.

Here's the official Nikon press release.

I concur wholeheartedly.

 

[css9450]

I don't share the disappointment.

I got an email from B&H announcing the V3, and as I understand it, the add-on viewfinder is included in the box with the camera. To me, that's a brilliant solution. Use it when needed; leave it off when its not. I hate the tiny EVF on the V1 and if the V3's is bigger, it'll certainly tempt me (I have a J3 already so I am already vested in the 1 line; perhaps I could trade up to the V3).

 

[FrozenInTime]

In Nikon's defense the EVF, even though it's slide on, is very well hunkered down with minimal protrusion over the rear of the body.

For the US, the all in kit ( body, std. zoom lens, grip and EVF ) at $1200 is the only option.
This will be major psychological barrier given it's a small sensor'd camera.

 

[ZeissFan]

I think that a $1,200 price tag will be a major economic barrier, as well.

But people will vote with their wallets, just as they always have.

 

[lynnb]

I can't understand Nikon's continuing failure to price these excellent cameras at a competitive price point. They have a very nice sensor with excellent colour, the RAW files are very malleable and the AF is very fast and accurate. Having shown that they will heavily discount after the early adopters have waned off, I think most people will delay purchase until the price drops to competitive levels.

The new 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR lens (189-810mm equivalent) combined with 20fps with tracking AF will make this a birder's dream. Or would be good for sports and concerts, and maybe soccer mums. See the comparison picture with the AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6, half way down this page. But those are niche markets.

I would consider the V3 as an upgrade to my V1 if it weren't so expensive. Nikon is pricing potential customers out of the market for this camera system.

 

[VF101]

I some time ago had an Olympus E-PL1 with the external EVF. I hated it. That's the reason I'm disappointed.

 

[lynnb]

I've never used an external EVF. I like the V1's built in EVF. The V1 has a nice form factor - the V2 was bigger, which kind of defeated the idea of a small sensor system. A shame they did not maintain the V1 form factor for the V3.

Nikon don't appear to know what they want to do with this system. I agree with Thom Hogan's comments about it.

 

[Matus]

The V3 will become interesting when the V4 will come out and the price of the V3 will get to realistic range. I have V1 - I bought autumn last year it as it was 1/4th of the price of E-M1. It performs nicely and has some very nice lenses (though there art still many gaps) but misses any usable controls /dials. V3 adds rather little to that - so it still remains rather a high end P&S as the V1 is, than an enthusiasts camera like X-T1 or E-M1.

 

[GaryLH]

The Panasonic gx7 has a very nice built in evf.. It is a bit bigger camera body then the Nikon 1 v3, so it looks like Nikon decided to play the smallest body game (following in Sony Nex style) I am guessing. These cameras probably sell very well in their home markets, otherwise why would Nikon do a third generation...

Price wise, Nikon has always been on the high side w/ this camera family.

Gary

 

[meeker]

Woohooo - cut price V2 bodies as backups to our V1s! Bring on the V3 🙂