Nikon V1 + 10 + 18.5

[Matus]

For several years my only digital camera was the GRDIII which I used (and still use) as carry-everywhere camera. All of my 'serious' photography was done with mostly MF.

Now the things are about to change a bit 🙂

After LONG considerations and comparisons of pretty much all relevant mirror-less cameras out there I have finally ordered the V1 with 10 and 18.5 lenses. The camera I actually really wanted was the E-M1 with 12-40 lens (I was VERY close to pre-order one), but with price of 2200 € I was really pushing my wife out of her comfort zone (though she did not veto that possibility).

The main reason for a decent camera was that we have our first baby on the way and I wanted a camera to record the coming family moments. While the aforementioned E-M1 would be the better camera for my 'wants', the V1 should do more than good-enough job (so I hope) with the 2 lenses for a 25% of the price of the E-M1. I would NOT pay the original price of teh V1, but for 520 € with 10/2.87 and 18.5/1.8 there is nothing to loose.

So - my first true mirror-less camera is going to be V1. I may swap it for a 'better' camera in the future, but let's give it a chance first 🙂

I will keep you updated, the camera should be there in less than a week.

 

[sailor]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I have the V1 with the two kit zooms and I absolutely love it. The two primes that you've ordered get good reviews and will make for a very, very lightweight outfit. I carry mine with me most of the time and as a result am taking a lot more photos than I used to with heavier outfits which, more often than not, were left at home. The autofocus is excellent as is the EVF. I recently had a play with a friend's X-E1 and I much preferred the V1. The quality from the Fuji would undoubtedly be better but the V1 is no slouch and good enough for me.

I regularly print to 18"x12" and the quality is excellent; I would imagine it would be even better with the primes. The largest I have printed to is 24"x16" and the quality is still very good at normal viewing distances. Everyone I have shown the prints to has been impressed.

There are a couple of things to note. The first and most annoying is the dial which controls whether you shoot stills or video etc. This is very easily accidentally moved. Some folk tape it up if they are not going to be changing it often. For me an annoyance is the fact that you can't switch off the automatic review after an exposure. It looks as if the screen has frozen. The way to get rid of the review is to quickly press the shutter button. The final thing to be aware of is that the dynamic range is not as good as larger sensors. It's not a major issue but for landscapes I tend to under expose a little to make sure the highlights don't burn out.

There seems to be a common thread in the reviews I have read. Those who have never used the camera are very critical - those who actually own them love them. It's not perhaps the only camera you would want to own. I have a full frame camera for when I want ultimate quality but the V1 gets a lot more use. I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you get a chance to use it.

 

[lynnb]

I also don't think you will be disappointed. The good things for family pictures are DSLR-fast focusing and face-detect AF. At special moments 10fps also comes in handy.

Colours are very good and IQ is a surprise for such a small sensor.

I don't have the flash. If you intend using flash the only drawback is the proprietary flash mount. However with cheap continuous light LED panels now available you may find it unnecessary to buy either of the the Nikon 1's speed lights.

 

[tomtofa]

Another vote of encouragement. The little thing is filled with tricks, too - check out the noise reduction technique made possible by the 60 fps:
http://www.sansmirror.com/articles/technique/reducing-noise-the-mean-way.html

 

[Matus]

Thank you for your encouragement 🙂 I am aware that the opinions about the Nikon 1 system are very ... polarised, so to speak. It has all started with the (too?) high introduction pricing and tons of Nikon users who were waiting for 'that perfect Nikon mirror-less camera that kills the rest'.

To be fully honest, I was also looking at the Nikon 1 system 'through the fingers' when it was introduced, but then the positive reports started to show up (I can not omit Steve Huff here) and realised that it has its strength.

I have seen some really nice work done with V1. As you said - the 10 and 18.5 lenses seem to be very good. And at close portrait distance one even gets a little subject separation at f/1.8.

Should I get really happy with the system, I would then add the 30-110 lens as it seems to be a little great performer. For the flash the SB-N7 should do quite nice of a job - but that will wait too.

I have just learned that the delivery will take a few days more, so I should get the camera sometimes next week. I am really looking forward 🙂

 

[doolittle]

I must admit I laughed when the V1 was introduced. However once it was out for a while and the price went fire sale, I picked one up to replace my LX3. I think of it as a point and shoot on steroids, it really is a most capable camera and my go to camera for family photography and video.

 

[GaryLH]

The Nikon one is a interesting camera. I think it is a bit of an underdog. These smaller size sensors can really produce some amazing pictures.. I do not have one, but I would be interested in hearing your views later.

It is too bad the v2 is a bit clunkier then the v1. I am kind of interested in their new waterproof camera myself. Just not sure if I will pull the trigger.

Good luck and have fun w/ it.

Gary

 

[Matus]

I will gladly share my experience here once I get the grasp of it.

The new waterproof one is something that Nikon should have started with parallel with the V1 - in this segment there is no other camera that can go under water without bulky, clumsy and expensive housing. Let's see about the price.

 

[efix]

I recently played with a friend's V1 w/ the 30-100mm tele zoom attached. Superb combo. Lightning fast AF, and the reach of a 90-300mm-equivalent lens, all in a tiny package.

 

[Kent]

The 1.8/18.5 is a gem!

And with my set (10-30, 30-110 and 18.5) you have almost all you need - a 2.8/7 (non-fisheye) would be nice - and you can put it into a tiny bag.