REVIEWED: THE NEW NIKON J1

It has to be said, when some of the specifications for Nikon's new mirror-less compact system were announced it sparked more of a negative than positive reaction at first. Our main concern was the size of the sensor used, as it is considerably smaller than that used in its APS-C sized sensor rivals like the Sony NEX-C3 & Sony NEX-5N or even the Micro FourThirds used in the Panasonic LUMIX GF3 & Olympus PEN EPL3. In fact, its sensor size falls more in-line with the likes of the Canon Powershot G12 or the exceptional new Fujifilm Finepix XP10. If the reduced sensor size was a means of reducing both the size of camera & lenses, then unfortunately I have to say they haven't quite succeeded, as it is physically the exact same size of the Panasonic LUMIX GF3.


But any initial concerns were soon put to rest when actually getting your hands-on the NEW Nikon 1-J1 and you soon realise its place in the market.

• The Nikon 1-J1's 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor actually delivers exceptionally good quality images, rich in tone & detail even under difficult lighting conditions (for example, extreme bright or indoor, even night). 
• Auto WB is very good resulting in very accurate colour rendition
• Intelligent Auto + P, S, A, M controls
• Quick & Responsive AF system, allows easy capture of fast moving children, sports & wildlife.
• 3" LCD screen is fantastic- recycles very fast at 50 or 60 Hz for flicker reduction. Screen colour accuracy is very good & quality is very good, actually surprised us its only 460K dot screen. (even favoured the Nikon's LCD to Sony's 921K dot TruBlack LCD)
• Up to 60fps in full resolution
• 1080x1920/60i HD movie
• Slow-Motion Movie
• Optional Lens mount adapter FT1 to use any of Nikon's Lenses (only AF-S or AF-I will maintain auto focus)   

The Nikon 1-J1 is the ideal camera for someone who is looking for a small compact camera which will offer lots of versatility. This camera has very user-friendly functions for beginners and also offers all the manual functions for Professionals & Enthusiast's alike. Offering compact inter-changeable lenses & also utilising Nikon's existing lenses (with optional lens mount adapter FT1), I do think the Nikon 1-J1 is the perfect complement to a Nikon DSLR user. Having 2.7x magnification on the lenses (for example, a 300mm lens becomes 810mm), its ideal for sports & wildlife photography & movie. The camera does come in a variety of colours for the fashion conscious & the only criticism is we were not overtly keen on 'Periscope like' pop-up Flash. We feel the Nikon 1-J1 is a step up from the advanced compacts & also shines amongst its compact system rivals, overall we are extremely impressed with the Nikon 1-J1.

FOR MORE INFO ON NIKON- CLICK HERE

Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800

Pantiles Cameras/Chas Norman Cameras- Camera Reviews and News: WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800: Pictured: Nikon D700 Reports have suggested that Nikon was due to announce the eagerly anticipated Nikon D700 replacement yesterday. But ...

WHERE IS THE 'NEW' NIKON D800

Pictured: Nikon D700

Reports have suggested that Nikon was due to announce the eagerly anticipated Nikon D700 replacement yesterday. But nothing as yet, and I feel it could be weeks maybe months until we hear anything. This is due to the critical situation in Thailand, with extensive flooding almost halting Nikon's production line.


But what do we think we know about this camera from the rumours so far: 

• Firstly, the Model Number- Most believe it will be called a Nikon D800. But going on Nikon's previous track record, there are more reasons to suggest that it might be named D700s, D700x, D710 or D701. (I could be proven wrong here!!!)
• 36 Megapixel FX (Full-Frame) CMOS Sensor (Yes, 36MP), This will surely test the quality of Nikon's EXPEED image processor for pixel Noise & Grain
• 4 fps (frames-per-second) or 6 fps in DX crop function
• Full 1080x1920/30p HD movie (will be expecting lots of movie functions)
• Dual memory card slots (for CF and SD cards)
• Large LCD screen (+3 inches)
• Shutter Durability of 200,000 cycles

Even for a Canon user it is very exciting to see what Nikon's latest offerings will be, and if priced in-line with the Canon EOS 5D mk II then I anticipate a huge interest the NEW Nikon model. The Nikon D700 was & still is a fantastic camera, but even Nikon users will agree that an upgrade has been long awaited. So news of a new model is welcome, hurry up NIKON!!!!


Chances of Official Announcement prior to Xmas '2011


4.5 out of 5

FOR MORE INFO ON NIKON DSLR CLICK HERE