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

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3: "Panasonic has just announced another NEW model to its Lumix G range with the Panasonic Lumix GF3. This new model is claiming to be the smal..."

Announced: The New PANASONIC LUMIX GF3

Panasonic has just announced another NEW model to its Lumix G range with the Panasonic Lumix GF3. This new model is claiming to be the smallest and lightest of any inter-changeable lens camera system, approx 17% smaller and 15% lighter than the Panasonic Lumix GF2.  

Its body has been re-sculpted into a rounder design, with its in-built flash changing position to the center of camera directly above the lens. Changing the flash position, means that the Lumix GF3 has no hot-shoe. Panasonic may suffer some criticism that the Lumix GF3 will not take an additional flash or an electronic viewfinder.

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 maintains a 3" TFT touchscreen (approx 460k-dot), which can also be assisted by a quick scroll wheel on the back. Along with the shutter button, the Lumix GF3 also has a dedicated Ai & Movie button.

Key Specification:

• 12.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Light Speed AF (approx 0.1 secs)
• Full HD movie 1920x1080 (AVCHD) with constant AF
• Creative Features for Stills & Movie (expressive, retro, high key, sepia, high dynamic)
• Approx 320g (camera, card, battery, 14mm f2.5 lens)

Panasonic Lumix LX5 (left), Panasonic Lumix GF3 (right)

The key interest in this camera, will be its size (as shown above against the Lumix LX5). It satisfies the demand for a Small, Compact, Lightweight camera which offers DSLR quality and versatility. We feel that traditionalist may not take to this camera with no mode dial or hot-shoe, but the 3 different colour finishes, touchscreen, advanced auto modes are some of the reasons why it will surely be popular amongst the younger generation and beginners alike.

FOR MORE INFO ON PANASONIC LUMIX G- CLICK HERE

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35

Camera Reviews and News: Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35: "Sony has just announced a new model to its Award winning Translucent Mirror range of inter-changeable lens cameras with the Sony Alpha SLT-A..."

Announced: The New SONY ALPHA SLT-A35

Sony has just announced a new model to its Award winning Translucent Mirror range of inter-changeable lens cameras with the Sony Alpha SLT-A35. Referred to by Sony as a slightly de-specified Alpha SLT-A55, it will most likely be a replacement model for the Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and is likely to be in the shops by August 2011.

Features the new model will include are:

• 16.2 Megapixel Exmor APS-C HD CMOS Sensor
• Translucent Mirror Technology for High Speed, Continuous AF with Stills & Movie
• Up to 7fps in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode (Approx 1.4x Magnification)
• 5.5fps at Full Resolution with Tracking Auto-Focus
• 15-point Phase Detection AF
• In Camera 'Picture Effects' for Stills & Movie (includes: Partial Colour Effect, Retro Photo, High-Key, Mono, Toy Camera & Posterisation)
• Full HD video AVCHD 1080i with rapid, accurate AF tracking

Initial Thoughts:


We Hold Sony's Translucent Mirror Camera's in very high esteem, as they seem to tick all the boxes of what people want from an inter-changeable lens digital camera. They have a huge range of Lenses, Flashguns & other accessories available to satisfy all demands. They are Compact, Lightweight & very easy to use. They are an ideal choice for beginners to enthusiasts, incorporate the more traditional Manual Exposure Modes and also having very advanced Auto Modes that make easy work of all lighting conditions. Useful functions also include Sony's Sweeping Panorama (now with 3D capability), Handheld Twilight, HDR & Partial Colour Effect looks to be a nice new creative feature. 

With Ultra High Speed Auto-Focus, Auto-Focus Tracking for Stills or Full HD Movie & High Speed continuous burst frame rates for stills, the Sony Alpha SLT-A35 can easily record any moving subjects- such as wildlife, sports, kids & pets.

CLICK HERE FOR PRE-ORDER PRICES