Nikon 1 V1 and J1 Mirrorless Cameras Announced

Posted on Sep 20, 2011 in Photography |

Nikon 1 V1 and J1 Mirrorless Cameras Announced

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It’s the real deal: Nikon makes the 1 V1 and J1 mirrorless compact system cameras officially official. After rampant internet speculation, Nikon confirms each will sport a CX-format 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, a new 1 lens mount and full HD video.

Nikon’s new CX format sensor living inside the 1 V1 and J1 measures 13.2 x 8.8mm, making it larger than that of a typical compact and smaller than the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the recently-reviewed Olympus E-P3. Burst shooting modes offering up to an unthinkable 60 fps are available at full image resolutions (with AF locked in place).

The 1 system will use a hybrid phase and contrast detection auto focus, switching from a 73-point phase-detect mode into contrast detection with AF illuminator in low light conditions. These cameras will have a native ISO range of 100-3200 with a Hi setting available for a 6400 equivalent.

Naturally, a new 1 lens mount is debuted for the V1 and J1. Four new 1 NIKKOR lenses are announced for the system:

1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 pancake
1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom
1 NIKKOR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 VR PD-ZOOM
1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6

The CX format sensor provides a 2.7x crop factor. With the use of a new adapter, F-mount lenses can also be used with the 1 system. You can find a nifty visual depiction of the system and all of its compatible accessories at Nikon’s 1 V1 and Nikon’s 1 J1 product page.

Nikon 1 V1

The Nikon V1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is differentiated by its built-in EVF, offering 1440k-dots of resolution as an alternative to the 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD. Unlike the J1, it won’t offer a built-in flash. Instead, an accessory port will accept external flash units. The V1 and J1 will both capture 12 bit NEF RAW files. Designed with the purist in mind, the 1 V1 is offered in white or black.

Nikon 1 J1

Similar to the V1 in most ways, the J1 will not offer an optical viewfinder and will offer a built-in flash. The J1′s 3.0-inch monitor is of a slightly lower 460k-dot resolution, Both cameras will record full 1080 HD video at 60i. Slow motion movie mode is available at up to 1200 fps.

Both cameras will offer a Motion Snapshot mode capable of recording moments of video from before and after a shutter press for still image capture. An infrared receiver on the back of each camera will make it possible to wirelessly operate the V1 and J1 with a compatible remote accessory. With a more beginner-friendly appeal, the 1 J1 is offered in white, silver, black, red and pink.

Pricing and availability

The Nikon 1 V1 and 1 J1 will be available in the US starting October 20th. With a 10-30mm kit lens, the J1 will retail for $649.95 and the V1 for $899.95.

Update: here are a few links to some hands-on photos and reviews: