Nikon V1 feedback

[jaykay]

I have had my Nikon V1 for a few weeks now and took it on a trip to the Kgalagadi as a sketching tool for a trip report. To say that I am impressed is an understatement.

You have realise what it is and is not to appreciate it. It is not a DSLR replacement but I will take it with on my next overseas holiday instead of my D3/D300s. I can shoot wildlife with it, but will still rather take my D3/500VR to the Kgalagadi. It is expensive for a P&S, but then no P&S is as fast and allows me to get the 'decisive moment'. It is an ideal second camera to a person who has D3 or D300.

Many people have complained about the small sensor and lack of manual controls. In practice I find that I get better IQ and DR than my m4/3. The images are a bit noisy, but still useable at ISO 3200. As least I can get an image in focus where other compacts and m4/3 struggle to lock on. The control dial should be stiffer and rather have PASM, but apart from that the controls actually work fine once you get used to them. The auto modes are so good that I seldom have to fiddle with menu settings. The one stting I use most is ISO, so I just leave it there so that when I press the menu button it is already there. Forget the sensor size, just look at the images.

This was shot at ISO 3200 handheld.

Very little processing applied

Urikaruus sunset

BiF

[Andre v]

Merry xmas and some very nice images.
I was looking at possibly getting one of the NEX models from Sony, after your feedback i will also check out the Nikon

[cagenuts]

I always bash (with TIC) the V1 as a moffie camera but I see you've taken some fantastic shots. I especially like the tones in the stone building pic and the BIF is just great.

Do you have the 10-30 and 30-105 (or whatever they are) lenses?

[Leo Theron]

Jaykay,

Good Camera + Excellent Photographer = Amazing shots

[jaykay]

I always bash (with TIC) the V1 as a moffie camera but I see you've taken some fantastic shots. I especially like the tones in the stone building pic and the BIF is just great.

Do you have the 10-30 and 30-105 (or whatever they are) lenses?

The BiF was taken with the 30-110, the others with the 10-30.

[Leo Theron]

After I saw Jaykay's excellent images in this thread, I wanted to shoot a V1…

On Saturday I did just that! These images were shot inside a well known shop in Pretoria (!) - using available light.



Technical: 1/3 (YES 1/3 handheld!) @ f5.6 ISO 400, using Nikon 1 10-30mm lens at 30mm, shot in raw (NEF) processed in LR3

Model: Client, Mr Bosman - thank you for the 'moral release' - I owe you a coffee!







Technical: 1/30 f4 ISO 500, using Nikon 1 10-30mm lens at 14mm, Shot in raw (NEF) processed in LR3

Thank You for the smile, Jean!

[cagenuts]

Nice Leon.

Don't suppose you've read the review in the PhotoComment magazine that essentially trashes this camera? Despite me TIC bashing of it, I thought it would really hold up.

Is the J1 perhaps any better?

[Leo Theron]

I was told about the Photocomment 'review' - in the end I must make up my own mind. Forgot to take the mag - will read it.

Over the last three years I have travelled with a BFH (Big Fat Heavy - Professional FX), entry level Nikon D40, D60, MFT Panasonic G1 and my trusty Canon G7, G9 and later, a G10. In all cases results were totally dependent on the Nut. My Namibia shots are a mixed bag between a D2Xs and D40 (how far apart do you want to be?) and it is virtually impossible to tell the prints apart. Why is it so difficult? The EXIF is not available!

J1 and V1 has the SAME sensor, focussing system. The V1 has an 'electronic' viewfinder as well as FAT battery (for such a small camera) and is made from metal.

[jaykay]

There seems to be two schools of thought on the Nikon 1 series. The one crowd berates its small sensor, lack of manual controld, etc. The rest of us are actually using one and love the responsivenes and quality of the images produced. Yes, it has flaws and gimmicky features. Yes, I would like a PASM control and an easier way to set ISO. But when you get as many keepers as I do, who cares!

It is not a DSLR. The AF, metering and WB works extremely well in auto mode, so I do not miss the controls. The lenses are pretty decent with the 30-110 being the star in my opinion. Using the FT1 with my 70-200VR gives me 540mm at f/2.8 with VR. The 18-200VR also works well and feels balanced on the small body.

I have a few other Nikon bodies (D3, D300s, D200). Guess what camera I grab first these days?

Forget the reviews. Speak to owners.

[swainsons]

Seems a really nice little camera.... even nicer with a 400f2.8 and 2 x TC stuck onto it... http://nikonrumors.com/2012/01/17/so...n-2160mm.aspx/

Regards

[TheronFamily]

you tried the 50-500 OS on this rig yet jaykay?

[jaykay]

you tried the 50-500 OS on this rig yet jaykay?

Not yet. I have read somewhere that it does not AF. I will try over the weekend.

[TheronFamily]

Not yet. I have read somewhere that it does not AF. I will try over the weekend.

much obliged, I have only seen reports of the 150-500mm giving problems, nothing on the BIGMOS yet

[swainsons]

Another INSANE experiment with V1....

http://nikonrumors.com/2012/01/21/ni...px/#more-31488

[cagenuts]

My goodness!

Who needs a D4 or 1D X or even the lowly 7D?

[jaykay]

much obliged, I have only seen reports of the 150-500mm giving problems, nothing on the BIGMOS yet

Tried the 50-500 OS. The camera complains about a lens not being connected, but also clicks away and the display flashes. Not happy at all.

[TheronFamily]

much appreciate your efforts and your feedback jaykay.

[Lance]

Not a Nikon user, but one of the guys on this year's Dakar with me (and he has all the Nikon toys you can list) took two V1s instead of his DSLR kit. Got amazing shots. Their size make them so comfortable to travel with (easy fit in camera jacket and hotel safe). Very tough too, survived 15 days of Dakar dust. Handled them once, was impressed. Lenses look good too.

[Leo Theron]

Not a Nikon user, but one of the guys on this year's Dakar with me (and he has all the Nikon toys you can list) took two V1s instead of his DSLR kit. Got amazing shots. Their size make them so comfortable to travel with (easy fit in camera jacket and hotel safe). Very tough too, survived 15 days of Dakar dust. Handled them once, was impressed. Lenses look good too.

Since Lance shoots other things and decided he will not post a link, I decided to do it!


Nikon V1 on the DAKAR with Danie van Jaarsveld

[Henk Coetzee]

Since Lance shoots other things and decided he will not post a link, I decided to do it!


Nikon V1 on the DAKAR with Danie van Jaarsveld

Very Very Nice. Were these shot for the web or large prints?

Either way, EVIL cameras are certainly coming of age.