Nikon 1 J1 Mirrorless Advanced Camera Review by TR With Rating 4/5

On September 21 2011, Nikon announced the iconic Nikon 1 system, which represents a new category of camera that challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing a pocketable form factor with unbelievable speed, combined with the high image quality. The Nikon 1 J1 is an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses with the new 1 NIKKOR lens system that comes with a fast new hybrid Autofocus (AF), and fast speed with continuous AF. Users can capture a high quality image while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p movies, together with the new Motion Snapshot mode that combines moving and still images. The J1 camera features the new Nikon developed CX-format, 10.1 Megapixels High-Speed AF CMOS sensor, supports ISO range of 100-3200 (6400 Hi-1), 73-point AF system, continuous shooting at 10 fps (or 60 fps with AF locked) at full resolution, and can capture Full HD movies at 1080p 30 fps, or 1080i 60 fps, with additional 30/60/400 and 1200 fps modes for super slow motion effects. 

"In terms of sharpness, we were left suitably impressed by both the 10-30mm and, especially, the 10mm. As might be expected images are pin-sharp in the centre of the frame, but corner and edge sharpness is pretty impressive too - especially when the lenses are stopped down to their sweet spot of around f/8. There's no dedicated Macro lens as yet, but close focusing on small objects can yield quite good results. And so to general image quality. Overall, we have to say we were left quite impressed by the J1's ability to produce richly toned and pleasingly vibrant images. Even on the 'Standard' Picture Control setting the J1 delivered images with plenty of pop, which is sure to chime well with its target audience. While we're compelled to point out the J1's shortcomings elsewhere, there's no doubt that it produces an overall level of image quality that is leagues above what any regular compact camera is capable of. While the J1 delivers images that are tonally rich with good levels of sharpness and detail, depth of field is something that's undoubtedly compromised by the smaller CX sensor. Using the J1 next to an Olympus E-PL3, with both the kit zoom on each camera set to 28mm and focused on a static subject we found the area behind to be visibly more defocused and 'blurry' on the E-PL3 than the J1 at f/3.5. Against an APS-C equipped DSLR, the difference was even more pronounced. It is still possible to 'throw' the background with the J1, just not to the same extent it is with larger sensors. This may not be such a problem for the J1's intended audience of casual photographers, but for serious enthusiasts - especially those with an eye for portraiture - it does limit the J1 as a creative tool. 

The Nikon J1 is a stylish looking compact system camera that delivers class-leading shooting speeds, super-efficient AF performance and vibrant, punchy images. However, given the highly competitive nature of the CSC market this isn't really enough to elevate it above its peers and many rival CSCs offer richer feature sets and better value for money. It's good to finally see Nikon in the CSC market, and the J1 certainly shows some promise, but it's not quite the all-conquering model we'd hoped for."