Nikon's first interchangeable lens digital cameras introducing the Nikon V1 and Nikon J1

Nikon has announced and launched their new technology the Nikon 1 series camera range, with the first two models in the series being the V1 and the J1. Nikon has stepped into the interchangeable lens compact camera market with confidence and two very stylish cameras. The V1 and the J1 is Nikon's first advanced interchangeable digital cameras with a new super high speed AF CMOS image sensor, high speed image processing engine, EXPEED 3 and the all new Nikon 1 lens mount. (That sure is a mouthful.)

Nikon continues to release new cameras with innovative new features have expanded the many possibilities of photography. The Nikon 1 series is the latest in technology development and photography enhancement which creates new possibilities and it sure does not disappoint.

Camera design:

What happens when you combine simple, elegant, streamlined yet fashionable with high quality technology? Well you get the Nikon 1 V1 and J1. The V1 and J1 are only adorned with the Nikon 1 brand name and the model name, V1 or J1, on the front of the cameras. The V1 is available in white and black while the bit smaller J1 is available in white, black, red, pink and silver. Oh but wait there is more, the lenses are available in the same colours so you can colour coordinate your camera for an integrated look.

The J1 and V1 with a minimalistic yet stylish designed is compact and lightweight so that you can easily keep the camera with you which is perfect of holidays and special events so that you can capture each passing moment. With the four shooting modes, Motion Snapshot, Smart Photo Selector, Still Image and Movie you can capture images and record movies in style.

The J1 is fitted with a 3 inch 460k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle and a built in flash, while the V1 has a 3 inch 921k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle as well as a bright high contract electronic viewfinder. The LCD monitors are incorporated with an air-gapless structure which allows the protective glass and panel to be built in with a thinner design and increases visibility in the sunlight.

View of Nikon v1

The Features of the Nikon V1 and J1:

Nikon claims that the new Nikon 1 series cameras are the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens cameras available and has the world's fastest autofocus system. Now that already makes you a bit more excited about the new kid on the block. So here are some of the impressive features packed into this small camera with some never before seen modes.

Expect faster still image, movie processing and advanced duplication characteristics with the CMOS image sensor and image processing engine. Not only did Nikon release a new series of cameras with two models, they also released a Nikon 1 an all new lens mount system. The newly developed lens mount can be fitted with an adapter so that already owned F-mount NIKKOR lenses can be used.

The V1 and J1 boast a super high speed AF CMOS image sensor and is a CX-format image sensor. The sensor has a pixel count of 10.1 megapixels and is the first image sensor which implements phase-detection AF. The V1 and J1 have exceptionally fast auto focusing that produces high image quality for movies and still images. Now what does the phase detection AF mean to me?

Well the Phase detection AF incorporated in the super sensor can track and capture fast moving subjects with sharp, clear focus and detail. The Nikon 1 cameras will automatically select the contrast detect AF mode in poor light which will expand the autofocus so that no matter the lighting you can still capture the perfect shot. Now is that not an impressively smart advanced hybrid AF system?

Capture picture perfect moments with the Nikon 1 series capability of capturing 10 frames per second while the AF tracks your fast moving subject and in crystal clear focus or capture 60 frames per second with continues shooting with the focus locked on the position of the first frame. Nikon 1 is the first interchangeable lens cameras to implement focal plane detection AF, expanding the V1 and J1's photo opportunities so that you can capture so much more.

The Nikon V1 and J1 comes with Short Movie Creator which is automatic movie editing software that is easy and fun to use with still images and movies recorded with Nikon 1 cameras. Now you can show your movies and photos taken with a Nikon 1 camera to friends and family in a creative and fun way with background music and special effects. Who said you can only take photos and movies with a Nikon 1 camera?

There is many more features jam packed in the V1 and J1 such as:

  • Movie recording in full HD
  • Picture Control
  • Support for RAW recording
  • Active D-Lighting which adjusts light exposure
  • Infrared receivers for remote control operation
  • Scene Auto Selection
  • Built in dust reduction

Motion Snapshot function

With Motion Snapshot Nikon has re-examined the potential of capturing moments in motion with perfection and presenting them in a form that is more than just a photo or movie. The Motion Snapshot mode captures a moment as a still image and a second of high resolution movie footage. Capture a surprised face or the beautiful moving and changing vividly without missing a beat. The Motion Snapshot mode is cleverly designed to start recording as soon as the shutter release is pressed half way and ends after the shutter release is pressed all the way ensuring that the magical moment was captured.

Smart Photo Selection function

Fast moving subjects are no longer a problem with the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 with the Smart Photo Selection feature. No more missing the moment or getting frustrated and struggling to get the perfect shot. When pushing the shutter release button the clever V1 or J1 will automatically take a total of 20 shots before and after the shutter release button was pressed at a speed of 30 frames per second. But that is not all the Smart Photo Selection technology is so smart it will also automatically choose the five best photos from the series taken. Whether it is a fast moving toddler or a energetic puppy or camera shy loved one. The Nikon 1 will capture it with impressive clarity and perfection.


Nikon's new Nikon 1 series with the V1 and J1 pack an impressive punch in the small and stylish camera body. The hype that has followed these cameras since their announcement sure lives up to expectations. And weren't they just too clever making a pink camera with matching lenses? Definitely extra points from me!

Read more about the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 and all the fancy features on the Nikon website.