I'm on the fence with this.
- Thread starter weebee
- Start date
It is really nice to be able to take 60 fps HD movies, but, still photos are not the area where this camera excels, judging upon many reviews. Here is one of them (I just found it, while browsing the Internet): Nikon 1 J3: Image Quality and Verdict
"-The camera only really performs well at ISO 160 and 200, with colour distortion appearing from ISO 400
-It’s also bad news when it comes to the camera’s colour reproduction. Reds appear under-saturated, although greens and blues are just about right
-Should I buy the Nikon 1 J3?
In a word, no. At its current price of over £500, the Nikon 1 J3 is up against some pretty tough competition. This includes the Olympus E-PM2, Samsung NX1100,Canon EOS M and the excellent Panasonic Lumix GF6 that's nearly £150 cheaper. Even Nikon's own Nikon 1 S1 is a better option.
-Verdict: the Nikon 1 J3 is flawed on several levels. It handles poorly, has limited features and takes deeply average photos. It’s rare for a camera to disappoint this much, but the Nikon 1 J3 is one to avoid."
Interestingly, the impression of the reviewer is very similar to the one I had long ago about V1/J1 (when I was considering a possibility of purchasing some mirrorless compact system, and finally opted for PEN. I had already had a few old AI/AIs Nikkor/Vivitar-Nikon lenses collected during the analog era, and I knew I'm gonna get me a Nikon DSLR in the foreseeable future).
"-The camera only really performs well at ISO 160 and 200, with colour distortion appearing from ISO 400
-It’s also bad news when it comes to the camera’s colour reproduction. Reds appear under-saturated, although greens and blues are just about right
-Should I buy the Nikon 1 J3?
In a word, no. At its current price of over £500, the Nikon 1 J3 is up against some pretty tough competition. This includes the Olympus E-PM2, Samsung NX1100,Canon EOS M and the excellent Panasonic Lumix GF6 that's nearly £150 cheaper. Even Nikon's own Nikon 1 S1 is a better option.
-Verdict: the Nikon 1 J3 is flawed on several levels. It handles poorly, has limited features and takes deeply average photos. It’s rare for a camera to disappoint this much, but the Nikon 1 J3 is one to avoid."
Interestingly, the impression of the reviewer is very similar to the one I had long ago about V1/J1 (when I was considering a possibility of purchasing some mirrorless compact system, and finally opted for PEN. I had already had a few old AI/AIs Nikkor/Vivitar-Nikon lenses collected during the analog era, and I knew I'm gonna get me a Nikon DSLR in the foreseeable future).
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Yeah, but it seems to me that 400 ISO limit is totally unacceptable, even in a "small sensor mirrorles system" camera category, nowadays. Observe this casual snap for example (E-PL3, kit-lens 14-42mm, handheld), taken at no less than 8000 ISO (and again: eight thousand), in a room lit only by 2x100W wolfram bulbs:
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Sorry but your example at 8000 iso is not that impressive IMHO.
The 400 ISO limit is just not true there are lots of great photos on here and other sites at way higher ISO. Modern PP software can fix most issues even when you get up to 2000 ISO.
You can always use flash indoors.
I am very pleased with my V1.
Seems to me you have already made your mind up that the N1 is not for you.
The photo I posted earlier in this thread of the vintage race cars was shot with my V1 at 1600 iso. Not as good as my D7000 could do, but quite acceptable to me. I have no problem with 1" sensor noise. To me it looks kind of film like & any excessive noise can be taken care of in PP.
This one is ISO 1100
This one is ISO 1100
High ISO test:
Here's a couple quick snapshots, using the 18.5 mm 1.8 (50mm view), which I highly recommend if you get any Nikon 1. These are both shot at ISO 1600 (4x the recommended dosage
), ambient light and no flash. RAW, no sharpening or noise reduction applied!
f2.8
f1.8
Here's a couple quick snapshots, using the 18.5 mm 1.8 (50mm view), which I highly recommend if you get any Nikon 1. These are both shot at ISO 1600 (4x the recommended dosage
), ambient light and no flash. RAW, no sharpening or noise reduction applied!f2.8
f1.8
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Phillydog1958
Senior Member
They're considering selling the Nikon 1 in Asia, only. Sales of the Nikon 1 were so much higher in Asia, when compared to the rest of the world. For some reason, the Asian market loves the little system. I really don't think they're going to drop the line, because they just launched the Nikon 1 AW1, which is a waterproofed system. I strongly feel that the AW1 might revived the Nikon 1 line in other non-Asian markets. It could appeal to outdoor types.
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Phillydog1958
Senior Member
I purchased the Nikon 1 system as a travel camera. So, I agree with your point that adding the FT1 adapter does take from it's portability and small size. That's exactly what prevented me from purchasing the FT1. Eventually, I gave in and bought the FT1. Why the change of heart? Because of the 2.7 X crop factor of the Nikon 1's sensor. Add a long DX/FX lens to it, and you will be amazed at the additional distance that the Nikon 1 allows for. If I'm wanting to keep it LIGHT, I don't pack the FT1 or any of my FX lenses with my Nikon 1. But, sometimes you want that added length and it's nice to have that as an option.
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The reviewer that said ISO > 400 is not acceptable is simply wrong IMHO. Thought I would push my V1 to its limit to see what happens. This was taken just now at ISO 3200 in a room with two 60W lights.
Its not noise free but still not disastrous and way better than any P&S could do.
Don't believe all you read
.
Its not noise free but still not disastrous and way better than any P&S could do.
Don't believe all you read
.
randyspann
Senior Member
The Nikon 1 system is the ultimate carry everywhere camera for me. Even on the motorcycle. Take a D800 with a prime and a zoom on the bike ... I don't think so!