Nikon 1 J5 + 10-30mm

Fortkentdad

Senior Member
Looking at buying a Nikon 1 J5 with 10-30mm.

I'm tired of how poorly the Nikon Coolpix P100 autofocuses.

This camera purchase isn't for me, but for the staff at the Children's Centre where I work. I tend to bring my Nikon DSLR when I do a photo shoot at the Centre and seldom use the 'staff camera'. But the other day I needed to use the P100. It sucks. The autofocus takes so long to grab the focus it is painful with fast moving children.

I also would like a good camera to use on days when I left my DSLR at home.

Stopped into the local shop (we always shop local) and they had a Nikon 1 J5 with 10-30 on for $550 CDN (common enough price for that unit).

This would be on the top end of what I'd authorize to spend on a camera and would need to know it was a good choice.

What I've read it that the J5 seems like a great camera from a photographers point of view. And reviews say it's autofocus system is very good for children's photography.

BUT I need to know how well it will do in a non-photographer's hands. In auto-everything is it going to grab great pictures of fast moving kids. I doubt we'd add a second lens as most shots are done in the Centre and a few in the playground.

I handled it, I'm a little concerned it is more fragile than you typical point and shoot, but our staff can be careful.

Thoughts?
 

JohnB

Senior Member
I can't speak for the J5 specifically, but I do have the J1 with two lenses (10-30 and 30-110). Put it on Programmed Auto and anyone could use it, just point and shoot. Or when you are going to use it it can go fully manual. I use mine for vacations and when I need to travel light when the D300 and the whole kit is too much to bring.

The J5 is made of aluminum and magnesium alloy, it should be more durable then the Coolpix.

I love these cameras with the extremely fast autofocus and would highly recommend it for what you want to use it for.
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
My wife shoots the J5. She has shot around 5k images with that combo. The only issue we've had with it is that the 10-30mm locked open after she was bumped and fell with it in her hand when we were in Croatia. I replaced the lens as it is so inexpensive. It has been a workhorse otherwise.
 
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