Nikon 1 Firmware/Update Approach

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
One thing that I've been pretty impressed with regarding the Nikon 1 system, is the way Nikon rethought firmware patching. Unlike our DSLRs, Nikon has also provided the ability to patch lenses, GPS and Speedlight micro-code in the Nikon 1 series. (I realize that the SB-900 and SB-700 also have this ability.) I expect at some point, we'll see this trickle "up"?

The GP-N100 GPS is particularly interesting. It has a weather sealed USB port for updates. When you connect your USB and use the Utility software, not only can you update the micro-code but you can load a file to improve the GPS performance. I don't know of another camera GPS that has this feature.

From the manual: Assisted GPS (A-GPS or aGPS) uses files containing supplementary information to reduce the time needed to determine the current position. Assisted GPS files for the GP-N100 remain valid for about two weeks after download. Note that the GP-N100 will continue to function normally in the absence of valid assisted GPS data, although more time may be required to determine the current position.



 

Eye-level

Banned
I was reading a post today from a pro photojournalist who was saying he shelved his Fuji because it was slower than molasses to AF. He is now wearing a V1 and says it is incredible how fast it picks up stuff and he says it is incredible how there aren't a whole bunch of buttons in the way like on the Fuji and other small rigs. He also said that in the situations he is in the V1 is way better than a DSLR to get the picture. Those are big words right there.

I was curious Eduard what do you think of the AF speed on that thing?
 
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Eye-level

Banned
OH another thing that was mentioned. Apparently Nikon has recently filed for a patent in Japan concerning a prime f .7 lens for the 1 system...yes you read that right a f point 7 lens! That is incredible!

Reliable sources in Japan report that more and more 1 system cameras are being bought as back ups for DSLRs.

The Nikon 1 system is in it early infancy I think once they start making the fast lenses for it it will go viral.

Don't even talk about the small sensor and ultra fast processor because they are kick @ss special I assure you...that is why it costs so much.
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
The speed to focus is incredibly fast. As compared to my D300 my perception is that the V1 is a tad faster in good light. In low light the D300 wins hands down. But throw some real fast glass in the mix and that could change.

I can see where photojournalists would like it. Depending on how you setup the shot, 60 FPS are doable. That isn't a typo. There are some caveats but that is still amazing.

I don't shoot video much but another interesting feature that I've played around with is the ability to capture an image WHILE filming video. Imagine this, you're filming someone blowing out birthday candles and at the right moment you press the shutter and capture an image without interrupting the video! Very slick.
 
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