Nikon 1 J1 Camera Review – A Suite of Sweet Features [Photos & Video]
If you’re looking for a way to capture the precious moments spent with loved ones, the Nikon 1 J1 compact camera may just be what you’re looking for. This casual and versatile camera balances portability with splendid image and video quality in a lightweight compact body that fits right in the palm of your hand.
The Nikon 1 J1 kits are available in 5 visually pleasingly shades (lenses of the same colour are only available when you purchase a kit):
The sleek and stylish body boasts minimal buttons, keeping it extremely user-friendly! The clear menus feature large easy-to-understand icons that make it simple to navigate between different functions.
Four simple shooting modes are easily accessed from the mode dial:
- Still Image
- Smart Photo Selector
- Motion Snapshot
- Movie
Still Images
The still photos turn out to be crisp-sharp, with natural hues. You can choose to save the high quality images in JPEG, JPEG-Fine or Raw formats.
The remarkably quick and seamless phase-detection autofocus (AF) embedded in the newly developed sensor will track and capture fast-moving subjects in sharp, crystal-clear focus ensures you will never miss a moment.
Harnessing the camera’s fast processing speed and ability to capture images both before and after you fully press the shutter button, these innovative shooting modes will capture moments you would normally not be able to.
Featuring a continuous shooting mode that captures images at approximately 10 frames per second to 60 frames per second, you can unequivocally capture your once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity of dynamic scenes such as exciting sporting matches or energetic children at play.
Smart Photo Selector
The Smart Photo Selector flies into action as soon as you press the shutter button. Upon a half-press, it begins to capture images before you even take the shot, and continues after you’re done, ultimately shooting 20 high-resolution images in quick succession. The best shot is then displayed on the monitor, along with four more for you to choose from.
The camera recommends shots based on factors such as facial expression, composition and focus so you’ll never miss a smiling face, accidentally cut off someone’s head or end up with half-closed eyes and blurred images.
Motion Snapshot Function
The Nikon 1’s innovative shooting functions allow greater creative freedom. The Motion Snapshot function, for instance, is an engrossing way of preserving your memories and a great feature to expand your creative capabilities. This has to be my favourite feature and the most utilised one.
Motion Snapshot brings a photo to life in just one click – it simultaneously records a one-second movie vignette and a still image which will play back in a dramatic 2.5x slow motion, in addition to a selection of music to match your shooting environment. The playback is dramatic and fun to watch.
The still images are captured in high resolution, so you can print them out n beautiful picture quality.
Movies
The movie mode opens up a host of advanced movie functions, including the chance to take a high-resolution photo while filming a movie.
The Nikon 1 J1 makes an appropriate choice for budding photo enthusiasts who are keen on experiencing the vast potential of shooting with interchangeable lenses without investing in a hefty DSLR.
Let the fun begin!
The images in this post are taken with the Nikon 1 J1 with a 10-30mm kit lens.