THE BEST BANGS FOR
YOUR BUCK ; By Dan Havlik ;
Digital SLRs aren’t the only Nikon cameras
that use interchangeable lenses anymore. The Nikon 1 System combines the
portability of a compact camera with
the quality and versatility of a DSLR and
the stylishness of a fashion accessory.
Comprising the Nikon J1 camera—aimed
at consumers—and the Nikon V1—for
more advanced photographers—the Nikon
1 system is designed to make it easier
to capture quality photos without being
loaded down by heavy gear. Because
Compact System Cameras, such as the
Nikon 1 models, don’t have a DSLR’s internal flip-up mirror or complicated interface,
camera bodies and lenses can be smaller.
Both Nikon 1 models use 10.1-megapixel
NIKON ; SYSTEM
high-speed AF CMOS sensors in a new
CX-format size. Image quality is excellent,
especially for cameras this sleek and chic.
The system includes four lenses: the 1
NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8, the 1 NIKKOR VR
10–30mm f/3. 5–5. 6, the 1 NIKKOR VR
30–110mm f/3. 8–5. 6, and the 1 NIKKOR
VR 10–100mm f/4. 5–5. 6 PD–ZOOM lens.
Thanks to a new hybrid autofocus system
that switches between phase detection
and contrast- detection-based focusing
depending on the scene you’re shooting,
in Nikon 1 models, the autofocus locks in
quickly to make image capture a snap. Both
cameras have three-inch LCDs on back,
and the V1 adds an electronic viewfinder
on top with 1. 4 million dots of resolution,
which automatically activates when you
raise your eye to it. Other unique features
include Smart Photo Selector mode, which
chooses your best image from a group of
shots, and Motion Snapshot, which com-
bines a still image with video in a distinctive
clip. Speaking of video, you can record full
HD 1080p video with the Nikon 1 System.
If you really want to get creative, add the
FT1 Mount Adapter, and you can connect
Nikkor F SLR lenses to your Nikon 1 camera.
MSRP: Nikon J1, $599 (with 10–30 mm
f/3. 5–5. 6 lens); Nikon V1 $649 (with
10–30 mm f/3. 5–5. 6 lens); FT1 Mount
Adapter, $269
