Nikon Nikon 1 V3 / SHOOTING REPORT

The Nikon 1 V series is the advanced line of the Nikon 1 mirrorless camera system. Everyone who owns this series feels very satisfied even though it doesn't have flashy eye-catching features in terms of specifications. In fact, it feels great and solid in hand. In other words, it's very Nikon. The compact and smart appearance is due to the absence of the viewfinder, which is now one of the optional accessories including handgrips etc. These optional accessories expand the usability of the system. And, it operates even faster; it can shoot continuously up to 60fps! This astonishing burst capability makes the system even more unique: no other cameras can draw the world as the Nikon 1 does.

( Photography : Z II / Text : 48 )

Unrivaled speed secures the very moment.

It's like a machine gun. Everyone who experienced the Nikon 1's continuous shooting speed feels stunned and then starts to laugh. It's truly fast to the extent that we can only laugh. Even with the AF-servo mode, it fires up to 20fps. So, it's more like shooting movies. You may want to keep shooting for the whole 1 second rather than hunting for the best moment. And, it's not only the AF that is fast, but also the time between turning the power on, focusing, and shutter release is ultra short. There're scene that can be captured only if the camera operates quickly. No wonder this performance is the top of its class, but it even excels average SLR cameras and this is what best characterizes the Nikon 1.

The high-speed continuous shooting is simply fun, but it also fills the macro SD card so quickly (it writes fast, too). So, I advise you not to overshoot in order to prepare for the best moment. But, it's a good idea to shoot 5 frames instead of 1. This way, you can get the best group shot by excluding shots where some people are blinking or changing their facial expressions.

1-inch sensor size may sound a little small in the category of mirrorless cameras. But, the picture quality is good enough. Instead, I'm convinced that the format was the best choice to realize the great balance between the compactness and the speed. And, it's a plus for pan-focusing. In fact, there’re situations when smaller sensors are more advantageous than the large ones.

The 10-30mm kit zoom lens is very handy. It's not razor sharp, but it's an ideal lens to start. If you want to take landscape photography, you can build a compact telephoto system by mounting a F-mount Nikkor lens.

It depicts the texture and tonality nicely. Of course, the 1-inch sensor has its limitations, but it's good enough because in a sense, photography is about showing what is photographed.

Keep shooting even after the sunset. By taking advantage of the noise reduction, so you can raise ISO when necessary. Yet, because it generates noticeable noise and loses details, you want to keep ISO s low as possible.

Use it casually and seriously.

This is a body that best represents the character of the brisk Nikon 1. The casual version J4 has similar basic properties, but if you have some experience, want to shoot more seriously, or are looking for a sub-body for your main SLR body, I recommend the V3. The body is simple, solid, and expandable. The body without the optional accessories is convenient enough, but you can always add the EVF and grip to make it a workhorse.

Of course, it's the best sub-body for the Nikon F mount system. You may wonder if it would lose the balance when a F mount lens is mounted, but it's no problem as long as you support the lens with the hand. Instead, enjoy the 2.7X telephoto conversion. For example, the 70-200mm becomes an ultra telephoto 190-540mm in 35mm equivalent. And, together with the burst mode, you can shoot sports and events, to say nothing of landscapes. And, the tilting LCD will assist shooting from various angles. Just imagine your investment on F mount lenses expands shooting opportunities.

It's compact and fast. It's a great choice for those who are looking for a handy camera and those who are looking for a super sub. The Nikon 1 V3 is an expert choice.

( 24.04.2014 )