Finally DPreview (Click here) posted the much expected Nikon V1 and J1 review. A must read! The cameras are amazing for shoot moving subjects in good light. And image quality is almost on par with the Micro Four Thirds cameras (and that’s also an amazing result considering the smaller sensor). But also Dpreview recognizes that the price is still too high when you compare it with other cheaper and more featured cameras like the Sony NEX-5n.

Nevertheless, at least in USA the Nikon 1 cameras are selling well (Check here the Amazon US ranking). I guess this has also to do with their strong marketing campaign and retailers network. Anyway, I am pretty sure Nikon is already preparing the launch for new Nikon 1 cameras. Can’t wait to see them!

Many reviewers argued that the new Nikon 1 cameras are too expensive. Good to hear that at least our US readers can enjoy a $50 discount on all Nikon 1 cameras! Check the list here at Amazon (Click here). And to learn more about the cameras read the two latest reviews:
Nikon 1 review at Neocamera (Click here): “Nikon really pushed things here, giving the V1 the smoothest and most seamless integration between stills and video on any digital camera to date. The V1 is always ready to shoot both images and video with an imperceptible lag and always previews the correct framing for both.”
1 Nikkor 10mm f/2.8 – Review at Photozone (Click here): “Thus, ompared to the default kit zoom lens, the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm, the small pancake lens offers slightly superior performance, but in a much smaller and in addition more robust package. Unlike the zoom, however, the prime does not feature optical stabilization.”

Also the price of the Fuji X100 is getting lower and lower. It’s now in Stock fo $1153 at Amazon (Click here). The camera just won the Design Award (Photographyblog)…again!

Unlike many other manufacturers that would let you wait months before to get the new camera or lens (I am talking to you Panasonic) Nikon has the new cameras already in Stock!
The Nikon V1 can be ordered at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
The Nikon J1 can be ordered at Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.

I am already seeing many Nikon 1 commercials in European TV’s and newspaper. It’s all well coordinated and I am wondering if that massive commercial orchestra will bring some results. Meanwhile many websites are posting Nikon tests: Dpreview posted the V1 and J1 Hands-on Preview. Focus Numerique posted a Nikon 1 V1 test. And ePhotozine have been invited at a Nikon 1 Series China Factory Tour.

Nikon is pushing hard. Will they succeed with the new system?

You might remember Nikon’s statement on Facebook last week: “A photographer is only as good as the equipment he uses, and a good lens is essential to taking good pictures!”. Nikon recognized the mistake and said that “We know some of you took offense to the last post, and we apologize, as it was not our aim to insult any of our friends. Our statement was meant to be interpreted that the right equipment can help you capture amazing images. “e appreciate the passion you have for photography and your gear, and know that a great picture is possible anytime and anywhere.”

What’s more important is the ePhotozine interview with Nikon (Click here): “Nikon believe that the megapixel race ended years ago with the Nikon D3s. Its not a megapixel race anymore but instead a development of quality and the 10mp sensor in the Nikon 1 series has been specially selected to enable high speed.”

P.S.: Nikon V1 + 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 VR Preview Samples at Dpreview.

Via Amateur Photographer

There is a new 20 page long Nikon J1 review at Digitalcamerainfo (Click here): “If the camera were released three years ago, that might be enough to hail the J1 as the conquering hero many Nikon fans have been waiting for. Instead, it wades into an already crowded pool with a feature set and image performance that is bested in most areas by other cameras already on the market.”

Amateur Photographer (Click here) interviewed Mr. Yoshizo Mori (general manager of Nikon’s development department): “The Nikon 1 system was designed with functionality, size, speed and its feature set as a first priority rather than the traditional concerns of the size of the sensor and the number of pixels on it.”

Nikon 1 V1 preview at Cameralabs (Click here): “Nikon’s decision to employ a sensor that’s smaller than the APS-C and Micro Four Third sensors used in existing Interchangeable Lens Cameras, ILCs, has disappointed enthusiasts who equate sensor size to quality. And in a respect they are right, as bigger sensors traditionally enjoy greater light gathering power, lower noise and broader tonal dynamic range. Bigger sensors also typically place lower demands on the resolving power of the lens, and for the same coverage as a camera with a smaller sensor, allow a shallower depth-of-field too.”

Nikon J1 and V1 first impression at Hybridcams (Click here).