Nikon V1, the maximum in the minimum. Digital cameras are, in offering technology today, perhaps the most complex device in circulation. Myriad of nested functions in unlikely menu and sub-menus, buttons and rings galore, not always arranged in the best way. 500 page manual that leggerveli all have to sacrifice your precious weekend (ok, I am deliberately exaggerating the bottom … “who” reads the manuals when out there ‘a bright sun?!?). And we could go on for quite yet.

The V1 Nikon seems to have been designed as a totally avoid the problem of over-complication of the above that, mind you, not just bodies and pro advanced (in which partly justified) but often also compact with a vocation “by reflex. ”

The approach to the use of Nikon One tip, from its simple form, they go to trial. Even enough to unlock the goal (in our case the 10-30mm Nikkor VR 1 supplied as a kit lens) because the car lights from s and guarantees, in about one second, the possibility to make the first catch.

always ready. Depending on the set time after which the machine has to go automatically pause, in the event that is not turned off, the system of the V1 activates the LED was placed next to the ON / OFF button which begins to flash … Just to press One performs the shutter and the shot as if it were already burning. In fact, shares are to be turned off as the rear LCD, which by its nature, consumes more energy. The rest however responsive and ready instantly.

Instant: remember this noun because of the highly distinctive user-experience V1.

NIKON1

Take pictures and videos … and nothing else. Focus on recovery. And ‘that true success, the spirit of the series Nikon One and probably the reason for its existence. For Japanese Manufacturer fact the “way of One”, the way I see it, a new attempt (rather successful, in truth) to offer a camera performance, flexible, interchangeable lenses (so expandable) but easier to use than a compact. And it could be done only by creating a new product, characterized by a well-defined niche. Resume / diversify something pre-existing rule led to an evolution, not a re-volution. And I think the “A” revolutionary, from the upper right side of the camera body.

 

Three three keys. ON / OFF, and shooting video. End. On the upper part of the machine, easily distinguishable even to the touch, the three buttons which control the V1. That trip was the first stop and a short stroke that requires minimal pressure to activate the AF not as sensitive as that of pro SLR, but not far off. His perfect positioning Since the grip does not change at all while the “Record” button, and the smallest to the right, requires a movement of the index finger is slightly different grip for a moment. All left with a status LED located nearby, the ‘ON / OFF, impossible to press accidentally.

Also note the small speaker that reproduces the sound of movies and, of course, beeps and warnings.

EVF and integrated flash away. We continue the description of the upper body starting just from this last aspect, the lack of built-in flash: I personally would have preferred a small retractable flash unit and a classic hot-shoe above the viewfinder.

The connection for the flash, only outside, but the owner, and protected with contacts located at the bottom of the slide. The SB-N5, produced specifically for the V1, however, very compact and relatively lightweight (70 grams only). With a guide number of 8.5 to 12 at ISO100 and ISO200, and iTTL supports the first and second curtain sync. Also the head can be rotated horizontally and vertically, then provides good versatility.

The ‘integrated EVFbody in a matrix color LCD 1.44 Mdots characterized by surprisingly good time to refresh, to further confirm that the latest generation of electronic viewfinders have evolved immensely in the past. Going out at night with street lighting for the sole source of light, I never found scattosit or slowdown, even making some quick pan from side to side. Only when you Burst the EVF, so as the rear screen, are frozen for a split second.

One thing I would change, but I talk more later in “improvements” on the sensitivity of the sensor making the switch between the EVF and LCD. And speaking of this aspect, known as the transition from LCD viewfinder, involves a wait of about half a second. This, on the right side of the EVF, a small ring for diopter adjustment.

Interface arrangement and keys back panel. On the back, the V1 divided into three blocks, with the thumb of course that is located above a sort of small joystick which moves up and down and which, for its immediacy of operation, really surprised me.

In practice, if the machine is in the M / S, can change the shutter speed in A to vary the opening and, if you press the F (function) on the side, browse the menu and select the desired item. Using much the V1 into “M”, I find myself sometimes having to rotate the jog dial to change the value back of the lens opening, and this leads me to having to change the handle.

In this respect, in my humble opinion, it would be useful to be able to program the function button (F) so that it will operate as a switch for the joystick to switch between the functions of shutter speed / aperture. It would be perfect and not excessively complicate the context menus inside.

2 +2. The second block consists of a well-shaped pad and provides support for the thumb and, more to the right, by a ring that controls the four main operating modes of V1 that actually definiriei 2 +2: photos, videos and two “auto”. Let’s start from the latter.

Intelligent Selection photosan evolution of the Best Shot Selector introduced many years ago in the CoolPix series: I still remember my swivel 990.In pratica la V1 cattura in sequenza ultra-rapida 5 scatti e ne seleziona uno in base a tutta una serie di fattori come ad es. eyes closed or open to a person. The other 4 shots for not deleted from memory, So ‘true that when you go to play them to review, they are represented as a stack of photographs, a sub-group to be accessed by pressing the “OK” button of the jog dial .Entrati in questa sorta di mini-gallery, potete revisionare tutte le esposizioni e premendo nuovamente “OK” sceglierne un’altra al posto di quella selezionata automaticamente per voi dalla macchina.

Snapshot in motionbut nothing more than a mini-clips shot in HD quality at which the V1 combines one of the four audio tracks in memory, selectable by pressing “F”, a movie for you by mounting ad-hoc lasting a few seconds.

Of these two functions, probably frowned upon by the consumer market, personally I would have done without the users ‘needs may be the most diverse, so a self-respecting manufacturer has to try and meet some’ all. The upside to all this the ease with which they are accessed, and the fact that their presence does not detract from an ergonomics point of view, the most advanced functions of which we speak now.

Camera mode. P / A / S / M, but we have not seen: since there are no dials for direct recall of camera modes, precisely through the “menu” button that they can be recalled. They are available both for the photo and video mode, with the difference that, as regards the first, also present the “Auto” which, based on the reading of the scene, determines the type of exposure.

The V1 feature rich and allows pictures or almost total control of various settings, from the possibility to choose the resolution, the format of writing (which can also be JPEG + RAW), through the application of the Picture Control (Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Black etc …) and so on. This is for a field test, then I’ll tell you my impressions of the field, after using the machine for a while ‘time: for didactic material, please refer to the user manual or the hyper-detailed reviews that are around, from DPReview.

The lack of a dial for selecting modes of P / A / S / M, as I said, a little ‘me unsettled, given the variety of functions offered by the V1 and especially considering his IQ, which will be discussed in the third installment . Having to navigate, although the intuitive menu Internal forces to detach camera from the action for a few seconds: I say again that the F key, which ideally positioned, if it were a minimum customizable, could help not just the more advanced users. I can think of eg. a mini mental functions with the most used and immediately accessible. Nothing that I think could not possibly be expected in an update to the firmware.

Video mode. The V1 provides HD and FullHD which turned in acceptable conditions of light, very good quality (24Mbps). Slomo interesting options that allow you to turn 400 and 1200fps: one big limitation is time and resolution.

At 400fps the resolution stops at 600 × 240 pixels, allowing you to shoot very interesting but a bit ‘limited by the amount of detail captured. A 1200fps slow-motion effect is even more pronounced, but 320 × 120 pixels recommend its use, perhaps for particular applications. In both cases, the recording time is limited to 5 seconds.

To toggle between HD / Full HD slomo ones, the usual “F” key allows the operation through a dedicated menu.

The power (not fully exploited?) Dell’EXPEED 3. In super-high-speed mode, which will deepen further more, can take up to 60 fps for about half a second at full resolution 10MPixel, even in RAW. In practice this means that the processor EXPEED 3, here used in combination with the imager by 10MPixel product on specific Nikon Aptina, a monster. For this reason I do not understand why there have been extensive, for example. maybe a video functions implementing 720/120p HD mode or installed inside a memory buffer that would allow more slomo long or even expected to 1080/60p.

Despite the above considerations, I can not help but think of future generations “One”: a hypothetical V2 could easily have the features mentioned above and turn in 4K with no problems. At the bottom of the V1, but only for about half a second, it does already and RAW at 60p (!).

Jog dial and buttons for quick access. Which brings us to the third and last block of the rear panel of this compact, interchangeable lenses, as we have seen, hides much more than its outward appearance does not reveal.

The jog dial, which can be rotated in a clockwise / anti-clockwise and pressed in four directions, controls the lens aperture in M mode and governs access to the functions of AF / exposure, mode of operation ‘AF, self-timer and exposure compensation. In Play mode, you need to navigate between photos and video captured by V1, described in more forward (video).

Four buttons and a status LED that indicates whether the machine is writing / reading data around the jog dial, top: Avail and Play, down, Menu, and Trash. Avail change the information available in both shooting and playback modes; picking also serves to turn off the rear LCD. Play accesses data in memory enabling display of photos and video.

 

Belowthere are the compartment that houses the battery EN-EL15 1900mAh and from the memory in standard SDHC / XC. The attachment plate perfectly aligned with the optics. Small note though is likely to be the norm: a lack of slight surface characteristics of rubber at the base of the camera body.

Front, the sides of the viewfinder, you see the two-channel stereo microphone SX and DX and AF Illuminator for focusing in low light.

On the left side, protected by a plastic front lid lined with rubber, a jack for external mic (very welcome for more advanced video applications), one HDMI and A / V OUT / USB (2.0).

Nikon CX. And ‘the new bayonet mount that Nikon has created for its mirrorless interchangeable lens with 2.7 x crop. And speaking of goals, for now the only Japanese manufacturer it works for this standard even if, given the success of worldwide sales of the One, not excluding others from interest and follow.

To those who ask why Nikon has “ignored” a mature and popular as the m4 / 3, the answer he has given, in September 2011, Dave Etchells of Imaging Resource same Masahiro Suzuki, General Manager of R & D : when they began the study of its system mirrorless, the m4 / 3 was not even born then, according to the allegations, the idea of “no mirror” interested Nikon for many years.

Moreover, in a recent interview with DPReview January 31, Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of another manufacturer, has emphasized the fact that we are already developing goals for the grand opening One. And, as we all know, this is a central point for the system m4 / 3, which now extended from the standpoint of their own sins, but on the accompanying optical zoom and (some) first light.

The machine body, characterized by lines simple and clean, conformed to the right so that the hand they follow the shape of course, without forcing. The grip in practice limited to a slight relief in the lower part and nothing more: for everyday use, I personally prefer a more pronounced grip area. For this and not producendone Nikon, I ordered the rubber grip of Richard Franiec specific for J1 and V1 and available later this month for about 35USD: as soon as possible, will update with some shots and felt this field report.

The concept of providing a body like this simple design of additional handles not new: Olympus with its E-P3 eg., Has done a great job in giving users the possibility of fitting two types, more or less pronounced, depending on your preferences.

Ergonomics important because the camera body and grip. The body of the V1, you can see from the photographs that show him in the hands of a person of average height, all in all of its features for a compact weight. Let’s be clear, the Nikon mirrorless not a brick, for nothing, not even a feather.

When one grasps it with one hand, to obtain a good stability and a firm grip, necessary to grasp it by the right side and the movements permitted are those of the index finger and thumb on the shutter which acts on the joystick. If, by chance, you have to change the opening and move your thumb down to rotate the jog dial, the power range and better then using both hands. What it natural for those who have one or more SLR like myself but not for those who are used to compact with objectives that, once extinguished, within the body.

Alternated with customizable F key, as mentioned above, shutter speed / aperture lens on the joystick problem would not arise and increase the immediacy of use. Perhaps with a firmware upgrade? Alternatively, while not solving the problem, a more pronounced grip would help, at least by making operations more comfortable.

Particular camera body. As photos, Manfrotto plate blocks access to the compartment that houses the memory and battery. Using a small Gorillapod with a screw cap, but when you get to lick the hinge of the lid. It ‘s likely that many users accustomed to using compact cameras do not use the tripod so often as myself but personally I think it is an indispensable tool for many shooting situations, without considering that there are some in the CF that go beyond just the kilo and a half of weight, to the advantage of trasportabilit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWvTLeasgmk&feature=player_embedded

V for Fast … very fast. Almost in every condition. The fact that the AF unit mounted on the hybrid-type V1: Nikon has joined a contrast detection system for a phase-detection system and their operation closely related to the amount of light present in the scene. In actual practice, if the environment decently illuminated, the phase detection system, with its 73 points distruibuiti over a large area of the frame, fast, surprising even in tracking mode (AF-C). I noticed that, quite closing the aperture (or in low light conditions), the system begins operation in contrast detection, slowest in determining the point of focus but extremely accurate when it fails. A further observation is that the switch between phase and contrast, or whether to use one or the other system is not at your own risk: the V1 (J1) that decides.

Mode shooting down / fast / fast / super-fast. Nikon has conducted its own, pounding, campaign giving the impression that the machines were more fast One of the solar system and in fact not that he had a point. The V1 offers different shooting modes. The first, the mechanical shutter and none on the J1 model that has only the electronic shutter, shooting at 5fps burst AF with full time.

The Electronic-mode Hi, 10, 30 and 60fps, even in RAW to a maximum resolution of 10MPixel, to exclude the function face detect AF that the exposure control (the machine that determines it).

Using an SD card from Sandisk Extreme Pro 16GByte in mechanical shutter mode, 5fps, the depth buffer V1 of about 54-55 frames in JPEG and 42 RAW in Hi 10, 30 and 60fps I’ve always recorded around thirty, both JPEG and RAW. Note: With this machine you must have memories top of the range if you want to seriously exploit the (huge) potentials.

Simple even in non-effects. Before going on to describe briefly the internal functionality, I want to say a word about what there ‘. The “Special Effects” Personally, I can not sbilanciarmi on the subject, as it turns out to be dear to many, but let’s say that the fact of not finding them on this V1 not that I have had to arrange a visit by the winking-brains to cure depression. The V1, as already mentioned, Picture Control provides the right and nothing more but also helps you focus on recovery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sW_dHUgz_4&feature=player_embedded

 

User-friendly menu. I leave the task to short video to illustrate the contents of the menu. Here I write simply that they are among the most simple and quick to see that meeting for a long time: three main sections and virtually no sub-menu. Everything within it, loved it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9dg2Xt31PQ&feature=player_embedded

Playback mode. In this mode, the thing that I found most useful, except of course the functions of reviewing photos and movies, the user can, by pressing the “F”, to associate a rating (from 1 to 5 stars) to the material photo / video in order to carry out field a pre-classification that is subsequently considered under development by the software View and Capture NX.

Impressions and improvements. Quality of the photos and videos (and IQ of a compact 10-30 Nikkor) we will see them in the next episode but I anticipate that I personally think the “small” CX 10MPixel very satisfactory, characterized by a good IQ and noise levels surprisingly contents.

Having said that, under the operational aspect of V1, m ‘liked almost everything: the combination of a compact, rugged, and reliable and it’s very “offensive and intrusive” allows you to move easily between people. In addition, the AF an arrow and, thanks to a continuous mode really amazing, capturing the moment without hesitation if the situation requires it and light permitting.

Some aspects of V1 are in my opinion (easily) be improved. With an update to the firmware, for example, you could allow the user to choose whether to enable or disable the motion sensor placed next to the EVF. At present in fact, having the need, for example, can not mount a Zacuto Z-finder unless you use a pair of extension frames: because of the extreme sensitivity of the sensor installed on the camera, the LCD back is turned off, even before accidentally hovering a few inches away (+ / – 5).

Something I would have to say also on the positioning of the memory slot that, in my opinion, would it have been better placed to one side of the camera body rather than below: montanto fact, a quick release plate, even the little Manfrotto by 1/4 “, the front lid that houses the battery compartment / SDHC / XC blocked, forcing the user to unscrew the plate. Not the best of practicality, of course, but as with every little problem, trying to get used to or remedy, perhaps using (good, I recommend) memory card 16GByte that allow you to have enough space. Of course, if you discharge the battery …

One more small note, arising from the practical use of this and other digicam, concerns the “Play” button that I would have liked to be activated even when the machine turned off for the immediate review of the material.

Other aspects, such as a display articulable, it would not hurt would have been counted in future evolutions of the Family One.

Unaccounted for. Variation of exposure and live real-time histogram. There are two features that I find important in everyday use and the fact of having to rely on the only indicator to determine the over / under-exposure, I found a little ‘uncomfortable and less immediate, in actual practice, do the shot that darken / brighten.

Manual focus. Subject of our test kit lens I would have preferred to have a focus ring. In fact, I find that certain controls, as well integrated into the camera body, should be replicated on the objectives. Moreover, (I know, I am a fastidious break-bales), could not have hurt a peaking function for the fire.

Back then, between us that I think is important to point out the lack of customization through “F” key (since that is the why not exploit it to the bottom), was not guaranteed and ergonomically perfect. And, of course, the possibility of mounting a grip optional true that is produced by third parties but, as an accessory, an official Nikon does not look out of place at all.

Briefly vs J1. V1. While not available for a J1 compare it directly with the V1 in our possession, we had a way to try them at the official presentation took place at Italian Magna Pars in September last year.

Essentially identical in the heart, combination sensor / processing, the two camera bodies differ in several important respects. The J1 more small and compact, an advantage in terms of portability and features an integrated flash, which makes its use suitable for casual photography while the V1 is expressly addressed to a user more demanding: EVF, body more massive and magnesium alloy, the absence of a flash unit etc … Two similar machines but with substantially different target.