Nikon 1 Mirrorless System Cameras

Arriving late to the mirrorless camera market, Nikon dove right in with two products: one geared toward consumers and one for more experienced photographers.

Nikon's line of mirrorless cameras bears the new "Nikon 1" label, so it's clear they have more cameras planned for the future.

Defining Features

What's most notable about the Nikon 1 cameras is that they use a sensor that's quite a bit smaller than the sensors in mirrorless cameras made by other companies.

Without going into great detail about sensor size - I do that here - I'll make these two points:

1. Smaller sensors degrade image quality when the light is dim
2. Smaller sensors produce less background blur

So why wouldn't Nikon put the largest sensor possible inside their mirrorless cameras?

With a wide range of compact digital cameras along with some very popular digital SLRs, the Nikon 1 sensor fits right in between, creating a "bridge" camera that didn't previously exist.

Nikon Mirrorless System Cameras - 2011

Release Date: October 2011

J1

The Nikon J1 is designed with compact camera users in mind. It's easy to use, without a lot of the more advanced features and settings desired by experienced photographers.

Megapixels 10.1 LCD 3in. Movie Mode 1080p H.264 Stabilization None Memory Card SD / SDHC / SDXC Viewfinder None Built-in Flash Yes ISO Range 100-6400

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Available at:  Amazon  •  Adorama  •  B&H Photo Video

List Price: $600 USD

Release Date: October 2011

V1

The V1 is more for advanced photographers who are looking for a lighter alternative to their digital SLR. The addition of an accessory port and an electronic viewfinder are the main things that set it apart from the J1.

Megapixels 10.1 LCD 3in. Movie Mode 1080p H.264 Stabilization None Memory Card SD / SDHC / SDXC Viewfinder Yes Built-in Flash Yes ISO Range 100-6400

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Available at:  Amazon  •  Adorama  •  B&H Photo Video

List Price: $850 USD