Nikon J1 review

A short, sharp review of the J1, Nikon's bold entry into the mirrorless system camera - especially in the striking red finish Nikon sent me to test.

[shigx]

I just bought this Camera most due to your great review. Extremely satisfied. THANK YOU!!!

[gaivoron]

Great review. I noticed the blur with action shots too had no idea to switch to normal stability

[celery]

Thank you for this! I love the pics you took w/ it! I'm saving up for this! It seems like such an awesome camera! <3

[shortsharpreviews]

@jfkf71 The J1 sample shot changes from ISO 400 to ISO 6400 too - although you may need to view at 1080p to notice the difference

[shortsharpreviews]

The Nikon D3100 clinches it from Sony NEX and Nikon 1 cameras for image quality but there's not a huge amount in it. The only mirrorless system camera I've seen that matches SLRs for both low noise and sharp focus is the Pentax K-01, but that's because it's basically an SLR with no viewfinder - much chunkier than other mirrorless cameras.

[MrEunuch]

I really like this kind of quick overview.

[ANDYSavedTheDay]

Hi! I really find your reviews extremely helpful. Short, simple, straight to the point. Very well done!

Can you do a review for the Olympus OMD next time. Many thanks! :)

[shortsharpreviews]

Yes, you'll get a big jump in both image quality and performance. If you're keen on the WX1 various shooting modes such as Anti Motion Blur and Sweep Panorama, you may want to consider the Sony NEX-C3, which has these and gives even better image quality than the Nikon J1. But the J1 for €350 sounds like a good deal.

[shortsharpreviews]

That's a tricky one. I'd say the GX1, especially given the much wider choice of lenses. But if you need manual exposure for videos, it has to be the J1. Or consider the Panasonic GH2 - a brilliant video camera (and great for photos too) and currently a bargain with the GH3 on its way.

[danpas]

Thanks for the advice because I really like the SONY features you mentioned (specially the panorama mode). Just one more thing, how would you position the Nikon J1 in terms of image quality versus the Nikon D3100? Although my preferred choice for next equipment is a Mirrorless System Camera, I sometimes wonder if a DSLR would be a better choice for me. Thanks again.

[danpas]

I am currently thinking about upgrading from my point and shoot SONY Cybershot DSC WX1 to this camera (I have found an offer for 350 €). Since I am very satisfied with the SONY I would like to know if this camera will really make a difference (what I demand is performance and speed and a step ahead in image quality). Thanks in advance for your answer and congratulations for your reviews.

[shortsharpreviews]

The NEX-5N has the edge for video - cleaner in low light and better manual control.

[claudiaaleman]

My doesn't want to turn on I buy a new battery can someone help me where to go fix it thank you guys so much

[Fogducker]

@DrBukcake it is much better than a S95. 1080P video, super fast autofocus and better image quality, as well as Interchangeable lenses.

[mikeismad]

Good review for such a poor (and overpriced) camera... do you work for Nikon?

[jfkf]

your intention was obvious when you compared put side by side pictures qualities between different cameras with different ISO, while keeping the same J1 picture... you lost all your credibility (in your above camera review)