Nikon 1 Compact Camera System Announced with J1 and V1 Models and...

Nikon 1 Compact Camera System Announced with J1 and V1 Models and Four Lenses

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Melville, NY—Nikon, a company with more than 75 years in imaging, unveiled a brand-new digital imaging compact camera system built from the ground up to provide “a unique form of expression with amazing image quality, speed and portability.” The Nikon 1 family debuted with two pocketable interchangeable-lens cameras and four ultracompact 1 Nikkor lenses.

Nikon 1 J1. Employing the latest Nikon technologies (including active D-lighting, auto scene selector and picture controls) with a clean button layout and intuitive interface, the Nikon J1 is a simple-to-use model built to inspire creativity and seemingly anticipate a user’s needs. Nikon says they’ve given it “fast new hybrid autofocus (AF) and blazing fast speed with continuous AF.” For ease of use, its smart photo selector will automatically select the optimal settings for a given situation, while a touch of the shutter button captures a still image while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p movies. Also new is the motion snapshot mode: by selecting the motion snapshot icon from the mode dial on the back, a still image is united with a slow-motion movement set to a built-in audio soundtrack.

“The needs of the consumer are changing and the world is becoming one of visual conversation, which paves the way for the next chapter in image capture devices. The new Nikon 1 system is the culmination of more than 75 years of optical excellence and relentless pursuit to the unrivaled technological advancements in camera technology,” said Bo Kajiwara, director, Marketing, Nikon Inc. “Nikon’s new 1 J1 camera allows consumers to have confidence in a new way to express themselves, with amazing speed, versatility, ease of use and portability.”

At the core of the J1—which comes in white, pink, red, silver or black bodies complemented by matching lenses—is a Nikon-developed CX-format, 10.1 megapixel High-Speed AF CMOS sensor, with a native ISO range of 100-3200 (6400 Hi-1). The catalyst behind the J1’s speed is Nikon’s Expeed 3 image-processing engine, and the dual-core Expeed 3 also works to maximize battery efficiency while yielding low-noise images and movies.

The camera’s focal plane phase-detection AF was developed to react instantly and boasts 73 AF points. This newly developed hybrid system continuously evaluates the scene and can switch between phase-detection and contrast-detect AF to best suit conditions. To capture fast action, the J1 shoots at 10 frames per sec with full adaptive AF, and specs state the scene can be captured at full resolution up to 60 fps (AF locked).

The J1 produces Full HD movies at 1080p (30 fps); users can also record at 60 fps (1080i) or utilize 30/60/400- and 1,200-fps modes for super slow-motion effects. For added creativity, consumers can create videos of moving images from multiple files using the included Short Movie Creator software, which works with Nikon’s ViewNX 2 to managing, edit and share photos and movies. Consumers can also connect and share motion snapshot files at Nikon’s myPicturetown.com.

J1 Control highlights include a mode dial to access four common functions, in addition to a command dial with common camera settings. The “F” (feature) button is a new design element for Nikon that automatically brings up relevant menus and options based on what mode is set. Also included is a 3.0-inch LCD and hidden pop-up flash.

Available October 20, 2011, the Nikon 1 J1 will be bundled with a 10-30mm kit lens. $649.95.

Nikon 1 V1. Targeted at photo enthusiasts who want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses in a camera with a small form factor, the V1 includes a 1.4-million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) that activates when the camera is raised to the user’s eye. In addition to the high-speed electronic shutter, the magnesium alloy body houses a mechanical shutter for tactile feedback and expanded shooting options. And Nikon’s new multi-accessory port lets photographers attach options like the SB-N5 compact Speedlight ($149.95) or the GP-N100 GPS module ($149.95) to the V1. It also has a stereo microphone input.

The Nikon 1 V1 in a 10-30mm lens kit will also be available October 20. $899.95.

                                   1 Nikkor Lenses and Accessories
Four 1 Nikkor lenses were introduced, with new technology such as a Silent Stepping Motor (STM) for quiet AF and zoom during operation and while shooting movies, and VR II image stabilization inside the lenses to minimize instances of camera shake.

The camera kit includes a color-matched 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (27-81mm equivalent). Also announced were: the 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens (81-297mm equivalent), $249.95; the color-matched 1 Nikkor 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens (27mm equivalent), $249.95; and the 1 Nikkor VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 power zoom lens (27-270mm equivalent) for movie enthusiasts, which is Nikon’s first powered zoom that provides silent changes in focal length while recording movies, $749.95.

The FT-1 F-mount adapter for legacy Nikkor lenses will be available in the future. And the Nikon 1 system also includes accessories tailored to fit a user’s lifestyle, such as a custom-fit body case available in various colors and color-coordinated leather neck and hand straps. nikonusa.com

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