Nikon 1’s system

The different types of Nikon 1 cameras

The Nikon 1 system is divided into several ranges, each identified by a letter:

• J: “Normal”
• V: Expert, featuring a higher-capacity battery and an electronic viewfinder for the V1 and V2. Also features a hot shoe for a flash, but no built-in flash.
• S: Economy range, with reduced functionality but the same image quality.
• AW1: The AW1 is designed for use underwater and in harsh conditions.

All the cameras uses a 13,2 x 8,8 mm sensor (CX format).

Last name	Date de commercialisation	Définition du capteur (en mégapixels)	Remarques
V1	2011	10	Présence d’un viseur électronique. Pas de flash intégré.
J1	2011	10
J2	2012	10
V2	2012	14,2	Présence d’un viseur électronique. Pas de flash intégré.
S1	2013	10	Reprend le capteur du J2
J3	2013	14,2
AW1	2013	12,22	Étanche et résiste aux chocs.
V3	2014	18,4	Pas de viseur électronique. Pas de flash intégré.
J4	2014	18,4
S2	2014	10
J5	2015	20,8

A small number of lenses

As for lenses, only Nikon has produced lenses for this system. There are 13 in total, including 9 zoom lenses. The focal range goes from 10mm to 300mm -35mm équivalence :27mm to 820mm.
Lenses with « VR » in their name are stabilized. And lenses with « AW » can go under water while mounted on the AW1.

It is quite easy to adapt lenses

However, it is still possible to use an adapter to use C-mount lenses, for example.

Using a Nikon 1 camera

Enjoyable cameras

I had the opportunity to use a J2 and a J5. Both cameras are attractive devices that make you want to use them. However, it should be noted that they do not give the impression of being very sturdy.

Despite their small size, they fit comfortably in your hand. The autofocus is very responsive and the camera has a manual mode. The built-in flash is a plus. The image quality is good.

Image quality

Despite the sensor size, image quality is still quite good. The following pictures were taken with a Nikon J2, and one of the few exciting lenses* of the system: the Nikkor 30mm f1,2.

*The other lens that get my attention is the powerful tele photo zoom 1 Nikkor VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 (190mm to 820mm 35mm equivalent).

You can observe background blur on the last image. Do not expect a lot of blur with other lenses than the 30mm f1.2 and the telephoto lenses. Small sensor and small large aperture combination make it difficult to get background blur.

Bad reliability ?

Defect lenses

There is no shortage of problems with this system (diaphragm stuck at the smallest aperture, error message, slow focusing).

Lenses with a stuck diaphragm

A problem with the diaphragm stuck at the smallest aperture will not be reported by the camera.

However, it can be detected visually by looking into the lens (if you see a small aperture and the diaphragm blades when you have not pressed the shutter button, the diaphragm mechanism is malfunctioning—this is very common with the kit lens).

Be sure to test the lenses thoroughly before purchasing.

Buy a used Nikon 1

Prices of Nikon 1 cameras on the second hand market

There are many Nikon 1 cameras available second-hand. While a J5 costs around €300, earlier models can be found for around €100. The best option is to find a camera with a faulty lens, which can sometimes be sold at very low prices.

Adapting lenses on a Nikon 1 camera

To my knowledge, all Nikon 1 cameras can be used in manual mode and with a lens without electronic contacts. There will be no focus peaking though.

These cameras are particularly useful for adapting C-mount lenses.

These lenses, which are primarily designed for film cameras (16mm lenses minimum if you want to avoid vignetting) or surveillance cameras, often have a limited image circle.

This characteristic makes them unusable on 24x36mm or APS-C sensors. Hence the advantage of using a small sensor, one inch (2.7 times smaller than a 24x36mm sensor) or less.