Nikon 1 V1 review

It’s no surprise that the V1 uses the same sensor as the J1, but we are surprised to find exactly the same controls. The menus are extremely responsive to user input, but presenting virtually all photographic controls as a list over four menu pages doesn’t lend itself to quick, frequent adjustment. The mode dial has the same four modes as on the J1, with quirky slow-motion and burst options but no priority or manual exposure modes – these are tucked away in the menu. We can’t believe that including P/A/S/M options on the dial would somehow confuse or upset potential buyers, especially at this price.

Colours are rich and smooth in outdoor shots, but the wide-angle lens means many shots benefit from cropping, whereupon the 10-megapixel resolution may prove insufficient – click to enlarge

We tested the V1 with its 10mm pancake kit lens. Physically, it’s about half the length of the 10-30mm lens we tested with the J1, and a little lighter, but its brighter f/2.8 aperture is offset by the lack of optical stabilisation. In practice, the zoom lens is just as effective in low light. The 27mm (equivalent) wide-angle view isn’t ideal for general shooting. While it’s easy enough to crop photos on a computer, this risks exposing the limitations of the relatively meagre 10-megapixel sensor. We applaud Nikon for choosing a modest resolution to keep noise levels down, but it’s worth noting that our favourite CSC, the Sony NEX-5N, exhibits both more detail and less noise, thanks to its much larger sensor. The V1 is quicker than the 5N to focus but its shot-to-shot time in normal use was distinctly poor at around two seconds. The 5N took less than 0.7 seconds between shots.

There’s plenty of detail at ISO 800 but also a fair amount of noise in the shadows

For the most part the V1 is a pleasure to use, but it’s a camera without an obvious audience. Point-and-shoot photographers needn’t spend this much and won’t like the lack of an integrated flash. Experienced photographers will want the best possible image quality (which it doesn’t offer), and will be frustrated by the limited physical controls and slow shot-to-shot performance. The non-standard hotshoe is another disappointment for SLR owners who already own a flashgun. Considering the camera’s relative bulk, we’d have liked an articulated screen and a more substantial handgrip.

It also seems overpriced compared to the J1. Prices vary depending on the kit lenses, but there’s typically a £300 premium for the V1. The viewfinder justifies much of this extra cost, particularly when you consider than the optional viewfinder for the NEX-5N costs £240 including VAT. However, the V1’s viewfinder is only likely to be a key attraction for SLR users who want a smaller backup camera – once again, they’ll be put off by the limited physical controls. For us, the main benefit over the J1 is the larger buffer, which promotes the fast continuous mode from interesting gimmick to genuinely useful feature. However, it’s not enough to elevate the V1 above rival cameras with higher image quality, better controls and lower prices.