The Nikon 1 system is incredibly already gone through three generations in less than a year and a half since its debut in September 2011. After the original J1 and V1, too similar, Nikon has worked hard to give more personality to both, coming to the respective versions V2 and J3. But now Nikon mixes the cards again, with the launch of an entry-level, the Nikon 1 S1 for the note, which will be talked about.
The Nikon 1 S1 represents a new threshold of entry into the family of Nikon mirrorless. From now looks like a smaller version of the original 1 J1: although it lacks the shooting mode selector to find features some key elements such as the family 1 CX-format CMOS sensor with 10.1 megapixels, autofocus hybrid Continuous shooting up to 15 fps with continuous AF. Given the recommended purchase price $349 for the kit with optical 11-27.5 mm, the package Nikon is really competitive and able to carve out an important space in the increasingly crowded market for mirrorless cameras.
Table of Contents
Nikon 1 S1: Design
As anticipated, the aesthetics of the Nikon 1 S1 camera is the traditional Nikon 1 J , except for the absence of the switch shooting modes. The finish is smooth plastic, for a more stringent design in minimalist style. The body is remarkably compact and lightweight (240 g without lens). Accomplice in the absence of the front grip and the presence of a small thumb grip on the back, it becomes difficult to keep a steady hand in this Nikon 1 S1, provided you do not actually have small hands.
There is nothing intimidating in design, user interface or in physical control system, beginners can start shooting with ease from the first turn on the camera. On the back, right corner of the screen 3 ” Fixed and 921 Mp resolution, we find a right wheel / directional pad, flanked by three buttons (playback, menu access, delete the photo). The control dial is easy to use, through the pad can act on flash, drive mode, exposure, and the programmable function key.
We find the same menu found on previous models of the Nikon 1 series, now with easier access that provides a home screen organized into six categories, from which we can quickly enter into the sub menu on: modes and settings for shooting, playback, video, image processing, general setup. The camera control is done almost entirely through on-screen menus, including creative ways, the automatic and PASM manual exposure. With a very limited manageability and control, the Nikon 1 S1 caters more to those coming from a compact ” point and shoot ” that an amateur photographer looking for a flexible, compact, high-performance, essentially a mirrorless proper.
Nikon 1 S1: Performance
Nikon’s intentions were already clear: line 1 is meant to be a handy and easy introduction to the world of compact cameras with interchangeable lenses. Beyond the design minimal, this Nikon 1 S1 offer’s very interesting features for those who want to unleash their creativity. You can capture a sequence of images at 15 frames per second with continuous autofocus and a maximum shutter speed of 1/16,000 seconds, a lot of features that SLR is the noblest dream. The credit for this goes to the powerful dual core EXPEED image processor 3A and flexible hybrid AF system (phase detection and contrast. A must for the Nikon 1 series).
All this translates into excellent performance even when shooting sports and action, and in general, the fast-moving subjects, such as may occur in the most hectic holidays. Even the Nikon 1 S1 fails to go beyond: disabling autofocus continuous shooting speed is up to 60 fps with AF fixed on the first shot. We also find the classic creative shooting modes, including Snaphost Motion, now enhanced with a video section longer and more control on the images.
The quality of the images within the canons of the Nikon 1 series: high detail and good color fidelity. It continues to amaze the signal / noise ratio, even if compared to the Nikon 1 J2 and Nikon 1 V2, which we recently published evidence. It is slightly worse, from the threshold of ISO 1,600. The small backlit CMOS sensor CX continues to do a great job, although we reiterate the concept already expressed for the Nikon 1 J2: having ” only ” 10.1 megapixels is a limiting factor when you want to work in post production and / or perform clippings, making the shots more useful for publishing on the web or for printing pictures at postcard size. Who likes to shoot video will appreciate the good performance of the clips recorded with stereo sound Full HD 1080/30p or 720/60p HD, in addition to Slow Motion mode that reaches even 400 fps at a resolution of 640 × 240 pixels.
Conclusions
The Nikon 1 S1 does not introduce anything new into the family of mirrorless of the Japanese manufacturer. The new model is designed exclusively for beginners, with a smaller body, essential controls and a more competitive price. We find it very smart addition to the series 1, offering advanced features but easy to access, something that will be especially appreciated by those who do not want to waste time before shooting, sure to produce quality results and providing great flexibility in shooting.
Available in three colors – black, white and khaki – and sold at a price of $349, the Nikon 1 S1 can become a threat to the renewed J3 which costs $650) offers more than ” just ” a set of physical controls thicker and a 14.2 Mp sensor CX, equal, or nearly so, the quality and flexibility of the product shots.
Where to Buy Nikon 1 S1
- 10.1 MP super high-speed AF CMOS Sensor
- Shoot 15 fps w/ autofocus
- Wi-Fi Connectivity with WU-1b adapter (not included)
- Best Moment Capture - view live images in slow motion
Features
Performance
Value of Money
PROS : Compact and lightweight body, Excellent value for the price, Burst shooting at 15 fps with continuous AF, Simplified user interface.
CONS : Taking into the awkward hand, Checks too basic, Fixed screen and non-touch.
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