By Joel Shore
March 13, 2014
Nikon announced the Nikon 1 V3, an addition to the Nikon
1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System. It sports
a Hybrid AF system and what Nikon claims is the world’s fastest continuous
shooting frame rate of 20 frames-per-second (fps) with full autofocus. Ideal for capturing fast-moving action,
sports and wildlife, the Nikon 1 V3 offers a feature set that includes an
18.4-megapixel CX-format image sensor, a new EXPEED 4A image processor,
1080/60p Full HD video capabilities, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a new
touch-panel tilting LCD display. Further expanding on the growing stable of 1 NIKKOR
lenses, Nikon also introduced the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom and the
1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom lenses.
Uncompromising speed
and quality
The Nikon 1 V3 sports a blazing speed of 20
frames-per-second (fps), faster than other mirrorless interchangeable lens
cameras, and ideal for capturing fast-moving action and sports. With 171
contrast detect focus areas and the center 105 areas supporting phase detection
AF, the V3 provides fast AF response and accuracy when capturing still images
or HD video.
The Nikon 1 V3 also features imaging specifications to
achieve superior image and HD video quality and impressive low-light
performance, including the addition of a high-resolution 18.4-megapixel
CX-format image sensor and new EXPEED 4A image processing engine. Together,
they’re intended to render true colors and detail, whether shooting a safari or
a local swim meet. The V3 carries an ISO range of 160-12,800 with high ISO
noise reduction, providing the versatility to capture images in difficult
low-light shooting scenarios.
Video performance
and dynamic feature set
 |
| Shown with optional electronic viewfinder |
When still images are not enough, the Nikon 1 V3 sports a
number of video features that today’s multimedia photographer can leverage. The
V3 is capable of recording Full HD video at 1080/60p with Movie e-VR (Electronic
Vibration Reduction) to help to eliminate camera shake. Full-time continuous AF
is also possible during video recording, helping maintain critical HD focus,
while the CX-format sensor assists in creating video with a shallow depth of
field. The V3 can also capture slow-motion video at 120 frames-per-second (fps)
in high quality 720p HD. Additionally, users can capture full-resolution still
images during video recording.
The V3 features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Connect to a
compatible smart phone or tablet and share photos with friends and family by
uploading them to social networks. The V3 offers creative modes previously
found in models like the Nikon 1 AW1 and Nikon 1 J3, including Miniature
Effect, Easy Panorama and Selective Color, in addition to new modes like
Creative Palette, Toy Camera and Cross Process, for a customized photography
experience. Mainstay Nikon 1 System features such as Slow View, Live Image
Control and Motion Snapshot return in this iteration of the V-Series, further
enhancing a dynamic and versatile feature set for even the most demanding of
photographers.
Styling and operability
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| Optional GR-N1010 grip |
The Nikon 1 V3 is ergonomically designed for comfortable
shooting in a variety of scenarios. The compact body sports conveniently placed
external controls with two programmable function buttons, allowing shooters to
tailor the camera to their own shooting style. An additional function button is
added with the optional GR-N1010 grip, a lightweight option that provides
steadier handling, as well as an additional shutter button and sub-command dial
that will be familiar to D-SLR shooters.
Another addition to the Nikon 1 Series is the V3’s new
tilting, touch-panel 3-inch LCD monitor that allows photographers to compose images
and HD video from various new angles. This thin and versatile monitor is a
convenient tool for adjusting settings on the go, affording users the ability
to trigger the shutter when capturing a photo or change the focus point when
capturing video by simply touching the screen. Playback is seamless and a new
Highlight Display function helps users spot washed-out highlights after
shooting. Additionally, a Virtual Horizon feature with pitching detection helps
frame landscapes and architecture with detail and focus.
As part of the versatile Nikon 1 System of advanced
cameras with interchangeable lenses, the Nikon 1 V3 is compatible with eleven 1
NIKKOR lens options ranging from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto, while users can
also employ their arsenal of NIKKOR glass using the optional FT-1 Mount
Adapter. Users can also take advantage of the Nikon 1 System’s 2.7x crop factor
for increased range when shooting sports or wildlife, making it an ideal
companion for the D-SLR shooter. Nikon also offers an optional external high
resolution 2359k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), the DF-N1000, and optional
multi-accessory grip, the GR-N1010, alongside the Nikon 1 V3 for increased
control and handling. The V3 also maintains compatibility with Nikon 1 external
flashes and the ME-1 external microphone (with the AS-N1000 Multi Accessory
Port Adapter).
New 1 NIKKOR
lenses
Announced alongside the Nikon 1 V3, Nikon introduced two 1
NIKKOR lenses. Kitted with the V3, the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom is
an evolved compact zoom lens. Sporting a 3x zoom (27-81mm equivalent), the 10-30mm
lens is equipped with a power drive zoom dial that allows for smooth zoom
capability, ideal for capturing sharp and steady HD video.
Nikon also introduced the 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 super-telephoto
lens, featuring a focal range (189-810mm equivalent) that can get the
photographer up close to sports action or wildlife from a distance. The first 1
NIKKOR lens crafted with Super ED Glass, the 70-300mm lens is equipped with
built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) and Nano Crystal Coating to prevent ghost and
flare.
Price and availability
The Nikon 1 V3, kitted with the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm
f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens, the DF-N1000 Electronic Viewfinder and the GR-N1010
Grip will be available in April 2014 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of
$1,199.95. The 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom and the 1 NIKKOR VR
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses will also be sold separately for $299.95 and $999.95,
respectively.
