Nikon V1 has great technology wrapped in a terrible UI

[Tonio Loewald]

There's really nothing bad about the functionality of the Nikon V1. Its weakest point is low-light performance (which seems on par with my first DSLR — the Nikon D50). It works great with Nikon AF-S lenses using the FT-1 adapter, and the 1 system zooms are tiny and quite competent.

All the Nikon 1's problems come from its bizarrely awful user interface. Why they didn't just put a PASM dial and a command dial on the sucker I don't know. Instead we get a shooting mode dial which seems to flip settings of its own will, and which only has one generally useful setting (take photos). The other settings are all "miss the photograph you meant to take".

But it's worse than the mode dial. There's a kind of weird toggle switch that Nikon has chosen to use for things like manual focus (when you can figure out how to get into manual focus mode).

Oh yeah — it has a non-standard flash hotshoe. That's another face-palm issue.

I could go on and on, but others have done so at length. The big point is that everything works great, the viewfinder is fine (not awesome, but fine), autofocus is great, verging on amazing, and there are a ton of impressive gimmicky features too (e.g. 400fps video and the ability to shoot short sequences of 4K).

Oh, and a great feature of the V1 is that it shares EL-N15 batteries with the D7x00/D6x0/D800.

I haven't rated it as fantastic for any kind of shooting because it is limited by low light performance and resolution no matter what you do.

 

[Maaku]

There's really nothing bad about the functionality of the Nikon V1. Its weakest point is low-light performance (which seems on par with my first DSLR — the Nikon D50). It works great with Nikon AF-S lenses using the FT-1 adapter, and the 1 system zooms are tiny and quite competent.

All the Nikon 1's problems come from its bizarrely awful user interface. Why they didn't just put a PASM dial and a command dial on the sucker I don't know. Instead we get a shooting mode dial which seems to flip settings of its own will, and which only has one generally useful setting (take photos). The other settings are all "miss the photograph you meant to take".

But it's worse than the mode dial. There's a kind of weird toggle switch that Nikon has chosen to use for things like manual focus (when you can figure out how to get into manual focus mode).

Oh yeah — it has a non-standard flash hotshoe. That's another face-palm issue.

I could go on and on, but others have done so at length. The big point is that everything works great, the viewfinder is fine (not awesome, but fine), autofocus is great, verging on amazing, and there are a ton of impressive gimmicky features too (e.g. 400fps video and the ability to shoot short sequences of 4K).

Oh, and a great feature of the V1 is that it shares EL-N15 batteries with the D7x00/D6x0/D800.

I haven't rated it as fantastic for any kind of shooting because it is limited by low light performance and resolution no matter what you do.

Are you just figuring this out now? After what.? Three years
This is the N1 forum. We know all that

 

[Jerry R]

Love the V1. Use "P" (professional mode) and can adjust f stop and speed with the little lever. Auto ISO is nice with 400 or 800 limit depending on what I'm shooting. The V1 with the 30-110 & 10-30 mm lenses make a great little fun package. The build quality and EVF are excellent. I can go out and just have fun taking pictures.

 

[ShotFromTheSidewalk]

I've taped the dial so it doesn't move (doesn't everybody do that?). another crazy idea is resetting time delay after 1 shot. unless i'm missing a setting to make it sticky. same with EC. Nutty. what were they drinkin'? I mean, thinkin'?

 

[K E Hoffman]

Love the V1. Use "P" (professional mode) and can adjust f stop and speed with the little lever. Auto ISO is nice with 400 or 800 limit depending on what I'm shooting. The V1 with the 30-110 & 10-30 mm lenses make a great little fun package. The build quality and EVF are excellent. I can go out and just have fun taking pictures.

 

[K E Hoffman]

There's really nothing bad about the functionality of the Nikon V1. Its weakest point is low-light performance (which seems on par with my first DSLR — the Nikon D50). It works great with Nikon AF-S lenses using the FT-1 adapter, and the 1 system zooms are tiny and quite competent.

All the Nikon 1's problems come from its bizarrely awful user interface. Why they didn't just put a PASM dial and a command dial on the sucker I don't know. Instead we get a shooting mode dial which seems to flip settings of its own will, and which only has one generally useful setting (take photos). The other settings are all "miss the photograph you meant to take".

But it's worse than the mode dial. There's a kind of weird toggle switch that Nikon has chosen to use for things like manual focus (when you can figure out how to get into manual focus mode).

Oh yeah — it has a non-standard flash hotshoe. That's another face-palm issue.

I could go on and on, but others have done so at length. The big point is that everything works great, the viewfinder is fine (not awesome, but fine), autofocus is great, verging on amazing, and there are a ton of impressive gimmicky features too (e.g. 400fps video and the ability to shoot short sequences of 4K).

Oh, and a great feature of the V1 is that it shares EL-N15 batteries with the D7x00/D6x0/D800.

I haven't rated it as fantastic for any kind of shooting because it is limited by low light performance and resolution no matter what you do.

Are you just figuring this out now? After what.? Three years
This is the N1 forum. We know all that

Good for you.. if you notice.. this is a review.. by someone who just got the camera.. and the system pushes a review as post in the forum for the camera. Since I already posted my initial opinion.. I may or may not do a review (which will be better than my initial frustration with the UI)

A "Welcome to the Forum we hope you enjoy your new camera" - Might be a nicer way to great a new Nikon 1 owner.

I just got the J1 for my daughter.. with the deals this Xmas the J1-V1 are nice deals for ICL Cameras. So if questions or opinions from new users of sale J1/V1 bother you... The two weeks after Christmas might be a good time to take a break. My guess is there will be some more J1/V1 "new to me users"

I have been reading the manual and helping my daughter and I plan to be here to help out any other ne J1 users if I can so they get to the good stuff sooner .. The UI is very stripped down but The power is there.. just not laid out for quick access.

 

[Jerry R]

That may be what the manual says but I use it instead of "M" mode because I can control both f stop and speed with one control instead of having to set them seperately.

 

[nunatak]

so ... how do your opinions rate next to ken rockwell's?

 

[samfan]

Unlike many, I don't care for a PASM mode dial. The N1 kit zooms are so slow that there's no point in using aperture priority. And if you pop a fast lens on, well just switch to aperture priority then. Unlike with a PASM dial, it can be done in the dark.

What I do dislike being buried in the menu, are the AF and fast shooting settings. I'm just getting to grasp how much AF and speed magic there is in the V1. But it's hampered a lot if you need to go to menu to enable subject tracking for example.

Out of the common shooting features, the shooting mode is the one I change the least often.

All it needed is a proper quick menu and one or two customizable buttons, really.

BTW am I the only one who thinks the EVF is pretty terrible? Not like '2005 EVF terrible', but still pretty bad.

 

[Jerry R]

It's the first EVF I liked. Didn't like the Sony EVF until I tried it with a Zeiss lens.

Seethe the EVF needs a good lens.

 

[DaveyB]

Yes it's definitely a love/hate interface - great little camera, my only real moan now is that when I'm using the FT-1 and a long lens and shooting in aperture priority, the little 'jog' control keeps accidentally changing my aperture when I'm handling the camera!

 

[win39]

...Nikon brought out the V2. So instead of selling a bunch of cameras with a very nice UI, folks cheaped out and bought left over V1s causing Nikon to say they made a mistake on the V2 because it did not sell and that they need to rethink the goal of making the Nikon 1 an enthusiast camera. The V2 will be the last good Nikon 1. Get it while you can.

 

[dual12]

I disagree. I think he has a point. The camera has been out for two years. The time for reviews has long passed.

 

[samfan]

...Nikon brought out the V2. So instead of selling a bunch of cameras with a very nice UI, folks cheaped out and bought left over V1s

If Nikon wouldn't so massively overcharge for the N1 bodies in the first place, they wouldn't have this problem. Almost everyone considering a V2 while not already having a bunch of F long lenses is better off with m43.

causing Nikon to say they made a mistake on the V2 because it did not sell and that they need to rethink the goal of making the Nikon 1 an enthusiast camera.

First they botched V1 when they thought all it needs is an EVF over J1 to be 'enthusiast'. This is what I thought the first day I handled both (which was at a pompous N1 announcement presentation) and it still stands.

J/S series are fine as p&s replacements and weren't overly expensive compared to top end compacts. The V series were never a suitable competition for similarly priced higher range MILCs unless one has rather specific needs and a couple of F lenses..

What they should have done is to admit they frakked up and provide a V1 firmware upgrade to change the functionality of the F button, make the menu less of a mess and the possibility to disable image preview. Instead they expect everyone to shell out for a minor upgrade just to get a fixed camera.

That's Nikon's way of doing things all right (hello D610, bye D300 replacement) and next they're wondering why some of their products don't sell as well as they thought.

The V2 will be the last good Nikon 1. Get it while you can.

I'd rather have some fast zoom lens than another body.

 

[K E Hoffman]

I disagree. I think he has a point. The camera has been out for two years. The time for reviews has long passed.

And yet it is still being sold and people are learning about it. AND when I complained about being surprised about some lack of features.. I was with some validity told I should have read more before buying.

Now you are saying people shouldn't write... reviews that people can use to make a choice?



I have to say that a nasty reply to a new users gets 7 likes on this forum doesn't speak well for it as a place people can come to get help with their Nikon 1s. My initial post was probably worse and 2/3rds of the responses I got were reasonable suggestions that helped be get through my discovery period with the J1

I also after 6 years with my A7 just upgraded and got an a77.. I wrote a review.. Not sure why time makes anyone's opinion of a camera Nikon still lists for sale on its site -- useless.

It might even be of more value as people like me might not realize how the J1/V1 varied from other cameras in the class or later versions..

 

[xarafan]

Unlike many, I don't care for a PASM mode dial. The N1 kit zooms are so slow that there's no point in using aperture priority. And if you pop a fast lens on, well just switch to aperture priority then. Unlike with a PASM dial, it can be done in the dark.

The PASM-dial on the V2 is a nice change from my V1, but it still turns to easily. It needs a lock button. And maybe backlighting for the options on the dial would be beneficial in the dark...

What I do dislike being buried in the menu, are the AF and fast shooting settings. I'm just getting to grasp how much AF and speed magic there is in the V1. But it's hampered a lot if you need to go to menu to enable subject tracking for example.

I never use subject tracking, only single-point, but it looks to me like you could use the first one to emulate the second (and enable the full functionality of subject tracking by clicking 'ok' two times. I haven't done a lot of testing, so I'm not sure.

Out of the common shooting features, the shooting mode is the one I change the least often.

All it needed is a proper quick menu and one or two customizable buttons, really.

Agreed. And preferable not the not-so-quick-and-intuitive-menu of the V2, but that from the Coolpix A. And it would be nice then to be able to change the highlighted menu options directly with a scrollwheel, instead of first clicking on it (it's supposed to be a 'quick' menu after all.

BTW am I the only one who thinks the EVF is pretty terrible? Not like '2005 EVF terrible', but still pretty bad.

When the Nikon 1-series was first launched, I found it quite good, but off course it is now superseded by higher res versions in other camera's. I like the fact that the whole evf-unit doesn't stick very far out on the back, and that as a bearer of glasses I can look at every corner of the evf without moving my eye position. Not a lot evf's have that...

Pieter.

 

[samfan]

I have to say that a nasty reply to a new users gets 7 likes on this forum doesn't speak well for it as a place people can come to get help with their Nikon 1s.

I think everyone is welcome to ask for help here. But you must understand that when a newcomer appears and basically shouts "Hey guess what I've just discovered! The N1 UI is weird!", they kinda deserve being laughed at. I mean, many people here have spent 2 years reading the same things over. It must be tiring. And I'm saying that as someone who bought the V1 just a month ago. I'm not writing a review now.

N1 cameras are a 'deal with it' sort of products. No point to keep dabbling about its original shortcommings. Better to dabble about its current shortcommings, such as lack of lenses or uncertain future J/k. Much better to show some images or share some interesting experiences.

I never use subject tracking, only single-point, but it looks to me like you could use the first one to emulate the second (and enable the full functionality of subject tracking by clicking 'ok' two times. I haven't done a lot of testing, so I'm not sure.

Generally I'm a 'single point' kind of guy on most cameras but I find the V1's 4-way controller too uncomfortable to use (especially now in winter with gloves), plus the DOF is not an issue with the kit lens and the camera is usually quite intelligent, so I use only the automatic AF point selection.

A few days ago though, I was in a situation when I wanted to take a pic of my gf at night. By night I mean 1/20 at ISO 3200. Also, fog. Face recognition didn't catch on and the automatic AF selection kept focusing on the lights in the background. Eventually I tried motion tracking and man, that worked amazing even in such dark. The camera kept following my gf anywhere she went, even into complete darkness. It was uncanny.

Unfortunately one has to dig into the menu to get to those features. Sigh.

Agreed. And preferable not the not-so-quick-and-intuitive-menu of the V2, but that from the Coolpix A. And it would be nice then to be able to change the highlighted menu options directly with a scrollwheel, instead of first clicking on it (it's supposed to be a 'quick' menu after all.

Nikon, and for that matter every other company, should take lessons from Pentax and Ricoh on how to make p&s style cameras.

Before I bought the V1, out of curiosity I checked eBay and other sources for the Pentax Q. Seeing that one can get a new Q for the same (or lower) price, I was very tempted. I know how amazing those little cameras are (Alas, no EVF in the Q series so screw them.) I have a little cheapo Pentax p&s. IQ is terrible but the handling and features are amazing. And back in 2005 or so, a Ricoh p&s was what got me into photography for being so intuitive yet powerful. In contrast, the V1 often makes me cringe so badly I have thoughts about making use of that 'accidental damage' insurance I got with it.

Heck, the V1 makes me feel nostalgic about the Sigma DP1 I once had. Even that one had a really well thought out quick menu system and some fine customizability. V1 doesn't even save the exposure compensation until I hit OK for crying out loud.

 

[SunnyFlorida]

I have to say that a nasty reply to a new users gets 7 likes on this forum doesn't speak well for it as a place people can come to get help with their Nikon 1s.

Welcome to the Nikon 1 forum!

I've owned cameras of all makes and visited most of the forums in DPreview, where people speak openly about the pros & cons of each camera, but the Nikon 1 forum is the exception to the rule. In this forum affirmation is worshiped, independent thinking is evil and any non-positive information posted about the 1-series will cause the natives to gather their pinch forks and kerosene lamps.

When independent sites like DxO labs and DPreview wrote sobering reviews about the V1 , supported by lots of data and on the field usage, both sites were endlessly bashed and all the data from their tests was considered worthless science.

I was so disgusted by the "cleansing of opinions" practiced in this forum that I decided to stand up against the bullies and keep posting in order to help consumers who were researching facts about the 1-system get a better balanced opinion, so don't get discouraged by the bullies in this forum, keep sharing your opinion more information over affirmation is a good thing!

My initial post was probably worse and 2/3rds of the responses I got were reasonable suggestions that helped be get through my discovery period with the J1

I also after 6 years with my A7 just upgraded and got an a77.. I wrote a review.. Not sure why time makes anyone's opinion of a camera Nikon still lists for sale on its site -- useless.

It might even be of more value as people like me might not realize how the J1/V1 varied from other cameras in the class or later versions..

--
K.E.H. >> Shooting between raindrops in WA<<

 

[samfan]

In this forum affirmation is worshiped, independent thinking is evil and any non-positive information posted about the 1-series will cause the natives to gather their pinch forks and kerosene lamps.

As a relative newcomer to this particular forum (and I watched it before), I'm really not seeing that.

Like I said, N1 are 'deal with it' sort of products. I.e. everyone who has these cameras has to deal with a lot of things they probably hate. I can see how tiring it has to be to be constantly reminded about that, especially for long-term owners. "Yes, we know what the UI is like, shut up about it already!" - like that. People just want to use the cameras and not constantly talk about the same issues over and over.

Sure, N1 is really specific in many factors - including that the 1st gen is apparently STILL available 2 years later at some places so yea indeed newcomers can still come with their revelations. Still, try to come to any other forum with a review of a 2 year old camera and you'll just get confused reactions too.

I just really don't understand where these new cameras are coming from. I remember J1 was the most selling MILC in many parts of the world for some time. Just how many did Nikon make?

Of course, N1 being so polarizing doesn't help. On one hand, V1 was for a long time the smallest cheapest MILC with an EVF, and with many interesting features. And we all know that other hand.

 

[The Smoking Camera]

... and my thoughts only. The Nikon V1 and V2 are late bloomers in that many photographers including myself did not discover these cameras until well after they were released. So it is not surprising photographers are buying and reviewing these cameras for the first time - some two years after their debut. I think this is kind of cool.

What is interesting is most of the discussion on this forum is about the V1 and V2. Owners of J and S cameras seem generally content. I believe V1 and V2 owners have higher expectations and grumble a bit more as they should when dealing with the top of the line models. Furthermore sometimes expectations are based on price and Nikon has been all over the map with the V1. Just remember, no one asks the camera cost when viewing a photo.

I've never found a perfect camera nor will I ever. The most important thing for me is whether I can get the shot(s) I or my clients want or need despite the flaws, weaknesses or design issues. Of course each photographer has a different skill set to get the photo(s) they want and different tolerance to address the flaws they must overcome.This contributes to polarization about many cameras and the V1 and V2 in particular.

For example, I know photographers who when handed a new camera for the first time can take great photos in a matter of minutes. I know others who struggle to take a decent image after years working with the same familiar camera. Different skill sets.

I know some photographers who complain about the most mundane item in the menu system or a noisy sensor and hate the camera as a result and others who seem to find a way to work around the problem in order to get the shot. Different tolerance.

My issue is with individuals who feel compelled to speak for all photographers regardless of skill set or tolerance. Some individual seem to endlessly boast profusely about a camera or lens and others who only dwell on the flaws or perceived flaws without acknowledging the strengths.

Rather than getting into debates, i prefer to post images to display what a camera or lens or system is capable of knowing full well my skill set and tolerance is different from others. But isn't that the ultimate test - the final image - and whether one is happy with the results? Now here is my one dig - I wonder if some (not all) naysayers have the skill set or tolerance to overcome a camera's weakness to take a great photo or two.

Sorry for my long winded post. I like the V1 and it has captured some amazing images despite its flaws. I know what the camera is capable of but I cannot tell you if you will have the same experiences and results. Nevertheless, worth a try IMHO.

--
Joe
www.thesmokingcamera.com