Product Listing

Nikon 1 V2 - Still Fast, Handles Better

By Alvin Soon - 14 Dec 2012

Introduction

Introduction

Coming one year after the Nikon 1 V1, the V2 is Nikon's answer to all the photographers who griped about the V1's handling. Not much has changed from the V1, most of the differences lie in the camera's ergonomics (that big grip, a Mode and control dial) and a built-in flash. Internally, the V2 comes with a new 14MP sensor, but has the same high-speed frame-rates and impressive number of AF points as the V1. The battery is a new model but it's rated for 40 less shots, not more.

You could say that Nikon's new flagship mirrorless system camera is what the V1 should have been all along, with its more pro-like body for shooters who like having manual control at their fingertips. So how much of a difference does the new body make, and is it enough to entice new users to buy into Nikon's 1 system? Follow us into its review, after checking out the V1 and V2's key specs (main differences highlighted).

 

Nikon 1 V1

Nikon 1 V2

Megapixels 10.1MP 14.2MP
Image Sensor 13.2 x 8.8mm CMOS 13.2 x 8.8mm CMOS
Effective Angle of View 2.7x CX lens focal length 2.7x CX lens focal length
Electronic Viewfinder 0.47", 1440k-dot color TFT LCD 0.47", 1440k-dot color TFT LCD
Shooting Modes
  • Still image
  • Smart Photo Selector
  • Movie
  • Motion Snapshot
  • Auto, P (programmed auto)
  • S (shutter-priority auto)
  • A (aperture-priority auto)
  • M (manual)
  • Best moment capture (slow view and Smart Photo Selector)
  • Advanced movie (HD and slow motion)
  • Motion Snapshot
Shutter Speeds
  • Mechanical shutter: 1/4,000-30 sec., Bulb, Time (requires optional remote control)
  • Electronic shutter: 1/16,000-30 sec., Bulb, Time (requires optional remote control)
  • Mechanical shutter: 1/4000-30 sec., Bulb, Time (requires optional remote control)
  • Electronic shutter: 1/16,000-30 sec., Bulb, Time (requires optional remote control)
Note: Bulb and Time end automatically after approx. 2 minutes
Flash Sync Speed
  • Mechanical shutter: 1/250 sec.
  • Electronic shutter: 1/60 sec.
  • Mechanical shutter: 1/250 sec.
  • Electronic shutter: 1/60 sec.
Frame-rates 5, 10, 30 or 60fps 5, 15, 30 or 60fps
Metering TTL metering using image sensor TTL metering using image sensor
ISO Sensitivity ISO 100-6400 ISO 160-6400
Auto-focus Hybrid auto-focus (phase/contrast-detect AF), AF-assist illuminator Hybrid auto-focus (phase/contrast-detect AF), AF-assist illuminator
AF-area Mode Single-point, auto-area, subject tracking Single-point, auto-area, subject tracking
Focus Area
  • Single-point: 135 focus areas
  • Auto-area: 41 focus areas
  • Single-point: 135 focus areas
  • Auto-area: 41 focus areas
Built-in Flash N.A. Approx. 5m (ISO 100)
Movie Resolutions
  • 1920 x 1080/60i
  • 1920 x 1080/30p
  • 1280 x 720/60p
  • Slow-motion movies: 640 x 240/400 fps (plays at 30p), 320 x 120/1200 fps (plays at 30p)
  • Movies recorded in still image mode: 1072 x 720/60p
  • Motion Snapshot: 1920 x 1080/60p (plays at 24p)
  • 1920 x 1080/60i
  • 1920 x 1080/30p
  • 1280 x 720/60p
  • 1280 x 720/30p
  • Slow-motion movies: 640 x 240/400 fps (plays at 30p), 320 x 120/1200 fps (plays at 30p)
  • Motion Snapshot: 1920 x 1080/60p (plays at 24p)
Movie Format MOV MOV
Monitor 3", approx. 921k-dot TFT LCD 3", approx. 921k-dot TFT LCD
Interface USB, mini-HDMI, multi-accessory port, 3.5mm stereo input jack  USB, mini-HDMI, multi-accessory port, 3.5mm stereo input jack 
Battery Life 350 shots 310 shots
Dimensions 113 x 76 x 43.5mm 107.8 x 81.6 x 45.9mm
Weight 383g (with battery and memory card) 337g (with battery and memory card)
Price
  • S$1299 (with 10-30mm lens)
  • S$1369 (with 10mm lens)
  • S$1499 (with 10-30mm & 10mm lenses)
  • S$1549 (with 10-30mm & 30-110mm lenses)
  • S$1299 (with 10-30mm lens)
  • S$1549 (with 10-30mm & 30-110mm lenses)
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8.0
  • Performance 8
  • Design 8
  • Features 9
  • User-Friendliness 8.5
  • Value 8
The Good
Fast, dependable auto-focus
Quick multiple frame-rates for action
Improved grip and handling over V1
Increased image detail over V1
The Bad
Image noise seen from low ISO settings
Auto-focus hesitant in low-light
Camera blacks out after shooting bursts
Confusing Function digital menu
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