First Nikon 1 System Photos!

[Photo-John]

Nice colours, particularly the rose and the cat.

What do you think about the image quality, color aside?

[Franglais]

What do you think about the image quality, color aside?

I think it looks beautiful. Good enough to go on a calendar. Users are going to be delighted if it's all like that.

However if I have to criticise something:
- the mountain scene doesn't look as sharp as the others
- you've completely lost detail in the window left of the cat's head. It doesn't look unnatural. It would be interesting to find out if you could get back some detail and calm it down by shooting RAW and doing highlight recovery. On my D300 I could get some back, but on the S95 with it's tiny sensor I would hardly be able to do anything

[Photo-John]

However if I have to criticise something:
- the mountain scene doesn't look as sharp as the others
- you've completely lost detail in the window left of the cat's head. It doesn't look unnatural. It would be interesting to find out if you could get back some detail and calm it down by shooting RAW and doing highlight recovery. On my D300 I could get some back, but on the S95 with it's tiny sensor I would hardly be able to do anything

I agree that the mountain landscape lacks detail. I think that's going to be the biggest drawback with this camera - low ISO landscapes that require lots of detail. That said, I don't think the landscape looks bad. I just wish the trees had a little more definition. I feel the same way about Micro Four Thirds but it's better than this.

The background in the cat photo doesn't bother me. I think I lightened it up a bit in Lightroom and it was shot JPEG. I don't think I even tried to hold the detail in the background. It's possible that shooting RAW would make a difference. But I think the best thing is to call this one a matter of processing and personal taste. It's hard to say unless I actually shoot it RAW and try to hold that detail.

The thing that's bothered me the most so far is the bokeh in the purple flower image. It is pretty funky. That was shot with the 10-30mm kit lens. So if we want nice backgrounds, Nikon is going to have to offer up some lenses with better optics.

I've got a whole bunch of action photos shot with continuous auto focus to process now. I think the auto focus and video are going to be what sets this camera apart. My first impressions of the auto focus - excellent! The only other way to get this kind of performance - 10 FPS and working continuous AF - are to buy the D3s. That's setting a pretty high mark. Stay tuned for the action photos...

[James Emory]

What do you think about the image quality, color aside?

I think the image quality is great, especially considering the size of the sensor.

[Photo-John]

I think the image quality is great, especially considering the size of the sensor.

I agree - it's great, considering the size of the sensor. But all the other compact system cameras, except the Pentax Q, are better. What I'm really excited about is the continuous AF performance. For me, that's what really sets the Nikon 1 cameras apart from the rest. If you haven't seen it yet, I finished a full pro review for the Nikon J1 a while ago:

Nikon 1 System J1 Pro Review >>

Olympus just announced a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the OM-D E-M5, which they say has much-improved continuous auto focus. I have my doubts about it working better than Nikon's hybrid AF system, though.

[James Emory]

I agree - it's great, considering the size of the sensor. But all the other compact system cameras, except the Pentax Q, are better. What I'm really excited about is the continuous AF performance. For me, that's what really sets the Nikon 1 cameras apart from the rest. If you haven't seen it yet, I finished a full pro review for the Nikon J1 a while ago:

Nikon 1 System J1 Pro Review >>

Olympus just announced a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the OM-D E-M5, which they say has much-improved continuous auto focus. I have my doubts about it working better than Nikon's hybrid AF system, though.

I chose the Olympus E-PL2 over the Nikon 1. For my use I really don't need the ability to focus on fast moving objects as I rarely shoot them. I preferred the larger sensor and the ability to use different brands of M43 lens if desired. I'm not sure, but I think the Nikon lenses are dedicated and other M43 lenses cannot be used with the Nikon 1 series. I also do not like the looks of the Nikon, too toy like in appearance.