Nikon 1 J1

The J1 is Nikon's first foray into the world of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

A gorgeous design and stunning videos are the highlights, but photo quality is up to scratch too. Despite some reservations, this is an excellent debut for the Nikon 1 system

The Nikon 1 J1 is a more affordable alternative to the V1 and is as bold and brave a step by Nikon into the compact, mirrorless system camera market.

Nikon's entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens market late last year was widely anticipated, but the products that were finally announced took a lot of people by surprise. Nikon has created an entirely new system based around a relatively small sensor, that's about 30% of the size of those used in the company's DX-format SLRs. The system is spearheaded by two cameras - the Nikon 1 J1 and 1 V1. The J1 is the entry-level model, and the V1 is aimed at a slightly more advanced user, but both cameras are intended essentially for beginners upgrading from compact cameras or cameraphones, and who find the size and complexity of a DSLR intimidating.

Nikon's new J1 is among the smallest interchangeable lens cameras yet, but it is not meant for enthusiasts.

Review: The Nikon 1 J1 predictably outperforms point-and-shoot competitors, but can’t best similar cameras from Olympus and Sony.

The diminutive Nikon 1 series of cameras, including the J1 reviewed here and the coming V1, introduces the new CX-format CMOS sensor to the interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera field, which we dub Compact System Cameras. The sensor is smaller than APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors, coming in at a 2.7x multiplication factor using standard 35mm focal length designations. The 10.1-megapixel sensor has a native speed of ISO 100, with speeds up to 3200, and 6400 with a 1 EV push.

The Nikon 1 J1 is the junior member of Nikon's new range of compact system cameras, featuring a smaller and lighter body at a cheaper price than the V1 model. Based around the same "CX" format sensor, the Nikon J1 is still all about pure speed, with fast auto-focusing and up to 60fps continuous shooting. The J1 also offers a built-in pop-up flash, 3 inch LCD screen, full HD video, and a range of innovative modes like Smart Photo Selector and Motion Snapshot. Read our in-depth Nikon 1 J1 review.

With the announcement of the Nikon 1 series of cameras, Nikon had stepped into a segment of cameras they had not ventured in before, the compact system camera

Nikon arrived a bit later to the Mirrorless party with the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1 compact interchangeable lens cameras. What sets both mirrorless cams apart from the Micro Four Thirds crowd (pioneered by Olympus and Panasonic) is that they both feature a brand new sensor size: the 1-inch CX type sensor. Hence the name Nikon 1. The Nikon 1-inch CX sensor is slightly smaller than the...

Nikon's first compact interchangeable lens camera, the J1, is capable of capturing sharp images at incredible speeds in a body that's much smaller than a D-SLR. Its autofocus is extremely quick and accurate, and the included lens delivers consistently sharp results.

You're ready for a camera upgrade. You've outgrown the best point-and-shoot cameras, but a DSLR is a little excessive. Luckily for you, there's a middle ground. Mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras—even affordable ones—are getting really, really good.

Joshua Waller travels to Shanghai, China with the new Nikon V1 and J1 cameras, here are some of his best shots.

Nikon 1 J1 with 10-30mm lens