Performance
The Nikon 1 V2 benefits from the same focus
system found in the other models in Nikon’s 1 series of cameras. The set-up is
an advanced hybrid AF system which instantly switches between a 73-point
phase-detection and 135-point contrast-detection AF system to suit the scene
that you’re capturing. The real-time result of this combination is truly
lightning-fast AF performance, which is up there with any digital camera on the
market. Not only is the AF performance blisteringly fast but it’s also
assuringly accurate, and the model’s tracking focus ensures that even moving
targets can remain sharp.
The
fast focus speeds are noticeable in various conditions, even in low light
scenes like this.
As mentioned obviously, the Nikon V2
features a range of shooting modes that could be described as both innovative
and quirky in equal measure. Features such as Motion Snapshot, which creates a
“living image” from before you press the shutter button, are certainly more to
the quirky end of the scale, while the Smart Photo Selector mode offers
genuinely useful functionality.
The presence of Nikon’s EXPEED 3A processor
is the key to facilitating the lightning-fast shooting speeds quoted in the
specification. Although these do all have caps to the maximum amount of images
they can capture, the mere fact that they are there really helps to distinguish
the V2 from its Compact System Camera competitors.
While a whole host of other elements of the
camera have received makeovers, one area that remains pretty much as was is the
menu system. It's a shame that Nikon hasn't turned its restyling to the menu as
it’s muddled and difficult to navigate rather than having well-organized
subsections. all of the relevant settings you may want to alter are housed in
one long list. The result? Lots of unwanted scrolling to reach the setting
you’re looking for.
Owing to the design changes of the Nikon
V2, the camera now features a smaller battery and as a result a slightly
shortened battery life. Battery life is still good enough though to ensure a full
day’s shooting out of a single charge.
Owing
to the design changes of the Nikon V2, the camera now features a smaller
battery and as a result a slightly shortened battery life.
Image quality
Color And White Balance
The white balance system on the Nikon V2 is
generally reliable, managing to produce accurate images in a variety of
lighting conditions. Colors do appear a touch muted on the default settings,
although the Picture Control settings are on hand to add a boost to color if
desired.
Exposure
While the V2 exposes accurately on the
whole, there are issues with the camera's dynamic range. There’s a noticeable
tendency for highlights to blow in contrasty scenes, with detail also being
lost in areas of shadow.
Resolution
Though the UMP sensor can resolve a good
level of detail, the small physical size in comparison to equivalent CSCs means
it falls slightly behind the competition.
Image Noise
Noise is another area of concern when you
consider the physical size of the Nikon V2’s sensor compared to the competition,
although on the whole it handles it well. At the higher settings, such as ISO
1600, aggresive noise reduction causes a softening of images.
Lens Performance
The 10-30mm kit lens offers a reasonable
level of performance with edge sharpness being respectable and very few signs
of chromatic aberrations.
Lens
Performance
Raw And Jpeg
While JPEGs suffer from aggressive noise
reduction, Raw files display the full noisy glory of images. Although this
isn't ideal, the option of applying your own more refined noise reduction is
certainly preferable.
Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Nikon V2; a
camera which sees a real marked improvement on its predecessor. Although the
design might not be to everyone’s taste on an aesthetic level, there’s no arguing
with the fact that the addition of a fully functioning mode dial on the
camera's top plate, as well as an amole hand grip, both make the V2 a more
enjoyable camera to shoot with. Throw in the headline features, such as the
60fps burst mode and lightning-fast AF system, and the V2 seems like a winner.
Certain issues remain, however, and these cause the V2 to still pale in
comparison to its CSC competition. The physically small sensor causes a range
of image quality issues and places restriction on depth of field, while the
price is certainly not for the faint of wallet. A greatly improved camera that
is a pleasure to use, although is ultimately still hamstrung by price and image
quality.
|
Specifications
§ SENSOR:
14.2MP CMOS
§ OUTPUT
SIZE: 608x3072
§ FILE
FORMATS: NEF (Raw), JPEG, MOV
§ COMPRESSION:
large, Medium, Small
§ SHUTTER
SPEEDS: 30 – 1/400sec
§ IMAGE
STABILISATION: No
§ ISO:
160-6400
§ EXPOSURE
MODES: Auto, Scene auto, P, A, S, M
§ METERING
SYSTEM: Matrix center-weighted spot
§ DRIVE
MODE: Up to 60fps
§ MOVIE
MODE: 1720 x 1080 (60i, 60p,30p)
§ DISPLAY:
3in. 921k-dot LCD
§ VIEWFINDER:
0.47in, 1.440k-dul EVF
§ FOCUSING
MODES: Single point, auto area, tracking
§ MEMORY
CARD: SO, SDHC, SDXC
§ CONNECTIVITY:
Hi-Speed USB, mini HDMI, mini-pin 15mm jack
§ WEIGHT:
338g
§ DIMENSIONS:
107.8 x 816 x 45.9mm
|
