Nikon describes its
J3 as 'elegantly minimalist yet fully loaded' but is this partnership a winning
one?
Nikon 1 J3 Silver
Review
The J3 is the sixth addition to Nikon's growing 1 series
system, and it arrives with the same 14.2MP sensor and processor as were used
in the flagship V2 model.
The sensor measures 13.2 x 8.8mm, and has a 160-6400 ISO
range. While this isn't the most expansive ISO spread for a CSC of its kind,
most situations should fall within this range.
Against this sensor the 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lens has an
effective focal length of 27-81mm. As denoted by the VR moniker, it also
incorporates optical Vibration Reduction technology to help maintain sharpness
in images, particularly those captured at longer focal lengths or at slower
shutter speeds (or both).
Nikon 1 J3: Back
One of the more developed features on the model - at least
in comparison with its main competitors - is its movie functionality. While
full HD videos may be captured at 30fps, it's the 400fps and 1200fps options which
stand out, as these allow for slow-motion footage to be recorded. The caveat
here is that resolution drops to 640 x 240 and 320 x 120 pixels respectively,
although such limitations are understandable, and are also true of any similar
model offering the technology.
Other notable features include a 921k-dot LCD screen
measuring three inches, as well as an unusually high maximum shutter speed of
1/16,000sec and a similarly lofty maximum burst rate of 60fps.
While the brushed aluminium body
feels pleasing in the hand, there's no grip of any kind, which some may find to
be an issue with regards to secure handling (particularly in colder conditions
when you may be wearing gloves).
Nikon 1 J3:
Battery and Memory card
The kit lens needs to be unlocked from its default position
before the camera can begin shooting, which is done by holding down a button on
its side and extending the zoom ring. This has been designed to make the entire
package more compact when not in use, but it may be an issue when trying to get
a more spontaneous capture.
Spontaneity is no problem for the camera's Hybrid AF system,
however, with focusing speeds excellent and the system covering a usefully wide
proportion of the frame.
The camera is slightly prone to overexposure, and, as a
result, some detail can be lost in highlight areas. Then again, this tendency
does mean that images come out of the camera relatively bright and
'print-ready' next to those from many other cameras whose metering systems
underexpose to retain highlight detail.
The J3 begins to show traces of noise at ISO 800 and by ISO
1600 things become progressively worse. Raw images contain significantly more
detail than JPEGs, which appears to be largely down to the camera's noise-
reduction system. With videos, the J3 produces clear sound and good detail, and
the way in which you can instantly record videos without needing to switch to a
different shooting mode places it above some of its rivals for convenience.
Verdict
The J3 comes with the sort of features you'd expect to find
on a CSC when upgrading on a compact camera, and for the most part it's both
fun and convenient to use. The small sensor does present a couple of image
quality issues, but it should suffice for family photos and those destined for
little more than social networking sites.
Key specs ·
Sensor: 14.2MP (1in) ·
File formats: Raw, JPEG, Raw+JPEG ·
Shutter speeds: 30-1/16,000sec, Bulb ·
ISO: 160-6400 ·
Exposure modes: Auto, PASM, Scene, Motion
Snapshot, Best Shot Selector ·
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Self-timer ·
Movie mode: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p) ·
Display: 3in LCD, 921k dots ·
Viewfinder: No ·
Built-in flash: GN 5m at ISO 100 ·
AF points: 41 (135 points may be addressed in
single AF mode) ·
Memory card: SD, SDHC, SDXC ·
Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery ·
Dimensions: 101.0 x 60.5 x 28.8mm ·
Weight: 244g (including battery and memory
card) Best for ·
New and inexperienced users seeking improved
image quality over a compact ·
People wanting a simple level of control with
auto shooting modes Alternatives ·
Olympus PEN E-PM2 $663.44 ·
Samsung NX2000 $829.30 ·
Fujifilm X-A1 $829.30 Pros ·
Lightweight and simple design ·
Inclusion of built-in flash ·
Super-fast burst rates ·
Fun auto modes for new users Cons ·
Image quality issues from comparatively small
sensor ·
Small selection of Nikkor
1 lenses at present ·
No grip
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