Nikon is adding a new member to its 1 system mirrorless camera range. The company is claiming the world's fastest continuous shooting frame rate (among interchangeable lens digital cameras) for the V3, which also brings a new image sensor, an impressive hybrid autofocus system, high ISO noise reduction prowess and built-in Wi-Fi. The new model is also a little more compact than 2012's V2, having had the built-in electronic viewfinder stripped away.
The Nikon 1 V3 packs an 18.4 megapixel CX-format (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS image sensor and a new EXPEED 4A image processor. The competition-trouncing continuous shooting runs to 20 frames per second (fps) with full autofocus, which should make the capture of fast-moving subjects relatively painless, and the Hybrid AF system boasts 171 contrast focus areas in single-point AF mode, with 105 phase detection areas in the center. There should be little need for the built-in flash, thanks to low-light-friendly ISO160 to 12800 sensitivity.
The camera has 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in (111 x 65 x 33 mm) body-only dimensions and tips the scales at 11.4 oz (324 g), and is capable of recording 1080p HD video at up 60 fps. Videographers benefit from electronic vibration reduction in the shape of Movie e-VR to help minimize the effects of camera shake, full-time continuous autofocus, and the ability to fire off some stills at the same time as recording video. Reducing the video recording resolution just a little to 720p gives the option of capturing 120 fps slow motion footage.
The V3 is the first 1 Series outing for integrated Wi-Fi, which offers photographers almost instant image review on a wirelessly connected mobile smart device running Nikon's Wireless Mobile Utility app, as well as remote operation. Though Nikon has treated the camera to a new 3-inch tilting touchscreen display panel at 1,037k-dot resolution, the integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) of old is now an optional external high resolution (2,359k-dot) DF-N1000 unit.
The V3's 1 NIKKOR lens options run to eleven, but adding an FT-1 Mount Adapter (not supplied) opens up even more glass to the system. Among creative features such as Easy Panorama and Selective Color, users will also find that Slow View, Live Image Control and Motion Snapshot have returned to the V-Series with this model. The compact camera will shoot about 310 stills before the supplied Li-ion battery needs a recharge.
The new Nikon 1 V3 is due for release in April for a suggested retail price of US$1,199.95, and the bundle includes a new 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens, the DF-N1000 EVF and a GR-N1010 Grip (which adds another function button, a sub-command dial and an extra shutter release button to the V3's existing spread of controls).
Product page: Nikon 1 V3
