Last week at the annual CES gadget-fest, Nikon added a new entry-level camera to their “1” mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera line. With a $499 price tag and simple menu-based controls, the Nikon 1 S1 is designed for photographers who want a compact camera with better performance than they’re getting from their Smart Phone or point-and-shoot camera. But don’t let the S1’s low price and simple exterior fool you – it’s arguably the best inexpensive sports camera available at the moment. Thanks to the new EXPEED 3A image processing engine the Nikon S1 has a still photo burst rate of 15 frames per second, shooting full-resolution, RAW or JPEG, with continuous auto focus. There isn’t even a DSLR on the planet that can match that speed.
Nikon 1 J3 Key Features & Specs:
- 10.1 megapixel High-Speed AF CX-format CMOS sensor
- New EXPEED 3A image processing
- 1080p full HD video with 30/60/400 and 1200 FPS options and built-in stereo sound
- Super-quick hybrid auto focus for stills and video
- P,A,S,M modes for stills and video
- 3-inch 460k-dot LCD display
- ISO 100-6400
- Pop-up flash with bounce
- 15 FPS continuous AF burst and 60 FPS with focus locked
- JPEG, NEF RAW, NEF RAW + JPEG
- Simultaneous still and video capture
- Enhanced Motion Snapshot mode
- New Best Moment Capture Mode
The Nikon 1 S1 built on the same platform as the original Nikon J1 (Nikon 1 J1 Pro Review ) with a 10.1-megapixel CX-format sensor, full HD video and Nikon’s groundbreaking hybrid auto focus system. With a ridiculously fast burst rate (up to 60 frames per second at full resolution) and excellent hybrid auto focus, the Nikon 1 cameras are the best compact sports cameras available. They’re the only mirrorless cameras I’ve used that have continuous auto focus that can really keep up with fast action subjects. That makes the Nikon 1 S1 the most affordable serious option for outdoor sports fanatics who want a small, inexpensive camera that can keep up with their snowboard, motorcycle and mountain bike adventures. You can add surfing, kayaking and diving to that list, too. Nikon gave the S1 a special Underwater White Balance setting and there’s a new underwater housing (WP-N2) that can be submerged up to 130 feet (40m) deep. Nikon also announced two new 1 Nikkor lenses at CES, a VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 (18-35mm equivalent) and VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 (27-270mm equivalent).
For a quick hands-on look at the camera, check out this intro video from Nikon’s CES booth:
The Nikon 1 S1 will be sold in red, white, black, khaki and pink. It’s scheduled to be in stores next month (February, 2013). The US $499.99 price includes an 11-27.5mm zoom lens (30-74mm equivalent). The 1 Nikkor VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 and VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 zoom lenses will sell for $499.95 and $549.95, respectively. The WP-N2 underwater case housing is priced at $749.95.
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