Nikon Cameras for Pro Photographer Dreamers

Last updated on September 12th, 2024 at 05:14 pm

Here’s a camera for all you top photography dreamers who might be looking to add a camera to your collection.

Nikon released its 14.2-megapixel Nikon 1 V2, an addition to the Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with an Interchangeable Lens System.

Designed for the creative consumer who seeks stunning images and HD video, the V2 incorporates many features to improve the shooting experience. These include an ergonomic grip for familiar handling, a built-in flash, and the addition of a Command Mode Dial to provide easy access to features and controls. Nikon also introduced the SB-N7, an optional compact Speedlight that offers versatile lighting possibilities for Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 V2 shooters.

This Nikon camera is designed to be compact and delivers astoundingly rapid Autofocus (AF) and shooting response, incredible image quality, sharp Full HD video, and advanced yet easy-to-use shooting options. The V2 offers a 14.2-megapixel CX-format super high-speed CMOS sensor that has been engineered to allow for amazing image quality that exhibits eye-catching colors, rich hues, and striking detail.

The upgraded sensor, combined with the blazing-fast Advance Hybrid AF system, allows users to shoot up to 15 frames per second (fps) while maintaining full AF tracking, which allows the capture of fast-moving subjects. Other noteworthy features include versatile and fun shooting modes such as Best Moment Capture Mode and Live Image Control, which lets a user preview their creative vision and pre-capture.

“The recent additions to the Nikon 1 System, including the V2, demonstrate Nikon’s dedication to delivering a camera system that meets the needs of creative and expressive consumers looking for an easy-to-use camera that is portable enough to take on any life adventure,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience. “With a grip and control layout that is familiar to photographers, the V2’s incredible speed, versatility, ease of use, and portability can be used in various situations to shoot amazing images and sharp HD video.”

Enhanced Design Lets Creative Freedom Flow

The V2 sports an enhanced design that includes a comfortable traditional grip, a textured camera body, and thoughtfully placed mode dials. With easy access to the top-placed Command Dial, V2 shooters will be able to make camera adjustments quickly and easily, even when framing photos in the camera’s 1.4-million-dot electronic viewfinder. The camera also includes a Direct Setting Control that enables quick access to settings in manual exposure modes (P-S-A-M), so that settings can be changed without taking an eye off the electronic viewfinder or the high-resolution 921,000-dot 3.0-in LCD display. To get creative in challenging light, a built-in pop-up flash supplies extra lighting when capturing images in low-light situations or provides a fill flash to eliminate shadows. The camera also features a Nikon 1 i-TTL hot shoe port, affording the use of optional lighting and camera accessories with the Nikon 1 V2.

Though compact and portable, the Nikon 1 V2 boasts incredible performance and features that will be easily embraced by all levels of photographers. In addition to the 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, the camera includes the EXPEED 3A image processing engine, specifically designed to produce still images and HD video with stunning clarity and color. Additionally, the EXPEED 3A has improved image-signal processing capability as well as high-speed readout.

A wide ISO range (160-6400) allows the V2 to perform brilliantly in tough lighting conditions, while the highly responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system provides users with superfast shooting speeds, allowing them to capture fast action with crisp focus, whether at a football game or dance recital. The Nikon 1 V2’s 73-point AF array ensures accuracy and super-precise focus, even on moving subjects. The camera also provides high-speed continuous shooting with continuous Auto focusing, letting users capture approximately 15 fps up to 45 frames. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 60 fps for up to 40 frames is also possible.

Get Creative with Advanced Features

The Nikon 1 V2 offers various shooting modes and controls that will help photographers flex their creative muscles while providing ways to be expressive in still images and HD videos. With the top-placed Mode Dial, V2 users will be able to access the camera’s Auto Mode as well as full manual controls on the fly.

The camera is also equipped with an Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode, which users can utilize to capture fleeting moments with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image. A Motion Snapshot can be saved as a four-second MOV file and JPEG image file separately, or it can also be saved as a 10-second movie file without a separate JPEG image file, making it easy to share with others. Furthermore, Motion Snapshots can seamlessly be combined into a continuous slideshow within the camera.

The Nikon 1 V2 also includes Best Moment Capture Mode, an advanced creative mode allowing individuals to use Slow View to slow down a moment they capture in real time. By simply pressing the shutter button halfway down when focused, users can capture live action (approx. 1.33 seconds), while the view of the subject is displayed at five times slower than normal speed (approx. 6.66 sec). The action is replayed repeatedly as long as the shutter-release button is half-pressed. Fast-action sports and events are transformed to slow motion right on the LCD screen, letting the user confidently capture once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Additionally, original Nikon 1 features like Smart Photo Selector are still available on this camera and are accessible through the Best Moment Capture Mode. When using Smart Photo Selector, V2 users can capture up to 20 shots with a single press of the shutter button, and the camera will then automatically select the five best images to keep based on factors such as exposure, focus, and facial recognition. The Nikon 1 V2 also includes an advanced Movie Mode that allows for the simultaneous shooting of 1080p Full HD video and high-resolution stills of the same subject or scene. Slow motion movies at both 400 fps and 1200 fps can also be captured, plus full manual exposure controls are accessible while in Advance Movie Mode.

Image effects and image-creation functions such as in-camera HDR and the innovative Live Image Control allow users even more ways to customize their photos. Live Image Control gives users the ability to see end-result images before capture by incorporating the effects of various camera settings on a scene. With Live Image Control, real-time adjustments to motion control, brightness control, Active D-Lighting, and background focus are seen on the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder prior to capture to help ensure the user’s creative vision is fulfilled.

Expanding the Reach of the Nikon 1 V2: Accessories for the Nikon 1 System

The V2 is compatible with the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter 1. When connected to the WU-1b, the camera can shoot high quality images and movies and transfer them to smart devices, making it easy to stay connected and share content wirelessly to social networks. Users of the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™2 platform smart devices and iPhone® and iPad®3 mobile digital devices will also be able to remotely control the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Like the other Nikon 1 system cameras, V2 shooters will have access to a growing lineup of incredible 1 NIKKOR lenses, Nikon 1 accessories, as well as F-Mount NIKKOR lenses when connected to the FT-1 Mount Adapter. These lenses and accessories will allow individuals to build a system that truly complements their creative lifestyle.

Alongside the Nikon 1 V2, the optional SB-N7 speedlight will inspire shooters to take their creative vision to greater heights with an extremely versatile yet compact, lightweight flash unit. When connected to the Nikon 1 accessory port of the V2, the SB-N7 will provide opportunities to explore lighting options, including i-TTL support. Additionally, the flash head tilts up to 120 degrees for situations that call for bouncing the flash output. The Speedlight is easy to use, travel-friendly, and uses common AAA batteries. The Speedlight provides a guide number of 18 meters/59 feet (at ISO 100) and a supplied external wide flash adapter for wider shooting coverage.

 

Take more photos this week, dreamers!

I was not compensated by anyone for this story.

Remy Gervais

Remy Gervais is a training and business development coach by day and a freelance photographer in her spare time residing in the Northern California wine country.