SnapChick's Nikon V1 Review

[@LeighAndRaymond]

V1 can use the lenses that you mention with an adapter, but it is better off with the lenses that are designed for it. Not knowing why your pics aren't sharp, I don't know if the V1 would be an improvements for you. Email me some pics and I will tell you if I see a problem.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Yes, I have printed images from the V1. With virtually any current-gen camera, you can print big. I shoot both RAW and JPEG in different circumstances.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@McCDub Sort of. One of my degrees is art history, so I have spend much of my life surrounding myself with art and art tools. As far as photography goes, the rest is understanding the mechanics and operations of different types of cameras, which comes from persistent use, trial and error / learning from mistakes.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@joshuaszeto The key with the V1 is to set it up for fun - i.e. settings that will accomodate most conditions. Auto ISO, active d-lighting, etc... I'm not bothered by the lack of a focus ring. In low light, the camera goes to contrast detect focus. It can take a second to focus, but you will get the shot.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I'm a huge fan of the V1, but it's not for everyone. I would see if you could try one out before committing to the purchase, or buy from a retailer that has a 2 week or 30 day no questions asked return policy. I have not used the e-pl3, so I cannot make a direct comparison.

[@DonaldScarinci]

Videos like this is what makes KZbin so valuable. You have a unique blend of knowlege, teaching skills & entertainment to be the best spokesperson for photography anywhere. No question that if these podcasts get to the right hands, you will be moving to California or New York.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It depends on the lens. There is a 30-110mm which, with the 2.7x crop factor, makes it like an 81-297mm. There's also an adapter, which allows you to use certain other Nikon lenses... Anyway, I haven't found it lacking in the slightest.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@keithlhiker You know, I would not have said 'blazing speed' until I was out with it yesterday shooting some action. It really is a fast camera. Shooting with my D3100 at the same time really made the speed difference in the V1 noticeable. Thank you for the kind words :)

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@hagr182 The key with this camera over something like the p7100 is the response time of the camera. That is very important to me - perhaps the most important aspect. There are few, if any, compact cameras that approach the response time of the V1.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@BeatSneaker Hi, thanks! I do like the camera a lot, but I'm not hesitant to 'call it like I see it' when it comes to some of the shortcomings. There is a lot of capability and potential in the Nikon 1 series.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@AdurianJ I have not spend much time with micro 4/3, so I cannot give you a comprehensive comparison. For me, the V1 "scratches the itch" I had for something smaller, so I don't expect to be trying out too many of the competitors.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@tinnyandbo I shoot straight. And I am pretty firm about the weakness of not being able to disable image review. If there were more things I did not like about the camera, they would be in the review.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I like it but have not reviewed it. I use the V1 much as I would a J1 except I like that the V1 has a viewfinder.

[@DonaldScarinci]

This is the most informative & well done review of the V1 that I have seen so far. She did a better job than Nikon and a better job than anyone at last month's photo expo in New York.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@kbudiarto This is completely different from any smaller camera you have ever used. Shutter response is instant due to the insanely fast focusing. I was ready to flunk this camera on responsiveness before I had ever tried it. I was wrong. It's extremely fast.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

And thank you for watching! :)

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@bernhardtsen74 Another distinct element of the V1 versus most compacts is the DSLR-like response time of the V1. No frustrating delays when you click the shutter button.

[@David-mf8yo]

Just bought one so this really helps. Well done.

[@rmoseson]

Nice review. You mentioned that you'll be making a video on how to use the V1 for still photos. I'll be looking forward to that one (when do you expect to do it?)

[@Zalfel]

I considered buying a Nikon 1, but I ended up going for an Olympus Pen E-PL1. The Nikon having a built in viewfinder is definitely a perk in it's favor and the FPS possible in this model is impressive, but I prefer the slightly more traditional button and dial placement on the E-PL1 and the slightly larger size because of my large hands.

[@TeerawutNumChuchuaysuwan]

I use V1 along with my D700 then I've switched to D800 and now Z6 you know what? I still have V1 in my bag! It was good to get photos in it era now I have it in my car for some case that I don't have any camera with me

[@PeopleVoicesForObama]

Quick Question: I have the 10-30mm f3.5. Do you think it's worth it to buy the pancake 10mm f2.8. I can pick up one around $150. I would prefer to wait until they come out with a nicer portrait lens something like an 35mm f1.4 so I can get a nicer bokeh. I think they will announce a newer lens line up with the up coming introduction of the V2. What do you think?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Cool! I think you will enjoy the V1 very much!

[@dksculpture]

I like your videos and I was thinking of making some for sculptors and painters in a similar style. I can't imagine doing so, however, without some kind of teleprompter. Do you use one? If so, what do you recommend?

[@keithlhiker]

I too just recently bought this baby. Sold my Nikon D5100 to get it. The ever so slight trade off in low light still image quality is more than made up for by the size, video use and blazing speed. Love your videos BTW. Happily married for 31 years and still hot for my wife so take this compliment with that in mind. You are an extremely attractive young woman who provides excellent and fun information on photography. I wish you well and hope these video's lead to even greater career success.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It seems like a lot to spend. I don't really have any trouble grasping the V1.

[@RudyCantGame]

How is the flash for this thing? The one that uses the cameras power. I heard its kind of weak to use as a bounce flash. But i dont want to use the bigger ome thats out because i would rather not waste batteries.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@Lofote The reviews I find most helpful set the foundation of the functionality of the device before going into "opinion mode." For me, both aspects are critical for a review.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@DScarinci1 Thank you very much! That comment means a lot to me!!!! :)

[@rml695]

What do you think of the moving picture feature? It reminds me of Harry Potter in a way.

[@tomtakumi]

You still have that camera?

[@MrHyho]

Hi there, would you buy or recommend the V1 today if you get it as a good deal? Im also interested in the Sony Alpha 5000 but because of my Nikon history ;) Im always more into this brand and would like to go for it. Thanks and thank you for the great vids. Keep on!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@felloffthetruck Nikon claims 'magesium allow construction' but I have not seen a break-down of how much and where.

[@PeopleVoicesForObama]

just picked up one on sale at B&H. A hundred or two more than a Point and Shoot. Can't wait to receive it in the mail. Nice review!

[@hagr182]

I dont like some specs, but I see you really enjoy it, my question is, as someone like me who is looking to buy a p7100 as a point and shoot would you save a lil more for this one? I already own a d5000 but i hear a nikon mount adapter is coming for the 1 system making most of my lenses usable

[@soothingsoundvideos]

nice review. how is the shutter lag? i've stayed away from compacts for that reason only.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

V1 is the camera I use most often

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@ShelpR I think it's something we all had on our minds.

[@bacchus2018]

Do you ever use some of the "special effects"? Like slow motion or the motion snapchick function?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thanks for your comment! I always try to extensively use any gear that I review. In this case, the V1 is my daily-use camera, so this review was fun and easy to make. Thanks for watching!

[@Phillydog1958]

Have you reviewed the J1? what's your feelings on it? What about the lenses?

[@EduardoMendozaPhoto]

Hi Snap, gorgeous as always :) Any problems with the 10-30mm's rubber ring getting a little loose?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@BeatSneaker I try to be a straight shooter. I'm pretty much biased toward anything with a shutter button :)

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@fvgotch Thank you for watching and commenting :D

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@avenger516 Canon HG10 camera (obsolete) and a Rode Videomic for sound (not obsolete)

[@joshuaszeto]

I was thinking the same thing about the lack of buttons when I first got my hands on one. Having to flip through all those menus to do something simple was a bit of a drag. I can't help but feel I would be missing many important moments because I would be too busy going through the menu system. What's your thoughts on the lack of a focus ring on the lenses? I just figure that since this is your choice in camera for a night out, low light focusing must be important.. how's the performance?

[@tuyk20]

Nice review. Im thinking of buying my 1st point and shoot camera. Would you recommend this one over the nikon coolpix p330? Thanks!

[@FUBAR956]

Any opinions on the J1? I'd like something less expensive for simple stuff like vacation photos.

[@tellis01]

I just upgraded to the d5100 from the d3100 and I'm still having trouble getting tact sharp pics. Do you think the V1 with my 35mm and 55-200mm would be better for a beginner?

[@brandonjames7212]

Snap! I'm wondering why the newer models of the Nikon 1's are cheaper ? ( J2&V2 ) arte

[@SteveGasque]

Great review, SnapChick! I use the adapter to hook up my Nikon lenses to the V1. Some, like the 50mm 1.4, look 'kind of' normal. Others, like the 70-200 2.8 look fairly ridiculous. But, once you get past the visual issue, the photos are stunning! Why, you ask, did I do such a thing? Well, my daughter is a cellist, and the D3 and D800 are so loud, they interfere with her recitals. So, with the V1, I can use either a subtle mechanical shutter or a silent electronic shutter. Problem solved.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

They're both nice cameras.

[@TheSnapChickVLOG]

I think the J1 sounds great. I love that it is small and has an on-board flash. Every day I have to keep myself from buying one... because it comes in cute colors!

[@pullejo]

Great little review - what I was looking for as I just ordered one of these ($249 - wow, right?) with the SB-5 and FT-1 for my glass!

[@spearmintmonkey]

Snappy, did you purchase the Nikon grip for the V1?

[@johnleonardelli_VE3IPS]

Thanks for a well thought review. Good to see snap chick actually used the camera she is reviewing and your passion for photography shines through. Keep on clicking

[@depellerinluc]

Thanks for the PIP, it was really super important to the review.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Yes, you can.

[@JakeyCakei]

Thanks great for the breakdown. Looked at countless reviews as need a replacement for my aging D40. This seems like the deal. Thanks

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@DigitalLemonade Thanks :) I'm still two thumbs up for the V1 :)

[@RuthiesVlogWorld]

have u tried the v2 yet?

[@HariKumar-vz2ej]

Hi Leigh… thank you. Is that possible to attach a dot sight on that hot shoe?.. my question is the hot shoe is not in the centre , so will we able to focus dot sight to the lcd monitor?

[@labalia30]

The hot shoe is not compatible with a normal hot shoe, alas.

[@avenger516]

hey i was wondering what camera do you use to shoot these tutorials and what do you use for sound?

[@1717jbs]

Excellent review and perfect conclusions. I have a J1 and the IQ is amazing for essentially a point and shoot. I take it when I do not want to lug around my dslr.

[@HeroShotz]

I just found one of these on Ebay for 50 is it a good buy for a beginner ?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I still love my V1. It holds up extremely well and it would be great for a beginner. Nikon appears to no longer be updating the system but there are still many lenses available for it. :)

[@HeroShotz]

TheSnapChick great thanks I'm bought it lol 50 bucks cant beat that at all I also found a nikon d3100 used for 79 with a nifty fifty can wait to get them. Ebay is amazing.

[@DVaderlar]

Hey snapchick. I am currently shooting a d7000 and for my street shoots i got an olympus e pl1. I was thinking of upgrading my street shooter. Do u think the v1 is worth it? Or should i go for sth like the e-pl3?

[@akbychoice]

Thanks for having thick skin and not letting the haters deter you.

[@divervince]

Any tips on shooting indoors with low light? With Aperture Priority mode the shutter speed is too slow and the ISO is kinda low too.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I'm a big fan of the V1 for its low price and effectiveness.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

You should be able to find it on Amazon, etc... for under $500

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@throathammer1 I reach for it before I reach for cameras that cost several times more.

[@dksculpture]

I bought a V1 with 10-30 kit lens the other day for $299 (B&H) - Largely because of this review and because of images on NikonRumors. I am very pleased with the camera. Easy to operate, very good viewfinder, excellent screen and great video too. Perfect for when I don't want to carry my big DSLR or resort to the low IQ and awkwardness of an ultra-compact.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I debate purchasing the 10mm almost every day... I have no good answer... since I struggle with it myself. If it were f1.8, I'd own it already.

[@spearmintmonkey]

Snappy, do you ever use the good ole V1 anymore?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I'd get the newer SB-N7 and eneloop rechargeable AAA batteries to go with it.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@jjlwis It IS!!! And it is extremely functional, which is my other requirement :)

[@GenVirtu]

I need a smaller digital camera for street photography or everyday life when my DSLR is too big to bring with me and I want something more then a point and shoot. It seems the Nikon V1 is the best of both worlds.

[@psigeio]

I'm new to this stuff. Can I install external trigger on this thing to start the video from far away ?

[@LeighAndRaymond]

I also have the 30-110!

[@stevenpotter1484]

hi,,excellent review,,i thought you worked for nikon and you were a company reviewer,,great job,,,i received my nikon v1 in the mail yesterday and i think it is amazing,,what got me was the article in eoshd about the v1 shooting 4k video in burst mode,,although for sort clips,i can use the clips in a dream sequence or a scene of character remebering or like very quik scene takes,,amazing,,downrez to 2.7 k and raw that is something no other camera does at this price,,,4k raw at 60fps at 300$ yeah

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It's my favorite "go anywhere" camera :)

[@theonetheonlydeganthevegan4392]

hey I live in Turkey and want this camera and on a ''Trusty'' site (says my friends) the Nikon v1 is selling for 1.049 TL which is around 525 dollars. but on the Nikon America site it is 895+ , should I risk it? I just recently moved to Turkey so I don't know ıf I can trust it .

[@AdurianJ]

Why would one have a V1 instead of a micro 4/3 ?

[@19davo57channel]

thank you so much for going through all the menus etc on this little camara...i will use this video for reference when mine arrives......just brought the nikon v1 from ebay.. it's really cheap now at $280.00 AUS ........ thx again for sharing your knowledge!! regards to you from downunder!!

[@vincentlao9824]

I have the V1's lower end sibling, the J1, and Nikon somehow made some very bad design decision here. From what I've heard the V1 isn't any different. When I use a third party manual lens, they disable the focus assist which is very important when manual focusing. I also wished they keep the last timer setting you set so that you don't need to change the setting everytime.

[@svenoftibet3394]

My 2 favorite lenses for this camera re the 10mm 2.8 and the 18.5 1.8...they both are worth their price in gold the 10mm is super sharp and the 18.5 is great in low light situations and portraits...has a nice bokeh

[@heybraza]

where did u find it for 280?

[@robertocimador4498]

how it performs with c-mount lenses, an be used with manual lenses?

[@dannybailey666]

I'm looking for a good party camera, I think a cheaper camera would be a better option as I wouldn't put a costly camera at risk. I once took my DSLR to a christmas party, it was a posh event, but I was still watching my camera all the time.

[@SadeMetsavirta]

great review! I think I'm going to buy this one ( : I don't need some super camera, I just want a pretty good one that isn't too bulky or ugly

[@jjlwis]

OMGZ the speedlight is SO CUTE!

[@johnv142000]

any review of the new f 1.2 lens ?

[@AdurianJ]

@Lofote Because the Sony NEX looks awfull and is difficult to hold. I love that they use an APS-C sensor though

[@mikeismad61]

No, I don't work for Sony (nor any other camera mauf) why do you work for Nikon ? I guess with a staff discount or even a free V1 the price is no longer an issue

[@dksculpture]

I think you will be very pleased. IMO a great camera for $299. Much better than any point and shoot that I have tried!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

@LEEITANAGAR My reviews are honest. I'm sure I would love the Pen and other mirrorless compacts. This is the camera that I have and the video has my personal observations.

[@robertomartella481]

Grazie per il tuo lavoro di divulgazione. Ho seguito i tuoi video sulla V1 e infine Comprata oggi con 10-100mm ad euro 210, in sostituzione della mia eos M3 18-55mm con evf dc1 venduto a 350 euro. Con la differenza ora comprerò un 10mm oppure un 18,5mm. Sono un fotografo amatoriale e credo di aver fatto la cosa giusta. 10 mpx più gestibili di 24 mpx in editing. 😂😂 ❤❤

[@yakizimmerman5719]

doe's it have external flash ?

[@juliannevillecorrea]

awesome review !!

[@DigitalLemonade]

Cool videos, I've been wanting to check out this camera.