Nikon Launches New Flagship Mirrorless Digital Camera

2012.10.24

Just today, Nikon unveiled the highly anticipated successor the the 1 V1 reviewed here. The all new Nikon 1 V2 features a new 14 megapixels high-speed CMOS sensor with 73 built-in Phase-Detect autofocus points. Those are assisted by contrast-detect in low-light for a total of 135 AF points. Like other 1 system digital cameras, this one capture full-resolution images at a whopping 60 FPS with single-shot AF or 15 FPS with continuous AF. Not surprisingly, it can also record full 1080p HD videos.

The V2 retains a large 0.47" electronic viewfinder with 1.4 megapixels and eye-start sensor. The newly designed body of the Nikon 1 V2 brings more photographic controls closer to the user with a traditional exposure-mode dial and dual control-dials. Full PASM modes are supported and Nikon promises real-time preview of exposure parameters this time. The unique motion-snapshot of the V1 and J1 gets its own position on the mode-dial too.

This digital camera is highly optimized for video. Additionally to full 1080p HD capture already mentioned, it can capture a few seconds of 1920x1080 @ 60 FPS video which is played back at 24 FPS for a slow motion effect. There are also ultra-fast video options of 640x240 @ 400 FPS and 320x120 @ 1200 FPS, giving ultra-slow playback of fast action. The V2 also features built-in stereo microphones and an audio input to accept an external stereo sound source instead.

The Nikon CX sensor of the V2 gives a 2.7X crop factor. It accepts all Nikon 1 lenses directly and Nikkor F-mount lenses with an optional adapter, sold separately.

The Nikon 1 V2 is expected to be available next month for $899 USD or CDN in a kit with a 10-30mm F/3.5-5.6 VR lens. Later in January 2013, a new compact flash, the SB-N7 will be available for $159 USD or $179 CDN.

• Digital Camera