Nikon’s compact interchangeable lens camera line, Nikon 1, has met with decidedly mixed success. Its small-size, extensive features, and reasonable pricing have made it a popular backup or “pocket-size” alternative to a full-size DSLR. However, Nikon’s choice of a relatively-small 1” sensor in the cameras has reduced their image quality to that of a high-end point and shoot (like the Sony RX-100, that features the same size sensor). Now Nikon has decided to push its luck a little further, with the same small sensor packaged into the new, feature-rich Nikon 1 V3 …

The Nikon 1 V3 uses an updated EXPEED 4A ISP to drive its 18.4MP sensor at up to 20 fps with Autofocus – a truly amazing feat. Nikon has clearly worked hard on the AF system – traditionally an Achilles heel for cameras without a mirror. It is a hybrid system with 105 phase-detect sensors and 171 points where it can use contrast detection. Like most cameras in its price range, it features full 1080p video recording at 60fps, and image stabilization. It also has a 720p 120 fps mode, for creating slow-motion videos. Built-in WiFi and the usual plethora of shooting modes help round out the feature set, but once again there is no GPS.

Along with all these new capabilities is a new, much higher, price. The camera kit includes an electronic viewfinder (that sits on top of the camera, changing its profile), grip, battery, charger, and 10-30mm Lens – available for pre-order at $1200 from B&H. Looking only at the specs of the camera, that isn’t an unreasonable price. Unfortunately for Nikon, similarly priced models from Sony offer a noticeably larger sensor, so Nikon will really have to pull some image quality magic out of its hat to help justify the cost.

Full Specifications:

Imaging

Lens Mount
Nikon 1

Camera Format
Nikon CX (2.7x Crop Factor)

Pixels
18.4 Megapixel

Max Resolution
5232 x 3488

Sensor Type / Size
CMOS, 13.2 x 8.8 mm

File Formats
Still Images: JPEG, RAW
Movies: MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio: Linear PCM

Bit Depth
12-bit

Dust Reduction System
Yes

Memory Card Type
microSD
microSDHC
microSDXC

Image Stabilization
Digital

AV Recording

Video Recording
Yes

Resolution
1920 x 1080: 60 fps, 30 fps
1280 x 720: 120 fps, 60 fps, 30 fps
768 x 288: 400 fps
416 x 144: 1200 fps

Video Format
High Definition
MPEG AVC/H.264
1920 x 1080p / 59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p / 29.97 fps
High Definition
MPEG AVC/H.264
1280 x 720p / 120 fps
1280 x 720p / 59.94 fps
1280 x 720p / 29.97 fps
MPEG AVC/H.264
768 x 288
416 x 144

Aspect Ratio
8:3, 16:9

Audio Recording
Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo
Optional External Mic: With Video, Stereo

Focus Control

Focus Type
Auto & Manual

Focus Mode
Automatic (A), Continuous-servo AF (C), Full-time Servo (F), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)

Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 105
Contrast Detection: 171

Viewfinder/Display

Display Screen
3" Rear Touchscreen Tilting  LCD (1,037,000)

Exposure Control

ISO Sensitivity
Auto, 160-12800

Shutter
Type: Mechanical
Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec, Bulb Mode
Type: Electronic
Speed: 30 - 1/16000 sec, Bulb Mode

Remote Control
ML-L3 (Optional)

Metering Method
Center-weighted average metering, Matrix, Spot metering

Exposure Modes
Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Programmed Auto, Scene Auto Selector, Shutter Priority
Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

White Balance Modes
Auto, Cloudy, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade

Burst Rate
Up to 60 fps at 18.4 MP
Up to 30 fps at 18.4 MP
Up to 20 fps at 18.4 MP for up to 40 frames
Up to 10 fps at 18.4 MP
Up to 6 fps at 18.4 MP for up to 50 frames

Flash

Flash Modes
Fill-flash/Slow Sync
Fill-in
Rear Curtain/Slow Sync
Rear Sync
Red-eye Reduction
Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction

Built-in Flash
Yes

Guide No.
16.4' (5 m) ISO100

Max Sync Speed
Mechanical Shutter: 1 / 250 sec
Electronic Shutter: 1 / 60 sec

Flash Compensation
-3 EV to +1 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

Dedicated Flash System
iTTL

External Flash Connection
Hot Shoe

Performance

Continuous Shooting
Up to 60 fps

Self Timer
10 sec, 2 sec

Interval Recording
Yes

Connectivity
1/8" Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), Micro-USB

Wi-Fi Capable
Yes

Power

Battery
1x EN-EL20a  Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 1110mAh

AC Power Adapter
EH-5b (Optional)

Operating/Storage Temperature
Operating
32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
Humidity: 0 - 85%

Physical

Dimensions (WxHxD)
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3" / 110.9 x 65.0 x 33.2 mm excluding projections

Weight
11.43 oz / 324 g with battery and memory card

Kit Lens

Focal Length
10 - 30 mm
Comparable 35mm Focal Length: 27 - 81 mm

Aperture
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6
Minimum: f/16.0

Angle of View
77° - 29° 40'

Minimum Focus Distance
7.87" (20 cm)

Elements/Groups
9/7

Autofocus
Yes

Image Stabilization
Yes

Dimensions (DxL)
Approx. 2.28 x 1.10" (58 x 28 mm)

Weight
3.00 oz (85 g)