Nikon 1 Series Presentation and Questions With Nikon

Nikon 1 Series Presentation
Interview with Mr Mori



We were at the launch of the Nikon 1 series camera, and have summarised the presentation of the Nikon 1 series here, with an interview with Yoshizo Mori, General Manager, Development Department from Nikon Japan.

Nikon 1 Series Presentation introduction: 

The Nikon 1 series is an introduction of an "intelligent camera system" with never before seen photographic features including the ability to "capture time - both past and future!"

Nikon has not jumped on the Mirrorless / CSC bandwagon and has started from scratch, with a new device from the ground up. Focusing on usability and design, a camera system for the future with no compromises. It brings a new way of capturing, and sharing still and movie files.



Nikon are calling it a new category of camera: A-CIL - Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens.

After years of research in the market, which started four years ago, consumers want a camera with these key features:

1. Compact
2. Ease of use
3. Better IQ
4. Capture every moment

The Nikon 1 is a truly fast system, not a DSLR or Compact camera turned into a mirrorless camera, but a whole new system. It has the World's fastest continuous shooting at full resolution, with no compromise on image quality.


The camera has 600 megapixels per second throughput, the world's fastest processing system, quicker than D3x, EOS 7D, GF3 (see slide above). It takes photos / videos before and after you press the shutter.

Motion snapshot (MSS): takes slow motion video and photo, at the same time. Nikon call this the "Living picture". Here Nikon explain it on their website:


These files can be saved in .MOV file format and the camera is making MOV and JPEG files. The way these are shared is being looked at.

Smart Photo Selector: takes 30 photos at 30fps at the full 10.1 megapixel resolution. The camera filters the best photos out of 30 shots, then the camera takes the 5 best photos, allowing you to keep or discard, manually choosing them, or alternatively the camera can choose for you. Here Nikon explain it:


The camera will record full HD at 60fps, and uniquely full resolution images can be taken while recording video. You also get full manual control in both stills and video modes. 60fps continuous shooting is also available at full resolution, for upto 12 shots with the J1, and 30 shots with the V1.


J1 Black - Sensor Exposed

Fastest auto focus - the 1 series cameras feature a hybrid AF system with contrast and phase detection. It's the World's first camera with focal plane phase-detection AF built into the sensor.

The Nikon 1 lens mount is the first completely new lens mount from Nikon for 52 years, with the Nikon F mount in 1959 being the last time Nikon created a completely new lens mount.

The FT1 adapter allows Auto focus with Nikkor AF-S, AF-I lenses, although you will need to be aware of the 2.7x crop factor.

Nikon has also introduced the World's smallest speedlight, with built in LED illuminator for video recording, for the Nikon V1. Short movie creator software is included with the cameras.

Both cameras will be available on the 20th October, Nikon also advised that the Nikon 1 Series Future Lenses and Prototypes will be available in the next 3 years.

Questions with Mr Yoshizo Mori:

Mr Mori has been with Nikon since 1989 and has been in charge of sensor development for the new Nikon 1 series.

How long has this been in development?
2 years of discussion, plus 2 years development with testing running parrallel with development - total 4 years.



Is there a time frame / product map for the future lenses?
Difficult to say about the future, but within the next 3 years.

How is the Nikon 1 different to compact system cameras?
It's not called mirrorless, as those are a Digital SLR, with the mirror taken off, to create their systems. For us high speed capture is very important, being able to take movies and stills at the same time. With Motion Snapshot, and Smart Photo Selector, these are unique functions. Whereas other cameras just use contrast detection in their mirrorless cameras, we have both phase and contrast detection built into the sensor.


Front of V1 White

Why has Nikon chosen this sensor size? 
A 10 megapixel sensor was a deliberate choice, it optimises image quality and allows a small compact system, with the whole package small. 4 years of research went into the design of the camera. The sensor size is perfect for customer demands. The most important thing is high speed focusing, and a high speed camera. It is aimed at the consumer, and image quality will more than satisfy the consumer. The sensor was a collaberation on development, with a Nikon exclusive sensor and roadmap, and this too has been 4 years in making, to get the right choice of sensor. With the exact design taking 2 years.

What is the target market for these cameras?
The Nikon 1 J1 is aimed at the consumer, the entry level or family level, someone who's not satisfied with compact cameras, they don't like Digital SLRs, but want high IQ. The Nikon 1 V1 is aimed at early adopters, and has higher end features like the EVF, and a seperate flash.

How do you expect the camera to be received?
Nikon are aiming to have a market leading position for this camera series, and you will likely be seeing a lot more of the camera in the run up to Christmas.

More Nikon 1 Series Links:
Nikon 1 Series Presentation and Questions With Nikon. New!
Nikon 1 Series Future Lenses and Prototypes. New!
Nikon 1 J1 Hands-On - Multi-coloured. Updated!
Nikon 1 V1 Hands-On - Screens.
Nikon 1 V1 vs J1 Size and Features Comparison.
Nikon 1 Series Camera Announcement.