Nikon just announced the 10-megapixel S1 interchangeable lens digital camera to their 1 System line. This entry-level mirrorless camera removes the complicated buttons and dials that can be intimidating to users, while offering the same high-speed performance and functions as their other Nikon 1 cameras. A new GUI (graphical user interface) offers easier visibility with large icons, a very simple and streamlined menu structure, and a color scheme that makes for very clear viewing.
The Nikon 1 S1 sports a 10.1-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, paired together with Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 3A image processing engine. A wide ISO range from 100 to 6400 allows users even more freedom and capabilities when capturing content in low-light situations. In addition, the camera offers a wide and bright 3-inch LCD screens as well as a new integrated flash that can be setup to go off automatically or can be manually popped up based on a shooter’s desired results.
The Nikon 1 S1 offers Nikon’s Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system, which is lightning fast and highly responsive, ideal for capturing life’s split second moments. With this rapid AF system, users can take advantage of incredibly fast shooting speeds, allowing them to capture fast action that is sharp and in clear focus. The camera also features a 73-point AF array that helps ensure accuracy and super precise focus even when capturing fast moving subjects throughout the frame. Further, Nikon claims the S1 offers the world’s shortest release time at approximately 80 milliseconds, and the world’s fastest high-speed continuous shooting at 15 frames-per-second with continuous AF.
The new Nikon 1 System camera features unique shooting modes like Auto Mode, Creative Mode, Advanced Movie, Motion Snapshot and Best Moment Capture, all of which are easily accessible and applied. When in Auto Mode, both cameras will automatically select the optimal settings for the scene, so that the shooter can concentrate on framing the photo. When in Creative Mode, shooters can utilize full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M) as well as Selective Color, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portrait modes to help achieve the desired results that they seek.
Advanced Movie Mode allows simultaneous shooting of Full HD video and high-resolution stills of a subject or scene. Furthermore, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M) can be used and slow motion movies at both 400 fps and 1200 fps can also be captured when in this mode. Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode provides users with the option of capturing a quick passing moment with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image. When using Motion Snapshot, in-camera electronic Vibration Reduction (eVR) can be applied to assist in removing blur from images.
In Slow View, the pressing of the shutter button halfway down once focus is achieved will allow users to 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 seconds) on the camera’s LCD screen. Furthermore, the slowed-down view is looped over and over until a full-press of the shutter is made. By viewing action slowed down, users have more opportunities to capture the perfect moment. When Smart Photo Selector is used, shooters can capture up to 15 shots with one press of the shutter button. The camera will then automatically identify the five best images to keep based on exposure, focus and facial recognition factors.
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The Nikon 1 S1 was designed to work with Nikon’s optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. When the WU-1b is connected, users have the ability to capture high-quality images and can then easily transfer them wirelessly to a smart device. Once transferred, images can be shared with family and friends or posted to status pages on social media networks. If using the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android platform, smart devices as well as iPhone and iPad 3 mobile digital devices will have the ability to remotely take photos with the camera from a smartphone or tablet.
Price and Availability
The Nikon 1 S1 digital camera with the 11-27.5mm lens will be available in February 2013 for $499.95.
