After several years absence from photography I'm getting started up again. (D4 on order) and I just "discovered" the V 1 and J1.

I've had an opportunity to use a J1 for a bit and was wondering if the viewfinder on the V1 was worth the extra coin?

The camera is so compact that holding it up to my eye may be awkward. The display on the J1, in the short time I used it, seemed fine even in direct sunlight.

Am I missing something? If not I think I'd go with a J vs. a V1.

thanks,

Steve H.

Besides the viewfinder, the V1 also gives you access to a cold shoe mount for an accessory speedlight.

After lugging around a D700 and grip on vacation, I think I would like a Nikon V1 kit for vacations.


Anthony

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That's the number 1 reason why I got the V1. Unless it's a photo-trip like my upcoming workshop to Acadia (for example) I'll just take the V1. Makes like so much easier.

As Anthony mentioned, a speedlight, but also a GPS receiver. I would try the V1, and see if it indeed is awkward for you. It’s somewhat personal taste, but I find using displays awkward unless I am hand-holding overhead shots, or have the camera on a tripod. Even for the latter i am likely to use the viewfinder. Remember too, you have a diopter control on the viewfinder if you need it. Also, I believe having a camera pressed against the face offers a little more stability than holding it in front of the body with two hands, especially if you are going to use the adapter and (longer focal length) F-mount lenses.

Fred
Maryland, USA

Thanks for the replies.

My thoughts are that I would use the Nikon 1 system as a very compact backup to my D4 when traveling and to keep with me 100% of the time. When I found out I could use my other lenses on it, with the adapter, I was sold.

Good points on the longer mount f-lenses and hand holding, although I would mostly use the Nikon 1 lenses. The real attraction for me is the small size, and the picture quality.

Thanks,

Steve H.

Hi Steve,

The viewfinder does add a bit of height, which might mean going to a larger bag than would otherwise be necessary, depending on what all you would be packing, and how tightly you pack - more considerations.

Fred
Maryland, USA

I got my wife the J1 and found for the first few times I used it I always brought it up to my eye. Had us in stitches .... I soon got used to not having the view finder. I can see that when using the DSLR zooms that it could be awkward to use; I think if this is your aim then the V1 might be the way to go.

Reg'ds
Steve

>Hi Steve,
>
>The viewfinder does add a bit of height, which might mean
>going to a larger bag than would otherwise be necessary,
>depending on what all you would be packing, and how tightly
>you pack - more considerations.



Hi Fred,

The camera would likely ride along in a new billingham shoulder bag (Hadley Large) that I just aquired for traveling light. The idea is my D4 and the V1 or J1. I will just carry a f2.8 zoom and a 24mm f1.4 for the D4 and the Nikon 1 system.

I don't think the viewfinder height will be an issue I was thinking about how I would use the the camera and I guess I was considering cost, although the difference is not that great considering what I've spent on my other Nikon gear.

Thanks for the imput it's helping me to think this through.


Steve H.

The J1 lends itself to really casual shooting - it was a different (and pleasant) experience pulling out the camera for a quick shot and then stowing it away in my coat pocket. The lack of a VF would not be a compelling feature to me given the advantages of the format and it's sell points (good IQ, Phase Detect AF, etc).

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Personally, I only use the viewfinder on the V1. I usually disable the LCD for shooting. It is small but I haven't had a difficult time using it through the viewfinder. The only issue, which is well documented, is mandatory image review after every picture.

I just read Galbreath's review and one thing he pointed out was that the v1 did not have a built in flash. Portability and ease are important to me with this system. I was pleasantly surprised with the on camera flash on the J1.

I'm not sure that grabbing for a flash and adding on accessories is what I personally envision using this camera for.

I do appreciate the fact that the V1 has magnesium alloy body covers and a sensor cleaner. I don't think there is a wrong choice just preference.


Steve H.

That is annoying at times. Fortunately, the preview quickly clears by depressing the shutter release button part way, but it would be nice to be able to defeat the preview altogether.

EDIT: Speaking of the mandatory preview only here.

Fred
Maryland, USA

I find myself using the viewfinder on the V1 most of the time and missing the flash rarely. I actually carry a Hoodman loupe when shooting outside for reviewing shots on my D7000 LCD, so NOT having to do so with the V1 is yet another advantage.

Only advantages I see to the J1 are: cheaper, lighter, and smaller.

Fortunately I have large pockets because I like the EVF and other features of the V1.
I also like the fact that the V1 shares the battery and memory cards with my D7000 and D800.

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