The info on a very cool, new camera system from Nikon was released tonight. the Nikon 1 system.
They have gone into the mirrorless category. Not just the size, but the features offer capabilities into a sweet spot of the market:
The folks who communicate with photos and videos and don’t want to change cameras, nor carry around a full or even medium sized DSLR.
Olympus and Sony have gone there, but Nikon did it in a whole new way. And smaller.
Plus you get color choices, and can match your lens colors, if that’s how you roll.
The release was this evening and we’re digesting it all. It’s a lot of brand new, and thankfully, the technology is translating into a very easy, user photographic experience.

Luckily we get a loan of a system to put it to the true test. And we’ll be reporting back in with the straight story.

V1 model shown with optional flash and zoom lens

Until we get some real world experience, here is the official company word:

The new Nikon 1 system is engineered specifically to strike the balance of performance, intuitive simplicity and portable design to enable users to capture and share their world like never before. This system is a platform for the future and targeted towards the expressive user who is connected to their world socially. The new 1 Mount is fully electronic, allowing for amazing speed and response

•High Speed AF CMOS Sensor – New 10.1 megapixel CX-format High Speed AF CMOS sensor engineered for this new system to deliver amazing image quality. Overall, it is one of the major components attributing to the optimally balanced package which was engineered to deliver the ultimate balance of portable form factor and image quality.

•New EXPEED 3 image processing engine – Dual core image processor helps drive amazing performance and speed

•The Nikon 1 system has the worlds fastest AF – the cameras use a new advanced hybrid autofocus system that enables fast AF with 73 focus points. The advanced hybrid autofocus system combines phase detection AF, which enables faster focusing and superior subject tracking performance with moving subjects, while contrast-detect AF performs well in low-light conditions

•Fast continuous shot – Users can also shoot at 10 fps, while frame after frame the full adaptive AF system will yield sharp photos. It also has the worlds fastest full resolution continuous shooting speed at 60 fps (AF locked)

•Motion Snapshot – By selecting the Motion Snapshot icon from the command dial at the back of the camera, consumers can capture fleeting moments with staggering depth and emotion like never before.

•Works in conjunction with bundled Short Movie Creator Software and my Picturetown

•Smart Photo Selector – When a “can’t miss” photo opportunity arises, users can switch to the Smart Photo Selector mode which uses the camera’s pre-cache to start shooting and storing images. All of these images are analyzed within the camera, and the best photo is selected based on a number of factors including exposure, composition, focus and advanced facial recognition

The new system offers a lens for every occasion.
The camera kit includes a color-matched 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (27-81mm 35mm equivalent) for optimal focal range in a small lens. For those needing maximum versatility, a 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens (81-297mm equivalent) is available, or users can explore their creative side with a color matched 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens (27mm equivalent). For the movie enthusiast, a new 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 (27-270mm equivalent) power zoom lens will be available. This new lens is Nikon’s first powered zoom, and provides smooth and silent changes in focal length while recording movies.

•Additionally, the FT-1 F-mount adaptor for legacy NIKKOR lenses will be available in the future, so that photographers can utilize their collection of quality NIKKOR lenses.

Price and Availability
The Nikon J1 and V1 will be available throughout the United States beginning October 20th. The Nikon J1 camera with 10-30mm lens kit will be available at a suggested retail price4 of $649.95. The Nikon V1 camera with 10-30mm lens kit will be available for a suggested retail price4 of $899.95.