Our Verdict
The Nikon 1 system feels very different to the other compact system cameras, and although the J1 and V1 are undoubtedly sophisticated cameras that will have their place in the market, neither model really seems to meet the demands of the advanced photographer.
While the J1, as the entry-level version, can be forgiven for its lack of direct access to functions such as exposure modes, it could still be made more adaptable by including the regular PASM settings on the mode dial and providing a custom button for other functions.
While the differences in features between the J1 and V1 appear subtle, they do add up and the V1 is clearly the better camera. The battery life is perhaps the J1’s biggest disappointment, but, for the small body and the rather large price saving I would choose the J1 over the V1.
