Final Thoughts
The Nikon 1 V3 is a very good camera and I enjoyed shooting with it a lot more than I anticipated. Having more external controls makes a big difference in the Nikon 1 V3 shooting experience, and as mentioned earlier, the V3 provides the most DSLR-like shooting experience of any Nikon 1 camera.
Some of the quirky design choices that Nikon made with the V3 will remain as barriers to some buyers. Other buyers that can look beyond some of the inconveniences that those design choices create will find a very capable camera that delivers good image quality, a very flexible platform, and a whole lot of fun in a small package.
Current owners of Nikon 1 V1 cameras will find the V3 to be a very serious upgrade that will provide them with a more enjoyable shooting experience, roughly equivalent image quality, and a lot more flexibility with their images given the dramatic increase in resolution from 10.1 to 18.4 MP.
Owners of the Nikon 1 V2 may have a more difficult decision choosing to upgrade. Without question the V3 is a step up in terms of functionality and delivering a better DSLR-like experience. The increase in resolution is not quite as dramatic and V2 owners will need to consider the trade-offs between the two cameras. Two obvious trade-offs are: slightly better low light AF with the V2 versus slightly sharper images with the V3, and a nicer EVF on the V3 that restricts the use of a flash or mic.
Anyone looking for a lightweight birding and wildlife set up that will be used primarily in good lighting conditions will find it difficult to find a better combination than the Nikon 1 V3 matched up with the Nikon 1 CX 70-300 ,, f/4.5-5.6 VR lens. I found this combination was a joy to use for this subject matter and was a better overall experience than my V2.
The cost of the Nikon 1 V3 with EVF, grip and 10-30mm PD zoom is a concern for many buyers since they can buy a very capable DSLR for the same money or less. There is a premium to be paid for this lightweight, little powerhouse and not everyone will see sufficient value to take the plunge. I’m hard pressed to think of another camera that can deliver a DSLR-like experience, shoot AF-C at 20 frames per second, rip off 40 RAW plus Jpeg fine images in a single 2-second burst, and provide over 2,700 still images on one battery charge when only the EVF is used.
For potential buyers intent on waiting for a Nikon 1 V4 there are a few things Nikon can do to make that future purchase decision easier:
• Go back to an integrated EVF and grip
• Return to standard SD cards
• Make the battery common with Nikon DSLR’s like the D810
• Stop bundling any kind of lens with the V series cameras to help reduce the price
• Change the hot shoe to accept standard Nikon flashes and adjust firmware accordingly
• Improve the AF performance in video
• Incorporate 4K video capability with focus peaking and zebras
• Improve dynamic range and colour depth so the Nikon 1 system can better compete with M4/3
Our Rating of the Nikon 1 V3
Features: 4.5
Build Quality: 4.5
Focus Speed and Accuracy: 4
Handling: 4.5
Value: 3.5
Image Quality: 4
High ISO Performance: 3.5
Size and Weight: 4.5
Metering and Exposure: 4
Movie Recording Features: 4
Dynamic Range: 3.5
Packaging and Manual: 4
Speed and Performance: 4.5
Overall Rating: 4.1
If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the Nikon 1 system, you may want to have a look at our eBook, The Little Camera That Could. It illustrates the capability of the Nikon 1 system through hundreds of original photographs. There is also commentary and tips about the Nikon 1 system.
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Hi tom,
I am a nikon 1 j5 user , and i am inspired by you. I bought j5 in may 2016 and i i’ve already 5 lenses.
And now i need your opinion. Somehow i miss the evf, and i felt a little distrubed changing lens all the time. I thought i’d like to buy a second camera.
The option are the v2 , v3 or just wait for v4 or j6 with evf maybe? If i choose v2, do you think it will be an upgrade for my gear? Since j5 has better performance than v2.
After i read this article i dont think v3 is an option, due to its high price and common performance with my j5. So should i wait for the v4 or j6?
Thx tom for your attention.
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
Having an extra body can make things easier, especially when travelling. A camera body with an EVF is preferred by many people as it makes it easier for certain types of images, birds-in-flight for example. During my recent trips I travelled with a pair of J5s and a V2, with a 1 Nikon zoom attached to each. It certainly made it very quick to capture my images and move on.
No one knows what Nikon will be doing with the Nikon 1 line up in terms of new bodies, although a J6 is the best bet. Whether it will have an EVF is unknown.
One option that you could pursue is a good, used V2 or V3. That way you could get your second body for an affordable price, while allowing yourself some time to see what Nikon does with future Nikon 1 bodies. The sensor in the J5 is better than the ones in the V2 or V3 so there is some trade-off. The V2 and V3 have larger buffers so they are better when shooting birds-in-flight in continuous auto-focus at fast frame rates.
Tom
great summary. i’d just like to add for some of us holding out for a V4, a regular hot shoe and Nikon CLS would be additional desirable features.
Hi whisky,
Glad you enjoyed the article! I added a regular hot shoe…thanks for catching that for me!
Tom
Thanks again Tom for the review. I have been shooting with the v3 exactly 3 times now and overall I am impressed. I am over the micro SD thing (I think) but that was a major strange move from Nikon. I also don’t like the grip remove to change the battery, but I love the additional dial it gives me to make my experience with it – just like my D7100.
One point I HATE is no battery icon until it is about out. Maybe I will adjust to that, maybe not.
You are spot on with the comments on body. I think they were trying to keep the J and the V in line, but the penalty is simply too high. Also the EVF isn’t nearly as good as the v2, colors and mine is dimmer as well.
I do however love the feel of the grip and the touch screen has been a wonder. So nice to touch and change! Also love the Fn buttons set for my preferences. I have my back knob set for exposure comp and can press and turn for adjustment – simply brilliant. For this reason alone – I will keep the v3.
IQ still shows the 1″ sensor but hey I love the portability that gives me.
70-300 arrives TODAY. I am thrilled about that add-on.
At the end of the day my v2 and v3 will stay with me.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Always great to hear from you – and I’m glad you liked the review! I think Nikon did a lot of things right with the V3…but also took a couple of steps backwards with it as well. Hopefully that will be corrected with a future V4. I think you will love the CX 70-300! I found it to be a great combination for birds etc. If you set the EVF to turn off the rear panel you’ll be amazed with how much the battery life is extended.
Tom
Hi Tom –
Thanks for the good review. While I have been eyeing the V3, I have opted to wait for the V4 before replacing the V1 (which I totally enjoy). Personally, I don’t see the issue with the micro SD card – I never remove my cards unless replacing them, because I transfer data via cable. I agree with you, too, that the V3 combined with the 70-300 seems to produce better images than the V2 and 70-300. Anyway, keep up the good work!
–Naomi
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for your positive comment – I’m glad you enjoyed the review! I was disappointed with some of the design choices that Nikon made with the camera, and like you, I’m waiting to see what happens with a future V4. Having said that, I did enjoy shooting with the V3 a lot more than I anticipated and found it to be a very capable camera. Interesting that you transfer data via cable. I’ve not done that but I think it is something for me to consider.
Tom
Great review!
I was going to buy a V3 but was put off by the external EVF, different battery and micro SD card. I hate micro SD cards – so small and fiddly and then you need to put them into a an SD card holder to read then.
I thought the money was better spent on the CX70-300 lens which is superb! I don’t regret my choice.
Oddly, I prefer the files from the V1. They are ‘grainier’ but seem more organic than the V2 files.
But, it’s going to be interesting to see what Nikon bring out for the V4! Like you, I hope it’s more V2 style.
Hi Bob,
I totally agree that the CX 70-300 lens is superb! I don’t regret buying mine either! The soon-to-be-released J5 is rumoured to have a new 20.8MP sensor and 4K video. If Nikon goes back to a V2 style of camera with the V4, keeps all of the good things with the V3 and adds the 4K etc. it may tempt me to buy a copy.
Tom