Nikon unveils the newest camera in the 1 series, the Nikon 1 V3. The V3 looks different than its predecessors, the V1 and V2. The new V3 foregoes the overly simplistic body style of the former V’s for a more robust, more mature look. I, for one, welcome the new look with open arms. The V3 is still compact; however, it adds a small grip and a leatherette skin to the front. The camera has a tilting, touch-panel 3-inch LCD monitor. The V3 also has two programmable function buttons. Want more? A function button is also included with the new optional GR-N1010 grip. Along with the grip, Nikon is also offering an optional external high resolution 2359k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF).
Looks aside, the Nikon 1 V3 has a 18.4-megapixel CX-format image sensor and a new Expeed 4A image processor. It also has a Hybrid AF system. Nikon is also promising this camera has the world’s fastest continuous shooting rate of 20 frames per second (fps) with full autofocus. The V3 has 171 contrast detect focus areas and the center 105 areas supporting phase detection AF. The V3 has an ISO range of 160-12,800. The V3 records Full HD video at 1080/60p with Movie e-VR (Electronic Vibration Reduction) which helps to eliminate camera shake to record smooth and clear movies. The camera offers full-time continuous AF during video recording. The V3 can also capture slow motion video at 120 frames-per-second (fps) in 720p HD. The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi for easy photo sharing.
The Nikon 1 V3 is compatible with eleven 1 Nikkor lenses. If you want to use other Nikkor lenses just purchase the optional FT-1 Mount Adapter.
Nikon is announcing two new lenses to coincide with the arrival of the V3. The first lens to be announced is the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom (27-81mm equivalent) is a compact zoom lens. The 10-30mm lens is equipped with a power zoom dial for smooth zooming during video capture. The second lens to be announced is the 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lens (189-810mm equivalent). The 70-300 lens is crafted with Super ED Glass, built-in Vibration Reduction (VR), and Nano Crystal Coating.
The Nikon 1 V3 kit with the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD -Zoom lens, the electronic viewfinder and the Grip will be available in April 2014 for a suggested price of $1,200. The 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom and the 1 NIKKOR VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses can be purchased separately for $299.95 and $999.95, respectively.