The Nikon 1 J5 was no secret since some leaks have been out for some time. However it is clear that the Nikon 1 line remains focused on speed be it still images or video. However they seem to be capping the frame rates on the HD side and upping the resolution in the 1200 and 400fps ranges by a few lines. We believe the reason is product separation so that the Nikon 1 V4 will be able to have some increase in specs while having the same basic internals.
Here are the specs That have changed for Slow Motion Video:
| Video Capture | Nikon 1 J53840 x 2160p/15 1920 x 1080p/60, 30 1280 x 720p/120, 60, 30 800 x 296/400 fps 400 x 144/1200 fps |
Nikon 1 J41920 x 1080p/60, 30 1280 x 720p/120, 60, 30 768 x 288/400 fps 416 x 144/1200 fps |
We get a pretty useless 4k mode at 15fps. In this day and age this is so 2013 when the GoPro Hero 3 Black capped 4k at 15fps. There is some clear intention to dumb down the camera in this area.
Slow motion on the 720p mode stays at 120fps while on the 400fps side gained a good 8 vertical lines while the 1200fps mode lost 16 horizontal lines. This might be due to the new 20MP Back Side Illuminated sensor which is new for the line and does things a little differently in the scaling.
Nikon 1 J5 Launch Video:
The Image quality of the sensor seems to be state of the art with the new sensor and the looks of the camera body are more in line with the current trens of retro bodies started by Fuji a few years back. We find the camera to be pleasing to look at and should grab a slice of customers looking for a portable camera that doesn’t disappoint in the design department.
Video of the Nikon 1J in Action- Japanese:
The camera retains the 60 fps (fixed focus) and 20 fps (continuous AF) stills mode that the J4 version sported last year. It also keeps the astounding 30-1/16000 second shutter speed range which is great for slow motion capture flexibility in bright light. The AF also remains the same at Single-Point AF: 171 focus areas, center 105 support phase-detection.
Our Conclusion:
All in all it is a cosmetic refresh with faster response time and slight but welcome slow motion resolution increase at 400fps at 800 x 296px. The 4k 15fps is a joke but they still managed to fit the 4k monicker logo and branding in the box. We leave you to make your mind up if you will use 4k or not with the video below. We feel however that better things are coming for the Nikon 1 System including improvements to the upcoming Nikon 1 V3 replacement which should be coming soon. If you own a Nikon 1 V3 or Nikon 1 J4 you should skip the Nikon 1 J5 unless you want the new retro look with improved ergonomics. Otherwise it is a bland refresh with a half bolted 4k mode and 2 extra MP for stills. At $496.95 for the 10-30 Kit it is not very expensive but considering the almost identically capable Nikon 1 J4 is worth $250 then it becomes a matter of bargain hunting.
Nikon shows off the 4k 15fps mode on the Nikon 1 J5:
You Can find the Nikon 1 J5 Price and Shipping info below:
I wish this was a fixed lens camera with a faster lens. It sounds like a great little vlogging camera with some slow motion fun thrown in. Something to compete with the rx100 iii and G7X. With the kit lens though, it’s not so great. The Nikon 1 lenses aren’t too exciting for the cost either. Not sure I’d want to invest in that line.
Agreed, we still have some hope for the Nikon 1 V4 which should perform a little better in all respects. NAB is just around the corner, we’ll see who comes out with something interesting! Good Day!
Its really awesome update in nikon 1 j5. I am also eagerly waiting for this type of update. Thanks for sharing this news with us.
The Nikon 1 J6 announcement is scheduled for CP+ 2017 show in February so we would wait on a J5 buy for now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!