Nikon 1 S1 Review | 108 Data compared

The DXOMARK review for the Nikon 1 S1 details a budget-friendly hybrid mirrorless camera that achieves an Overall Sensor Score of 56. While it ranks first among Nikon 1 Series hybrids due to its wider 100–6400 ISO range, it offers no substantial image quality improvement over older 10-megapixel predecessors like the J1 and V1. The camera's main performance strengths include a rapid 15 fps continuous shooting mode with full autofocus and an Advanced Hybrid Autofocus system. Additionally, its compact 1-inch CX sensor allows for smaller, highly portable native lenses, and the device boasts cross-compatibility with Nikon F-mount DSLR lenses via an optional FT1 adapter. However, the review highlights several distinct weaknesses, primarily rooted in the physical limitations of its small 1-inch sensor when compared to larger Micro Four Thirds or APS-C competition. The S1's low-light performance is weak, scoring only 397 ISO, which falls significantly short of rivals like the Panasonic GF5 (573 ISO). Its 11.1 Evs dynamic range also lags behind premium alternatives like the Sony NEX-7. Finally, the review notes that the $497 launch price is steep given...

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon 1 S1 as a fast, capable entry-level mirrorless camera featuring a 10-megapixel sensor, 60fps burst shooting, and unique, high-speed creative modes like Smart Photo Selector. It delivers good image quality and Full HD video with stereo sound, making it suitable for casual shooters focused on speed. Conversely, the review notes the lack of in-camera image stabilization as a significant drawback for handheld or low-light shooting. Additionally, the 10-megapixel resolution is considered low compared to many competitors, although it performs well for its class. ePHOTOzine

Shutterbug’s lab review highlights the Nikon 1 S1 as a compact 10-megapixel CSC delivering impressive sharpness, rich detail, and highly realistic color reproduction. Pros include excellent noise performance, with luminance noise restricted below 1.0% at ISO 800-1600, along with effective anti-noise filtering that allows for usable, grainy images at ISO 3200. The laboratory evaluation also praises the camera's very good overall dynamic range and fine rendering of skin tones. Shutterbug.com However, the lab test reveals cons such as aggressive anti-noise filtering at ISO 6400, which reduces detail and introduces color smearing. Additionally, the camera exhibits distinct color distortion, showing a tendency for red nuances to shift toward yellow/orange, and a noticeable yellowish/greenish tint in bright backgrounds. Shutterbug.com

The Nikon 1 S1 is an entry-level compact interchangeable lens camera designed as a more affordable gateway into Nikon’s 1-mount lens system. It features a 10.1-megapixel sensor that resolves a high level of detail across the frame with minimal corner degradation or colour fringing, though overcast skies can occasionally look flat and lose texture,,. The camera excels in speed, offering burst shooting up to 60fps and a maximum shutter speed of 1/16,000 second, making it great for freezing motion. In terms of video, it records clean, detailed audio and quality moving images up to 60fps, and it performs admirably in low-light conditions at high ISO sensitivities up to ISO 1,800,. However, the lower price point brings notable compromises in build quality and usability compared to its more expensive siblings, the J3 and V3. Its body is made of glossy plastic that feels less sturdy, and the 3-inch rear LCD has only half the pixel resolution of the J and V series, resulting in a less luxurious user experience. Performance limitations include poor on-board flash execution that delivers overly dark results,...

The What Digital Camera review awards the Nikon 1 S1 an 89% rating, praising the 10.1-megapixel compact system camera for its lightning-fast hybrid autofocus and excellent shot-to-shot times. It is highlighted as a responsive, user-friendly option for casual photographers, delivering rich, detailed images along with strong, consistent auto white balance and metering. Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, specifically mentioning weaker noise control compared to rival CSCs due to its smaller sensor, which results in visible noise at lower ISO settings. Furthermore, the 11-27.5mm kit lens lacks stabilization, and the camera relies on a virtual touch menu for settings changes rather than a dedicated mechanical mode dial.

The Trusted Reviews assessment of the Nikon 1 S1 highlights it as a fast, highly capable entry-level compact system camera (CSC) that is exceptionally straightforward to operate. It excels in performance with incredibly fast autofocus tracking speeds, a streamlined design, and a reasonable price, though it falls short of a recommended award due to mediocre low-light performance and a noticeable loss of fine detail.

The Nikon 1 S1 is an entry-level compact system camera designed primarily as a point-and-shoot device that delivers premium image and video quality in a pocket-friendly plastic body. It features a 10-megapixel sensor that produces highly precise details and handles low-light noise surprisingly well up to ISO 3200, matching its 16-megapixel competitors. The camera's standout strength is its blistering continuous performance, capable of shooting at 5fps with continuous autofocus for up to 33 frames—making it an ideal, lightweight option for tracking moving wildlife and sports subjects when paired with its small, light lenses. However, the camera suffers from significant usability drawbacks, including an unacceptably poor battery life of only 220 shots and a slow 1.4-second shot-to-shot time during normal use. The user interface is highly restrictive, lacking a mode dial, physical buttons, or a quick-access menu, which forces users to dig through convoluted menus just to adjust standard manual settings like ISO and white balance. Additionally, the bundled 11-27.5mm kit lens has a limited 2.5x zoom range and lacks optical image stabilisation, requiring faster shutter speeds that can inadvertently increase...

The Fujifilm X-M1, highlighted in the 2013 DPReview entry-level mirrorless roundup, earned the "Best All-Around" award for its superior 16-megapixel X-Trans APS-C sensor, which produces excellent, low-noise JPEGs. Its, pros include a versatile tilting screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, a high-quality kit lens, and dual control dials suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Cons include the X-M1 being the most expensive option in the roundup, a lack of a built-in viewfinder, occasional overexposure issues, and limited video controls. The review suggests the, more affordable Fujifilm X-A1 as an alternative, which shares a similar design but uses a standard sensor. For the full, detailed review, visit DPReview.

The TechRadar review of the Nikon 1 S1 highlights this model as the brand's simplest and most entry-level compact system camera (CSC) of its time, designed specifically to strip away the complexities of traditional photography for beginners. Built around a 1-inch CX-format sensor with 10.1 million pixels, it stands out with several strong performance pros, including good image quality, a highly portable small size, and a blazing-fast Expeed 3A processing engine that enables industry-leading continuous shooting speeds of up to 60fps. Reviewers particularly praised its beginner-friendly features like Live Image Control for real-time setting previews and the Best Moment Capture mode, which uses an advanced hybrid autofocus system to capture multiple frames and intelligently select the best shots. However, the camera falls short for users looking for deeper physical interaction or advanced flexibility, presenting notable cons. A major design drawback is the lack of a touchscreen on its 3-inch LCD, a feature highly coveted by its target audience of smartphone upgraders. Because manual controls and advanced settings are deeply buried in menu interfaces rather than mapped to physical dials, users...

This practical review covers the Nikon 1 S1 camera kit bundled with an 11-27.5mm zoom lens, which the reviewer finds highly suitable for bloggers attending store openings or launch parties. The camera stands out for its lightweight, compact design that fits into small bags or pant pockets, alongside its sharp 10-megapixel sensor and changeable zoom lenses. Notable performance pros include full HD movie recording capability, a rapid continuous shooting rate of 15 to 60 frames per second, and a quick-response display that experiences no visible lag in daylight. Conversely, the reviewer highlights several practical drawbacks, including the complete absence of a viewfinder and a physical photo-mode wheel. The body lacks a solid grip, and users will experience a noticeable delay or lag when firing the built-in flash. Finally, low-light performance is limited because the ISO maxes out at 6400, and distracting, visible noise already develops at 3200 ISO.

The Nikon 1 S1 is a mirrorless digital camera that serves as a lightweight, portable alternative to bulky DSLRs, making it ideal and inconspicuous for casual shooting at restaurants or amusement parks. Its key advantages include a streamlined, uncluttered body design, a respectable level of customisation options (such as aperture priority, shutter priority, and RAW shooting modes), and the ability to record 1080p video. Additionally, the camera features a long-lasting rechargeable battery suitable for a full day of intensive shooting, utilizes standard SD cards, and includes an HDMI output.