The camera is characterized by its compactness and the good robust case. It is also without the additional handle well in the hand and the controls are easy to reach. In the delivery, a USB cable, a battery and a charger are next to the lens, contain. The battery can only be charged in the charger, ie when it is empty, you can load the images only with an SD card slot on the computer. A microSD card is not supplied with, and should be ordered. Nikon now relies on microSD, is not a particular disadvantage for me. In addition, the package includes a CD with the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 software, as well as a Quick Start Guide, which is already quite extensively. On the web you can still download the Reference Guide, which has about 150 pages more.
Operation is simple and intuitive for the usual modes. To fall into the semi-automatic modes, the aperture or set the time each on one of the two scroll wheel. The usual multi selector (focus mode, exposure compensation, flash mode, self-timer, and OK) is just as good to use as the function key that allows access to all features of the selected mode, and the two soft keys (one is the rear scroll wheel). It can be all set on these controls. Likewise, the touch screen offers many setting possibilities.
The camera supports all major modes such as program, time and shutter priority. Anyone who wants to can do the necessary settings completely manually. In addition to programmed auto, the camera also controls a full automatic mode. A special feature of Nikon Capture is still a best mode in which the camera takes 40 pictures in 2/3 or 4/3 or 2 seconds. In addition, the Motion Snapshot, in which in addition to a film an image is stored, and advanced movie options (such as slow motion and fast motion). In Creative mode, there are some filters as well as the panoramic and HDR function.
The camera focuses quickly, however, a little bug appears to have crept in because the camera saves the image only when you release the shutter. This creates the false impression that the image does not begin when you release the shutter button, but this is not the case. That feels kind of wrong.
Saving the image is quick, saved only a small time delay until the image and the camera is ready to shoot again. The images are very sharp, realistic colors of in the default setting. I am impressed by the fully automatic, with which I have made shooting in dark churches. Although the images show noise, detailed images of mosaics and murals are at least for the display on the screen, emerged.
Due to the quality of the images, the settings and the handling of the camera, the Nikon 1 V3 me very confident. A pity, I find that the EVF is not installed, moreover, GPS should not be missing now. Both can be buy more, but that increases the anyway quite high price. In addition, this accessory is connected via the hot shoe, so you can use either GPS, EVF or an extra flash, but never all together. The touch screen can be tilted, so you can easily take pictures over your head or on the ground. The currently modern Selfi position is not supported, but this is also not a disadvantage. In direct sunlight the picture is a little hard to see, here it helps sometimes the screen to tilt slightly. Using the touch screen, the camera can also be set or triggered depending on the mode as the focus. Here, the touch screen is so sensitive that images were triggered even when wearing of the connected camera.
The camera supports WiFi, where it builds an access point, where you can log on using the smartphone or tablet (iOS / Android). Here is also a bug seems to have crept in, because you can not specify a password, which I've seen in a different Nikon camera. With the help of an app, available for iOS and Android, the images can be downloaded directly to the phone and also remotely trigger the camera. This app is not a highlight of the software development, but it saves eg a remote control.
Unfortunately, neither my Lightroom 4, even the latest version of Aperture supports RAW format of Nikon 1 V3 (as of June 2014). Since Aperture supports the RAW of the previous models, this may be a matter of time. In Lightroom just an upgrade would help to the latest version.
I give the camera 4 stars, the images have convinced me and against the operation, one can say anything. The star trigger I founded with the missing GPS EVF and despite the relatively high price.
