The Photographers Guide

to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

A practical approach to using Nikons advanced compact
cameras

Luminescence of Nature Press

www.luminescentphoto.com

Jason P. Odell, Ph.D.

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1 /J1

First Edition 2012
Published in the United States by
Luminescence of Nature Press
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
www.luminescentphoto.com
ISBN 978-1-4675-1987-8
2012 Jason P. Odell
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means without written permission by the publisher, with the
exception that owners of this eBook are permitted have a single copy printed for
personal use. I authorize single copies of this eBook to be printed by commercial
printing services, including but not limited to: FedEx Office, Office Depot, and
OfficeMax.
All photos by and Jason P. Odell unless otherwise indicated.
Trademarks
All terms in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have
been appropriately capitalized.
Nikon and Nikkor are registered trademarks of Nikon Corporation, Japan.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Corp.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Disclaimer
This book is not sponsored by Nikon Corporation. It is intended to provide
information about the Nikon 1 System cameras. Every effort has been made
to make the information contained in this book as reliable as possible, but no
warranty of fitness is implied. The author and publisher shall not be responsible
in any way for any damages or loss of data arising from the information
contained in this book.

Preface

To my family, without whom Id never have picked up a

Nikon 1 camera.

iii

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

About This Book
Why an eBook?
The electronic book format has some significant
advantages over its printed counterparts. Electronic
books allow me to deliver my content around the
world nearly instantly, thanks to the Internet. My books
have features you cant get in print, like bookmarks,
cross-references, and Internet links. Clicking a Table
of Contents or Index entry will take you directly to
that page. Clicking hyperlinks in this book, which are
visible in bold blue text, will take you either to a crossreferenced page, or to a website on the Internet. This
added level of interaction is something I hope makes
this book easy to use.
Printing This Book
In the copyright notice of this book (page ii),
Ive indicated that you, as an owner of this book, are
entitled to make a printed copy for personal use. Ive
deliberately made the pages a size that will fit on either
US Letter or A4 paper for printing. I suggest printing
two pages per sheet in landscape orientation starting
at page 2 (omit the cover page); this will keep related
topics together. You may wish to print the appendix
(pages 312-318) and cover page separately as they are
iv

Preface
formatted for single-sheets. If you wish to print doublesided, format your printer for short-edge binding, two
sheets per page.
If you take this book to a commercial printer, chances
are that their software will try to extract the pages from
the PDF file, which is a protected function. For best
results, have your printer print the book using Adobe
Acrobats built-in options for booklet or multiple page
printing. Should a commercial print service deny you a
printed copy due to copyright issues, refer them to the
copyright page in this book.
What if You Lose the Book?
Honestly, Im not responsible for how you choose to
back up your files. If you purchased this book as an
electronic download, I strongly recommend making a
back-up copy onto a CD or DVD. Treat this book just as
you would any other book in your library. The authors
are not liable for hard drive failures!
System Requirements
This eBook is in Adobe PDF format, and requires Adobe
Reader for the best viewing experience. Adobe Digital
Editons is not supported.
v

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

eReader Compatibility
This book should be viewable on an Apple iPad
and other eBook readers that support PDF viewing.
However, I cannot guarantee the proper functionality
of bookmarks and hyperlinks, as it will depend on
your reader software. For maximum compatibility with
Apple devices, I recommend using either iBooks or
GoodReader. You can transfer the book to your iPhone/
iPad via iTunes.
If you purchased this book as a digital download, I
recommend extracting the files from the parent ZIP
archive and immediately backing them up to CD-ROM
or DVD.
Technical Support
If you are having difficulty viewing the PDF content,
please first check that you are using the latest version of
Adobe Reader and that you have unzipped the contents
of the download folder. If that doesnt solve your issue,
please email support@luminescentphoto.com

vi

Preface
Other PDF eBooks by Jason P. Odell
The Photographers Guide to Capture NX2
The Photographers Guide to Digital Landscapes
The Photographers Guide to Silver Efex Pro 2
The Photographers Guide to HDR Efex Pro (with Tony Sweet)
Field Notes: A Photographic Journey

All of Jasons eBooks are available for direct download

from Luminescence of Nature Press.

vii

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

Contents
About This Book

iv

Introduction 14
Nikon 1 System Camera Comparison
Objective of This Book

1: Getting Started

20
23

26

Parts of the Camera

27
External Controls
34
Initial Setup
36
Battery 36
Lenses 39
Installing a Memory Card
40
Software Menus: Basic Navigation Tools
44
Completing Setup
46
Powering up Your Camera
46
Setting Camera Date and Time
48
Firmware Version and Updates
51
Adjusting the LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
52
On-Screen Display Information
55
Other Items in the Setup Menu
58
Image Format and Appearance Options
60
Selecting a File Format
60
Controlling Image Appearance
67
Picture Controls
67
Adjusting Picture Controls
71

2: Still Images
Still Image Mode
Choosing a Shutter Type (V1)
Frame Advance Modes
Focusing the Camera

viii

84
85
87
91
94

Preface
Focusing Scenarios: Combining AF Area Selection with Focus Modes
The AF Assist Lamp
Controlling Exposure
Shutter Speed and Image Sharpness
Aperture and Depth of Field
Camera Sensitivity: ISO Settings
Noise Reduction
Metering Modes
Matrix Metering
Center-weighted Metering
Spot Metering
Exposure Modes
Program Auto Exposure Mode (P)
Aperture-priority Auto Exposure Mode (A)
Shutter-priority Auto Exposure Mode (S)
Exposure Compensation and Auto Exposure
Locking Exposure: The AE/AF-L Button
Manual Exposure Mode
Active D-Lighting
White Balance
Changing Camera Settings Between Camera Modes
Scene Auto Selector Mode: The Ultimate Point and Shoot Option?
Scene Modes
Limitations of Scene Auto Selector Mode
Timer and Remote Options
Setting the Self-Timer
Using the ML-L3 Infrared Remote
Advanced: Interval Timer Shooting
Reviewing Still Images
Handling the Nikon 1 Cameras
Recommended Settings for Still Images

103
106
107
110
112
116
120
124
124
125
125
126
127
128
131
134
135
137
145
147
154
155
155
158
159
159
160
163
166
166
169

ix

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

3: Imaging Workflow

170

Reviewing Images
171
Deleting Images
175
Rating Images
179
In-Camera Image Editing Options
183
Resizing Images
183
Cropping Images
184
D-Lighting 186
Presenting Your Images
186
Slide Shows
186
Using a Television Monitor for Playback
188
Printing Images From Your Camera
190
Direct Printing
190
DPOF Print Orders
191
Transferring and Viewing Images on Your Computer
192

4: Smart Photo Selector

Using Smart Photo Selector Mode
Recommended Settings for Smart Photo Selector Mode

5: Movies
Movie Mode
Capturing Movies
Shooting (Movie) Menu
Exposure and Metering Options when Capturing Video
Focusing in Movie Mode
Recording Sounds
Slow Motion Video Capture
Capturing Stills While in Movie Mode
Picture Controls and Movies
Fade In/Out Options
In-Camera Movie Editing Options
Clip Editing

196
199
204

206
207
208
210
214
216
217
219
221
221
222
222
223

Preface
Movie Playback
Using a Television Monitor for Movie Playback
Recommended Settings for Movie Mode

6: Motion Snapshots
Capturing Motion Snapshots
Limitations of Motion Snapshots
Playing Motion Snapshots
Recommended Settings for Motion Snapshots

7: Flash Photography
Deploying the Built-in Flash (J1)
Connecting the SB-N5 (V1)
Controls & Software Menus
Fill Flash Modes
Slow Sync Flash
Flash Control Menu (V1)
Flash Photography and the Dual Exposure Concept
Flash Compensation
Common Flash Scenarios
Scenario #1: Outdoor Fill Flash
Scenario #2: Dragging the Shutter
Scenario #3: Creating Subject Isolation With Flash
Other Flash Settings
Choosing ISO Settings With Flash
Bounce Flash With the SB-N5
Advanced: Triggering Off-Camera Speedlights With the SB-N5
Motion Snapshots and Best Image Selector
Troubleshooting the SB-N5 Speedlight

225
226
227

228
229
231
231
233

234
235
236
237
237
239
242
243
245
246
246
249
250
251
251
253
254
255
256

xi

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

8: Accessories
1-Nikkor Lenses
SB-N5 Speedlight Flash Unit
GP-N100 GPS Unit
ME-1 External Microphone
FT1 F-Mount Adapter
TA-N100 Tripod Adapter
Optional Screw-in Grips
Remote Release ML-L3
AS-N100 Accessory Shoe Adapter (V1)
EH-5B AC Adapter
BS-N1000 Replacement Shoe Cover (V1)
Other Accessories

9: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Common Symptoms
Problems with the Camera Display
Problems During Image Capture
Exposure Warnings
Resetting the Menus
Resetting the Camera
Warning Dialogs
Mapping Hot Pixels
Troubleshooting Lenses
Battery/Charger Issues
Memory Card Errors
Cleaning the Image Sensor
Sending Your Camera to Nikon For Service

xii

258
259
263
264
271
271
275
275
276
277
277
278
279

280
282
282
282
284
284
284
285
290
290
291
292
293
295

Preface
Index 298
Appendix 312
Recommended Settings for Still Images
SB-N5 Maximum Range
J1 Built-in Flash Range
Hyperfocal Distances for the Nikon 1 System (meters)
Hyperfocal Distances for the Nikon 1 System (feet)
Nikon 1 Exposure Characteristics with Auto ISO

313
314
314
315
316
317

xiii

Introduction
Welcome to the Nikon 1 System.

Lone shell, Canaveral National Seashore, FL. Nikon 1 V1 with 10 mm

f/2.8 1-Nikkor lens.

Introduction
As a photographer with a family, my camera is either
a source of pleasure or a source of conflict. Any time I
go on a family trip, Im forced to make a decision. Do
I bring the DSLR and one or two zoom lenses, or do I
bring my compact camera? While compact cameras
have certainly improved over the years, they almost
always compromise image quality and performance for
simplicity. With a family trip coming up, I thought about
the trade-offs Id have to make between my DSLR and a
traditional compact camera:
Form factor: Big and Heavy vs. Small and Light
Sensor size: Large (36 x 24 mm) vs. Small 1/1.7 (7.6 x 5.7 mm)
File Format: RAW or JPEG vs. JPEG only
Autofocus Performance: Fast vs. Slow
Shutter Lag: Imperceptible vs. Noticeable
Lenses: Interchangeable vs. Fixed
Low-light Performance: Excellent vs. Average to Poor
Ease of use: Complex vs. Simple

I realize that some of these trade-offs are subjective,

and Im not here to present the data for what I perceive
to be differences in image quality between a $2500
DSLR and a $400 compact camera. When it was all said
15

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

and done, I realized that with my traditional compact,
what frustrated me most was that Id frequently miss
capturing the moment. When Im with my family on
vacation, I want to capture my sons fleeting smile as he
experiences Disneyland for the first time.
I knew that for a family vacation I wanted good image
quality, but that Id be willing to trade-off some of the
performance features of my Nikon D700 for a camera
that wouldnt break my neck and back traversing
Fantasyland. Taking pictures is more fun when your
wife isnt rolling her eyes at you while you fiddle with
camera settings. Its also nice to be able to hand my
camera to a friend or relative and just say push this
button without having to explain the nuances of backbutton AF. Last, while I certainly enjoy printing large
images, most of the shots I get on a vacation are ones
that Im going to share digitally, on Facebook, via Flickr,
or on Google+.
Traditionally, the trade-off for simplicity in compact
cameras was missed shots. The slow focus systems
of most compact digital cameras coupled with their
significant shutter lag and slow frame advance rates (less
than one frame per second) makes it hard to capture

16

Introduction
those special moments. And while I was willing to
accept lower image quality with a compact camera,
there was always that nagging voice in the back of my
head asking if I should have just packed the DSLR after
all.
When Nikon announced its 1 System, a new line of
compact cameras with interchangeable lenses, I was
frankly less than impressed. I was originally hoping
that the rumors of Nikon developing a mirrorless,
interchangeable lens camera would materialize into
a compact camera with a relatively large sensor and
features friendly to DLSR users like myself. Instead,
Nikon announced that their mirrorless compact would
have a new sensor format smaller than micro four-thirds,
and I concluded that the 1 System cameras were not for
me. And then a funny thing happened. I tried one.
Nikon describes the 1 System as an Advanced Camera
with Interchangeable Lens. It has no mirror box or
pentaprism viewfinder, so it is much smaller than
any DSLR. The Nikon 1 sensor is CX format, with
dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm. This is significantly
smaller than what other manufacturers use in their
mirrorless compacts, but seems huge when compared to

17

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

the 1/1.7 and smaller sensors in most compact digital
cameras (and smartphones). It uses interchangeable
lenses (Nikon 1 mount), but can accept Nikon F-mount
lenses with an adapter unit.
What really sold me on the Nikon 1 System, though,
was its sheer responsiveness. The AF system is
shockingly swift in all but the worst light, and the shutter
lag is essentially nil. Combine the fast focusing with a
standard continuous advance of five frames per second,
and youve got a small, light camera that wont miss
shots. Of course, Nikon added in lots of other features
designed to make the 1-series cameras (J1 and V1)
appeal to the casual shooter, and many of these features
will seem frivolous to experienced photographers.
However, for someone like myself who often frustrated
by the trade-offs between a compact camera and a
DSLR, the differences suddenly got a lot smaller, as
illustrated in the following table:

18

Introduction
Comparison of Nikon Cameras
Nikon D700

Nikon 1 V1

Coolpix P7100

Dimensions
(W x H x D)

147 x 123 x 77
mm

113 x 76 x 43.5
mm

116.3 x 76.9 x
48.0 mm

Weight
(body only with
battery)

995 g

383 g

395 g

Lens

Nikon F mount
(interchangeable)

Nikon 1 mount
(interchangeable)
or Nikon F
mount (with
adapter)

Fixed

Sensor Size

Nikon FX format
(24 x 36 mm)

Nikon CX format
(13.2 x 8.8 mm)

1/1.7 format
(7.6 x 5.7 mm)

Resolution
(Megapixels)

12.1

10.1

10.1

ISO Range
(standard)

200-6400

100-3200

100-3200

Maximum
Frame Advance
Rate (standard)

5 fps (RAW or
JPEG)

5 fps (RAW or
JPEG)

1.2 fps (JPEG)

RAW format

NEF (12 or 14-bit)

NEF (12-bit
compressed)

NRW (8-bit)

Flash

Built-in or shoemount

Shoe mount only

Built-in or shoemount

Video

No

Yes (1080p HD)

Yes (720p HD)

19

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

The Nikon 1 V1 is nearly the same size and weight
(without a lens) as the compact Coolpix P7100, but with
faster speed and a much larger sensor area (116 mm2
vs. 43 mm2). Compared to the D700, its obvious that
the CX sensor in the Nikon 1 System is much smaller,
but it shoots 12-bit NEFs just as quickly (5 fps) and also
captures HD video. Factor in the responsive autofocus
performance (not something that a spec sheet shows),
and you have a compelling option in a small package.
Based on my subjective testing, Id say that the Nikon 1s
autofocus system is at least as responsive as that in the
D700 for most subjects.

Nikon 1 System Camera Comparison

The Nikon 1 System currently has two camera
models, the V1 and J1. Both cameras use the same
10.1 megapixel CX-format imaging sensor and are
compatible with 1-Nikkor lenses. The fundamental
differences between the V1 and J1 are as follows:

20

Introduction
Comparison Between Nikon 1 System Cameras
Feature

J1

V1

Ramification(s)

Viewfinder

Rear LCD
panel only

Rear LCD and

Electronic
Viewfinder
(EVF)

V1s EVF allows more stable

hand-holding and better
viewing in bright conditions.

Shutter

Electronic

Electronic &
Mechanical

J1 is limited to 1/60 sec.

flash sync

Battery

EN-EL
20 (1020
mAH)

EN-EL 15
(1900 mAh)

The V1 has higher battery

capacity and uses the same
as battery as the Nikon
D7000 and D800/E.

Built-in

Optional
SB-N5

The SB-N5 is not included

with the V1, but it offers
swivel/bounce features and
an LED illuminator.

TTL

TTL or Manual
(SB-N5)

The optional SB-N5 offers

a wider degree of output
control for advanced users.

Accessory
shoe

None

Yes

You can use optional shoemount accessories on the

V1, like the SB-N5 flash and
GP-N100 GPS unit.

Accessory
Ports

USB/HDMI

USB(AV)/
HDMI/
Microphone

The V1 can be used with

an external microphone
for videos with sound, and
connects to a standard TV.

Infrared
Receiver

Front only

Front and Rear

You can use the ML-L3

remote from behind the V1.

Flash

Flash Modes

21

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

Comparison Between Nikon 1 System Cameras
Feature

J1

Buffer
Capacity

19 NEF, up
to 88 JPEG

44 NEF, up to
100 JPEG

V1

Ramification(s)
The V1 is better suited for
burst shooting of action
subjects, especially in RAW.

Multimedia
Connectivity

HDMI only

HDMI or AV
connection.

The V1 will connect to a

standard television with the
supplied AV cable.

Available
Colors

Black,
white, red,
pink, silver

Black only

If this is important to you,

then so be it.

Other than these primary differences the J1 and

V1 perform nearly identically. Ill point out specific
differences along the way when necessary.

22

Introduction

Objective of This Book

If youve purchased this book, chances are youve
already got a V1 or J1 in your hands. My objective
is to present a functional guide to these cameras for
photographers. To that end, I will try to take a slightly
different approach than simply rewriting the manual
supplied with the camera. In fact, I assume you have
a copy of the camera manual to use as a reference as
needed (I put a PDF copy of it on my iPhone for quick
reference).
My approach for this book centers on the functional
use of the camera in a variety of situations. I will try to
present information as to how the camera thinks so
that you will understand the limits of what the camera
can do. More importantly, Ill try to present those
limitations to you in such a way that youll know the
proper work-arounds and settings for common shooting
situations. I will also discuss advanced use of the V1,
including using many of the optional accessories like
the SB-N5 speedlight, GP-N100 GPS unit and FT1
F-mount adapter.
While I will spend some time discussing the video
capabilities of the camera, this book isnt about
23

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

videography and
movie-making.
However, having the
ability to capture
video in addition to
stills is a compelling
reason to have a
Nikon 1 System
camera around.
Image processing
techniques are also
somewhat beyond
the scope of this
guide, but I will
touch on in-camera
settings and features
for JPEG and RAW
shooters, along
with suggestions for
optimizing image
quality in postprocessing.

I can carry my entire V1 kit in a small belt pack,

which makes it the perfect vacation camera.

What I want you to come away with after reading this

guide is a greater comfort level with your camera. I

24

Introduction
want you to know when to use Shutter Priority mode
instead of Program Auto mode. I want you to know
when to choose the electronic shutter and when to
use the electronic viewfinder on the V1. Youll also
get a refresher course in the fundamentals of digital
photography, because knowing about your cameras
features is one thing, but knowing how and when to use
them is quite another.

25

1: Getting Started
In this chapter, well take a look at the controls and
features of the Nikon 1 cameras, and how to set them
up for initial use.

Photo booth, Manitou Springs, CO. Nikon 1 V1 with 10-30 mm

1-Nikkor lens; stylizing effects added with Color Efex Pro 4.0

Getting Started

Parts of the Camera

Lets start with a brief overview of the external features
of the Nikon 1 System cameras. Both the V1 and J1
are quite similar, except for the obvious electronic
viewfinder on the Nikon 1 V1.
Front View (V1)
Microphones

Multi-function front lamp:

AF-assist
Self-timer
Red-eye reduction

Lens

Infrared receiver

Lens release button

27

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

Front View (J1)
Multi-function front lamp:
AF-assist
Self-timer
Red-eye reduction

Lens Release
Button

The J1 has nearly the same front features

as the V1, only with slightly different
placement (above). The J1 can deploy a
pop-up flash (right). Images courtesy of
Nikon USA.

28

Infrared receiver

Getting Started
Rear View (V1)
Electronic Viewfinder

Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment

Dial

Zoom Toggle Switch

Feature Button

Eye Proximity
Sensor

Display Button

Mode Dial
Playback
Button

Multi Selector
OK Button

Camera Display (LCD)

Menu Button

Memory Card Access Lamp

Delete Button
Rear Infrared Receiver

29

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

Rear View (J1)
Pop-up Flash Release
Button

The rear panel of the Nikon 1 J1 is nearly identical to that of the V1. The biggest
differences are the lack of EVF and the flash pop-up release button. Image
courtesy of Nikon USA.

30

Getting Started
Top View (V1)
Accessory Shoe Port
(covered)

Sensor Plane Mark

Speaker

On/Off Button

Camera Power
Status Lamp

Record Button

Shutter Release Button

Electronic Viewfinder
The top controls (on/off button, shutter release, and Record button are identical
between the V1 and J1. The J1s pop-up flash is located where the V1s accessory
port resides, on the top left of the camera.

31

The Photographers Guide to the Nikon 1 V1/J1

Bottom View

Battery/Card Chamber Door

Side View (V1)

Microphone Jack
Type-C HDMI port

Micro USB/AV
Port
The interface ports on the V1 are on
the left side of the camera.

32

Tripod Socket

Getting Started
Side View (J1)

Interface Ports (covered)

HDMI and Micro USB

The Nikon 1 J1 has its interface ports on the right side of the camera, and lacks a
microphone jack. Image courtesy of Nikon USA.

33