Which to Buy: Nikon 1 V1 vs V2 vs V3 Comparison

February 2019

The "Nikon 1" V1, V2 and V3 are 13, 12 and 10 years old, respectively. These cameras have some features that are alike but others that are quite different.

Sensors

All models are Nikon CX (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor cameras with on-sensor phase detect autofocus. The V1, V2 and V3 have 10.1, 14.2 and 18.4 megapixel sensors, respectively. The V1 and V2 have an anti-aliasing filter installed on the sensor while this has been removed from the V3 for maximum image sharpness.

Image Processor

The V1 uses the Nikon EXPEED 3 image processor. The V2 uses the EXPEED 3A image processor. The V3 uses the EXPEED 4A image processor.

Battery Life

The V3 and V2 have a rate 310 shots per charge while the V1 has a rated 400 shots per charge.

Card Slot

The V1 and V2 have one SDXC card slot. The V3 has one micro SDXC card slot.

File Formats

All models support JPEG and 12-bit RAW images. None support 14-bit RAW images or TIFF images.

Metering

All have spot, matrix and center-weighted metering. None has highlight-weighted metering.

Bracketing

None support automatic bracketing.

Shutters

All support 30-1/4000th sec. mechanical shutter speeds and 30-1/16000th sec. electronic shutter speeds. All have a bulb shutter. All have a "time" shutter when using the Nikon ML-L3 remote.

View Finders

All have electronic view finders (EVF) with 100% coverage. On the V3, the EVF is an option (DF-N1000). It has a 2359k-dot TFT LCD. The V1 and V2 have an integrated 1440k-dot TFT LCD EVF.

Autofocus System

The V1 and V2 have 135 AF points with 73 of those being phase detect. The V3 has 171 AF points with 105 of those being phase detect. None of these models support Eye-AF.

Monitors

The V1 and V2 have a 3 inch 921k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The V3 has a 3 inch 1037k-dot TFT LCD. The monitor of the V3 is a tilting touchscreen. None have a fully articulated monitor.

ISO Sensitivity

V1: 100-3200

V2: 160-6400

V3: 160-12800

Panorama Mode

Only the V3 has panorama mode.

High Dynamic Range Mode

The V2 and V3 can do HDR images. The V1 cannot do HDR.

Video

None of these cameras has 4K UHD video. All models support H.264 1080p video. The V1 and V2 support 1080p / 30 frames-per-second video and slow motion video at 640p / 400 fps. The V3 supports 1080p / 60 fps and slow motion video at 720p / 120 fps. None of these cameras does timelapse movies.

Connectivity

The V3 has built-in WiFi. The V2 supports an accessory that adds WiFi. Neither has Bluetooth or NFC. The V1 has no connectivity options.

All cameras have a microphone jack and HDMI jack but no headphone jack.

Fn Button

The V3 has a dedicated function button while the others do not.

Top-side Control Panel

None of these cameras has a top-side control panel.

Built-in GPS

None of these cameras has a built-in GPS.

IBIS

None of these cameras has IBIS.

Self-timer

The V1 has a 2, 5 and 10 second self-timer. The V2 an V3 have a 2 and 10 second self-timer.

Flashes

The V1 requires an external flash, the SB-N5. The V2 and V3 have built-in flash with GN 16 ft. The flash sync speed of all cameras is 1/250th sec. mechanical shutter and 1/60th sec. electronic shutter. None of these cameras support Auto FP High-Speed flash sync.

Frames-per-sec

V1: 5 fps mechanical / 60 fps electronic

V2: 5 fps mechanical / 60 fps electronic

V3: 6 fps mechanical / 60 fps electronic

Lenses

All support Nikon Nikkor F-mount lenses with the Nikon FT1 adapter. None support Nikkor Z-mount lenses.

Dimensions (W x H x D)

All cameras feature a compact mirrorless design.

V1: 4.4 x 3.0 x 1.7 in.

V2: 4.2 x 3.2 x 1.8 in.

V3: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in.

Weight

V1: 383g (13.5 oz.)

V2: 337g (11.9 oz.)

V3: 324g (11.4 oz.)

Additional Notes

The V1 and V3 have an optional grip. On the V3, it adds an extra command dial.

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