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This is the Nikon V2, the company's recently announced compact system camera which will
sit alongside its predecessor the V1.
Recently, the J1 was superseded by the J2, but the V2 is a much more significant upgrade.
For starters, it features a newly designed 14.2 million pixel CX format CMOS device.
There's also a new processing engine, the EXPEED 3A.
It is the outward appearance and build of the V2 that are the most noticeable differences.
Perhaps most obvious is is the addition of this mode dial on the top of the camera which
allows quick changes between various exposure modes. This seems like a clear signal from
Nikon that it wants the V2 to appeal to enthusiasts, as opposed to amateurs.
Here you'll find full manual controls, semi-automatic modes, and fully-automatic modes. There's
also Best Moment Capture and Motion Snapshot two of the Nikon 1's special modes.
If you set the mode dial to Best Moment Capture, the Function button can be used to alternate
between Smart Photo Selector and a new feature, Slow View.
Slow View basically starts to record 40 full resolution at images at 15fps as soon as the
shutter is half pressed. The camera will continue to play back those images so you can choose
the one you want by fully hitting the shutter release. If you take your finger away without
fully pressing the shutter, none of the images will be recorded.
Another significant change on the V2's body is this new, fairly large grip with a textured
coating. It's extremely comfortable in the hand, and makes shooting one-handed very easy.
Also new on the body is a pop-up flash unit, as well as hotshoe, compatible with external
flashguns, has also been included. Previously, the V1 only had a hotshoe.
The fixed, 3 inch, 921,000 dot LCD screen and 1.44 milliont dot EVF remains the same
as on the V1, as does the hybrid autofocus system. Reflections in bright sunlight don't
appear to be too much of a problem, while the EVF is also pretty good.
This is a pre-production version of the V2, so we're not able to assess image quality.
But, we know what Nikon is capable of so we have high hopes for the new sensor's performance.
The AF system hasn't changed since the V1, so our experience of the V2's autofocus system
remains largely positive. It locks onto subjects pretty quickly and accurately, but it is something
we'll be keen to test further once a final version is available.
The Expeed 3a engine means the camera can shoot continuously for up to 45 full-resolution
images at upto 15fps in continuous autofocus mode, and for 40 images at 60fps with a single
AF point.
Another small upgrade is the V2's greater sensitivity range, now offering up to ISO
6400, compared with the V1's maximum ISO 3200 capability.
To date, the Nikon J1 has far outsold the V1. It will be interesting to see if the new
design and improvements Nikon has made to the camera will help it find a new audience.
Look out for a full review of the Nikon V2 on TechRadar.com soon.