First few hours with latest mirrorless camera - Nikon 1 V1

When mirrorless compact cameras with interchangeable lenses were launched by Olympus, it created a new category of compact cameras that had the capabilities of a DSLR.

Panasonic, Sony and Samsung followed Olympus and provided excellent cameras like the Sony NEX 5 and the Samsung NX10.

Nikon was the earlier of the two majors, Canon being the other, to climb the bandwagon. It has launched the Nikon 1 V1 and J1.

After a few hours with the V1, we felt here was a camera for people who want the versatility of a DSLR without actually having to lug around a device which is as big or as complicated.

The Nikon 1 V1 works like any point and shoot , with the difference that it is much more advanced and, of course, compact. In fact, with its standard 10-30 Nikkor lens it is half the size and weight of any DSLR with a similar lens.

The lenses are the real heroes of this device. While you will have to spend some to get yourself the full range of lenses, we found the Nikkor 10-30 in the box good for portraits and regular landscape photography. The results are as good as those with basic DSLRs.

The other feature, which we felt really set the N1 apart, is the Motion Snapshot technology which compiles frames shot in quick succession into a sort of a time lapse video.

Then there is the best shot feature where the camera keeps clicking multiple frame of the subject and presents the best shot in the group.

The V1 has a 3-inch LCD screen as well as a digital viewfinder. The latter can be used to review photos and HD videos too. The only thing missing in an otherwise wonderful camera is a built-in flash.

Read the full review in the latest issue of Gadgets & Gizmos