Nikon 1 S1 review

IMAGE QUALITY

Any lingering doubts about the relatively small sensor and its impact on image quality were dispelled by our test shots, which were conducted alongside the Panasonic GF6, Olympus E-PM2 and Sony NEX-3N. The S1’s 10-megapixel resolution is lower than the others’ 16 megapixels, but this made little impact on the camera’s ability to capture details. In fact, the S1’s more reliable autofocus, along with its sublime JPEG processing, meant it often outperformed the E-PM2 and NEX-3N for details. The smaller zoom range was a more significant limitation, but it gave little cause for concern in practice.

CSC Shootout – IMAGE QUALITY TEST – Sony NEX-3N, Olympus Pen E-PM2, Nikon S1 and Panasonic GF6

Here we compare image quality, in numerous scenarios, between the four current budget CSCs. Click through to YouTube and view at 1080p for 1:1 pixel comparisons

Details in this shot are extremely precise, and compare well with the 16-megapixel competition

Subtle skin textures are handled well – there’s no sign of grain or noise reduction that conventional compact cameras tend to suffer

Corner sharpness is good but there are some chromatic aberrations visible in this high-contrast shot

The S1 put in an excellent performance in low light, too. Because the relatively small sensor is paired with a modest 10-megapixel resolution, noise was broadly similar to the output from the larger, higher-resolution sensors in the GF6, E-PM2 or NEX-3N. It couldn’t quite compete at ISO 6400, but ISO 3200 and lower sensitivities turned in perfectly usable results.

Shooting with the 30-110mm lens, we selected this very fast 1/2,500s shutter speed to eliminate any chance of blur. The camera has raised the ISO speed to 1100 to compensate, but rather than succumbing to noise, this shot is sharp, clean and detailed

Noise levels are still far from invasive at ISO 3200 – an excellent result

The S1’s videos were just as impressive. Colours were rich and flattering, and its precise handling of details compared well with the excellent Panasonic GF6. It couldn’t quite match the GF6 for bright, clean colours in low light, though, and variable light caused the exposure to move in abrupt steps. Manual exposure control is available for videos, though we doubt many people wanting such controls will be happy to live with the auto-centric design of the S1’s controls in general.

CSC Shootout – VIDEO QUALITY TEST – Sony NEX-3N, Olympus Pen E-PM2, Nikon S1 and Panasonic GF6

Here we video quality, outdoors and indoors, between the four current budget CSCs. Click through to YouTube and view at 1080p for 1:1 pixel comparisons

CONCLUSION

High quality photos and videos are clearly welcome, but these are areas where all the entry-level CSCs do well. The battle for supremacy lies elsewhere, and the S1’s weaknesses weigh more heavily in our minds than its strengths. People who appreciate its fast continuous performance are likely to be frustrated by its inaccessible controls, slow shot-to-shot times in normal use and short battery life. The small and light lenses are appealing, but Panasonic has made great strides here too with its recent 14-42mm and 45-150mm lenses, which weigh 110g and 200g respectively. While the S1 appeals as a small, fast camera for wildlife and sports photography, it’s a shame that the longest available (equivalent) focal length is currently 297mm. The Panasonic 100-300mm (200-600mm equivalent) lens delivers more than double the magnification.

Ultimately, though, potential buyers are unlikely to be too concerned about lens upgrades. This is a point-and-shoot camera, and it delivers on its promise of premium image and video quality in a straightforward, pocket-friendly package. We’re much more tempted by the Panasonic GF6, which appeals to both point-and-shoot and advanced users (and has the potential to convert people from the former camp to the latter). However, if size and weight are top priorities, the S1 is a solid choice.