Nikon 1 J4 Review

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Review posted 09/26/2014

Quick Take
Pros
  • Image quality in both iAuto and Program modes is excellent
  • Hybrid AF is very fast and accurate
  • Outstanding Performance
  • High res 3.0-inch Touch Screen is easy to see and allows touch screen shooting
  • Full 1080p HD video capture with Slow Motion settings
  • Incredibly compact; easy to carry, handle and operate
  • Good battery life
  • Excellent lens selection for Nikon 1 cameras including an adapter to use F-Mount lenses
  • Most lenses are available in several colors to match your Nikon 1 camera
  • HDMI output to view images and HD videos on any HDTV
Cons
  • Unacceptable noise levels at higher ISO settings
  • Weak built-in flash
  • No external microphone input
  • MicroSD card slot may cause new users to have to switch from SD
Bottom Line
The Nikon 1 J4 is a compact, versatile and capable ILC. Loaded with great features and quality components, the camera provides excellent quality and speedy performance. It is a must see for anyone looking to spend around $500. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
In May of 2014, Nikon announced the 1 J4, one of two new additions to their Nikon 1 "system of compact interchangeable lens cameras." The J4 features an 18.4 MP CX-format CMOS image sensor paired with the speed EXPEED 4A image processing engine. This translates to Full 1080/60p HD Video Recording, with slow motion capabilities at 720p, and 20 frames-per-second Continuous Shooting, which like the recently announced 1 V3, is currently the world's fastest continuous shooting frame rate for an ILC (as of 5/2014).

The Nikon 1 J4 also has a wide ISO range (160-12800) and ISO Sensitivity Noise Reduction, which overlays four separate shots to reduce noise at higher ISOs. Auto Image Capture automatically saves 20 of the best, full resolution photos while you are recording videos. A number of Creative Modes have returned from previous years (Selective Color, Miniature Effect, Easy Panorama Mode), and there are even a few video specific modes (Jump Cut, Fast Motion, Four Second Video). Finally, the 1 J4 has built-in Wi-Fi to connect this ILC with a compatible smartphone, where you can easily back up, email, or share your digital images on social networks.

Nikon 1 J4 Features:
  • 18.4-megapixel CX-format CMOS image sensor
  • EXPEED 4A image processing engine
  • 3.0-inch Touch TFT-LCD Display (1M dots)
  • Full HD Video Recording
    • 1080/60p up to 10mins per clip
    • 1080/30p and 720/30p Vibration Reduction (e-VR)
    • 120 fps slow motion 720p
  • Auto Image Capture
    • Simultaneous Still Image and Video Capture
    • Automatically saves 20 best shots during video recording
  • ISO 160-12800
  • ISO Sensitivity Noise Reduction
  • 20 frames-per-second Continuous Shooting
  • 171 contrast detect focus areas
  • 105 phase-detect AF points
  • Creative Modes
    • Selective Color
    • Miniature Effect
    • Easy Panorama Mode
    • Cross Process
    • Toy Camera
    • Creative Pallet
    • Jump Cut
    • Fast Motion
    • Four Second Video
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • Optional Accessories
    • WP-N3 Waterproof Case
      • Capable of operating down to 45m (147.6 ft)
    • SB-N10 Waterproof Speedlight

The Nikon 1 J4 is available in black, white, silver, or orange. You can choose fro the following kit combinations:
  • $649.95 MSRP including the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
  • $849.95 MSRP for the two-lens kit, which includes the 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens and the 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens.
  • 1049.95 MSRP including the 1 NIKKOR 10-100mm f/4.0-5.6 VR lens

Check our best price box at the top right of this page to see the most current online pricing.


What's in the box?:

  • Nikon 1 J4 body
  • 10-30mm VC PD-Zoom lens
  • Battery
  • Battery Charger
  • Strap
  • USB Cable
  • CD-Rom
  • Manual

Additional Product Views
J4_11_27.5_WH_frt34l.jpg
J4_10_30_PD_SL_top.jpg

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.