Nikon 1 J2
Announced August 9, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Nikon 1 J2 functions as a stylish, compact camera that delivers fast autofocus and solid image quality for casual users, yet it remains largely an incremental update to its predecessor. While it provides a user-friendly experience for beginners, the small sensor and lack of manual controls limit its appeal for more advanced photographers.
Weighted from 11 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution LCD screen
- Fast hybrid autofocus system
- Compact and portable body design
- Capable video performance with manual control options
- Impressive speed for burst shooting
Cons
- Small sensor size impacts dynamic range and low-light performance
- Minimal improvements over the previous model
- Limited manual controls and cumbersome menu system
- Lack of viewfinder and accessory compatibility
- Slow start-up and shot-to-shot performance
- Launch price $549.95 (USD)
- Sensor 10.1MP 1-inch CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 60 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 11 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Nikon 1 J2 is still an overpriced camera. At $550 for a single lens kit, it just makes no sense to buy it.
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While the J2 is a nice camera and offers some improvements over the J1, it doesn’t feel like it has gone far enough to progress the Nikon 1 series.
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The Nikon 1 J2 offers great image quality and extremely rapid continuous shooting and fast focusing in a compact stylish body.
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The Nikon 1 J2 has a better screen, some new creative effects, more colours, a textured grip on some models, and a slightly lower price tag, but otherwise it's purely an incremental upgrade of last year's J1 rather than a full-blown replacement.
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Unlike other systems, Nikon uses a smaller, 1-inch CX format sensor in the Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 J2, which enables a smaller overall body size.
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The photography focused Nikon 1 J2 is an excellent transition for any beginning creative who wants a simple and easy way to capture video in addition to their photos.
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The J2 isn’t a bad camera, but against other interchangeable lens models it's just not the best of them. If it was put up against many of the high-end compacts out there then it'd likely be the better choice, and perhaps some users will want to think about it that way.
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It remains a fun and funky jack-of-all-trades consumer camera, and a good introduction for those who want to start experimenting with different lenses but don't want the bulk of a digital SLR.
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If the J2 does have a niche, it’s as a stylish point-and-shoot camera for people who want CSC quality but don’t want manual controls or high prices. That makes a lot of sense, and the J2 meets those requirements admirably.
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This camera provides good quality image capture, solid HD video, and a reasonably pocketable size, as long as you have some big pockets.
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[A]t $550, at least the J2 is cheaper.
