• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon V1 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.41 vs 2.85 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Wider angle kit lens
    27 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Nikon S2 advantages over Nikon V1

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 43 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 9.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon V1

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Buy the Nikon S2
Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses
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Review Excerpt

  • Good image quality; Good quality lens; Full HD videos; Lightning fast AF; Fun to use.

  • Mode dial turns easily; Missing "modern" features like panorama, HDR; Somewhat heavy; Sluggish shot-to-shot cycle times; Proprietary external flash.

  • Read our Nikon V1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J1

Nikon V1
Nikon J1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon J1

Nikon S2
Nikon J1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compare Nikon S2 vs Nikon J1

Compared to Nikon J2

Nikon V1
Nikon J2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon J2

Nikon S2
Nikon J2
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon S2 vs Nikon J2

Compared to Nikon V2

Nikon V1
Nikon V2
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon V1 vs Nikon V2

Nikon S2
Nikon V2
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Nikon S2 vs Nikon V2

Compared to Pentax Q7

Nikon V1
Pentax Q7
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon V1 vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Nikon V1
Pentax Q-S1
  • $900
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon V1 vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

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