Anyone have a Nikon J1? Opinion?

Saw one at Target the other day and kinda fell in love with it. I was testing it out and the guy said its a really good piece of technology. I looked up videos on it and stuff and was pretty impressed with the quality of the pictures and the speed at which it took pictures. I was tihnking of getting the Canon Eos Rebel T2i but since the J1 is kinda around the same price range, i don't really know what kind of camera i should choose now. What're your opinions on the the Nikon J1? Or what have you heard about J1 style cameras such as the Sony NEX or other mirrorless system cameras?

I'd go with the Nikon D3100…

I've read all the reviews, and have played around with it at Target too. So here's my take on it. Of the mirrorless cameras, it has the smallest image sensor, and the lowest performance on the DxOmark.com test of large image sensor cameras.

However, it still has some good points. The smaller image sensor allows for lenses that are smaller than those found on micro four thirds and Sony NEX cameras. I like the styling of the J1, especially in white. But when using it, I noticed that it's set up to be more of an ''auto" mode kind of shooter, not for someone wanting to choose the aperture or exposure themselves.

In good light, the image quality is just as good as any dSLR. In low light is where things change. At high ISO the noise is a bit worse, and dynamic range takes a hit faster. The Sony NEX is beating everyone with their better image sensor. Even though the J1 is at the bottom sensor wise, it's killing all the compact cameras regardless of price or brand.

I've downloaded actual RAW photos, and it's pretty good. If you buy that camera, you must shoot RAW instead of jpeg. You can process those RAWs and get better image quality over what the camera's jpeg engine can deliver. Also if you like the compact size, the J1 is great. Also, you can sneak it in where you can't sneak in a dSLR.

if you want to shoot sports, then you need a dSLR with its fast phase auto focus. While the J1 is no slouch, all the mirrorless cameras focus more slowly with their contrast detect auto focus.

Take a look at the new Sony NEX F3 and Samsung NX1000 before you buy the J1.

Samsung NX1000, NX210 http://www.ephotozine.com/article/samsung-nx1000--nx210--nx20-hands-on-preview-19020

Sony NEX F3 http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-massive-new-nex-f3-pictures/

http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/