Nikon SLR Cameras

Is this camera really a DSLR?

Raven Vincent
Raven Vincent

Browsing around on Amazon i found the Nikon 1 V2, its listed as a dslr but it doesn't look like any dslr i have ever seen

is it?

also, is it a good camera?

bluespeedbird
bluespeedbird

No it's not a DSLR… It's not a reflex camera, it uses a digital image projected onto the rear screen or into the viewfinder.

They are smaller than DSLRs and you can swap lenses with them. Yes they are pretty good.

Matt
Matt

It is a mirroless camera. A dSLR is a digital single lens reflex camera. With an SLR, there's a mirror which reflects the light from the lens to an eyepiece. When you press the shutter release, the mirror swings out of the way and the shutter opens.

The alternative to that used to be a rangefinder, where there was no prism but still a shutter, and the lenses could be changed. An eye piece was set next to or above the lens, so you could aim the camera, but you were not seeing the thought the lens.

The modern mirrorless cameras are kind of a hybrid. The use digital technology to give you an electronic viewfinder, and they can generally change lenses, but you are not seeing the same optical view that you would with a dSLR.

Yes, they can be good, but they are an animal all unto themselves. Here is a review of them:
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-affordable-mirrorless-camera/
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-sony-nex-6-is-the-best-mirrorless-camera-for-under-950/

keerok
keerok

No.

The Nikon 1 V2 is an electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens (EVIL) camera. It has the ability to get good pictures consistently only if you know exactly what you are doing.