Nikon launches 'world's fastest' interchangeable lens camera

Nikon's latest compact mirrorless model, the 1 V3, packs some big features into a very small package making it ideal for action photography and movie-making.

The-camera-can-shoot-at-20-frames-per-second-with-full-autofocus-Photo-AFP

Nikon's latest compact mirrorless model, the 1 V3, packs some big features into a very small package making it ideal for action photography and movie-making.

Perhaps the most impressive of which is the ability to shoot 20 frames per second with full autofocus, a feat Nikon claims makes it the world's fastest interchangeable lens camera -- even pro DSLR cameras can't match that. Well, for now anyway. Competition among camera makers is so great at the moment that this record is unlikely to stand for long.

Luckily, the Nikon 1 V3 isn't focused simply on setting one record, it is trying to bring as many easy-to-use yet semi-pro-level features to a compact, 'affordable' camera, and in this respect, Nikon is doing a pretty good job. It has an 18.4-megapixel image sensor and a fast, responsive auto-focus system.

What's more when used for video rather than stills it can capture full HD (not UHD, unfortunately) at 60 frames per second and for the first time, 720p HD at 120 frames per second for detailed slow motion. And thanks to continuous autofocus, even though the camera is capturing images at such an intense speed, there's no need to worry about the clarity of the finished film.

Whether shooting still or moving images, the pictures can be viewed on the camera's tilting 3' LCD rear screen and edited and enhanced. The V3 comes with a suite of effects and settings so that photographers can get creative on the fly rather than having to wait until they get home and transfer pictures to Photoshop.

In this respect, another welcome addition is integrated wi-fi (Nikon usually offers wi-fi connectivity as an optional adaptor).

Other nice touches include a clip-on viewfinder and a grip that clamps to the camera's base, making it more like a DSLR to hold and offers a separate shutter release button.

In fact, the only potential problem is the price. The V3 is feature packed but at a recommended retail price of $1,199.95 for the body plus a 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens, the clip-on viewfinder and the grip, it will be at the very top end of the mirrorless market when it arrives in stores and online in April