Nikon 1 system bashers often say that the 1” sensor is too small, that N1 should have had an APS-C size sensor from the get go and that therefore the system in its current form is a major failure. In my humble opinion this is all nonsense. Disregarding the usability quirks, lack of some features and price, the N1 system is good just the way it is. There is nothing wrong with the sensor. In my mind Nikon couldn’t have chosen a better sensor format to segment the market more efficiently in regards to image quality and size. When you think about it, N1 is right in the middle. Upgrading from a smartphone or a compact to N1 gives you a nice, big boost in image quality and flexibility (lenses and accessories). The same is true when upgrading from N1 to full frame should you decide that you need even better IQ. Therefore, what Nikon should do next, is not ditch the N1 system in favour of APS-C, but rather introduce a Nikon 2 system with full frame cameras and lenses. In my opinion Sony full frame NEX cameras, A7 and A7r, are what Nikon 2 should look like, plus on sensor phase-detect AF employed in N1 cameras. Considering that two FF Sonys have just been introduced, Nikon maybe already way too late to the party.
There are so many things going in favour of Sony’s A7s. First and obvious pro is the large sensor in a tiny, carry anywhere body. The size and weight advantage is more than obvious when compared to FF DSLRs like the 5D Mark III, 6D and Nikon’s D600/D610 and D800. While I wouldn’t want to go back to large cameras such as these, despite fabulous image quality, I’m seriously considering the lower-end A7.
Sure, it is expensive in absolute terms. Compared to FF DSLRs, however, the price is just right. Look at it this way: despite lacking many mechanical parts, like the mirror box, most MILCs are more expensive than comparable, much larger and material intensive, DSLRs. The Sony A7s are not. Their prices are in line with what you would expect for a similarly spec’d FF DSLR or lower, depending on the models you are comparing. Unlike other MILCs, you don’t pay extra for the size and weight advantage, which is another plus.
One additional thing I like is that Sony have learned some lessons since they have introduced the APS-C NEX system. Instead of hesitant lens introduction, fuzzy lens roadmap, and zooms with overlapping focal lengths, Sony’s marketing approach is bold and decisive this time around. Focusing on primes and releasing a clear lens roadmap on day one is how it’s done. This is a page Nikon should take from Sony’s book. After the comment on “reconsidering Nikon 1” many users have considered jumping ship. What have Nikon done? Nothing! To me, and I’m no marketing expert, the most obvious thing a company in that situation should do, is reassure actual and potential users, that the system is still alive and kicking. Not stay silent and introduce a camera that implies major repositioning and refocusing on an ultra-small niche market. Sure you could introduce such a camera, but AFTER you have reassured existing users! I bet Porsche owners eagerly awaiting a new 911 wouldn’t appreciate 0 info on the new model, while Porsche is introducing a company’s first 911 jet boat. They would be pissed and rightfully so.
I have a feeling that one of these days I will grow impatient of waiting for Nikon to learn how to market a mirrorless system. In which case I will probably keep my V1 and lenses for all those situations, where speed and portability are crucial, but I will most certainly stop holding my breath for an affordable 32/1.8, fast standard zoom, native telephoto and macro. I will add another system to complement my N1. And Sony’s A7s may just be it.
The only thing I don’t like about the A7s are the lens prices. Primes are priced similarly to DSLR lenses which are 1 to 2 stops faster. The 55mm f/1.8 costs more than twice as much as a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 and almost three times as much as a Canon 50mm f/1.4. The 35mm f/2.8 is only $100 shy of the excellent Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and costs $250 more than a Canon 35mm f/2 IS. Thankfully the A7 is cheaper than D610 and considerably cheaper than the 5D Mark III and A7r undercuts the Nikon D800 by almost $400.