Nikon V3 Image Quality Analysis: Has Nikon finally cracked the code for its 1-Series mirrorless cameras?

 

 

We were really eager to see how the Nikon V3's image quality stacked up, and if the new flagship Nikon 1-Series mirrorless camera improved significantly over the previous model, the Nikon V2. One of the common complaints about the V2 was its sub-par image quality relative to price, particularly at higher ISOs. 

The Nikon V3 has undergone some big changes under the hood compared to its predecessor. Complete with a new 18.4MP CX-format (1-inch-type) CMOS sensor that lacks an optical low-pass filter -- a first for a Nikon 1 camera -- and a new EXPEED 4A image processor, the Nikon V3 should offer a big boost not only in performance but image quality as well. The key word in that last sentence being "should." 

We've therefore pitted the V3 against the previous model, as well as other big players from other brands in the compact mirrorless and premium compact camera market. Challenging the Nikon V3 in our Image Quality Comparison showdown is the Canon G1X II, the all new Olympus E-PL7, the pocketable Panasonic GM1 and the popular Sony RX100 III, which also sports the same basic sensor size as the V3. 

We've also analyzed how the V3 looks in the real world with our popular Print Quality Analysis. We won't give away the details yet, but suffice it to say, it's a good showing in the print quality department for the V3 given its sensor size.

[Quick Links: Nikon V3 • Shooter's Report: Part I, Part II • Samples • Image Quality • Gallery]