Nikon 1 V1 vs D700

The Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2011 and July 2008. The V1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D700 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an one-inch (V1) and a full frame (D700) sensor. The V1 has a resolution of 10 megapixels, whereas the D700 provides 12.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon 1 V1		Nikon D700
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon 1 mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
10 MP, 1" Sensor		12.1 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60i Video		no Video
ISO 100-3200 (100-6400)		ISO 200-6400 (100-25600)
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 921k dots		3.0" LCD, 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge		1000 shots per battery charge
113 x 76 x 44 mm, 383 g		147 x 123 x 77 mm, 1074 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D700 is considerably larger (111 percent) than the Nikon 1 V1. Moreover, the D700 is substantially heavier (180 percent) than the V1. It is noteworthy in this context that the D700 is splash and dust-proof, while the V1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the V1 gets 350 shots out of its EN-EL15 battery, while the D700 can take 1000 images on a single charge of its EN-EL3e power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon 1 V1»	4.4 in	3.0 in	1.7 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Sep 2011	799	-		Nikon 1 V1
	Nikon D700«	5.8 in	4.8 in	3.0 in	37.9 oz	1000	Y	Jul 2008	2,999	-		Nikon D700
	Canon G15« »	4.2 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.4 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Fujifilm X10« »	4.6 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	12.3 oz	270	n	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Nikon 1 J5« »	3.9 in	2.4 in	1.3 in	8.1 oz	250	n	Apr 2015	399	-		Nikon 1 J5
	Nikon 1 V3« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	13.4 oz	310	n	Mar 2014	799	-		Nikon 1 V3
	Nikon 1 J4« »	3.9 in	2.4 in	1.1 in	8.2 oz	300	n	Apr 2014	549	-		Nikon 1 J4
	Nikon D810« »	5.7 in	4.8 in	3.2 in	34.6 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Nikon Df« »	5.7 in	4.3 in	2.6 in	26.8 oz	1400	Y	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon 1 V2« »	4.3 in	3.2 in	1.8 in	9.8 oz	310	n	Oct 2012	799	-		Nikon 1 V2
	Nikon D800« »	5.7 in	4.8 in	3.2 in	35.3 oz	900	Y	Feb 2012	2,999	-		Nikon D800
	Nikon D3S« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.5 in	43.7 oz	4200	Y	Oct 2009	5,199	-		Nikon D3S
	Nikon D3« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.5 in	45.9 oz	4300	Y	Aug 2007	4,999	-		Nikon D3
	Olympus E-P3« »	4.8 in	2.7 in	1.3 in	13.0 oz	330	n	Jun 2011	799	-		Olympus E-P3
	Panasonic GX1« »	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.5 in	11.2 oz	320	n	Nov 2011	699	-		Panasonic GX1
	Panasonic G10« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	13.7 oz	380	n	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	15.1 oz	360	n	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The V1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 73 percent) than the D700, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon 1 V1 features an one-inch sensor and the Nikon D700 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D700 is 641 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 12.1MP, the D700 offers a higher resolution than the V1 (10MP), but the D700 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.43μm versus 3.41μm for the V1) due to its larger sensor. However, the V1 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 2 months) than the D700, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D700 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D700 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.3 x 14.2 inch or 54.1 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inch or 43.2 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.2 x 9.4 inch or 36 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon 1 V1 are 19.4 x 13 inch or 49.2 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.5 x 10.4 inch or 39.3 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 12.9 x 8.6 inch or 32.8 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon 1 V1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D700 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the D700 offers substantially better image quality than the V1 (overall score 26 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 1.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The V1 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D700 does not. The highest resolution format that the V1 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the V1 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the D700 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon 1 V1, the Nikon D700, and comparable cameras.

One feature that is present on the D700, but is missing on the V1 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the V1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The V1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D700 uses Compact Flash cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon D700 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the D700 has a hotshoe, which makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun. The V1 does not feature such an accessory-socket.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D700 (unlike the V1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the V1 and the D700 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D700 was replaced by the Nikon D800, while the V1 was followed by the Nikon 1 V2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon website.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon 1 V1:

• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60i movies.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (113x76mm vs 147x123mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 691g or 64 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (73 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 2 months of technical progress since the D700 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D700:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (12.1 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 10%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (26 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.2 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.7 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1000 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in July 2008).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D700 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 9 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon D700 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the V1 or the D700 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon 1 V1»	+	69/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2011	799	-		Nikon 1 V1
	Nikon D700«	89/100	+ +	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2008	2,999	-		Nikon D700
	Canon G15« »	+	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	499	-		Canon G15
	Fujifilm X10« »	-	76/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2011	599	-		Fujifilm X10
	Nikon 1 J5« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	399	-		Nikon 1 J5
	Nikon 1 V3« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	3/5	4/5	Mar 2014	799	-		Nikon 1 V3
	Nikon 1 J4« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Apr 2014	549	-		Nikon 1 J4
	Nikon D810« »	-	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	3,299	-		Nikon D810
	Nikon Df« »	-	81/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Nov 2013	2,749			Nikon Df
	Nikon 1 V2« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4/5	Oct 2012	799	-		Nikon 1 V2
	Nikon D800« »	+ +	82/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2012	2,999	-		Nikon D800
	Nikon D3S« »	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2009	5,199	-		Nikon D3S
	Nikon D3« »	-	+ +	5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2007	4,999	-		Nikon D3
	Olympus E-P3« »	83/100	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2011	799	-		Olympus E-P3
	Panasonic GX1« »	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2011	699	-		Panasonic GX1
	Panasonic G10« »	-	70/100	4/5	-	4/5	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Panasonic G2« »	-	72/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Nikon 1 V1 vs Nikon D700

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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