Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic LF1

The Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2012 and April 2013. The V2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the LF1 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an one-inch (V2) and a 1/1.7-inch (LF1) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Nikon 1 V2		Panasonic LF1
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon 1 mount lenses		28-200mm f/2.0-5.9
14.2 MP, 1" Sensor		12 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 160-12,800		ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800)
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (200k dots)
3.0 LCD, 921k dots		3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
15 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
310 shots per battery charge		250 shots per battery charge
109 x 82 x 46 mm, 278 g		103 x 62 x 28 mm, 192 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1? 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 V2 and the Panasonic LF1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The V2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the LF1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic LF1 is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Nikon 1 V2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the V2 nor the LF1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LF1 has a lens built in, whereas the V2 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The power pack in the LF1 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Nikon 1 V2	109 mm	82 mm	46 mm	278 g	310	n	Oct 2012	799
	Panasonic LF1	103 mm	62 mm	28 mm	192 g	250	n	Apr 2013	499
	Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
	Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
	Canon G1 X	117 mm	81 mm	65 mm	534 g	250	n	Jan 2012	799
	Canon SX50	123 mm	87 mm	106 mm	595 g	315	n	Sep 2012	429
	Fujifilm X-M1	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	699
	Nikon 1 V3	111 mm	65 mm	33 mm	381 g	310	n	Mar 2014	799
	Nikon 1 V1	113 mm	76 mm	44 mm	383 g	350	n	Sep 2011	799
	Panasonic GF6	111 mm	65 mm	38 mm	323 g	340	n	Apr 2013	499
	Panasonic FZ200	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic GF5	108 mm	67 mm	37 mm	267 g	360	n	Apr 2012	499
	Panasonic LX7	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	499
	Panasonic G3	115 mm	84 mm	47 mm	336 g	270	n	May 2011	599
	Panasonic GF3	108 mm	67 mm	32 mm	264 g	300	n	Jun 2011	549
	Panasonic GX1	116 mm	68 mm	39 mm	318 g	320	n	Nov 2011	699
	Ricoh GR	117 mm	61 mm	35 mm	245 g	290	n	Apr 2013	799
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The LF1 was launched at a lower price than the V2, despite having a lens built in. 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.

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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the 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 V2 features an one-inch sensor and the Panasonic LF1 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the LF1 is 63 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 4.5. The sensor in the V2 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the LF1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 14.2MP, the V2 offers a higher resolution than the LF1 (12MP), but the V2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 2.86μm versus 1.89μm for the LF1) due to its larger sensor. However, the LF1 is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 months) than the V2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon 1 V2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the V2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 12.3 inches or 46.8 x 31.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic LF1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The V2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon 1 V2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 are ISO 80 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-12800.

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. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Nikon 1 V2	1-inch	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	20.2	10.8	403	50
	Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
	Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
	Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
	Canon G1 X	1.5-inch	14.2	4352	3264	1080/24p	21.7	10.8	644	60
	Canon SX50	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	20.3	11.2	179	47
	Fujifilm X-M1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
	Nikon 1 V3	1-inch	18.2	5232	3488	1080/60p	20.8	10.7	384	52
	Nikon 1 V1	1-inch	10.0	3872	2592	1080/60i	21.3	11	346	54
	Panasonic GF6	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	20.7	10.6	622	54
	Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
	Panasonic GF5	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	21.4	11.6	618	61
	Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50
	Panasonic G3	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	21.0	10.6	667	56
	Panasonic GF3	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.6	10.0	458	49
	Panasonic GX1	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60p	20.8	10.6	703	55
	Ricoh GR	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	13.5	972	78

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the V2 provides a higher frame rate than the LF1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the V2 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the LF1 (1440k vs 200k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon 1 V2, the Panasonic LF1, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Nikon 1 V2	1440	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	15.0	Y	n
	Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
	Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
	Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
	Canon G1 X	optical	n	3.0	922	Swivel	n	1/4000s	1.9	Y	Y
	Canon SX50	202	n	3.0	461	swivel	n	1/2000s	2.2	Y	Y
	Fujifilm X-M1	none	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.6	Y	n
	Nikon 1 V3	optional	n	3.0	1037	tilting	Y	1/4000s	60.0	Y	n
	Nikon 1 V1	1440	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0	n	n
	Panasonic GF6	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
	Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
	Panasonic GF5	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
	Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	Y	Y
	Panasonic G3	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
	Panasonic GF3	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	Y	1/4000s	3.2	Y	n
	Panasonic GX1	optional	n	3.0	460	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
	Ricoh GR	optional	n	3.0	1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n

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 V2 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 V2 has 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the V2 and the LF1 write their files to SDXC cards. The V2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the LF1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 V2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

	Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Nikon 1 V2	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic LF1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Canon G1 X	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon SX50	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Fujifilm X-M1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Nikon 1 V3	-	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
	Nikon 1 V1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GF6	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GF5	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic G3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GF3	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GX1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Ricoh GR	Y	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the LF1 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the V2 does not provide wifi capability.

The LF1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the V2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the V2 was succeeded by the Nikon 1 V3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic LF1? 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 V2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (14.2 vs 12MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (1440k vs 200k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (310 versus 250) on a single battery charge.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2012).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1:

• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the V2 necessitates an extra lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (103x62mm vs 109x82mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the V2).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (5 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the V2 emerges as the winner of the contest (12 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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 V2 and the Panasonic LF1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Prime Lens Compact 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 V2 or the LF1 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   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Nikon 1 V2	..	..	4.5/5	..	4/5	Oct 2012	799
	Panasonic LF1	+	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499
	Canon G16	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
	Canon S120	+ +	..	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
	Canon G1 X	+	76/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	799
	Canon SX50	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2012	429
	Fujifilm X-M1	+	77/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699
	Nikon 1 V3	..	76/100	4.5/5	3/5	4/5	Mar 2014	799
	Nikon 1 V1	+	69/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2011	799
	Panasonic GF6	+ +	..	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499
	Panasonic FZ200	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic GF5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	499
	Panasonic LX7	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499
	Panasonic G3	+ +	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2011	599
	Panasonic GF3	82/100	71/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	549
	Panasonic GX1	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2011	699
	Ricoh GR	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	799
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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.

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Specifications: Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic LF1

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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