The Nikon 1 may be the best digital compact camera I saw at CES 2013. Two features make the Nikon 1 series stand out when compared to other mirrorless, small digital cameras. The Best Moment Capture Mode lets you pick the best of a series of photos. With Smart Photo Selector, the camera chooses the best shots for you. Both features are like continuous shooting, or "burst mode," on steroids. With these two foolproof features, the Nikon 1 could be the best digital camera for beginners and enthusiasts.
Best Moment Capture Mode
The Best Moment Capture Mode takes a ton of pictures and lets you choose the best one. Perhaps you are shooting a group portrait of your family that you've finally gathered together at a reunion. You want to be sure that you take a photo with most family members smiling and with their eyes open. Although you shoot a few photos in a row, it's still a gamble to get the perfect shot.
Best Moment Capture Mode works with Slow View and Smart Photo Selector. Press the shutter button down half way to focus, then press it halfway again to activate the Best Moment Capture Mode. The camera will capture live action for about 1.33 seconds. At the end of the capture time, it will display the photos slowly like a continuous slideshow on the camera's LCD screen. When you see the best photo of the bunch, press the shutter button all the way down.
This is also a great feature when shooting sports, fast-moving children or other activities where you want to get the perfect timing of a photo.
Smart Photo Selector
When you press the shutter button using the Smart Photo Selector feature, the camera will take 20 shots (with the Nikon 1 J3), or 15 shots (with the Nikon 1 S1). The camera will then automatically save the best five photos based on exposure, focus, and facial recognition.
We've certainly come a long way from guessing whether the photo we shoot will turn out the way we want it. With these new Nikon 1 features, we'll get even more help.
