After Nikon's unveiling, journalists left with early production units of the Nikon 1 J1 (the Nikon 1 V1 is still in preproduction) and a trio of lenses. I tested the J1 at a shoot set up by Nikon, complete with glam models and a dancer.

The J1's sensor--a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor that measures 0.52 by 0.34 inches--is smaller than those in the Micro Four-Thirds System cameras made by and (0.68 by 0.5 inches), as well as the APS-C sensors in interchangeable-lens cameras made by and . However, the Nikon 1-series sensor is significantly bigger than the one in the interchangeable-lens (0.24 by 0.18 inches).

Like the Pentax Q, the Nikon 1 J1 is , measuring 4.2 by 2.4 by 1.2 inches. Despite the fact that it has neither a physical grip nor an electronic viewfinder (the Nikon 1 V1 does have an EVF), the J1 is small and light enough to hold and operate comfortably. A 3-inch LCD on the back lets you compose and review your shots.

A number of different kit configurations are available, including a standard $650 one-lens kit, two separate two-lens kit configurations for $900 each, and a two-lens kit with a pink camera body for $930.