Nikon 1 S1 vs Nikon 1 S2

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 S1 and the Nikon 1 S2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon 1 S1 was introduced in June 2013 and Nikon 1 S2 was introduced in May 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon 1 S1 Highlights

      • 10.1 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 135 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 15.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon 1 S2 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 171 Focus Points (171 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 60.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon 1 S1
      4. Advantage of Nikon 1 S2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2.

      PROS

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      •   Video Capture
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz)
      •   Video Capture
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec

      Advantage of Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 S1 over Nikon 1 S2.

      Nikon 1 S1 vs Nikon 1 S2
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Timelapse Recording vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 S1.

      Canon 1D III
      Image cannot be found

      APS-H

      10.1 MP

      Canon R3
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Nikon Df
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D7500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Nikon D3200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1 II
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.3 MP

      Nikon Z f
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.4 MP

      Nikon Z fc
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony a7 IV
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      33.0 MP

      Panasonic G6
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      16.05 MP

      Nikon D850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Advantage of Nikon 1 S2

      Nikon 1 S2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 S2 over Nikon 1 S1.

      Nikon 1 S1 vs Nikon 1 S2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixel vs 14.2 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592 vs 4592 x 3072
      More Focus Points 135 vs 171
      Center Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 15.0 fps vs 60.0 fps
      Lighter 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz) vs 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 220 shots vs 270 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon 1 S2.

      Canon R6 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a7 IV
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      Full Frame

      33.0 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon Z fc
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D780
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Pentax K100D Super
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Panasonic GH5 II
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.33 MP

      Nikon Z7
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon 1 S1 Nikon 1 S2
        Video Capture
        Many Focus Points135171
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type C Mini
        Light197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz)190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Nikon 1 S1 Nikon 1 S2
        Small Sensor1-inch1-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor10.1 Megapixel14.2 Megapixel
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot460k dot
        No Viewfinder
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WU-1b mobile adapter via optional WU-1a transmitter
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life220 shots270 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot resolution.

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 S1 features a 10.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800. Nikon 1 S2 features a 14.2 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.1 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon 1 S1 can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2160, 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon 1 S2 is equipped with EXPEED 4A processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3072 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon 1 lens mount. Due to their 1-inch sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 2.7x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 S1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 S2 nothing can be done. On Nikon 1 S2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 S1 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon 1 S1 has a Type C HDMI and Nikon 1 S2 has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon 1 S1 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots and Nikon 1 S2 comes with EN-EL22 battery pack with battery life of 270 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon 1 S1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon 1 S2 has a single MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2 have Electronic. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on both models. Nikon 1 S1 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps. Nikon 1 S2 can shoot continuously up to 60.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Both cameras have Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
      AF-assist illuminator system with Nikon 1 S1 having 135 focusing points and with Nikon 1 S2 having 171 (73 cross-type) focusing points and ..


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m on Nikon 1 S1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 S1.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon 1 S1 body has dimensions of 102 x 61 x 30 mm (4.02 x 2.4 x 1.18") and Nikon 1 S2 body has dimensions of 101 x 61 x 29 mm (3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14"). Nikon 1 S1 weighs 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz) and Nikon 1 S2 weighs 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz).

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      102 mm

      61 mm

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      101 mm

      61 mm

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      61 mm

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      61 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2

      Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      POOR
      47
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      GOOD
      72
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      POOR
      48
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      GOOD
      81
      •   Small Sensor
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon 1 S1 and Nikon 1 S2 and give both of them the score of 58 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      OVERALL
      58
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 15.0 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/60 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Max Continuous Shooting - 60.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      GOOD
      77
      •   135 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      81
      •   171 Focus Points
      •   73 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon 1 S1

      Nikon 1 S2

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 270 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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