| The V1 is a mirrorless camera manufactured by Nikon and, along with the Nikon J1, is part of the company’s new Nikon 1 line. This optical format sits between a DSC and a micro 4/3, and is a new territory for Nikon that we understand represents about four years of product development. It will be interesting to see if Nikon has found an opportunity with this new format. This compact camera, measuring approximately 4.4” x 3.0” x 1.7”, offers users a simple and easy to use design. One of the features that really simplifies the process for users is the V1′s Smart Photo Selector mode, which automatically returns the image with optimal exposure, subjects in frame, etc. Furthermore, the V1 features a 10 fps speed in autofocus and an advanced hybrid autofocus, combining contrast and focal plane phase detection. Below is a look at some of the silicon found inside the V1 mirrorless camera. |
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Image sensor – Aptina lands a new socket Nikon describes the image sensor inside the V1 as a uniquely positioned CX format, with 10.1 effective megapixels. We measured a pixel size of 3.4 µm and a full die size of 16.9 mm x 17.9 mm. The manufacturer of this CMOS image sensor is none other than Aptina, and the device’s part number is C1CC. Die markings on the device are: <Aptina logo>/APTINA/IMAGING/(M)C1CC©/2010. |
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Image processor The image processor found inside is the EXPEED 3, or EI-160, manufactured by Nikon. The EXPEED 3 processor powers the V1 to “deliver outstanding system performance, high-speed processing, state-of-the-art phase detection autofocus and the fastest data transfer rates,” according to Nikon. Package markings on the device are: <Nikon logo>/<EXPEED logo>/JAPAN/EI-160 1108 Z09. |
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Memory The Samsung K4X2G323PC-8GD8 DDR SDRAM was one of the memory devices found inside the Nikon V1. Package markings on the device are: SAMSUNG/104/ K4X2G323PC-8GD8/EEL633GJN. Also found on the circuit board were two Elpida EDE4232A2MA DRAM devices, on both sides of the EXPEED 3 processor. This looks like a total of 1GB of DDR2 memory, to allow for fast image data processing – we’re getting up to smartphone levels of memory here! Package markings found on this device are: Elpida TAIWAN/DE4232A2MA-6E-F/11150R03000. The flash memory found on the device was the M29W128GH-60ZA6 128 Mbit nonvolatile flash memory device. This device was manufactured by STMicroelectronics, and the device’s package markings are: <STMicroelectronics logo> (e2)/ M29W128GH/60ZA6/99A3P VS/MYS 99 040. |
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| Video processor
Another interesting feature that the V1 and J1 offer is that users have the ability to capture full HD (1080p) video and photos simultaneously, while using the camera. One of the devices behind this cool capability is the Epson E03100F0A video processor chip. Package markings on this device are: E/E03100F0A/F0Z0112/JAPAN. |
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| HDMI transmitter
Also found in the V1 was the TDA9989, manufactured by NXP. The TDA9989 is a very low power and very small size high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 1.3a transmitter. This device’s package markings are: <NXP logo> A9989/ 11 19/ZSD0361Y.
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The Nikon 1 camera line, comprised of the V1 and J1 cameras, offers a sleek design and some impressive camera features to users, making it likely to be a hit this holiday season. From our perspective, the V1 camera was also a hit, as we got to see a lot of new devices, including the Aptina C1CC image sensor.
| Reports on technology discussed in this teardown: Report on the Aptina CICC/Nikon V1 CMOS Image Sensor – Imager Process Review |
Other devices
Other device cataloged in the Nikon V1 mirrorless camera include:
| Device Type | Manufacturer | Part Number |
| Audio codec | Asahi Kasei | AK4649 |
| LED driver | Rohm | BD1754HFN |
| Regulator | Rohm | BD9855MWV |
| Power switch | Seiko Instruments | S-8425AAEFT-TB-G |
| MOSFET | Toshiba | TC7W74FK |
| Logic IC | Toshiba | TC7WH08FK |
| P-channel FET | Toshiba | TPCA8102 |
| N-Channel FET | Vishay Siliconix | Si7220DN |
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