Nikon 1 s1?

[js81]

Any thoughts on the Nikon 1 S1? Not for me (I'm perfectly happy with my Sony Alpha), but for my dad - he's tech-savvy, but not a photographer. Want something better than his ancient Kodak (a 4MP mega-zoom in an SLR-type style)... I don't think the lack of viewfinder will be that big of an issue; personally, I worry more about the lack of a hot shoe for a flash (for later expansion, after he "grows into" the camera). What do you guys think? It's currently on sale at B&H for $199 with the 11-27.5 kit lens, or $299 with that lens and the 30-100 zoom. BUT... we can also get the Sony A3000 (e-mount, unfortunately, so not interchangeable with my lenses) for $299 and it has a viewfinder, hot shoe, and APS-C sensor, but only includes the 18-55 kit lens.

Thoughts and opinions? Thanks.

EDIT: Links:
$199 Nikon 1 S1 - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910126-REG/nikon_27619_1_s1_mirrorless_digital.html

$299 Nikon 1 w/2 lenses - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910129-REG/nikon_27629_1_s1_mirrorless_digital.html

$299 Sony a3000 - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001000-REG/sony_ilce3000k_b_alpha_a3000_dslr_camera.html

 

[shinji]

Any thoughts on the Nikon 1 S1? Not for me (I'm perfectly happy with my Sony Alpha), but for my dad - he's tech-savvy, but not a photographer. Want something better than his ancient Kodak (a 4MP mega-zoom in an SLR-type style)... I don't think the lack of viewfinder will be that big of an issue; personally, I worry more about the lack of a hot shoe for a flash (for later expansion, after he "grows into" the camera). What do you guys think? It's currently on sale at B&H for $199 with the 11-27.5 kit lens, or $299 with that lens and the 30-100 zoom. BUT... we can also get the Sony A3000 (e-mount, unfortunately, so not interchangeable with my lenses) for $299 and it has a viewfinder, hot shoe, and APS-C sensor, but only includes the 18-55 kit lens.

Thoughts and opinions? Thanks.

EDIT: Links:
$199 Nikon 1 S1 - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910126-REG/nikon_27619_1_s1_mirrorless_digital.html

$299 Nikon 1 w/2 lenses - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/910129-REG/nikon_27629_1_s1_mirrorless_digital.html

$299 Sony a3000 - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001000-REG/sony_ilce3000k_b_alpha_a3000_dslr_camera.html

Does he just want something better than his old Kodak, or he's actually planning to buy more lenses down the road?

If it's the former and he doesn't really need a large sensor, then a Canon Powershot or G series is probably a better idea.

If it's the latter, a3000 because there are decent E-mount lenses out there and for not that much more money, he's getting APS-C rather than the Nikon's 1" sensor.

 

[js81]

If it's the latter, a3000 because there are decent E-mount lenses out there and for not that much more money, he's getting APS-C rather than the Nikon's 1" sensor.

Thanks. That's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely interested in the bigger sensor. As for what he's wanting now and down the road, simply something "better," but with the option to change/expand as necessary. Definitely something more than a P&S (even than a very good one), so an ILC or DSLR is where I'm looking. Personally, I'd get the a3000 simply because of the viewfinder (albeit it digital - I'm not necessarily a fan of that) and hot shoe. His reason(s) - my daughter (the first grandchild, now almost 2) and my soon-to-come niece (the second granddaughter). He's missed a lot of shots with the old camera and he doesn't want to miss any more.

 

[js81]

So to be certain, we decided to just out-and-out ask him lol... Dad wants interchangeable lenses and a viewfinder, mostly. So I recommended the Alpha a3000 for $299. B&H was offering the 55-210 lens with it for $150, so he said he'd want that. Then we cross shopped Adorama and they had the Alpha a58 with kit and 55-200 lens for $498 - only $50 more than the B&H deal on the a3000. Any thoughts? My thoughts are that the a58 is a better camera and a-mount lens tend to be cheaper overall, but then again the a3000 would more than meet his needs AND save a few bucks.