Nikon 1 V1 for Aviation For me, the Nikon 1 V1 has become, after the firmware upgrade to the FT-1 adapter, a reasonably nice camera for capturing aviation images. Thus far, I’ve captured a variety of props, jets, sailplanes, floatplanes, helicopters, and even a blimp. And, those images included statics both on land and water as well as ground to air while panning handheld. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any air to air images yet.
What has the experience been like? For the most part, it’s been a pleasant journey learning how to capture aviation images with the Nikon 1 V1. Before the firmware upgrade for the FT-1, panning and obtaining a clear image was a real challenge. It kind of reminded me of the film days using a mostly manual camera. But, now, with the upgrade, capturing nice ground to air images has become much easier; assuming the use of reasonable panning skills. The V1 shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode.
In a nutshell, what specifically do I like and dislike about the Nikon 1 V1 for aviation:
Likes:
1. The Nikon 1 V1 is relatively small and light to carry. It has become my favorite carry camera.
2. It’s easy for me to carry even with a telephoto lens, like the AFS 70-300mm, attached.
3. Image quality seems quite good unless a 30×45 print is required.
4. With a little practice, it can be handheld and panned with slower shutter speeds to capture prop planes and helicopters with their props blurred.
Dislikes:
1. The Nikon 1 V1 requires more camera discipline than a my DSLRs. The controls move during normal handling so the photog must often check whether the settings are correct.
2. Panning in low light can be demanding for me since a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.
3. With a telephoto lens attached, handling can become a bit tricky. The small camera frame attached to the telephoto does not seem balanced to me.
Yeah, I still like the Nikon 1 V1. Would I only take it to an air show or fly-in and leave my DSLRs in the hangar? Well no, but I would take it as my specialty and backup camera every time. Again; what it does well, it does very well, for me.
Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.
