Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers | a 7 Image Story The Nikon 1 V3, and the V1 before it, travel very well. The camera body and lenses are relatively small and light. They fit easily into half of a briefcase allowing plenty of room for a computer and paper work. See my travel kit list below. The small kit means no extra bags are required. The first rule of the road warrior is two hands; no more than two bags.
The V3 captures a wide variety of image types quite well. It’s now my preferred carry camera for capturing images while traveling on business. It handles much like a DSLR in continuous mode. Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting; even when capturing images through an aircraft window. The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option. Thus, the V3 allows me to capture business and travel images as well as landscape, wildlife, and aviation images during time off work.
In a nutshell, what makes the Nikon 1 V3 suitable as a travel camera:
- The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry.
- With it’s 2.7 crop factor, it adds inexpensive reach to telephoto lenses.
- It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.
- Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.
- The tilting LCD reduces the time spent focusing those awkward angles.
- A short video makes a nice addition to some posts.
- Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.
The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs! The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs. The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct. Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise. The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky. The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much. Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens. Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera. Higher ISO images sometimes require a pass through noise reduction in post processing. Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care. Build quality is more consumer than professional. If dropped, it can break.
What’s next? Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad. A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera. It’s not yet clear what my next travel camera will be; maybe another V3.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Nikon 1 V3 for Travelers.
Click any image below for a slide show!
My Nikon 1 V3 travel kit easily fits into one side of my briefcase. The camera equipment includes a Nikon 1 V3 Body, Nikon FT-1 Adapter, 1 VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom, 1 VR 30-110mm f3.8-5.6, and sometimes, a AFS 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR. The supporting equipment includes a Nikon Speedlight SB-N5 Flash, Sun Sniper Shoulder Strap, extra Nikon EN-EL15 Batteries, extra SD Cards, and lens cleaning supplies. Find more Nikon 1 V1 and V3 experiences posted under IMHO.
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