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.

8/07/2013 Blackhawk Helicopter

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.

0506 Floatplane Weekend 2013Dislikes:

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.