Nikon V1 Arrives

I have been a huge fan of the Nikon 1 series since they were first released.  There was only one issue with them in my opinion, and that was price. Due to current market conditions, Nikon V1s can be found for an absolute steal.  I was able to acquire a vintage V1 with the little 10/2,8 lens for less than $300 including shipping.   

I have some very specific goals and objectives for this little camera.  As many know, I am a devout Nikon D800 shooter and Zeiss lover.  However, the weight of that kit is very limiting when traveling light.  It is also an expensive system and one that I am not willing to jeopardize while out on the water in the Kayak.  The little V1 fills a very specific niche in my opinion.  It is small in size, takes great images with a very film like capability and more importantly, has the best AF of any mirrorless camera available. 

My intention is to pair the V1 with an Outex cover and use that setup as my hand held kayak camera.  The reach of the 1" cropped sensor along with the snappy AF system should provide me with plenty of capabilities while shooting on-water events.

On the bike, my intention is to use this as my go to 'grab' camera.  The one that is rugged and reliable and capable of shooting super slow motion video, fast hand held shots and other quick grabs where I might previously have used a GoPro.  The fact that you can get these bodies so inexpensive, doesn't make them throw away, but it does minimize the risk associated with using the camera in this manner.

As I go through the process of learning the camera I will  share my thoughts and images.  For now, here is a series of images, shot today, straight out of the camera in B&W.  The only processing applied was light sharpening when they were exported from LR.  I don't know, they look pretty nice to me.