Nikon 1 J5 Reptile Images

Reptiles can make fascinating photography subjects. Their prehistoric appearance and highly detailed skin can be quite amazing. When on holidays in warmer locations I do enjoy capturing images of wild reptiles. Of course one needs to be careful in such environments as many species are venomous.

For most of us, visiting a zoo can provide photographic opportunities that would otherwise be impossible. During a recent visit to the Metro Toronto Zoo I used one of my Nikon 1 J5’s to capture some reptile images.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 204mm, efov 552mm, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 204mm, efov 552mm, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-3200

Using a camera like the Nikon 1 J5 has some advantages as well as some challenges. The 20.8 MP BSI sensor in the J5 is quite a bit better than the Aptina sensors in my V2’s in terms of dynamic range and colour depth. This helps to create richer images in terms of colour.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 224mm, efov 604mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 224mm, efov 604mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO-3200

Unlike the V2, the Nikon 1 J5 does not have a low pass filter so images from the J5 are a tad crisper coming out of the camera.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 264mm, efov 712mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/100, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 264mm, efov 712mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/100, ISO-3200

This can help create a bit more skin detail with these types of images.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 192mm, efov 517mm, f/5.6, 1/80, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 192mm, efov 517mm, f/5.6, 1/80, ISO-3200

The added resolution of the Nikon 1 J5 at 20.8 MP compared to the 14.2 MP sensor in my V2’s, provides additional flexibility in terms of cropping potential.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 102mm, efov 276mm, f/5, 1/50, ISO-1600
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 102mm, efov 276mm, f/5, 1/50, ISO-1600

While I am getting used to using a camera without an EVF I find that I cannot hand-hold the J5 at quite as slow shutter speeds as is possible with my V2’s.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 70mm, efov 189mm, f/5, +0.3 step, 1/200, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 70mm, efov 189mm, f/5, +0.3 step, 1/200, ISO-3200

There are advantages having a flip screen on the back of a camera. My wife was sitting on a low bench and happened to notice this reflected image. By holding the J5 down low and tilting the screen I was able to capture the above photograph.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 183mm, efov 494mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/1000, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 183mm, efov 494mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/1000, ISO-3200

One of the things I’ve always loved about the Nikon 1 system is the fast and accurate auto-focus. The Nikon 1 J5 has 171 auto-focus points compared to 135 in my V2’s.  This provides a bit more opportunity for precise auto-focusing of images.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 258mm, efov 695mm, f/5.6, 1/40 ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 258mm, efov 695mm, f/5.6, 1/40, ISO-3200

I’m still not as diligent as I need to be double-checking my camera settings before I capture images. Sometimes I nudge the PASM dial when I put a J5 nose down in my camera bag and change my shooting mode. The odd time I activate the WiFi control inadvertently, and I sometimes adjust exposure compensation rather than move the single auto-focus point around.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/80, ISO-1600
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/80, ISO-1600

These types of operator errors should reduce as I become more familiar and disciplined when using my J5’s.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, 1/160 ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, 1/160, ISO-3200

I’m certainly pleased with the performance of my pair of Nikon 1 J5’s. They will constitute 2/3 of my ‘travel kit’ bodies for future adventures.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/60, ISO-3200
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300mm, efov 810mm, f/5.6, +0.3 step, 1/60, ISO-3200

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