Outdoor Ontario
Photography => Equipment and Technique => Topic started by: Michael Tam on February 10, 2012, 11:25:01 AM
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The hands-on preview of the all new Nikon full-frame D800 with the 36 MB sensor ends all rumors of the possible spec of this new generation of Nikon DSLR body. Please read the details below, then check the updates of your bank account :lol: :
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikonD800/ (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikonD800/)
Not to forget the flag-ship D4 where much of the technologies are shared with the D800:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/779991 ... -overview/ (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7799914638/nikon-d4-overview/)
Good birding and photography.
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In reviewing the experience with the Nikon D3X with 24.5 MB sensor back in 2009, several observations were drawn from the conclusions of the In-depth Review by DP review below:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3x/page33.asp (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3x/page33.asp)
In specifics, quote: "The class-leading image detail comes at a price though. A 14-bit RAW+JPEG image occupies 30MB + on your memory card and this inevitably has an impact on in-camera processing, buffering and continuous shooting. Having said that the D3X's five frames per second (12-bit RAW and JPEG) in continuous shooting will still suffice for most applications, and if they don't you can always switch to DX mode to speed things up and shoot 10.5 megapixel images at seven frames per second. It's not quite D3 speed but still impressively fast.
The other area in which the D3X, mainly because of its pixel-denser sensor, can't quite keep up with the D3 is the high ISO performance (and that's not really a surprise). The D3X is designed for 'high resolution' applications such as studio or landscape photography' and low light is not really its natural environment; nevertheless it still offers a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400 and, despite its pixel-packed sensor, delivers surprisingly good results at higher sensitivities......"
Another consideration observed was that the high density sensor began to test the resolution of the quality of the lens optics as this quote from Nikon D800 Brochure: " To best draw out the full potential that a 36.3 megapixel camera can offer, lens quality is of vital importance. Even subtle differences in optical performance make a difference when utilizing such a large pixel count..." One may infer that an investment of top quality optics may be prudent to go hand in hand with the all new D800 36.3 MB sensor, or otherwise it may become a counter-productive exercise. As a result, for Bird Photography application, one must take into consideration the parameters of continuous frame rate, high ISO performance and lens quality while looking forward to the new D400 APS-C format DSLR body.
Good birding and photography.
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To understand further the relationship between the "sensor system", not just the pixel density and the lens quality, I found this link from Photozone on Lens Test FAQ has much to be learned with regard to this issue:
http://www.photozone.de/lens-test-faq (http://www.photozone.de/lens-test-faq)
In partular, quote: "Q: Are the figures comparable between cameras or different systems ? It depends on the similarities between the image sensor system. A sensor SYSTEM contains the image sensor with or without micro-lenses, an IR filter, a low-pass (Moire) filter and the signal processing. As you can imagine the output quality is largely dependent on the whole chain on not just on the amount of megapixels."
Further, quote: "Q: Why are the quality ratings different from system to system ? As mentioned above the lens quality is affected by the sensor "system". Every additional step in the pipeline decreases the output quality, specifically the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. Assuming you mount the same lens on different system its maximum resolution will vary according to the max. quality of the sensor system."
Finally, quote: "Q: Will the resolution increase with new sensor related technologies ? To some degree - yes. Assuming the manufacturers will find a way to get rid of the sensor low-pass filter there'll be a substantial gain for instance. Some lenses will also benefit from higher megapixels specifically in the center. However, a lens with a mediocre border performance will only marginally benefit from such measurements. Assuming optimal conditions I would guess that some lenses have the potential to go up to 20mp on APS-C but only with their center portion.
More food for thought when stretching the neck in looking out for the all new D400 APC-S DSLR.
Good birding and photography.
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This elaborate Nikon D800 Brochure will further wet your "must have the latest" appetite and be stupefied from any irrelevant issue with the banking system, please sit down to enjoy reading the following:
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d8 ... 00_28p.pdf (http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d800/pdf/d800_28p.pdf)
Be prepared to invest into large capacity CF cards since the spec described an 8 GB card holds just 133 NEF (RAW) lossless compressed, 12 bit image. That's when the Transcend brand of CF card recommended to me comes into the picture with its very reasonable price.
Good birding and photography.
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When comparing the spec of the D4 with the D800, it is immediately apparent that the two bodies are designed for photographers with a different application. The D4 is built for speed with 10-11 fps at 16.2 MB while the D800 is built for details as in landscape and studio applications with 4 fps at 36.3 MB. Please see the details of the Nikon D4 Brochure below:
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/pdf/d4_12p.pdf (http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/pdf/d4_12p.pdf)
As for the D800 and D800E, there are further descriptions in the following links below:
http://photo.net/equipment/nikon/D800/preview/ (http://photo.net/equipment/nikon/D800/preview/)
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d800A.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d800/nikon-d800A.HTM)
http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800.htm (http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800.htm)
For the "die hard" other than Canon and Nikon, here is the offerings by the other manufacturers as well:
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear ... dslrs.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/cameras/the-new-breed-of-dslrs.html)
So please continue to stretch your neck out for the new Nikon D400 APS-C format DSLR release in the near future before the "must have" appetite overtakes all senses.
Good birding and photography.
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With the excitement of the release of two very different new generation of Nikon DSLR, the D4 and D800, it is interesting to hear what the various professionals think of the technical improvements of these new bodies:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/289686 ... nals-think (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/2896866820/nikon-d4-d800-what-do-the-professionals-think)
One have to make a guess of the possible spec of the D400 APS-C format body. Well, stay tune for more news.
Good birding and photography.
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As a comparison with the offering from Canon, this is the preview of the all new 5D Mark III full-frame DSLR for your enjoyment:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkiii (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkiii)
Good birding and photography.
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For those who enjoy the video feature of your DSLR, this in-depth article compares the all new Nikon D800 against the Canon 5D Mark III by a professional photojournalist:
http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2012/04/ ... -5d-mkiii/ (http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2012/04/01/video-shootout-nikon-d800-vs-canon-5d-mkiii/)
Good birding and photography.
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For those who has not placed an order :twisted: for the world's highest mega-pixels 35mm format DSLR, the following detail article reviewing the all new Nikon D800 may help with your decision:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d800-d800e/ (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d800-d800e/)
Good birding and photography.
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For those who are still undecided to move into the new era of "medium format" sensor in a traditional DSLR body, look no further than this Nikon D800 or D800E. This lengthy article should help with your decision process whether it is for you:
http://www.bythom.com/nikond800review.htm (http://www.bythom.com/nikond800review.htm)
For a second body in APS-C format while you are at it, there is the Nikon D7000 at 1/3 the cost of the above or wait for the "D400" arrival:
http://bythom.com/nikond7000review.htm (http://bythom.com/nikond7000review.htm)
Good birding and photography.
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For those thinking of moving to FX or full-frame format in your photography but was held back by the price tag, Nikon just announced the all new D600 FX DSLR with 24.3 MP sensor for the price of $2,099.
Please sit down to enjoy reading the following:
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog ... -2099.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog/christopher-robinson/2012/09/nikon-d600-announced-full-frame-dslr-for-2099.html)
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d600/ (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d600/)
http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm#comp (http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm#comp)
Good birding and photography.
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Before you check into your piggy bank under the mattress, the all new Nikon D600 FX DSLR brochure may help you solidify the "must have" appetite:
http://chsvimg.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d6 ... 00_20p.pdf (http://chsvimg.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d600/pdf/d600_20p.pdf)
Here is another hands-on preview by Imaging-Resource.com:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d600A.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d600/nikon-d600A.HTM)
Enjoy your reading before heading downtown.
Good birding and photography.
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Not to be outdone by its rival, Canon also announced an equivalent step-down version, EOS 6D with 20.2 MP full-frame sensor for a price of $2,099.
For the Canon users, please sit down to enjoy reading the following:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-6d/ (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-6d/)
http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm (http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm)
Good birding and photography.
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The studio and Nikkor 24-85 mm f3.5-4.5 ED lens sample gallery is now available for comparison against Canon equivalent DSLR performance. This may help you to get set out the door to enter the full-frame era:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d6000 (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d6000)
Good birding and photography.
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The new generation of DSLR by the major manufacturers, namely Nikon, Canon and Sony are trending towards the full-frame configuration. The advantage for full-frame can readily be seen if one take a comparison shot wih a crop-frame and a full-frame DSLRs, This is particularly true in landscape and portrait photography.
The following article helps to further understand the development strategies by the various DSLR competitors on their full-frame CMOS sensors:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/20 ... sony-dslrs (http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/10/25/full-frame-under-the-microscope-chipworks-examines-canon-nikon-sony-dslrs)
Good birding and photography.
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With the release of the "affordable" FX format D600, it brings the dilemma for those deciding between a FX D600 or the new DX "D400".
If there any doubt about the merit of full-frame sensor, one only have to trial through a portraiture comparison with the best DX APS-C format DSLR body, the D7000 against any of the FX format DSLR bodies, including the D700, the D800 and now the D600. It is immediately apparent in the refined details, texture and tonality even through to extreme low light condition with the full-frame sensor.
This in-depth review of the Nikon D600 full-frame DSLR will be helpful with your decision:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d600 (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d600)
Good birding and photography.
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For me having all DX lenses, it makes more sense to continue using DX bodies. You can use a DX lense on a FX body but with slighty different results.
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It is indeed very true that one can use an APS-C or DX (for Nikon) and EFS (for Canon) format lens on a FX or full-frame DSLR. For old timers like ourselves started in the film days, all lens produced were "FX" by definition. Also like the majority of us entering the digital era through the APS-C format, the single "inconvenience" is the crop factor, ie the conversion factor for Canon at 1.6x and Nikon at 1.5x as well as the loss of the wide angle perspective. Conversely, for bird photographers, there is the welcoming gain in the telephoto perspective. However, with the entry to FX format DSLR, a 50mm lens is once again a 50mm lens :|
To under the detail of the APS-C format that resulted in the crop factor issue, the following article is very helpful to illuminate the various facets of this interesting phenomenon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_factor)
To understand further the nature of the APS-C or DX format lens, the following short reference may be helpful with future investment decisions:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-lenses.htm (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-lenses.htm)
Good birding and photography.
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In order to satisfy the ever demanding need of the "must have the latest" appetite, whether it be the I-Pad 2 or the new New I-Pad, one must always be alert of the Jones as to maintain a sense of belonging :twisted: .
This is what could happen to you with a momentary lapse of diligence in this pursuit:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/20 ... r-mark-iii (http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2012/11/30/lioness-samples-5D-mark-ii-still-holding-out-for-mark-iii)
Good birding and photography.
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To further understand the modern lens made for the Full-frame, APS-C, two-thirds and other formats camera body, the following article may be helpful to illuminate the confusing path:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/916205 ... -buying-gu (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9162056837/digital-camera-lens-buying-gu)
Good birding and photography. Not to forget, a Happy Holiday greetings :) .
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If one has any doubts or confusions about the various thirds, mirrorless or superzooms, this primer may be helpful to recentre one's energy ("take a deep breath and say UM... :| ) towards to old fashion and trusted DSLR:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/956670 ... igital-slr (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9566705626/buying-a-digital-slr)
Good birding and photography.
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The all-new Nikon D600 FX full-frame DSLR was released together with the equivalent Canon EOS 6D, bringing the full-frame affordability index into the consumer price friendly territory. Please sit down to enjoy reading the following comprehensive review of the Nikon D600 FX DSLR by imaging-resource:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d600A.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d600/nikon-d600A.HTM)
If there is any question about all the competing full-frame format DSLR in the market, please read the following comparison chart of all available models below:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/compari ... -dslrs.htm (http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/2012-04-dslrs.htm)
Good birding and photography.....(may be Christmas or Happy Holiday shopping :idea: ).
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The world's highest megapixel full-frame DSLR, the Nikon D800 and D800E, have set the benchmark for image quality in a great variety of professional application. The following article by imaging-resouce reviewed the D800E as the world's highest resolution DSLR currently available in the market:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... d800eA.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d800e/nikon-d800eA.HTM)
Good birding and photography in 2013.
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The all new Nikon D800E is for all intent and purpose, is currently the world's highest resolution DSLR in the market. The following article by JR GEOFFRION, a professional engineer and wedding photographer, will be very helpful to understand further into the physics of resolution of the DSLR camera:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutor ... myst.shtml (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/res-demyst.shtml)
Good birding and photography.
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With the trend of introducing consumer price friendly full-frame DSLR, one would need to gain an understanding what is the fuss about the size of the image sensor. The following article provided a visual illustration of the comparative size difference and the details behind a modern digital sensor within your camera:
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/techni ... ained.html (http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/techniques/features/guides/494429/sensors-explained.html)
Good birding and photography.
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Nikon announced two new lens, one wide angle for the FX format while the other a Big Glass for the bird photographers in either DX/FX format. Please enjoy reading the descriptions below, then verify the account balance :twisted: before the next bird photography expedition:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/29 ... econverter (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/29/Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-18-35mm-F-3-5-4-5-G-ED-800mm-F5-6-E-FL-ED-VR-with-TC800-1-25ED-Teleconverter)
Good birding and photography.
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The all new Nikon super-telephoto Big Glass has just been announced with an impressive specification (see MTF graphs) plus a dedicated 1.25x tele-convertor. The MSRP is an affordable $17,999 :twisted: :
http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/si ... /index.htm (http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/singlefocal/Telephoto/af-s_800mmf_56g_fl_ed_vr/index.htm)
Good birding and photography.
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The development of the modern digital camera is diverging from traditional DSLR (full-frame and APS-C) and P&S with 1/2.3" sensor into various sensor sizes and mirrorless formats.
The following articles are interviews with the representatives from Canon and Olympus may offer glimpse on how one should position in the investment of optics for the future:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/033632 ... saya-maeda (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0336328811/cp-2013-interview-with-canons-masaya-maeda)
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/789877 ... shi-terada (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7898773566/cp-2013-interview-with-olympus-toshi-terada)
Good birding and photography.
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If there is much indecision about entering the FX realm, the newly released Nikon D600 in-depth review may boost one's confidence to take this leap:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d600A.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d600/nikon-d600A.HTM)
Good birding and photography.
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With the Nikon D600 off the mark by several months earlier, the Canon 6D full-frame DSLR is available for the same price. However, based on the initial preview on dpreview.com, there is a philosophical difference in the approach between the two companies in the offering of a consumer friendly (in price) full-frame DSLR.
Please enjoy reading the in-depth review of the Canon 6D DSLR below:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-6d/ (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-6d/)
As for the price offering, the current list price as shown below:
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=7007&category_id=9&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)
Good birding and photography.
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A Nikon Lens Rebate program is currently available for those interested in a new lens for their optics collection:
http://www.cameraegg.org/up-to-350-off- ... available/ (http://www.cameraegg.org/up-to-350-off-nikon-lenses-instant-rebates-now-available/)
It is now confirmed that the Nikon D7000 is being discontinued by the manufacturer as seen below. Therefore the end production price of $799 is probably one of the lowest price before it is no longer available. One must now decide whether "must have the latest" is more important or an excellent product at a good value is desirable. Please read this notice by Adorama and the sale price of $799 at Downtown Camera and Merkle Camera:
http://www.cameraegg.org/nikon-d7000-li ... amazon-de/ (http://www.cameraegg.org/nikon-d7000-listed-as-discontinued-on-amazon-de/)
http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php ... t&Itemid=2 (http://www.downtowncamera.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3911&category_id=10&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=2)
Good birding and photography.
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Nikon announced the released of the all new Nikon D7100, 24.1 MP CMOS sensor, DX format DSLR. The suggested list price is $1,229.95, for those with the "must have the latest" appetite. Please read the description of this new upgrade from Nikon Canada:
http://en.nikon.ca/Nikon-Products/Produ ... D7100.html (http://en.nikon.ca/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/1513/D7100.html)
For those seeking value, the current sale of the D7000 at $799 at Downtown Camera and Merkle Camera should be considered before it is no longer available.
Good birding and photography.
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The all-new Nikon D7100 features a 24.1 MP sensor, 51 AF focus points similar to the D300s, a 3.2" LCD with a high resolution 1,228,800 dots display, Wi-Fi compatibility, absence of low-pass filter and an interesting 1.3x crop mode. Please sit down to enjoy reading the following articles about this new Nikon DX format DSLR:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/02/21 ... ass-filter (http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/02/21/Nikon-launches-D7100-24MP-mid-range-DSLR-with-51-point-af-and-no-optical-low-pass-filter)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7100.htm (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7100.htm)
Good birding and photography.
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The all-new Nikon D7100 DX format DSLR is described in Europe as the flag-ship DX format body, meaning there may not be a replacement for the D300s in the horizon. With the price difference between the D7100 at $1,229 and the D600 at $2,099, the new model may represent a merge of the D7000 and D300s into a single serious upgrade.
The following articles by dpreview and imaging-resource offer much description of this exciting new model, two and a half year after the introduction of the successsful D7000. Please relax to enjoy reading these previews:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d7100/ (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d7100/)
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... d7100A.HTM (http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/nikon-d7100/nikon-d7100A.HTM)
Good birding and photography.
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With the introduction of the Nikon D7100 24.1 MP DX (APS-C) format DSLR, there is rumor that a D400 may still be in the horizon towards the summer to fill the gap of a "pro-DX" body. However, with the landscape of full-frame format DSLR expanded into the price-friendly territory, one may explore the benefits of full-frame once considered out-of-reach by great many.
The following article examines the collection of full-frame bodies by all the major manufacturers currently available in the market:
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear ... -work.html (http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/cameras/full-frame-dslrs-for-landscape-master-work.html)
Good birding and photography.
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What is the latest pro DSLR in terms of features and needs? For Canon, it is the EOS 1DX and for Nikon, it is D4. In the following article, it explains if a pro-grade DSLR is what may suit one's taste:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/422064 ... tographers (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/4220647313/pro-dslrs-pro-photographers)
Good birding and photography.