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View Full Version : New Nikon DSLR coming in 20 days...



Scream And Fly
07-20-2006, 03:15 PM
Looks like the successor to the D70 - could be a D80 or D90? 10.2 megapixel, which is likely the same sensor that's in the D200. That means it could have 4-channel processing, which would make it a fast-writing camera to CF. I'm guessing a decent 3-4 FPS continuous shooting performance.

My guess is it will sell for $999, body only and $1299 with the 18-70DX lens. If so, it will be a KILLER deal at that price. If the body is constructed of mag-alloy, I'll get one as a backup for sure.

http://nikonimaging.com/global/

Trikki1010
07-20-2006, 04:25 PM
So this would be a good kick up from the 5700;)

Scream And Fly
07-20-2006, 04:34 PM
Heyyyy Rick!

A D50 blows away a 5700, so this should be much better, yes. But, a good lens is also important.

You can get this and send me more vacation pics :)

Greg

Trikki1010
07-20-2006, 04:40 PM
I was kickin' around moving up, the time to focus and processor downtime between clicks is annoying. :mad: :mad:

When I'm ready I will buzz ya to make sure I get what I'm supposed to:cool:

The cost of the DX2 is WOW:eek: :eek:

Head north young Jedi:cool:

Sharkey-Images
07-21-2006, 08:35 PM
Greg,

For some reason I had the Canon Rebel XT as one of your top choices and it has been in my head ever since... :confused:

Well I hope you think it is a good camera, I upgraded from my Kodak 4.0 Meg CX7430 today...

The Rebel to my surprise was not much larger than my older cameras.
But the lens? :eek:
Well......It's a Canon.... ;)

Scream And Fly
07-21-2006, 08:39 PM
Tim, the Rebel (350D) is a great entry-level DSLR that can produce awesome results. Yes, the camera body is very small - surprisingly small, actually. It's a great little camera though. Your skill and the lens is what really matters here - not so much the camera body. I'm sure Maureen will post on this thread - she shoots Canon, I shoot Nikon. I've used both, and both systems are great.

Not sure which lens you have there, but it looks like a push-pull EF100-400 F/5.6L. Good lens, but give it plenty of light.

Soon I'll have a feature article out on boat photography. :)

Greg

Sharkey-Images
07-21-2006, 09:08 PM
Yes the lens is correct. Canon EF100-400 F/1:4.5-5.6L Ultrasonic with Image Stabilizer.

Camera has the 8.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, Digic 2 image Processor, Shoots 3 frames per sec and a whole lotta other stuff that I will spend the next 10 years trying to figure out.....:D

Scream And Fly
07-21-2006, 10:23 PM
Maureen sometimes uses a Rebel for detail shots for feature tech articles. It's a nice little camera that does very well. She mainly uses a 20D for other stuff, which also works well.

Sharkey-Images
07-21-2006, 10:37 PM
This will certainly take some getting used to....

Almost like having another newborn in the house. I find myself cradling it the same way.... :D :D

Binger
07-21-2006, 10:40 PM
I finally got my Nikon DX AF-S 18-200 G ED VR after a 6 month wait, Now iguess i have to upgrade my D-50 with the new cam lol.

Scream And Fly
07-21-2006, 10:42 PM
I finally got my Nikon DX AF-S 18-200 G ED VR after a 6 month wait, Now iguess i have to upgrade my D-50 with the new cam lol.

Why upgrade the D50? It's a fantastic camera that's capable of professional results. The D50 is a great compliment to that lens.

Binger
07-21-2006, 10:47 PM
i was just playing, but i do have a sweet tooht for the latest and greatest.

Scream And Fly
07-21-2006, 10:48 PM
If you want the latest and the greatest, it's gonna cost you.... A lot. :)

What matters is the images you produce with the camera :)

Sutphil
07-24-2006, 08:39 AM
Binger,
Let me know if you decide to upgrade, I would be interested in a D50 body.

Scream And Fly
07-26-2006, 05:16 PM
Supposedly "leaked" photos of the new "D80". Who knows if they are real, but they appear so. If they are real, my assumption was correct in that this looks like a stripped down D200 - or rather, an enhanced D70. The strap rings hint at a polycarb body instead of mag-alloy.

Jay R.
07-26-2006, 10:53 PM
Sexy!!!!!

Aggressor Tom
07-31-2006, 08:02 PM
Greg,

For some reason I had the Canon Rebel XT as one of your top choices and it has been in my head ever since... :confused:

Well I hope you think it is a good camera, I upgraded from my Kodak 4.0 Meg CX7430 today...

The Rebel to my surprise was not much larger than my older cameras.
But the lens? :eek:
Well......It's a Canon.... ;)

Be careful with the big lens on the Rebel, the plastic bodies have a tendency to crack from the weight. I have a 20D with a 70-200 2.8, nice package.

Scream And Fly
08-01-2006, 11:52 PM
Be careful with the big lens on the Rebel, the plastic bodies have a tendency to crack from the weight. I have a 20D with a 70-200 2.8, nice package.

Yes - the Rebel is a plastic-bodied camera, but even with mag-alloy cameras, the lens should always be supported. With a large lens, If you must use one hand to handle it, pick it up by the lens, not the camera body.

Greg

Sharkey-Images
08-02-2006, 12:33 AM
After 1 week, I ended up buying a real nice tripod in which I mount the lens to it and the camera hangs from the lens.
It worked great out at the races this weekend!
I still need to learn the basics though.
It was overcast and it really shows in the pics.
I was able to get pics from a 1/2 mile away though! :eek:

Checkout this crash: Outboard Cat Crash Photos (http://pages.zdnet.com/sharkeymarine/powerboat/loan_shark.html)

Scream And Fly
08-02-2006, 12:38 AM
Looks good Tim. Try to stay away from the auto modes - I see you shot that using the "action" mode, which is alright, but you'll get much better results by putting more control in your hands using manual controls. The lens you have will struggle in low light, but it will get the job done. Lock your center focus point - I don't think that camera can spot-meter though. Good work though. Glad to see everyone was alright!

Greg

Sharkey-Images
08-02-2006, 12:53 AM
The 1st race I shot full auto. Then I tried the action mode which was a little better, but still not what I am sure this camera is capable of...

I don't know what spot metering is, but I know I was told I can adjust the different points in the lens to change the way the lens captures the picture. Such as coming at it at an angle and then bluring out what is to the one side.

The pics I took this weekend were in St Clair, Mi :Race Photos Link (http://pages.zdnet.com/sharkeymarine/powerboat/oss_photos.html)

The races I used the Canon, the Dry Pits area mostly the Kodak. I ended up with over 1,000 photos and several videos as well...

It starts to become real fun...

Funny thing is I had 2 emails come in today from 2 different magazines requesting photos that I took. :eek: I was in shock!

Scream And Fly
08-02-2006, 01:00 AM
Maureen is really the Canon person here, although I used her 20D at the River Ranch. Nice camera, but I don't really like Canon's autofocus system as much as Nikon's. That's just personal preference though - they are both very good, depending on the camera body, of course. :)

She mainly uses the 70-200 F2.8L IS, which is a nice lens. I use the Nikon counterpart, which is the 70-200 2.8 AF-S VR. In my opinion, those lenses are the best zoom lenses there are for sports. You should try one out - you'll like it a lot.

Taken with the 20D:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6315/0171we.jpg

Sharkey-Images
08-02-2006, 01:05 AM
How far away would you say you were when you took that?

With the offshore stuff, it gets a bit difficult finding a stable platform. St. Clair is perfect for it though...

Scream And Fly
08-02-2006, 01:10 AM
I was probably 300 feet away or so. Anything farther, and I have a 200-400 AF-S VR for, but I always hesitate to use something that large, especially when hand-holding the camera. 99% of the time, I can get myself close enough where the 70-200 is all the reach I need. The 70-200 focal length is generally considered the 'standard zoom' for sports photography. If I can't get close enough, I can crop a lot - the D2x is 12.4 megapixels and the D200 is 10.2. But, always try to get as close as possible. 8 megapixels is plenty headroom for cropping if you can't, though.

Greg

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/8085/gregphoto8kc.jpg

Sharkey-Images
08-02-2006, 01:26 AM
Yeah,
I found myself in the 200 range on the front stretch. But I did shoot some stuff all the way in the back stretch that I wasn't sure how they were going to come out. But they did ok! When I zoomed in on the pic, I found I could see the curtains on people's windows! :eek:

jphii
08-02-2006, 09:06 AM
She mainly uses the 70-200 F2.8L IS, which is a nice lens. I use the Nikon counterpart, which is the 70-200 2.8 AF-S VR. In my opinion, those lenses are the best zoom lenses there are for sports. You should try one out - you'll like it a lot.

Hey Greg, is 1600 a good price for that lens?

Scream And Fly
08-02-2006, 11:46 AM
Hey Greg, is 1600 a good price for that lens?

Joe - yes, $1600 is a GREAT price for it. Just make sure the store or website is legit and it's a USA model. :)

Greg

Aggressor Tom
08-02-2006, 12:02 PM
Maureen is really the Canon person here, although I used her 20D at the River Ranch. Nice camera, but I don't really like Canon's autofocus system as much as Nikon's. That's just personal preference though - they are both very good, depending on the camera body, of course. :)

She mainly uses the 70-200 F2.8L IS, which is a nice lens. I use the Nikon counterpart, which is the 70-200 2.8 AF-S VR. In my opinion, those lenses are the best zoom lenses there are for sports. You should try one out - you'll like it a lot.

Taken with the 20D:



http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/6315/0171we.jpg

Awesome camera set up or what? I took a bunch of photos on www.eventpictures.com (http://www.eventpictures.com/) wamplers, at one of the Michigan Hot Boat Association meets.

Scream And Fly
08-02-2006, 01:26 PM
Nice work. Here's another from a 20D:

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/9981/0128wy.jpg


Nikon D200:
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7018/0028um.jpg

Aggressor Tom
08-03-2006, 07:05 PM
The 1st race I shot full auto. Then I tried the action mode which was a little better, but still not what I am sure this camera is capable of...

I don't know what spot metering is, but I know I was told I can adjust the different points in the lens to change the way the lens captures the picture. Such as coming at it at an angle and then bluring out what is to the one side.

The pics I took this weekend were in St Clair, Mi :Race Photos Link (http://pages.zdnet.com/sharkeymarine/powerboat/oss_photos.html)

The races I used the Canon, the Dry Pits area mostly the Kodak. I ended up with over 1,000 photos and several videos as well...

It starts to become real fun...

Funny thing is I had 2 emails come in today from 2 different magazines requesting photos that I took. :eek: I was in shock!

SharkyMarine, I was in the Sunsation SS Open that followed the new 43 in and out of the river. Sunsation had a photo shoot with the helicopter for Extreme magazine and I took all the photos from the SS. I would have liked to have stuck around and took photos of the races.:)

Sharkey-Images
08-08-2006, 11:18 AM
SharkyMarine, I was in the Sunsation SS Open that followed the new 43 in and out of the river. Sunsation had a photo shoot with the helicopter for Extreme magazine and I took all the photos from the SS. I would have liked to have stuck around and took photos of the races.:)

If you haven't gotten to see the photos, checkout my site under the Photo Links page. Either OPA or OSS will have them!

Great venue you have out there! :)

Scream And Fly
08-08-2006, 06:57 PM
Well, here it is posted on Nikon Malaysia's site. As I thought, it looks like a D50/D70 upgrade. Might make a good backup for a D200 or D2x too. At this point, there's no real reason to buy the D70, that's for sure.

http://www.nikon.com.my/pagearticle.php?pageid=91

Slider
08-08-2006, 07:06 PM
I have this Canon Powershot SD300 that takes great still pics. But, when it comes to taking pics of boats at speed, it gets very grainy. Would either the D50 or D70 be an improvement?

Scream And Fly
08-08-2006, 07:13 PM
Mark, the D50/D70 will take photos that will blow away any point and shoot camera, as long as the photographer knows how to use it. They will produce professional results, and many full time pros use them. SLR cameras use much larger image sensors and dedicated lenses that are just capable of far, far more detail resolution.

SLR cameras also generally require a fair degree of understanding and practice to use well, but the D50 and D70 are VERY easy to use as far as SLR cameras go. Keep in mind that the lens is the real investment, not the camera body. I keep a D70 in my road case as a backup because it's relatively lightweight.

Greg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/46/cameracase9sq.jpg

pyro
08-08-2006, 07:13 PM
So, then, what does the D200 offer over the new D80?

Jay R.
08-08-2006, 07:15 PM
seems like the D80 is a stripped down version of the D200 which means that the D220 has more options and features.

Slider
08-08-2006, 07:17 PM
I took a photography class waaay back in high school and still have a basic understanding of SLR cameras. Thanks for the info!

Scream And Fly
08-08-2006, 07:21 PM
So, then, what does the D200 offer over the new D80?
Off the top of my head, and based on current availble D80 information:

1. Metering of AI/AIS lenses
2. Mirror lockup
3. Speed - 5.5 frames per second (vs. 3 FPS for the D80)
4. Magnesium-alloy body/weather sealing (D80 uses polycarbonate body)
5. Less shutter lag
6. Wireless transmitter available
7. GPS capability
8. Faster buffer, faster image processing engine
9. The D80 likely will not have all of the D200's advanced flash controls
10. Metering: The D200 has a 1005-pixel sensor for metering (same as D2x), whereas the D80 uses a 420-pixel sensor (same as D50)
11. The D80 will likely not have most of the D200's advanced image control features and menu system
12. The D80 is also missing a lot of the on-camera controls that the D200 has
13. The D200 has twice the top shutter speed of the D80 (1/8000 vs. 1/4000)

Judging from the 3 FPS output, it's a fair assumption that the D80 is using a slower 2-channel output system to offload the image sensor (vs. the D200's 4-channel system, same as D2x). That could mean better image quality in the highlights for the D80 in some situations, since 4-channel output can cause data sync issues which may result in minor banding in the image.

The D200 is a pro camera, built for pro assignments and abuse - the D80 is a 'prosumer' camera which will not be as durable in the field. BUT, the D80 will do more for most people than they will need. No doubt it will easily produce professional results.

hsbob
08-10-2006, 09:40 AM
that sums it closely. note the shutter lag, this is the first slr [ d80] that notes some lag. the write time to disk can be a killer. my d1x writes 10x faster than the d100, the d80 is slower than the d200.

Sharkey-Images
08-10-2006, 09:49 AM
Greg,
At what speed did you shoot that pic of the Allison ?:confused:

Scream And Fly
08-10-2006, 02:55 PM
that sums it closely. note the shutter lag, this is the first slr [ d80] that notes some lag. the write time to disk can be a killer. my d1x writes 10x faster than the d100, the d80 is slower than the d200.
All cameras have shutter lag - even film SLR cameras. The D1x has a shutter lag of about 40ms, which is about the same as the D200. I've seen tests that indicate a ~75ms shutter lag for the D1x as well. My guess is the D80 can clear its buffer much faster than the D1x. That's just a matter of updated technology. Also remember that the D80 shoots at twice the resolution as the D1x - it has to move very large files. That's why the D200 and D2x use 4-channel output to move data off the image sensor.

Of course the D80 is slower than the D200 - the D80 is a consumer model, while the D200 is a pro model.:) No real comparison as far as shooting performance and build quality. The D200 is much closer to a D2x than anything else - and it shares much of the D2x's controls and electronics as well.

Tim, I'm not sure which Allison photo you're referring to, but overall the photos from that day and time were spot-metered and shot at 1/2000 sec @ F4.

Greg

Ziemer
08-10-2006, 03:23 PM
Greg,

A little off-topic, but we just picked up a D200 here at work for taking pictures of a lot of our current projects. Any semi-quick setting tips on taking outdoor photos of larger houses and a few 10-12 story buildings? :cool: Mainly shot later morning and afternoon. ;) Stopped by Nikonians.org forum board earlier and found a spreadsheet for the D200 and some custom settings for some basic shooting modes, i.e. point & shoot, landscape, action, etc.

Sharkey-Images
08-10-2006, 03:33 PM
Thanks Greg!

Scream And Fly
08-10-2006, 03:51 PM
Well, the D200 doesn't really have much in the way of automatic modes, so there won't many situations where you can "set it and forget it". What lens are you using?

Greg



Greg,

A little off-topic, but we just picked up a D200 here at work for taking pictures of a lot of our current projects. Any semi-quick setting tips on taking outdoor photos of larger houses and a few 10-12 story buildings? :cool: Mainly shot later morning and afternoon. ;) Stopped by Nikonians.org forum board earlier and found a spreadsheet for the D200 and some custom settings for some basic shooting modes, i.e. point & shoot, landscape, action, etc.

Ziemer
08-10-2006, 04:02 PM
Let's see here... :D

Well, it's the basic 18-70 mm Nikkor lens. AF-S. 1:3.5-4.5 G Right now it looks to be set to the infinity symbol? We also got a 50-200mm.

Scream And Fly
08-10-2006, 04:06 PM
It all depends on what you want to shoot. If these images are of architecture and are critical, I would not use the 18-70, but you can make it work for you. Personally, I think they should have purchased a D50 - its images right out of the camera are stunning. The D200's images require post processing - like any other pro-level camera.

I'll be glad to help in any way I can though. You can also call me anytime - 321-684-4092.

Greg

Ziemer
08-10-2006, 04:14 PM
If it's cool I may call you a little later this evening, because I will have the camera with me. ;)

Thanks!

Sharkey-Images
08-12-2006, 12:58 AM
Here was one of the better photos I liked out of the bunch from the Poker Run:

The reflection of the white water off the hull on the bow is awesome!

Scream And Fly
08-12-2006, 01:44 AM
Nice photo!

jimmy johnston
08-13-2006, 07:25 PM
Hey Greg!

Hope everything is well with you. I was reading your post about the D200 requiring post processing. I have been wanting one for a while but, am not too sure of having to use photoshop, or some other software for working with every pic???

Right now, I am using Msoft Digital Image. Its fairly easy for me, but maybe I need to go ahead and take the Adobe plunge! My D70s is really neat, but I love the feel of the D200's body.

Jimmy

Sharkey-Images
08-13-2006, 07:48 PM
I tried messing with some settings today...

As we took a trip to Atlantic City I decided to see how the camera would perform on the way down. ISO was set @ 1600 w/AI Servo (whatever that means) but I tried it.... :D

I nailed this One Way at about 70-75 mph and the AC sign around the same. Both through glass!

A little grainy in full size with the AC sign but damn :eek: the One Way came out good! Not real sharp, but good for just snapping it off as i went by....:eek:

Other shots I fired off at the trees came out decent too!

Scream And Fly
08-13-2006, 07:48 PM
Jimmy,

Remember that processing an image is analogous to processing film. Whenever you take a roll of film somewhere to be processed, the photo lab will always add color corrections, etc. Pro digital cameras are generally designed to apply much less in-camera processing to the image, which allows the user greater control. There are in-camera settings for white balance (crucial for JPEG shooting), color saturation, sharpening, etc., but the amount of processing performed in the camera will not be to the degree that you would expect from a D50 or D70. The D50 actually has very punchy images right out of the camera, giving it a point-and-shoot feel with DSLR quality. Something that makes it very successful to new DSLR users. All DSLR cameras can shoot RAW files, which allow the most headroom for edits, since no in-camera processing is applied to them, and there is no compression.

Another thing to consider is, the D70's kit lens (18-70DX) is not well suited to the higher resolution CCD of the D200. The D200 really needs pro-level lenses to truly shine, and is much less forgiving to errors in photographic technique. Remember - greater resolution = greater detail = greater ability to reveal mistakes as well.

Bottom line is, I suggest you try one out and see what you think. The D200 is in a another world compared to the D70s, but it depends on the kind of shooting you do. The D200 is a pro camera that has pro camera controls, weight, and features. It will do just about everything a D2x can. Give one a try with one of your memory cards and see how you like it.

Greg

Sharkey-Images
08-13-2006, 07:57 PM
Greg,

I have been asked by the NJPPC "New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club" to do a Photo Shoot of Club Member's boats.

This endeavor is bringing me to new heights! :D

They are getting me a helicopter! :eek:

Now I realize, this will probably throw off anything that I have tried to take pics of before.
Usually I am stationary and the boats move by me at a high rate of speed.
Now both I and the boats will be moving!
Any suggestions ?
Perhaps my ISO may not need to be very high because I will be moving along with the boat I am shooting ?
Maybe I should have shot pics of the other cars today as well when I was trying it out....:rolleyes:
I look forward to your reply!
Thanks!

Scream And Fly
08-13-2006, 08:03 PM
Shooting from a chopper? Do you have a gyro stabilizer? They come in really handy in that situation. :)

As for your camera settings, that depends on your goals for the image(panning, freezing action, etc.) , your shooting platform, the subject, lens being used, available light, etc.

If it's cloudy or very hazy, you're gonna have a tough time with that 100-400 you have because of its variable aperture design. You can try using the image stabilizer, which may help, but I doubt it will overcome shakes from a helicopter. Like I said, it all depends on your shooting environment. The last resort is to increase the ISO.

If these images are critical, I would suggest renting a 70-200 2.8L IS USM (ideal lens for this) and/or a gyro for the day.

Greg

Sharkey-Images
08-13-2006, 08:24 PM
I have no idea what to expect.
There will be another guy in the copter shooting Video. "He's a professional".
Others have suggested the gyro as well, but for the small $$$ I have accepted to do this, it cuts into the earnings...
I am hoping for a bright day. I already saw what I can expect with over cast... :(
I would guess I would be panning and following along with the boats one at a time.

Final images I need to provide are 8X10 and then leave them the option should they want to blow them up even larger. The blow ups is really my only chance to earn something.

The only platform I see is me and the strap around my neck while belted in the helicopter...:D

Ziemer
08-14-2006, 02:02 PM
Jimmy,

Remember that processing an image is analogous to processing film. Whenever you take a roll of film somewhere to be processed, the photo lab will always add color corrections, etc. Pro digital cameras are generally designed to apply much less in-camera processing to the image, which allows the user greater control. There are in-camera settings for white balance (crucial for JPEG shooting), color saturation, sharpening, etc., but the amount of processing performed in the camera will not be to the degree that you would expect from a D50 or D70. The D50 actually has very punchy images right out of the camera, giving it a point-and-shoot feel with DSLR quality. Something that makes it very successful to new DSLR users. All DSLR cameras can shoot RAW files, which allow the most headroom for edits, since no in-camera processing is applied to them, and there is no compression.

Another thing to consider is, the D70's kit lens (18-70DX) is not well suited to the higher resolution CCD of the D200. The D200 really needs pro-level lenses to truly shine, and is much less forgiving to errors in photographic technique. Remember - greater resolution = greater detail = greater ability to reveal mistakes as well.

Bottom line is, I suggest you try one out and see what you think. The D200 is in a another world compared to the D70s, but it depends on the kind of shooting you do. The D200 is a pro camera that has pro camera controls, weight, and features. It will do just about everything a D2x can. Give one a try with one of your memory cards and see how you like it.

Greg


Deja Vu, It seems like I've heard this before. :D :D :D Thanks again for the help on the phone the other day. Hopefully, we'll get to a point of producing some pretty good pics. ;)

Scream And Fly
08-14-2006, 10:51 PM
Jeff, you'll have no problem producing good photos. Just take your time, practice, and practice. Call anytime.

Greg