Who and what camera is taking these photos?!

[btrain]

Hey guys,

I often see beautiful boat pics on here with the Scream and Fly name at the bottom of the photo and I'm wondering who is taking them and with what camera. Here's a few examples...

http://i35.tinypic.com/vgtzk1.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t117/Randycorson/011.jpg

Thanks.

[Jo Boone]

man, them are some clean pic

[jphii]

Greg, with a Nikon.

[pyro]

Greg uses Nikon bodies and lenses, usually a D300 with a 2.8 70-200 VR or 2.8 80-200

I used a Nikon D80 and a 2.8 70-200 VR for these...

http://i27.tinypic.com/10hngi0.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/9jj7z7.jpg

-Chad

[btrain]

Very nice, Pyro. In the first of your two pictures how much customization did you do to the camera settings, or are the camera settings set at default settings? I'm not an advanced photographer as you can probably tell :) and I'm looking for a new digital SLR in the $1-2k range, and I want to take pictures like the ones above without adjusting the camera a lot (is that even possible?).

Here are the cameras I'm considering...
Canon Rebel T1i
Canon 50D
Canon 7D (new model)
Nikon D5000
Nikon D90
Nikon D300s (new model)

I don't have lenses so I'm not partial to either brand. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

[pyro]

Aperture priority, iso250, f/4.5, 1/2500, ev -0.7, at 200mm. Slightly cropped.

Each scene you shoot is a little different. Not all boats are the same color, the weather changes by the minute, and it all affects settings. In the shot above, there was HAZY sun, so I used some extra ISO boost to keep the shutter sheed high, and a fairly low aperture value for a reasonably short depth of field. The bow of the boat is actually a little out of focus. Side-by-side racing requires a higher ap value, and even more ISO or available sunlight.

These camera require user input. The ones that work "OK" in full auto mode are aimed at the consumer market, and they usually compromise the quality of your work, or they make mistakes in certain situations.

Go with the D90 or the D300 if you want real user control, not just a big expensive camera. :)

[Hippie459MN]

Pyro, I was just looking at your Flickr photos and man, Them are some nice pictures. Are they all shot with the D80? Also, That camera does do raw correct? I am looking to replace my D50 one of these days that someone wanted more than me. Stupid thieves. :(

[skate]

Brian,

Here is a photo I made with my phone camera! You might recognized the boat.

Sam

180417

[skate]

Brian,

Here is the Nikon D 40 with a 2.8 70-200 VR, It is more use friendly for the novice which I am and has multiple auto settings. I also have the D 300 and a Sigma 300-500 Telephoto with vibration reduction. It will reach out there if you are a distance away. The D300 is very heavy if you are holding it for a while and lugging it around. I use a mono pole to help hold it steady and deal with the weight. the D 300 shoots 6 frames per second so you can ussually capture the action.

Sam

180419

[skate]

180420

[skate]

Washington Scientific Camera is in Seattle and they have everything you need. They will set up the camera and let you try it out.

[Fish]

D80 is a nice camera, although i just proved last weekend that they are not water-proof.:(

Nice shots Pyro, you are really getting the hang of your camera and making it work for you.:thumbsup:

[btrain]

Hey Sam! The boat looks great man. Nice to see you're having fun with it.

Thanks for the info on the cameras. I'll check out Washington Scientific Camera this week. And nice shot of the youngster on the tube - that's a good grip he has :)

I've been looking at lenses and I have a question for everyone. Nikon and Canon make an all-in-one type of lens (18-200mm) and I'm wondering if I'll truly notice a difference by going that route instead of getting a couple lenses like an 15-55mm and and 70-300mm just for example. I know there's a lot more to the lens than just that, but would I be able to take similar pics to the original ones I posted above with the 18-200mm lens?

And another question - Is the Nikon 70-200mm that you guys are referring to the lens that's around $1,800? http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2139/AF-S-VR-Zoom-NIKKOR-70-200mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html

Thanks.

[skate]

Brian,

Sigma lens are alot less expensive and get the job done. I have mine at the office and will give you the details on it tomorrow.

My son has the D40 with a 18-135mm lens. It is fine for close stuff. The lesser expensive cameras like the D 40 do not have motors to drive the auto focus on the lens. The auto focus motor feature is in the lens. With my D 300 it will drive the lens and therefore the 500 mm will auto focus. on fast moving objects the focus can be the problem. Sometimes I just set the focus and shoot at the same spot. Again I am a novice the guys at SSC will be able to set you up.

I would spend my money on the lens. You can always get a better camera as you skills improve.

Sam

[jphii]

These were taken with a D50 & a Tamaron 70-300. You can get decent pictures with he cheaper lenses, bu the Nikon 70-200 or 80-200 is the way to go if you can afford them:

http://i27.tinypic.com/1fyfph.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/aubbdi.jpg

[skate]

Brian,

Check out the Sigma50-500mm 1:4-6.3APO DG HSM. It is a lot less expensive and has a very wide range. It will reach out and touch those boats and their "Deck Jewelry". Nikons Nikkor are betterbut a lot more expensive. get a mono pole to attach to the lens. It will save your back and neck.

Sam