Not just Nikon

Moderated by: chrisbet,

New D800 owner

Author	Post

Posted by glocke12: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 03:33

1^st Post

Finally made the jump to FX. Started out with a D40 in 2006 and upgraded to a D7000 in 2011.

Overall, I was fairly happy with the D7000, but over the years I acquired some of the better Nikon glass (24-70, and 70-200), and finally decided to go with an FX camera to take advantage of that. I also was attracted to the increased dynamic range and sharpness the D800 offered.

Now however I am wondering if I should have just sucked it up and spent the extra $200-$300 for the D800E ? I did do some research and weighed the pros and cons of each, and initially did not think the extra money for the E version was worth spending based on reports I read that the difference would only be noticeable under certain conditions. The fact that I could put that money towards a better tripod than what I currently have was also a deciding factor.

Posted by jk: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 05:17

2^nd Post

Hi Glocke12, Welcome to the forum.

I have the D800 and also the D600 but I still use my D3 and D3S for everyday work. I use the D600 more as the D800 is very demanding on your technique.

Where you might have got sharp looking results with the D7000 at 1/100 you now need to use a stop faster (1/200) as any little shake seems to really take the edge of the camera's sharpness. For me the D600 (24MP) provides a better balance of MP and size of files but the D3 and D3S at 12MP are no slouches.

Enjoy the D800 but a tripod may be its best friend!

____________________
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Posted by glocke12: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 06:14

3^rd Post

Thanks Jonathan.

Is there any specific reason you went with the D800 over the D800E?

Posted by jk: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 08:48

4^th Post

I didnt think that the presence or otherwise of the AA Filter really makes for 'better' images. There may be some benefits but there are also some downsides as well.

One of the other members here got the D800E. I really dont think that paying extra for the removal of an Anti-Aliasing filter is a worthwhile exercise for notional extra sharpness (since it is a removal the D800E product should be less expensive, not more so!).

The same extra sharpening can be achieved in post processing. I use Wavelet Sharpening plugin in AfterShot Pro (ASP) from Corel. I also use Capture One Pro as the support for ASP from Corel is abysmal. I will not purchase an upgrade from Corel if it is offered.
I am not aware if there is a similar plugin for Photoshop or Lightroom5. In fact I did and found that CS5 had the technology built in but not well described. It is called

There is more on the AA filter and the Why and Why Nots of the AAF here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aliasing_filter
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/the_naked_sensor.shtml
http://petapixel.com/2013/01/30/to-omit-an-alias-filter-is-like-building-a-sports-car-with-no-brakes/

As you will see there are different pinions but nothing definitive only theoretical.
I am used to working with theory but like to be able to measure results.

For me I cant see any major differences. Yes some images are sharper or seem sharper but in reality this is marginal and the lack of an AA filter can lead to horrible moire.

That said I havent seen moire demonstrated by my Fuji XE1 or XPro1. Since Fuji have gone the no AA route in the XTrans sensor and I am happy with the results from my APS-C camera (XPro1 and XE1) versus a FX camera with AA filter (Nikon D3, D3S). It may be the XTrans layout that is reducing the moire as well as AA filter.

I think it is at present really unproven but Nikon seem to be embracing it big time but Canon dont seem to be as aggressive with the no AA filter stuff.

____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none

Posted by Eric: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 11:33

5^th Post

jk wrote:
Hi Glocke12, Welcome to the forum.

I have the D800 and also the D600 but I still use my D3 and D3S for everyday work. I use the D600 more as the D800 is very demanding on your technique.

Where you might have got sharp looking results with the D7000 at 1/100 you now need to use a stop faster (1/200) as any little shake seems to really take the edge of the camera's sharpness. For me the D600 (24MP) provides a better balance of MP and size of files but the D3 and D3S at 12MP are no slouches.

Enjoy the D800 but a tripod may be its best friend!
You've got more bodies than my local camera shop...oh hang on....they went bust last year.

:lol:

All the evidence I have seen suggests that you really only see the 'benefit' from removing the antialiasfilter if you use a tripod and prime lenses.

The extra sharpness is there, it's just that technique is the deciding factor as to whether it's noticeable.

And as that means being on your 'best practise' behaviour every time you shoot with it, I can't see that happening ....at least ....I wouldn't drag a tripod everywhere.

____________________
Eric

Posted by jk: Sun Dec 22nd, 2013 12:13

6^th Post

Eric, If I list all the bodies then I really would have more than your shop! That is why they went bust, not enough stock and too few customers.

Current Inventory
Film = F3, F301
Digital SLR = D1X, D70IR, D70 (underwater), D70S (underwater), D90 (underwater), D300 (underwater), D700, D3, D3S, D600, D800
Mirrorless = Fuji XPro1, XE1, X100
Digital Compact/Bridge = Canon G12 (underwater), Nikon P510, Nikon P5000, Fuji F11 (underwater).

Just 20.

Yes I do use every single camera but some only occasionally.
The least used are the D70 and D70S as they are now replaced by the D300 and D90 in my underwater housings.
The film cameras are held for nostalgia and havent seen a film in 6 years!

I wont list the lenses as it is a long, long list!!

I agree about the technique thing. I hate dragging a tripod with me all the time. I dont mind doing it with a purpose (landscape pictures) or having in the car but I certainly wouldnt walk with one as some photographers do, and I know results from 'on tripod' compared with 'in hand' tend to be better. Laziness (or is it convenience) is a curse

____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none

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