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| Graham With D800 in USA | Rating: 
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Apr 15th, 2012 20:30 | 1st Post |
| My first post on our new forum I am at present on holiday in USA with my new Nikon D800 and will try and post some more pix later depending on internet. We are in a large hired motor-home that does 8mpg. Arrived at Monument Valley this evening so hope for some dramatic pix in morning. Attachment: BadLands1930.jpg (Downloaded 192 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by theman1050: Sun Apr 15th, 2012 21:36 | 2nd Post |
| Wow. Stunning image. Wicked sharp. Great composition and it looks like the D800 is living up to expectations.
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Apr 15th, 2012 22:37 | 3rd Post |
| This view taken in Arizona Badlands with 24-70mm AF-S Lens has remarkable fine detail when the full sized image is viewed. I have only had this new camera a few weeks and can say it is one of the best DSLRs that Nikon have produced to date. I have posted several more images from this trip on my website if members are interested: http://www.gwpmultimedia.com Hope to get more in Monument Valley in morning.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon Apr 16th, 2012 02:26 | 4th Post |
| Thanks Graham. Glad to see you over here. Stunning images but its all about the operator not the machine alone.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Apr 16th, 2012 22:12 | 5th Post |
| Today the D800 was working hard in Monument Valley. Good strong sunlight but not the ideal early or late light. I used the 24-70mm and 70-300mm lens. Attachment: MonVal1997.jpg (Downloaded 173 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Ray Ninness: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 16:25 | 6th Post |
| Nice stuff Graham.. The D800 looks very tempting!!! But I'm sad you didn't stop by and say hello on the way home :byebye:
____________________ Ray Ninness F8Photos.com Bedford, New Hampshire USA |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 20:22 | 7th Post |
| Ahother from M Valley Attachment: MonVal1967.jpg (Downloaded 160 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Apr 17th, 2012 23:10 | 8th Post |
| It's hard work adding pix in these remote places as internet is so slow. I have a few more pix on my website: http://www.gwpmultimedia.com The D800 is working very well but trying auto white balance in Monument Valley made pix too cold so in editing I reset the RAW file to Cloudy to give spot on colour of the red rocks.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Squarerigger: Wed Apr 18th, 2012 07:32 | 9th Post |
| Enjoyed the photos Graham, looks like you will be keeping the D800.
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by Ray Ninness: Wed Apr 18th, 2012 21:04 | 10th Post |
Did you have to Tip the Cowboy, he worked nicely into the image 
____________________ Ray Ninness F8Photos.com Bedford, New Hampshire USA |
| Posted by jk: Thu Apr 19th, 2012 07:59 | 11th Post |
 Graham is well prepared he was carrying these props as well. 
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Apr 21st, 2012 18:48 | 12th Post |
| Been out of internet for last few days at Capitol Reef amazing place. Camera working well but Auto Colour balance no better than my previous Nikons makes the red rocks too blue, good old subject failure. Using my normal settings and adjusting in Captur NX results are stunning from this camera. Now at Bryce Canyon. Attachment: Bryce2147.jpg (Downloaded 128 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Apr 21st, 2012 18:58 | 13th Post |
| Mule Deer in Capitol Reef Attachment: Mule-2080.jpg (Downloaded 129 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Iain: Sun Apr 22nd, 2012 04:54 | 14th Post |
| A nice set of shots Graham.
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun Apr 22nd, 2012 23:23 | 15th Post |
| Bryce Canyon today, colour I could hardly believe. This is almost as shot. I have so many good pix today but this is one of better. The D800 overexposed some of the time I think bright colour may have fooled the meter. Luckily I was keeping an eye on histogram and did another pix with -0.7 to fix problem. Wendy was having the same problem with her little V1 Nikon but she too is very pleased with her new camera. Attachment: Bryce2212.jpg (Downloaded 117 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 02:56 | 16th Post |
| Nice image Graham. I find in bright sun in Spain I have to shoot at -0.7 EV all the time. In some of the streets with white painted houses then I am down at -1.3 EV.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 11:54 | 17th Post |
| We are still at Bryce today so I think as default I will use -0.7 once again blue sky and very bright sun at 9000feet. I have not had time to look round our new web site but hope all going well. I will catch up when back in UK 3 May. I will internet as available try to keep this D800 thread going and hope members find pictures of interest. I have posted more on my web site http://www.gwpmultimedia.com Yes I am very impressed with the D800 auto focus can not be faulted and I have 4 lenses with me and they all work well but most of pix with the 24-70 f2.8 AF-S super lens! Macro 105 for flowers etc and 14-24 AF-S a bit but the little 300-70mm VR AF-S has been used a lot and produces great results from a medium priced lens and is not too much to carry on a trip like this. Will try and post some more pix tonight hope weather holds thunder forcast for today but sun now at 10.00am.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 12:08 | 18th Post |
| Makes for some spectacular lightning in the canyons photos! Good luck Graham.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Dave Groen: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 13:08 | 19th Post |
| Are there any sample D800 NEFs available? I've searched the web and only found some on a Russian server, which I am hesitant to access, and some shots of camera bags taken inside a store. I suspect these don't show its full capabilities. The D800 demands the best in technique and lighting to realize its full potential. I want to play with the conversion process to see if my old computer is up to the task. Sincerely, Dave without D800 in USA (but maybe with D800 some day) (and maybe with new computer if needed)
____________________ I started out with nothing and still have most of it left |
| Posted by Robert: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 13:47 | 20th Post |
| Perhaps Graham might drop an NEF in an eMail when he returns home, although it will be pretty big?
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Eric: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 13:58 | 21st Post |
Dave Groen wrote:Are there any sample D800 NEFs available? I've searched the web and only found some on a Russian server, which I am hesitant to access, and some shots of camera bags taken inside a store. I suspect these don't show its full capabilities. The D800 demands the best in technique and lighting to realize its full potential. It will be interesting to see if Graham feels he IS having to use best technique. I would like to see handheld results...because we know it will be good on a tripod. I wouldn't want to have a camera that needed a tripod.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 19:15 | 22nd Post |
| Still at Bryce today but move on in morning. Todays pictures I have been adding -1.3 and getting exposure much better first time. The brightness of the coloured rocks upsets meter a bit. Yes when I get back I can let people have a few NEFs to look at but they are very large and I will need to send then via disc in post. Attachment: Bryce2264.jpg (Downloaded 142 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 19:19 | 23rd Post |
| All pix I have posted are hand held but I take care with settings and try to keep shutter speed at 1/160 th or faster but using the D800 is just same as D3x only better!
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Dave Groen: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 19:37 | 24th Post |
| Graham, Thank you for the NEF offer. There is a service called "dropbox" for computers, iPads, and smart phones. You can drop large files there and they are accessible to anyone you choose. It's free for up to 2 GB storage. http://www.dropbox.com This link http://www.nikonusa.com/en_US/o/Y6wrkA9OU_z04IreazIXl_22UII/PDF/D800_TechnicalGuide_En.pdf suggests a tripod and mirror-up or LiveView to get maximum sharpness from a D800. There are comparisons showing blur from mirror bounce. Their example is from a 1 second exposure, though.
____________________ I started out with nothing and still have most of it left |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon Apr 23rd, 2012 20:18 | 25th Post |
| Contact me when I get back after 3 May be warnd they are large at 56mb each.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Tue Apr 24th, 2012 11:36 | 26th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote: Still at Bryce today but move on in morning. Todays pictures I have been adding -1.3 and getting exposure much better first time. The brightness of the coloured rocks upsets meter a bit.That is good Graham. Must be something extra reflective in the sand/stone of the rocks but if it works then that is good.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Apr 26th, 2012 18:06 | 27th Post |
| Also see my note on faulty EN-EL15 battery I had an "E" and had two days when I thought the D800 had gone mad. Done factory restore and camera now back to normal so hope no damage. Battery taken out of service and will be replaced N/C by Nikon UK on my return.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Apr 26th, 2012 20:34 | 28th Post |
| Grand Canyon we only had a few moments of sun this morning before the rain came and put an end to photography. As we drove South in our hired RV the rain turned to snow, yes snow in the desert but at 7000 feet. The D800 again getting exposure spot on even in difficult light like this. My two days of problems as stated with the faulty battery seem to be sorted after restoring factory defaults and re-entering my normal settings. Attachment: GrandCanyon2413.jpg (Downloaded 114 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu Apr 26th, 2012 20:37 | 29th Post |
| Previous day we were in Zion National Park but could not load this then as no internet! Attachment: Zion2302.jpg (Downloaded 113 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by richw: Fri Apr 27th, 2012 06:26 | 30th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Grand Canyon we only had a few moments of sun this morning before the rain came and put an end to photography. As we drove South in our hired RV the rain turned to snow, yes snow in the desert but at 7000 feet. Thats a beautiful shot Graham
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| Posted by jk: Fri Apr 27th, 2012 06:39 | 31st Post |
| Yes indeed the sky with the dark clouds is very attractive. Thom Hogan has just come back from rafting down the Colorado river.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Fri Apr 27th, 2012 10:56 | 32nd Post |
| We are now South of the Grand Canyon in Prescott Valley, Arizona and I get my railway fix today with a trip on Verde Canyon Railway. Good weather this morning sun no sign of the dramatic snow storms of yesterday. Still at 5000 feet so mild temp. Todays pix is our hired RV and Wendy at Capitol Reeef. Attachment: Motorhome2139.jpg (Downloaded 99 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Fri Apr 27th, 2012 16:02 | 33rd Post |
| Great RV for travelling around. Could fit a darkroom in there.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat Apr 28th, 2012 10:40 | 34th Post |
| On the last legs of USA trip now in remote part of Arizona so may not get internet till I get back next week. D800 still working perfectly so battery problem seems not to have done any long term damage.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Ray Ninness: Sun Apr 29th, 2012 09:41 | 35th Post |
Graham : Glad to see that you are enjoying the trip to eh States and giving the D800 a nice wringing out!! Wonderful images, continued success !!
____________________ Ray Ninness F8Photos.com Bedford, New Hampshire USA |
| Posted by KenRay: Sun Apr 29th, 2012 20:20 | 36th Post |
| You have some wonderful images of Arizona and Utah but you are missing the finest museum/zoo in America - The Arizona/Sonora Desert Museum and the finest large cactus in all the world,in the Saguaro National Monument. Sorry,just had to get in a pitch for SOUTHERN Arizona I love it so much. I can't believe the beauty of your images can REALLY be credited only to the D800. I kinda think you probably had a LITTLE to do with them being the quality they are. Of course the quality of the landscape may have been the inspiration. They are as fine as ANY southwest landscapes I have seen and I've seen an awful lot.
____________________ Kenneth Ray |
| Posted by jk: Mon Apr 30th, 2012 02:10 | 37th Post |
| Well I've resisted commenting on the fact that Graham is actually a very able and skilled professional photographer. His website shows many years of great photos so the D800 only aids the process rather than makes it possible.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Robert: Mon Apr 30th, 2012 03:51 | 38th Post |
jk wrote:Well I've resisted commenting on the fact that Graham is actually a very able and skilled professional photographer. Not wishing to take this thread OT I have started a new thread to address JK's remarks. http://nikondslr.uk/view_post.php?post_id=1175
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Tue May 1st, 2012 03:49 | 39th Post |
| I am still wondering at that Grand Canyon photo. It has so much detail and interest. I think I will be paying Graham a visit to see it printed large and in full definition.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed May 2nd, 2012 12:43 | 40th Post |
| Landed back from USA this afternoon. Bit colder here! Flower from the desert from my last afternoon in USA. thanks for all you interest and kind comments. Attachment: P-Pear-2474.jpg (Downloaded 38 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by TomOC: Wed May 2nd, 2012 12:58 | 41st Post |
| Fantastic shots, Graham. Monument Valley is sure one of the most exciting places to photograph in the world, isn't it? Tom
____________________ Tom O'Connell -Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem. Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh |
| Posted by Robert: Wed May 2nd, 2012 13:07 | 42nd Post |
| Graham, thank YOU for so kindly sharing and taking the time to send us your account and some beautiful images from your trip. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and viewing this thread.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Squarerigger: Wed May 2nd, 2012 13:24 | 43rd Post |
| Thanks for taking on vacation with you to these beautiful parks. I trust you returned your cowboy prop before leaving the country.:hi:
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by jk: Wed May 2nd, 2012 15:40 | 44th Post |
| Yes indeed I have enjoyed my virtual trip with Graham and his wife! Thank you Graham for sharing with us.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed May 2nd, 2012 22:48 | 45th Post |
| Now I am back I will edit a few more and put them up if of interest. To sum up the D800 has proved to be one of the best ever Nikon DSLR to date that I have owned. I have also done some video tests and will publish my finding on them once I have seen them in CS5 Premier and a full 1920x1080 large video monitor.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 3rd, 2012 02:19 | 46th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote:Now I am back I will edit a few more and put them up if of interest. Yes Please! ...More flowers if you have them? That last one was lovely. :smallthumbs:
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Thu May 3rd, 2012 08:44 | 47th Post |
As long as Graham didnt get too close to those cactus flowers. They are mighty prickly and getting the spines out can take many days/weeks.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Iain: Fri May 4th, 2012 04:32 | 48th Post |
| Thanks Graham, I have enjoyed the trip you have taken us on.
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| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat May 5th, 2012 04:23 | 49th Post |
| Robert more flowers for you as requested! Attachment: Cactus1835.jpg (Downloaded 64 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sat May 5th, 2012 04:26 | 50th Post |
| More for Robert. I am back in UK now and will be posting more D800 info and shortly doing a full camera review for the RPS Digital Imaging Group Magazine. The Saguaro Cactus is all over S Arizona and lives for over 100 years and is very high. It is just starting to flower now late April and this was so tall I had to stand on the back of a large 4x4 with a 300mm lens to get the shot. Attachment: SaguaroFlower1841.jpg (Downloaded 64 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sat May 5th, 2012 10:14 | 51st Post |
| Thank you Graham, they are wonderful. The Saguaro Cactus is spectacular, I remember seeing pictures in the National Geographic magazine of similar plants many years ago.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Sun May 6th, 2012 04:01 | 52nd Post |
| Love those cacti pictures. So sharp.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Eric: Sun May 6th, 2012 06:00 | 53rd Post |
| Lovely flower shots Graham. Its no good. I will have to get me a D800 when they are available again.
____________________ Eric |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun May 6th, 2012 09:02 | 54th Post |
| I hope you are not all getting fed up with D800 pix of USA? If so please say so, I have 100s of images to draw from and as I am now editing them I just can not believe the quality that this new camera produces. Going back to the old days of film I could not have done this quality/fine detail with a 8x10inch view camera and the best transp film of the day 15 years ago!I wish you could be looking at these full sized images 7360x4912 pixels on my high res computer monitor. This is another landscape from Monument Valley. Attachment: MonVal2015.jpg (Downloaded 41 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun May 6th, 2012 09:03 | 55th Post |
| This is rock detail from Capitol Reef. Attachment: Capitol-2099.jpg (Downloaded 41 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by KenRay: Sun May 6th, 2012 09:53 | 56th Post |
| Thank you very much for your marvelous images. You have actually managed to transport me to many places in the area that I will never visit even though I live in Arizona. Your Arizona/Utah images are easily the equal of those from Arizona Highways which is pretty much the Arizona gold standard for landscapes.
____________________ Kenneth Ray |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun May 6th, 2012 10:55 | 57th Post |
| Ken thanks for that I have just found another pix of Grand Canyon taken before the weather closed in on us. I would love to go down to river level but we did not have time. Attachment: GrandChnyon2383.jpg (Downloaded 39 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Sun May 6th, 2012 10:59 | 58th Post |
| Another amazing arch pix from Capitol Reef. Attachment: Arch2127.jpg (Downloaded 39 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Sun May 6th, 2012 12:13 | 59th Post |
| Wonderful images Graham. Thanks again for sharing, please keep them coming, sod the bandwidth!
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Sun May 6th, 2012 13:38 | 60th Post |
| Really enjoying this trip now you are back and can post up more images. I love these images as I have never been there. I have been to quite a few places in USA but not those that Graham has just visited.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon May 7th, 2012 05:06 | 61st Post |
| Another cactus pix from S Arizona. I gather from our USA friends that the Saguaros are now in full flower I only saw one or two so was lucks to get to photo the one I posted here. This is another Prickly Pear and they were in flower and spread widely over the deserts of Arizona and Utah and even in quite high regions can put up with some frost and snow.(We had two lots of snow on our trip!) I have been going over some of my video footage and quality and sharpness are amazing (Sound is good too using the built in mike is not so good mono only and wind noise very bad but I had the extra ME-1 worked very well stereo and cuts wind and handling noise). I still think a dedicated professional video camera does a better job and built in steady cam is needed if you work with out a very good video tripod. I did not have tripod with me and looking at monitor on back of camera in live view and full sun with outstretched arms is not easy. I did have my loop with me but it is hard to hold it in place while shooting video. I think the D800 has some very good uses for serious video production but needs to be used in a carefully controlled conditions. Extreme wide angle ie using 14-24 AF-S lens would give interesting pictures. Sound would be even better using a professional sound location mixer and pro mikes. Attachment: Cactus2475.jpg (Downloaded 102 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon May 7th, 2012 08:33 | 62nd Post |
| Been checking around for a D800 camera in my various shops that I use. All have many D800 cameras on back order. In some ways I would rather have a new one out of the new batch that will be built (after the latest D800E batch run) as there are now two major issues that seem to be occurring: 1. Viewfinder focus incorrect. 2. Improper AF focussing occurring. 3. Lockup of D4 and D800 under certain conditions where Hightlights and Histogram are enabled. I hope these are minor issues in the QA on the new camera. Items 1 & 2 are fairly serious and so is #3 if you use (as I do) the Histogram as a regular in the image review.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon May 7th, 2012 09:11 | 63rd Post |
| I have had no issues with auto focus in fact find the new camera to works far better than the D3X's auto focus. There is a slight problem with auto focus when shooting video but those out of focus shots were taken throw the windscreen of a moving RV. As stated video with this camera has quite a steep learning curve and I still need to spend more time on this. I too look at histograms a lot while shooting and have had no lock-ups. Only problem has been 2 days of very erratic exposure problems that I put down to the faulty "E" battery problem. As stated I reset the camera and the problem was sorted. (PS Nikon are exchanging the battery on Wed 9th with an exchange delivery to my home, no complaints.) Attachment: CapitolReef2062.jpg (Downloaded 94 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by jk: Mon May 7th, 2012 13:26 | 64th Post |
| Well your camera certainly doesnt suffer from the AF problems Graham. All the images are tack sharp. I think the cameras were from a batch sent to USA customers. The battery issue seems like a general manufacturing problem once again in a specific batch (but that batch is pretty large and seems to be worldwide in the supply chain). However Nikon seem to be making every effort to make the replacement painless for customers.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by richw: Tue May 8th, 2012 03:51 | 65th Post |
| The reviewer Ed linked to had a focus issue, he was based out of KL. Seems the left hand side of the image was out of focus, Nikon agreed to replace the camera and he swapped for a D800E.
|
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Thu May 10th, 2012 06:50 | 66th Post |
| Most of the cactus flow pictures I used the 24-70mm AF-S and found it to work very well and give better close-up focus than my 105mm Macro AF-S VR Lens. Also avoided the risk of changing lenses too much in a dusty desert with wind! Attachment: PrickleyPear1891.jpg (Downloaded 73 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Thu May 10th, 2012 07:41 | 67th Post |
| What a nice image Graham, I feel the thorns are so sharp they would hurt! Fabulous colours too. The translucency of the petals really comes to life. I find capturing translucency is a real challenge because flower colours so easily over saturate. Wish I had been there.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Squarerigger: Thu May 10th, 2012 08:08 | 68th Post |
| Wonderful shot Graham. I have to agree with Roberts comments. The flower looks like it's made of silk-very delicate.
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by KirkP: Thu May 10th, 2012 22:05 | 69th Post |
Graham Whistler wrote: Now I am back I will edit a few more and put them up if of interest. To sum up the D800 has proved to be one of the best ever Nikon DSLR to date that I have owned. Absolutely great shots, Graham, I'm quite grateful for the D800 proof of concept that your fantastic photos show me. I've been hoping this camera would be a full frame landscape and scenery masterpiece, and you've demonstrated that it is! Question, however: Other reviews and comments from new D800 owners make me wonder about the quality of glass being revealed by such a pixel packed CMOS sensor. Have you found any of your lenses that just do not do well on your D800?
____________________ When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the whole world cries and you rejoice. |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Fri May 11th, 2012 04:11 | 70th Post |
| Having had a D3X for three years I have weeded out all poor lenses. I now only have top quality glass but you do need best lenses to get top results with this camera. Lower grade lenses will work but you will not realise the full ability to resolve fine detail. I have 14-24 and 24-70 AF-S f2.8 lenses and get amazing fine detail with both. I also have the 105mm AF-S VR f2.8 Macro this also works well. I have a 300-70 AF-S VR that is not quite so good wide open but I keep it for the odd time I need a longer compact lens and it works well in range f8-16 in reasonable light. I sold my two DX lenses with my D300.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by KirkP: Fri May 11th, 2012 14:26 | 71st Post |
| I thank you... I've got lots of old pro, manual focus Nikkors and other third party lenses, but only a dozen autofocus lenses and only a couple of them are pro-level, which is why I asked. Now I just need to decide between the D800 new, or a used D3 series camera!
____________________ When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the whole world cries and you rejoice. |
| Posted by Robert: Fri May 11th, 2012 15:18 | 72nd Post |
| Well being in a smaller but similar boat, to me the D3 wins hands down. Much more forgiving and brings the effortless high ISO, I think probably the D3S might be worth considering but the D3 would get the job done. There is also the D700 of course, same sensor, processor and image quality.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Fri May 11th, 2012 17:30 | 73rd Post |
| In hindsight the D700 does the job very well bur doesnt have some of the features on the D3 that really like e.g. Ability to lock the aperture and shutter speed when shooting in Manual mode. This feature is so useful as it ensures that the exposure is consistently what you think is correct so you can override the camera TTL metering.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by KirkP: Fri May 11th, 2012 19:16 | 74th Post |
| Yes, I've got to decide if I want low noise at insane ISO levels, or crazy ridiculous insane levels. I've gotten to the point that I'm spending 90% or more of my photography time taking at ISO 800 or less, just because my cameras are old... while it might be nice to have ISO 50,000 I wonder if I'll ever use it. Conversely, I'd have to buy six to ten more hard drives if the NEFs from Grahams' D800 are 50MB each. With three layers, edits saved, that balloons to 500MB per image edited. Decisions, decisions....
____________________ When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the whole world cries and you rejoice. |
| Posted by Robert: Sat May 12th, 2012 02:31 | 75th Post |
KirkP wrote:Yes, I've got to decide if I want low noise at insane ISO levels, or crazy ridiculous insane levels. I've gotten to the point that I'm spending 90% or more of my photography time taking at ISO 800 or less, just because my cameras are old... while it might be nice to have ISO 50,000 I wonder if I'll ever use it. Kirk, in my opinion that is not a valid criteria for the decision. Having older bodies means you could (realistically) only use sub ISO800 and expect good IQ, so you had little choice, not surprising 90% of your images are ISO 800 or below. I would guess 99% of my images with the D200 and earlier bodies are ISO 400 and below. If you could take the same (or better) quality images at higher ISO, giving you greater range of options for aperture and shutter speed, that would give your photography greater freedom. Many is the time I wanted greater depth of focus but couldn't afford the slower shutter speed or a higher ISO. With a D3 or D700 you can dial in the aperture and shutter speed YOU WANT (or your image needs) and let auto ISO adjust the exposure, even in relatively 'normal' lighting. Personally I would prefer the D3 rather than the D700. The D3 is much nicer, smoother and heavier, which I consider a benefit for stability. The D3 has some useful features the D700 lacks. But... If my choice is D400DX @ 25Mp or D700FX @ 12 Mp on cost grounds, I will go with the D700. If cost were not an issue D3s. Despite the wonderful images Graham has posted here I am far from convinced the ultra high pixel count has any *real* benefit in the normal use of images. The images Graham has posted here are marvellous BUT we are only viewing them at 72dpi... They still look marvellous! It's the exposure, the composition and the skill of the photographer I am marvelling at, NOT the ultra high resolution which I can't even begin to see. Sure Graham has seen the stunning detail on his screen and no doubt in the image with the cowboy in the distance at full resolution you will be able to see the exquisite detail of the tooling on the saddle but the image stands up well without that fine detail. Unless the image were printed at something like six foot wide or more, nobody will ever see the fine detail that has cost all those bucks, required the best lenses and perfect technique to capture (not to mention the larger HD to store the files on and a beefy computer to process the image with).
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by jk: Sat May 12th, 2012 06:04 | 76th Post |
| Very valid points Robert. The D3 and D3s give me the ability to work more freely with my flamenco photos and prior to these cameras I struggled with the low light and the fact that I couldnt push past ISO 1600. Now I have the D3 and D3s I would like to push past ISO 3200, that I use now, up to ISO 12800 to allow me to shoot at 1/400 at f4 or equivalent as now I am using 1/100 f4 and find that I cant get really crisp images on some occasions especially when I am shooting with 300mm f2.8 lens. Unfortunately the D3 and D3S at 12800 are too grainy/noisy for me.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Squarerigger: Sat May 12th, 2012 09:25 | 77th Post |
Robert wrote:KirkP wrote: I have to agree with you Robert on this issue. I have not desire to go beyond 12 to 16 mp on the sensor. My dumb question for the day is, why can't Nikon offer the same body with a choice of two different sensors. D4 or D800/D600 and option for lower mp sensor or for more money more mp's. Seems to me there are many customers who don't want to be forced to 24-30+ mp's. I am happy with less in the mp range but would like better iso. Part of this is cost driven also, as we get pushed into higher mp's the cost of computer hardware goes up also. Not everyone can afford to upgrade camera body and computer and now entry level DSLR is going into the 20mp range. Nikon needs to bundle RAM, graphics card, and TB hard drives with the camera.
____________________ -------------------------------------------- Gary |
| Posted by KirkP: Sat May 12th, 2012 11:52 | 78th Post |
Robert wrote: But... If my choice is D400DX @ 25Mp or D700FX @ 12 Mp on cost grounds, I will go with the D700. If cost were not an issue D3s. Despite the wonderful images Graham has posted here I am far from convinced the ultra high pixel count has any *real* benefit in the normal use of images.I agree, that Graham took the photos. Cameras are tools, I'm quite aware of that, but I'm recognizing the chief differences between the D3 vs the D800 are the higher ISO capabilities of the D3 and the higher MP count of the D800. What I have to do, is decide if I actually NEED 50,000 ISO capability, and whether I NEED 36 megapixels. Judging from the current and recent past, Nikon may well have a camera out in another couple years that could give me both 50,000 ISO with low noise, as well as 36 megapixels. But, like you Robert, I'm unable to upgrade my camera every couple of years. I did that with Adobe CS3, 4 and 5, and see where that got me? HA! Now Photoshop is not the same as a new (to me) camera, but my point was, I have to take a hard hard look at where I am now in my photography, and where I want to go, for at least five years. When the D3 came out, I mentioned on the old forum that I was still doing well with my well used D200, and it was filling all my needs of my photography. Today however, I've come to realize that 800 ISO is holding me back. I've been on the macro side of life lately, taking shots at 1:3 or higher, especially with my tilt-shift bellows and a 17mm copy lens, giving me nearly 8:1 macros at full bellows draw. But holy crap, talk about a need for light... both my Cokin ring flash PLUS two SB-600s just to reach ISO 800 and 1/60th second. Then there is the simple fact that 36 MP would give me cropping choices that I very much lack, right now at 10 MP. Increased resolution to 36MP is better, because it increases my choices, not because it's a bigger number. I'm still old-school enough that I prefer to get it right in the camera as best I can, but I also recognize that digital darkroom work brings my photos to the best that they can be. Like nearly everything in life, I have to find a balance between the two that satisfies both needs, without sacrificing too much in any other area. I also like heavy cameras, but not too heavy, otherwise I get problems with the camera sagging the bellows on one end. At this point, I'm mostly leaning towards the D800 because with DX lenses you still get 15MP, and cropping freedom gives me the ability to compose with more freedom AND the current reviews say that the D800 is marvelous at ISO 6400. What I probably need to do, is rent each camera and force them both to perform their respective miracles of digital science, then evaluate which will give me what I need. I have to definitely include hard drive space as another cost to factor in, when speaking of 50+ megabyte photos. ISO 6400 is three extra stops... JK is using his D3 at 12,800 ISO, that's four stops and the D3s can go higher still. Sure, I can take great photos with 10MP, my D200 is going to stay right here and will continue to be a good tool. Shucks, I can take good photos with my old Fuji S1 Pro at 3MP, or the Kodak DCS620 at 2MP. I'd be happy with 20-25 MP and the ability to go to 12,800 ISO, but I don't see that in the Nikon line. It's very obvious to me that Graham is a damned good photographer, the compositions show that very well. But I also know that if I buy that D800, the level of detail will be in my photos as well, and even though my monitor only goes to 96 dpi, the pixels are still there in the photo to crop and enlarge and still retain excellent image quality.
____________________ When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the whole world cries and you rejoice. |
| Posted by KirkP: Sat May 12th, 2012 12:19 | 79th Post |
Squarerigger wrote: I have to agree with you Robert on this issue. I have not desire to go beyond 12 to 16 mp on the sensor. My dumb question for the day is, why can't Nikon offer the same body with a choice of two different sensors. D4 or D800/D600 and option for lower mp sensor or for more money more mp's. Seems to me there are many customers who don't want to be forced to 24-30+ mp's. I am happy with less in the mp range but would like better iso. Part of this is cost driven also, as we get pushed into higher mp's the cost of computer hardware goes up also. Not everyone can afford to upgrade camera body and computer and now entry level DSLR is going into the 20mp range.I do agree, I wish Nikon had not gone all the way to 36MP.... 24 would have been more than enough, if it included an ISO 12,800 or even 25,000. But what they gave us, we now have to choose. In some ways, this is like the 's' and 'x' lineup, where the press camera is the D3 or D4, great ISO performance and 10-12 frames per second. The landscape camera is the D800 with decent ISO performance and 5 fps, but huge number of pixels. It's just a much higher difference than the difference between a D2x and D2s. But 36MP is what they're offering, or 25,600 ISO. And there is the question, do I NEED that much from my photography? Regardless of which, would I rather have 36MP or 25,600 ISO available to me? I do admit that I only have 2-3 pro autofocus lenses, but I own many pro level manual focus lenses, so I'm very hopeful that my glass is adequate for such a demanding sensor as the D800. Lots of people on the internet have commented on the need for better glass with this camera, but I waited til someone I respect (Graham) actually confirmed that for me. I don't pretend that I will be able to meet the entire capabilities of the D800 should I buy one, not immediately. But, I expanded my abilities with a D200, the D800 (or the D3 for that matter) will allow me to expand further still. Nikon got a lot right when they released their first full frame camera. We've all been reading the posts of Eric and JK and others, about how great the D3, D3s and D3x have been for them, over the past couple years. In fact, if I DO purchase a used D3, it'll be the D3x as it has 24 MP, giving me a good compromise of 6400 ISO. I'll bet it will also cost me more than the D800, even as a used D3x. Think I better try to find the nearest camera rental that has both cameras.
____________________ When you were born, you cried and the whole world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the whole world cries and you rejoice. |
| Posted by RichardH: Mon May 14th, 2012 12:23 | 80th Post |
| I think it is the incredible eyeball behind the camera. Beautiful! Any old camera would look good with that eyeball. . . (sorry, I thought I was at the bottom of page one. . .)(Yea, it's the eyeball)
____________________ I appreciate this site because you are all fantastic. Thanks for the assistance. Looking and learning. . . |
| Posted by jk: Mon May 14th, 2012 16:54 | 81st Post |
| Welcome across here, Richard I thought that we had lost you betwix and between the two sites.
____________________ Still learning after all these years! https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Mon May 14th, 2012 17:41 | 82nd Post |
| I have just got back some A4 colour prints from the USA made by ProAm and I am very pleased with quality and yes the fine detail does show on a good colour print. I have also been watching the John Ford/John Wayne DVD The Searchers shot in Monument Valley, it was most interesting to see how the great director took full advantage of this wonderful location. I only wish I had been able to spend more time there and capture more creative lighting later in the day. The local Navajo Tribe took part in the film and have named the place where I photographed the cowboy on horse as "John Ford's Point". Thank you all for the interest you have taken in my USA trip with the new camera! Reviews for the D800 are now flowing thick and fast and they are all good.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Robert: Mon May 14th, 2012 18:15 | 83rd Post |
| Thank you Graham for taking the time and trouble to keep us posted, I have enjoyed this this thread immensely, both the images and the posts. It's given us a good push off with the new forum and some interesting debating points. This is a candidate for a link to classic threads. Will see what we can do.
____________________ Robert. |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue May 15th, 2012 03:00 | 84th Post |
| This is another example of high level of small fine detail. This is whole image size ie FULL FRAME. Photo of Capitol Reef. Nikon D800 and 24-70mm AF-S Lens. Attachment: CapitolReef2119A.jpg (Downloaded 66 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue May 15th, 2012 03:01 | 85th Post |
| Delail from same picture, even with 850 pix jpg you can see why I am very happy with the new camera! Please note Wendy with her new V1 in front! Attachment: CapitolReef2119B.jpg (Downloaded 66 times)
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Wed Jul 18th, 2012 04:11 | 86th Post |
| I have now had time to look at some of the movie footage taken on this trip. (I did not have my Sony Camcorder with me as this was a holiday and not a railway filming trip!) The sharpness of the moving images is of a very high standard but some shots were lost with auto focus letting go, this only seems to happen with live view and shooting movie. Auto focus with the D800 can not be faulted when shooting stills. When shooting I did find hands holding a DSLR and looking at the LCD with a loupe was not easy and the resulting footage was not as stable as I would get with my Sony NX5 Camcorder that has a good steady-cam built in and is designed for shooting movie. I would not use any of my USA movie images in one of my professional productions the main reason was on this trip I did not have a movie tripod and pro sound mike with me. Any wind hits the built in mike taking out all sound.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| Posted by highlander: Tue Jul 31st, 2012 05:11 | 87th Post |
| When I got my D200 I was blown away. Then came the D700 and, to be honest, I was getting as good a result from the D200 as the D700 (sometimes better) at 400 and upto 800ISO BUT, shooting weddings, often in difficult light, the D700 really made a huge difference. It didn't anywhere else though. I have, on many occassions, thought wow (yes, blowing my own trumpet) at photos and looked at the RAW file to find it was the D200 when I'd assumed it was the D700. Therefore, if you're not shooting in low light for money, I'd say you can get as good a result with the older cameras as the new ones. BUT, I have to say that I am blown away by these images from the D800. It is easy to take a bad shot with any camera, and operator skills are not to be taken for granted. But the quality shown here with the D800 really does make me think - I WANT ONE!! However, 56mb files? Mmmm, that would mean outlaying for more hardware, and definitely updrading if not replacing the main PC (with a mac probably). This means spending around £4,000 Thats something I can do without. Unless I win the Euro lottery tonight!
____________________ Blog https://blythestorm.com Website http://www.blythestormphotography.com |
| Posted by Graham Whistler: Tue Jul 31st, 2012 06:59 | 88th Post |
| You will also need to use top quality Nikon Lenses to get the best out of the new camera. I was just going through some A4 colour prints of still life studio product shots taken by me with the Nikon D1 2.74 MP camera in July 2000 and I have to say the detail is good and the quality is amazing. But they are well lit shots with good lens in studio.
____________________ Graham Whistler |
| This is topic ID = 76 | ||
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