Everyone is talking about the Canon 5D mkII and the Nikon D90. Why? They both shoot HD video. People are saying this is a huge paradigm shift regarding these camera’s being able to shoot video. Erm, compact digital cameras have been doing this for years! I know, but this is HD! So what. Focusing is an issue and so is recording sound. Video on a DSLR is a convenience feature. Nothing more. At least for now. When the next generation of video capable DSLR’s come out, that can focus quickly and have stereo sound. We might be having a different discussion.
Let me explain my thoughts a bit more. Will a professional photographer shoot a full length feature film with one of these cameras? Probably not. Will a professional photographer shoot video for any of their clients? Not likely. Will photographers make silly videos to send to family and friends? You betcha! However, will some talented filmmakers jump all over these cameras and make amazing films. Of course. It looks like these cameras will be used to make great still images by talented photographers, or great films by talented filmmakers, But rarely used for both. There are those people out there that are talented photographers and talented filmmakers but I can’t see this generation of DSLR’s filling the needs for these gifted artists.
Another thing to consider. It could cause problems for some professional photographers. “I’m sorry Mr./Ms. professional photographer, but you can’t bring that camera into this venue because it shoots video and you’re not allowed to shoot video.” Says the security officer. “But, I’ll only shoot stills!” Pleads the photographer. “Sorry, no can do!” What’s a photographer to do?
Are we ready this type of convergence? Yes, but we are a going to have to wait for this merging of technologies to advance far enough that capturing both stills and video equals or betters current technology. And once that happens we’ll have to call ourselves “photogravideographers”
Choosing a new digital camera today can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider and so much marketing hype that choosing a digital camera can get frustrating. I’m going to explain to you the 5 most important things you should look at when choosing you next digital camera. I’m not going to get into the technical details, too many of those. I’m going to keep it simple and logical, so when you do go out to buy your new camera you’ll be prepared.
Budget – I know, I know. This always makes it to the number one position, but for good reason. You can’t spend more than you have. Right? Don’t let a sales person or a friend talk you into spending more than you want. There will always be features that are not available in your price range. Suck it up, cupcake! You probably can live without a feature or two. Buy the best camera you can afford!
What and how are you going to be shooting – If you’re going to be taking snaps of the family, or vacation photos, you’re going to want something easy to carry and use. On the other hand, if you want your shots to be more creative or to shoot wildlife, you’ll probably want a digital SLR. If this is your first camera you should consider a compact digital camera, where as someone who’s been shooting for years might want a digital SLR.
How does the camera feel in your hands – This one is probably the most overlooked. A lot of people are buying their cameras online now without ever trying or holding the camera first. This is a mistake. Go to a camera store and hold the cameras, play with the menus, change the settings, etc. This may seem basic, but what’s right for your next door neighbor might not be right for you. The last thing you want is to buy a digital camera that doesn’t feel right. It will probably start gathering dust somewhere.
Output – Are you going to be printing large wall murals, 13X19, 8X10, or only 4X6 inch prints? Are you going to be putting the images on the web, or sending them out in e-mails? I’m going to let you in on a little secret… If you’re only making small 4X6 inch prints, sending them in e-mails, and putting pictures on your facebook or myspace page. You don’t need more than a 6 megapixel camera. Really! However, making larger prints and submitting images to contests, you definitely need more than 6 megapixels. 10-12 megapixel cameras are now considered the higher range compact cameras.
Software – Software? Really? Yup! If you’re already familiar with image editing software… Great! You don’t need to worry about this. If you have never used image editing software this is a huge thing to consider. Make sure you ask the camera store to see the software on one of their computers that comes with the camera. Or at least find out what software comes with camera and download the trial version before you buy the camera. There are so many people that don’t know how to resize an image to e-mail to friends, or never download images to their computer because it’s too difficult or they don’t know how. The software that comes with the camera should be simple to use and fun. The other option is to buy 3rd party image editing software and that usually throws your budget out the window.
What have we learned? Don’t exceed your budget. Figure out what and how you’re going to shoot and buy the camera to fill your needx. Make sure the camera feels good in your hand and is easy for you to use. Choose a camera that is appropriate for your desired output. And, make sure the software that comes with camera is easy for you to use.
Is ther anything you consider important when buying a digital camera? Give us your comments.
I’m going to keep this weeks Friday Five short and sweet. Let’s go!
It’s coming! It’s coming! Well at least something is. Canon has put a teaser on their site “Destined Evolution“.
Sometimes it takes just one company with a great idea to change the world. Let’s hope HP’s idea of selling their laptops in a messenger bag, instead of traditional packaging, catches on. Apple, Dell, Lenovo, you guys paying attention!
Google launches something new and shiny. Chrome. It’s their brand new web browser. It’s only available for Windows right now (c’mon us Mac users wanna play too).
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” What happens when you combine a couple of pictures together? Or, remove something from a picture? Does the word count change? Here are some of the more memorable fake photos of all time.
It’s another beautiful Friday in Whistler and my mountain bike is calling me… So, I’ll make this quick.
I keep referring to PhotoShelter’s School of Stock because the articles there are a great source of information. This weeks is no exception. Shooting Silo. They cover the topic in great detail and even give a shot list.
Not another D700 post! Yup! I’m starting to sound like a Nikon “fanboy”, but when Canon announces their new stuff, I promise to give them just as much attention… OK? Luminous Landscape has posted a review of the D700 with sample images that are worth checking out.
Did Nikon make a mistake with the SB-900’s massive foot? Strobist has the details. David has also posted a review of the SB-900.
People say some nasty things in the comment section of blogs. I guess hiding behind a computer screen gives some people courage to say things they wouldn’t say to a persons face. Play nice, please.
Rob Haggart at A Photo Editor has started a new project. He’s a fellow mountain biker and skier… He has to be a good guy! Right? APhotoFolio.com looks like it will give LiveBooks a serious run for it’s money. The price is reasonable and designs look great. My only issue, being a slightly tech savvy photographer, is that there is no “self hosted” option. If he was to offer a backend similar to WordPress (what I’m using to create this blog) at a reasonable price I would jump all over that. In the comments on his blog the issue was already brought up and Rob seemed open the idea.
OK… off to go ride my bike. If you have any comments please post them below.
The above video shows how I set up my Nikon D300 as the commander and my SB800 as the remote. It’s pretty simple and quick to set-up. This was my first time setting up and using the CLS system. It’s very straight forward to use and I like the fact that the camera can actually be used to fire the remote flash and I don’t have to buy a separate unit to put on the camera (unless I want to). I’ll be posting the test shoot shortly.
Since this video was shot, I have used the CLS system outside a couple of times during two shoots. At first it was hit and miss with the remote flash firing and then getting the exposure dialed in. But, after getting use to the way things work I was getting pretty consistent results.
Let me know your experiences and techniques for using Nikon’s CLS system.
By now, you know that I switched from Canon to a Nikon D300 and my reasoning behind the switch.
Here is a quick rundown of my first impression of the D300.
The camera feels very solid and well built.
It fits nicely in my hand. A very natural feel to the grip.
Excellent view finder, nice and bright. Even with my glasses on I can see everything in view finder.
LCD display in fantastic. It’s actually useful to check sharpness with.
The colors are very accurate. This could be a combination of the D300 and using Aperture 2 as my RAW converter. What ever it is the results are superb.
6 fps. Holy Cow! It almost scared me the first time I tried it. Afterwards I had the biggest grin on my face. I can’t wait to get the vertical grip and shoot 8 fps.
The manual is huge! 400+ pages. Be prepared to do some readin’.
Button and dial layout good. Except for the front sub-command dial. I keep switching the camera off by accident. Maybe I just need to get use to the dials location. I’ll keep you informed.
The menu system and layout is definitely different than Canon’s. Not that it’s and better or worse, just takes some getting use to.
I hope to shoot something worthy of posting here in the next few weeks. In the mean time I’ll be reading the manual and playing with the settings.
Any comments or advice regarding the D300 or this post?
I’m so excited! I just got my confirmation e-mail. My order for my brand spankin new Nikon D300 has been processed. I should have it within a week.
So why the switch to Nikon?
I’ve been a Canon shooter since 1999 (first film, then digital), and previous to that I shot with a Contax SLR and Mamiya medium format. When I first embraced digital photography there we few affordable options. Nikon’s offering was expensive while Canon’s offering had a CMOS sensor and the image quality at that time was hard to beat. The decision was pretty easy. I was lucky enough to get a Canon 10D within the first few weeks of it being released. The camera took still takes great pictures, but I never fell in love with it like I did with my previous cameras. Something wasn’t quite right and I only brought it out for paid shoots and the occasional portfolio shoot. The other thing that irked me was Canon’s, “We won’t build one camera that can do everything.” philosophy. If you wanted to shoot sports/photojournalism (1.3x crop factor) you need to get a 1D. If you wanted to shoot in the studio (full frame) you needed to buy a 1Ds. And the 5D was a half-assed attempt at a mid range offering with some pro features in a not so pro body.
Then, last year Nikon announces the D300 and D3. My jaw dropped. CMOS sensors, 12 megapixels, pro level auto focus and much more. I waited for Canon to drop the bomb and announce their offerings to directly compete with these two cameras, and I waited, and I waited, and waited some more. Nothing even close. So I decided to go out and hold the D300 in my hand and see how it felt. It felt great in my hand and the build quality was excellent. I also started to feel that lovin’ feeling again.
Is this post biased? Darn right it is! I just bought what I consider to be the best camera for my needs that is available today. Is the D300 the perfect camera? Almost. I can’t afford the perfect camera, the D3, just yet. But I know the perfect exists and it’s a Nikon.
To all the Canon lovers out there. I know your going to hate me, but this my opinion and you are entitled to your opinion. I don’t hate Canon, I just think Nikon has the best camera for me.
