Why I'll be buying a Nikon D7000

In previous posts I've talked about why I've been happy with the Nikon D90 and how you can be effective even with a cell phone camera. All of that said, if there is a new tool that improves a problem or improves a feature you use often, then go for it!

In this case I'm talking about the Nikon D7000 DSLR. The D7000 is out now and includes a brand new 16.2 megapixel sensor, 1080p video, 6fps shooting, ISO range from 100-6400 and a new 39 point autofocus system. The D7000 is looking to shape up to be a nice improvement over the D90. It seems that the D7000 will fit in just slightly higher end than the D90 but lower than the D300S. See Nikon's website for complete specs. http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25468/D7000.html

The main points that make me interested in this camera are first, the increased ISO range. Nikon has a good reputation of good ISO performance in the natural range of the camera. In this case 100-6400. Sample tests show a nice improvement over D90/D300/D300S.

The second is the new autofocus system. I have not read many reports on how the actual performance is yet, although I will report back as soon as I have the camera. My hope is that it will be more comparable to 51 point system found in D3S/700/D300S rather than the sometimes slow 11 point system in the D90.

The single thing that kept me waiting after the release of the D300S is 1080p video. This looks to be the best video that has come from Nikon. The D7000 also has an external mic jack. This means high quality audio already attached to the video. With my new interest in shooting video along with stills, this will be a monster improvement.

Other improvements that have my attention are the duel SD card slots, 100% viewfinder coverage, and weather sealed body.

The one thing that I wish this camera had is faster frames per second. Nikon has the D7000 listed a 6 frames per second. This speed is not improved when a battery grip is added. I could wait for the D400, but when a camera with so many improvements is out now, why wait? I'd rather be out shooting and experiences 1080p video now, rather than let it pass by.

Of course I don't know how it actually performs since I haven't shot with it yet. But Nikon has been good to me in the past, so I will hope for the best. I will post my actual experience once I have it in my hands.

In the mean time check out Chase Jarvis' Blog where he put together a great video and capture some amazing images with the D7000. Chase Jarvis Blog


Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0 Inch LCD (Body Only)

Grand Tetons National Park: Reflection

Iconic Oxbow Bend. 7 shot HDR panoramic. Nikon D90, Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 @ 70mm ISO 200 f/18

Now that the trip is over, all I can do is reflect on the experience. I had a great time but there are some things that I would do differently.

We only spent two nights in GTNP and split the trip between GTNP and Yellowstone. Next trip will be either a GTNP trip or a Yellowstone trip. GTNP is much smaller and can be seen in a shorter amount of time. BUT, from a photographers perspective, you need more time. The first problem is that many of the famous scenic areas are morning shoots. Oxbow Bend, Schwabacher's Landing, Snake River and Mormon Barns to name a few.

I also found out that there is a lifetime of photographic opportunities at Jenny Lake. Unfortunately we didn't dedicate any time to photography.

So in short, here is a list of advice...

1.) Most of the iconic scenic shots are morning shoots.
2.) Moose are best seen in GTNP but elk, bison, wolves and coyote are all easier seen in YNP.
3.) When driving at night, SLOW DOWN. This is a story for another day, but trust the, "Wildlife on Roads" signs.
4.) Photograph Jenny Lake area.
5.) Separate the trips, one for Grand Tetons and one for Yellowstone.

I hope this helps anyone who might be planing a trip to GTNP. Remember to enjoy it! It's one of the most beautiful places you'll ever go! Let me know your experiences via email or comments!

Camera Gear: New or Used?

Any photography enthusiast knows that camera gear can be extremely expensive. The good thing for us is there are lots of options out there to buy used equipment. Ask the question, can the previous model do the job for me? In many cases, yes it can.

For example, I recently purchased a Nikkor 300mm f2.8 AFS II which was manufactured between 2001 and 2004. Since then Nikon has come out with a 300mm f2.8 AFS VR and VRII versions. Back to the question, can older equipment do the job for me? Chad and I believe that older equipment can in fact do the job and remain a viable option for many photographers. Remember one thing about lenses, they last! Despite the advances in lens technology, they hold their value because even older "pro" lenses perform great on these new cameras.

In the example of the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 lens, there are many viable generations of the lens. For me, it was important to get fast and accurate autofocus with the TC-14, the TC-17 and the third generation TC-20 teleconverters. These will give me a focal length of 420mm , 500mm and 600mm respectivly.

A Nikkor 300mm f/4 will work well with the TC-14, but the autofocus suffers drastically with the TC-17. This need for autofocus limited my search to 300mm f/2.8 models with the AF-S motor. Also, I found the image quality of all the AFS version to be excellent.

The first version of the Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AFS is very similar to the version II. The biggest difference I found was the weight. Version I weighs 6.8 lbs and the version II weighs 5.6 lbs. To me this was worth the price difference.

So if your in the market for a pro grade lens and the price of new is more than you can bare. Take a look at the used market. Do your research and find out if an older generation model will work for you. That way you might be able to save some money for that new camera your lusting after!

History of the Nikkor 300mm f/2.8

Used Camera gear:
Fred Miranda Buy & Sell
BH Photo Used Equipment
KEH Used Photogaphy Equipment
Adorama Used Equipment

Nikon D90, Two Years Later

I've been using my Nikon D90 for a little more than two years now. So how has it been? Was it a good purchase? How does it stack up today after the release of the D3100 and the announcement of the D7000. The D300S was also released since I bought my D90.

The fact that I actually owned and used a single camera for more than two years speaks volumes. I have owned a D50, D40x and a D70. The upgrade to the D90 was substantial. The single most impressive improvement was the high ISO ability. Where ISO 1600 on the D40x was borderline unusable, I found the D90 at ISO 1600 to be very usable. The increased speed of frames per second and autofocus systems were also big pluses.



This Photograph was recently taken in Yellowstone with the Nikon D90 and Nikkor 500mm f/4 AFS + Nikon 1.4x teleconverter. ISO 1250 @ 700mm f/5.6 1/800 sec

The above photograph required some noise reduction and sharpening in Lightroom 3, but shows that images with 1000+ ISO can still have excellent quality.

The fact of the matter is that the Nikon D90 is still an excellent camera, even two years later. The 12.3 megapixel sensor is essentially the same sensor that originated from the D300. This means that the image quality is roughly the same. The sensor is now shared between the D300, D300S, D90 and D5000.



Bald Eagle in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, September 2010 ISO 800 @ 500mm f/5.6 1/80. The eagle was very still on the tree and the camera was locked down on a tripod. That's how the shutter speed was able to be so low.

The previous generations of cameras are able to produce excellent images. Think of all of the professional images that have been taken over the last several years with these cameras. Now with the next generation of cameras looming and some already coming out (D3100 and the D7000) you can be sure they have improved imaging systems. But unless you need a feature that one of the new cameras provides, remember that the previous generation of cameras are still excellent.

Stay tuned for initial thoughts about the forthcoming Nikon D7000

Road Trip to our National Parks VIDEO

Alright, it took me a few days to get everything figured out, but here we are. This is a short video I put together with short clips that I took during the trip. I realize the production value isn't the best but I'm just starting to get my feet wet with video. Most of the clips were just shot with a little Flip Ultra HD camcorder. The better quality wildlife shots were shot with my D90 and my Nikon 500mm f/4 or Sigma 24-79 f/2.8.

Enjoy!

Back Yard Birds

There are birds everywhere! You just have to take the time to look around for the little guys. One of my favorite types of photography is shooting back yard birds. These are typical birds you might see out your window or on your way to work.

Why do I enjoy photographing something that is so common? The answer is a fairly simple one. Generally, you don't get so close to small quick birds to notice all the intricate feathers and colors. An added bonus is that you soon realize how many different species and sub species there are around your neighborhood.

For Example, we all probably have seen or heard a Black-capped Chickadee. But if you look closely at the feather details in the photo below. You can begin to see the different shades of white, gray, black and brown.



If you look at the photo below of a Boreal Chickadee That Chad took. The Black-capped Chickadee and Boreal Chickadee are very similar.



To help keep track of the birds in your back yard with or without a camera is to download a free birding checklist. There are several websites to help you keep track and help identify the birds. One to try is http://printablebirdchecklists.homestead.com

Click each image to view it larger!

HTC EVO 4G as a Camera

The image above was taken at Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park with the HTC EVO 4G.

I mentioned in our previous post, "Yellowstone Gear" that I would be bringing my HTC EVO 4G. I said, "Yes phones count these days!" The reason they count these days is because I believe some phones have a legitimate camera built in.

In my opinion, the EVO's 8 megapixel camera has good enough image quality that I no longer have use for a small point and shoot camera. It has effectively replaced my CoolPix. 8 megapixels is more than enough for the type of work that I requre out of it. There tends to be a fair amount of noise, but can quickly cleaned up in Lightroom 3.

With any camera or piece of gear, it is important to work within the abilities of the gear and work to strengths of it. The obvious strength of having a phone with a quality camera is you always have it with you. This seems obvious, but it really applies to how I got this shot.

My DSLR camera was set up on a tripod at Oxbow Bend. While we waited for the sun to come up we were joined by several other photographers. I walked around to look for other angles and opportunities. As I did, I noticed a beautiful silhouette scene in the opposite direction.

Since my camera was on the tripod pointed at the snake river, I used my EVO to take the photograph. I ran the image through Lightroom 3 for noise reduction and sharpening.

One reason this photograph is able to work with the EVO is because it's a silhouette. Since it's a silhouette I was really able to crank up the noise reduction without worrying about loss of detail. I sharpened the edges and the result is excellent image quality.

Whatever piece of photographic equipment you own, it has it's strengths. If you work to the strength of that gear you can make some great images too. It also keeps you shooting despite the gear you wish you had. Trust me, you can make some beautiful images with the gear you already own.