Messages

1

EOS Bodies / Re: Dpreview first impressions of the D800

« on: March 23, 2012, 11:43:53 AM »

Absolutely backs up my assumptions and makes me glad I made the jump to Canon and bought a 5D MK3
These two points listed (and the diffraction issue) are why I gave up on Nikon.
It's not that I think the D800 is a bad camera, it's just not the great all-rounder I wanted but the 5D MK 3 apparently is.
I'll get mine tomorrow and find out first hand...

From the DPREVIEW article http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1690347434/first-impressions-using-the-nikon-d800/

I have two other issues with the D800, but it's hardly fair to call them criticisms, since both are a natural consequence of the massive pixel count. Firstly, on a 36.3MP sensor, accurate focus is essential, since there is less margin for error than you'd expect from a 12, 16 or even 24MP sensor. When viewed at 100%, even minor focussing errors are visible in files from the D800 where they might go unnoticed in cameras with a smaller pixel count, and although I've been impressed by AF accuracy on Nikon's prime and zoom lenses (so far) if you're shooting at wide apertures - especially on longer lenses - accurate focussing is a must.

Secondly, the D800's files are massive. It isn't unusual for high quality JPEGs to take up around 30MB on a memory card, and the .NEF files are bigger again. Not only will they rip through hard drive space like there's no tomorrow, but manipulating files this large on a computer can be pretty time-consuming. If you're planning on purchasing a D800, some extra RAM for your PC should probably also be on your shopping list...

Wow, you probably should have done your research. On the D800, each mode (FX/1.2/DX, etc) has a small/medium/large resolution setting.  You could shoot in FX 25MP and be pretty close to the 5DMK3's file size and focus requirements.

2

EOS Bodies / Re: Based purely on specs, used only for landscapes: D800 or MKIII?

« on: March 18, 2012, 10:37:46 AM »

I'm debating one way or the other on these and I've decided to let the dust settle because specs are just specs and while they are fun to look at they only tell part of the story.

Here's some food for thought for both sides:

Is the D800 is limited by the 36MP massive files? It has multiple modes (FX/DX/1.2 etc) and a small/medium/large resolution for each, so you could shoot FX (Full Frame) at 25MP if you'd like, and probably many will.

Nikon included the the D4 Metering in the D800, and has focal point metering, 5DMKIII doesn't (that said its not a deal breaker for me on the 5D)

D800 has Auto Focus up to F8, Canon is limited to F5.6, the D800 also has manual focus assist where apparently the focal point will light up when properly focused, I can't find too much info on this, and I can't find anything one way or the other for the 5D (the auto focus is a big deal)

Can't say much about low light on either one other then both currently appear to be great, we'll know this in a few weeks.

Lens, both companies have some great lenses and are competitive.

Ergonomics & ease of use - Supposedly Nikon has better ergonomics, lighter, etc.  My canon has been fine and the MKII is easy to use the bottons etc., this seems to be more marketing then anything else.  Ease of use, I've heard Nikon's are clunky and Canon's are great, I'm can't comment on the Nikon side, but Canon is easy to use.

Finally, the D800 is cheaper, it is!, now go look at their lens prices 

All that said, I am considering jumping, yes Canon MAY come out with a high MP camera, but what will they cut to fit the 3K target, or will it be another 1.5k? Canon does everything possible to make sure one camera doesn't infringe on another by cutting/not including certain features.

Also it seems lately Canon has been going after profits while Nikon is going after marketshare, it makes me a bit hesitant to believe Canon will ever build something that actually rivals the D800 in anything but MPs (In other words, I wouldn't be surprised if they put the 7D auto focus/19point system in their D800 killer).

Good luck which ever you choose, I keep bouncing back and forth 

3

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Mark - III Preorder and Delivery

« on: March 13, 2012, 03:16:50 PM »

FYI - I just got a notice from Amazon that my order is estimated to be delivered on 4/2/12 (2 day shipping). I ordered around 7AM pst on March 2nd

~ Matt

Yeah that is the for kit, there is no word on the body only yet.

You are correct 

4

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: D800/E pre-order thread

« on: March 13, 2012, 11:54:55 AM »

I preordered a D800 but then I cancelled.

Why I ordered? It's more versatile then people think.  It not only shoots at 36MP but it also has a medium and small res modes (~25MP & what ever small is).  So you aren't forced to shoot at the max res, pixel pitch isn't nearly as bad at 25MP, noise should be be better, file size isn't as bad etc. Other cool things: Manual focus assist, the ability to jump down to crop 1.2 & 1.6 to extend the reach of a lens if need be.  Also the Nikon 14-24 is just awesome.

Why did I cancel? Because the 5DMKIII looks good also, I have a hard time believing its not going to beat the D800 in over all image quality, I also just picked up a 16-35L II last Dec. Before the MKIII was announced my plan was to pick up the wide angle, and then grab the 24-105 as the kit lens with the MKIII (save myself $400) and I'd basically be set for the year.

Anyhow, I have the 5D on preorder as well, but which ever ends up being the better camera for what I shoot, I'll probably pick up, I've been waiting for 2 years and was really looking forward to upgrading.

Matt

Yes, I was waiting for a while and very much looked forward to this update. I think it is a GREAT camera. Just wonder if the D800E (not the D800) is in fact 'sharper' than the 5D3. Some low ISO tests from the 5D3 look a bit soft to me. But again, I am just waiting for 'fair' comparisons between both cameras from the 'real' and 'neutral' experts.

On a way, those 3 different modes makes the D800/E virtually like 3 different cameras. That is a plus for this camera and a very cool and certainly useful feature for those not wishing such large files. It also gives you an extra fps I believe in one of those 2 modes. 25MP is a hair better than 22.3 therefore files pretty much as large as the ones from the 5D3.

Yes, they are both 'different' types of cameras targeted to 'different' audiences. But, they are both FF and that is what I am aiming for.

I wonder, what do you shoot? 

I shoot mostly landscape, but some candids, still life and family stuff. Kids are also in the not too distant future, so I'm looking for an all around shooter.  I could care less about video at this point but I'm sure in the future that may change. 

I'm also looking to step up to a FF, the 5D MarkII is interesting but the focal points/system really dis-interests me, even if I will be manually focusing at times. Either camera tends to fit the bill, but like I said earlier the versatility of the D800 is really appealing. 

Matt

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Mark - III Preorder and Delivery

« on: March 13, 2012, 10:23:16 AM »

FYI - I just got a notice from Amazon that my order is estimated to be delivered on 4/2/12 (2 day shipping). I ordered around 7AM pst on March 2nd

~ Matt

6

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: D800/E pre-order thread

« on: March 12, 2012, 09:58:06 PM »

I preordered a D800 but then I cancelled.

Why I ordered? It's more versatile then people think.  It not only shoots at 36MP but it also has a medium and small res modes (~25MP & what ever small is).  So you aren't forced to shoot at the max res, pixel pitch isn't nearly as bad at 25MP, noise should be be better, file size isn't as bad etc. Other cool things: Manual focus assist, the ability to jump down to crop 1.2 & 1.6 to extend the reach of a lens if need be.  Also the Nikon 14-24 is just awesome.

Why did I cancel? Because the 5DMKIII looks good also, I have a hard time believing its not going to beat the D800 in over all image quality, I also just picked up a 16-35L II last Dec. Before the MKIII was announced my plan was to pick up the wide angle, and then grab the 24-105 as the kit lens with the MKIII (save myself $400) and I'd basically be set for the year.

Anyhow, I have the 5D on preorder as well, but which ever ends up being the better camera for what I shoot, I'll probably pick up, I've been waiting for 2 years and was really looking forward to upgrading.

Matt