Nikon Dslr

maddog10

maddog10

Members
Ok, I almost bought a camera today. I had a D70 in my hands and almost did it. They also just came out with a D80 and a D40. The salesman was telling me that the D40 does everything the D70 does, but it seems to me that I read somewhere that there is a function that I would want (slave the flashes?) that first shows up on the D70 and not the cameras below it. Is that correct. Any thoughts on the D40, D70 or D80? The D80 sure seemed like a nice camera. If I get some good advice, I might have a new camera for the February Workshop.
 
mscichlid

mscichlid

Founder
Purchasing a camera sucks these days. Before you purchase the unit, decide what you want to do with the camera and then go to http://www.dpreview.com, go to cameras, pick the model you are interested in and read the review. You will also be able to make side by side comparisons of the cameras those folks recommended to you. Keep in mind that these guys are still about making a sale. They will sell you anything.

The DSLR's greatest feature is that you can change lenses. However, that is an extra expense that gets complicated by issues that involve what kind of shooter you are and what you want to do with the camera; and most especially if you are a photographer in the first place. Being a 'photograph' means that you at least know about aperatures and f-stops and flash syncs and film speeds.

In my opinion, if you want to do macro work you will have to buy a macro lense that is at least 600 bucks.
Secondly, your camera must be able to have the capability of attaching a cord for off-camera flash. There are peanut slaves out there to attach to older flashes....

Decide what you want to use the camera for first. Then decide which features are important to you. That means read the reviews and the specifications to see if the features meet your needs. If you haven't a clue, decide what you want to spend and look for cameras in that price range and read the specs.

Point and shoot cameras do have features that would allow shooting macro. It is usually built in. However, you should be able to have the capability of connecting a sync cord to allow off camera flash.

Just keep asking and somebody will hit the chord that will help you make the decision of purchase. You have to decide...

Franny :blush:
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
I think they might be discontinuing the D70 (not 100% sure).
Definately not a photographer, but willing to learn. Camera is mainly for taking photos of fish, but will also take it on my hunting trips. Do you guys slave multiple flashes or just a single one?
As you guys may have noticed, I tend to jump into things with both feet and no safety net. If I am spending over $1000 for a camera, I am sure going to learn how to use it. I will have to read up on the functions and such.
Heard about apperatures, flash syncs and film speeds (don't know what they mean) but what the F is a F-Stop.

Aren't cameras like golf clubs, you just buy the best one out there and your a pro? LOL
 
Pat Kelly

Pat Kelly

CCA Member
The best person to ask all the questions about D70 would be Bobby at the meeting.

He run two flashes.
I have run two but usually use only one.
 
Pat Kelly

Pat Kelly

CCA Member
You could also check aquaticphotography.com there are reviews and a help area.
I quit posting there though. My photos are inferior to them.
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
To late, D80 on the way!! Hopefully it gets here (and I figure out how to turn it on) before the meeting. NIKON 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S and NIKON SB-800 AF SPEEDLIGHT (plus memory card and case). Always wanted one so finally went ahead and got it.

Now what other lens do I need?
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
Hey Mike,

Sorry for not chining in sooner. :blush:

The D80 was a good...no, a GREAT choice for you. A true upgrade from the D70 and offers most of all the latest benifits you can appreciate.

However, lenses are the most important piece of equipment when you get into DSLR photography.

For shooting fish in tanks...the 60mm or 105mm Nikkor micro lenses are a must to include in your bag.

But, I gotta say this. Your decision to get the SB800 was the best investment you can make for aquarium photography. Get another one... or even two more, and you won't regret it.

Bring your equipment to the meeting and we'll have a ball using it. :D
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
Bobby,
I wasn't kidding, I am going to have to read the manual just to turn it on. I was over on the AP forum reading up on the Macro (Micro) lenses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the 60mm and 105mm lenses. May as well get all the equipment I need up front. Anything else I should consider buying now. I figured at least one more SB800 in the future (just from reading some posts on AP forum). Thanks for the help.
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
Aren't cameras like golf clubs, you just buy the best one out there and your a pro? LOL

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:angry: :angry: :angry:

Bullsh--

I'm a golfer and a photographer.

The same old story applies...

I'm on the tee box and I hit a ball that slices so far right that everyone thinks I am making a political statement. The so-called experts in my group are suggesting all sorts of corrections in my swing. In their oppinion, I'm screwing up.

Go to the next tee box, and hit the ball straight down the middle, 275 yards. The same guys walk over and ask me what club I'm using. Like it was the club that hit the ball...without my help!!!

It takes a good photographer to make a good image. The equipment can help, but the photographer makes the shot.
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the 60mm and 105mm lenses. [/b]
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focal length...period.

They are both fantastic lenses. Sharp, fast, and provide the best true color images you want.

I use the 60mm because most of my subjects are between one to eight inches in length. And, I don't have a lot of room to work with because of tight areas and built in tanks. I have to get close to them, so it works fairly well.

If you are shooting smaller subjects, or have the room to back off and not spook your subjects, the 105 is the best "first" choice.

With that said, I honestly think more folks getting into aquarium photography, would do better with the 60mm Nikkor f/2.8d micro and/or the the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8d lenses.

We'll play with them next weekend. :rolleyes:
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
Thanks for the advice.

I put the golf club statement in there because I knew you played. Figured you would get a kick out of it. I got a nice set of clubs, took a summers worth of lessons and average a 7 on everyhole. Not bad on the par 5's but really sucks on the par 3's. At least my buddies let me drive the cart. LOL
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
Ok, 2nd SB-800, 105mm lens and Photoshop CS on the way. I may need a ride to the meeting, just spent all my gas money on photo equipment. LOL :D
 
maddog10

maddog10

Members
Man. why cant the mail, UPS and FedEx run on Sunday. I want my new camera NOW!!! There is a big manual I have to read before the meeting, I want to at least act like I know what I'm doing with the thing.
 
phishphorphun

phishphorphun

Members
Ok, 2nd SB-800, 105mm lens and Photoshop CS on the way. I may need a ride to the meeting, just spent all my gas money on photo equipment. LOL
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What that just cost you, you must drive an eighteen wheeler and live in Fairbanks, Alaska. :D
 
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