Rumors abound all over the net. The much talked about, much desired, Nikon D700x, Nikon D800, or Nikon D900... whatever you want to call it, IS COMING!
The two new Nikon lenses that have been rumored for a while now have just been announced. Line up now to get your Nikon 24mm f1.4G AF-S or Nikon 16-35mm f4G ED VR AF-S, or save your pennies and wait for the coming D700x (or D800, or D900, or whatever they end up calling the mini D3X).
I'm getting excited. I recently gave in and purchased a Nikon D700, and I LOVE IT! It's quite possibly the best DSLR ever made, all things considered (price, features, build quality, image quality, focus). Just about the only thing that could make the D700 even better is a big brother D700x.
I've laid out the specs for the D700x in several previous articles, and needless to say, no matter what they call it, the mini D3X is going to be SWEET. A D3x sensor in a D700 body. Yeah baby! That's what I'm talking about.
As much as I love the rugged beauty of the D3s and the D3X, the larger bodies have never been my cup of tea. I've known since the day the D700 was announced that I'd own one soon, and I know right now that the D700x will be mine too. Paired with the D700, I'll have a killer combo of two of the best damn DSLR's on the planet!
I'm going to go out on a limb here and reveal a little insider info, intuition, insight, speculation... whatever you want to call it. We'll be seeing the D700x before Spring, and that's all I can tell ya at the moment.
Related articles...
Uncle Bob Leaks TOP SECRET Info On The Nikon D700X
Nikon D700X Replacement For The D700?
Nikon D700x Pricing Misconceptions
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
DSLR Choices for the Wedding Photographer
Seems like everyone wants to be a wedding photographer these days. :-)
I get asked a lot of questions about shooting weddings, and a lot of them are about cameras and gear, which is understandable since there are so many choices and so many different opinions out there.
There have never been so many DSLR camera choices available as there are today. Even a few years ago, some DSLR cameras were much better suited than others for the task of shooting a wedding. These days, a competent photographer could easily shoot a wedding with pretty much any DSLR on the market.
That said, there are DSLR cameras that are better suited to weddings than others.
The Nikon D3s and Nikon D700 are the best DSLR cameras ever available for shooting weddings. Their insane image quality at high ISO settings allows the photographer a wide latitude of creativity options that just aren't possible with any other camera. Add to that their incredible image quality, the fact that they have the best auto focus system on the planet today, and are built to withstand a nuclear explosion, and you have a pair of really incredible DSLR's that are perfectly suited for the challenges of photographing a wedding.
What's that? The D3s and D700 are a little out of your price range?
No problem. The Nikon D300s or the Nikon D90 are excellent alternatives that are a little lighter on the pocket book. I'd have no problem shooting a wedding with a pair of Nikon D90 DSLR's, and at less than $1,000 per body, their probably the best value on the market today. The image quality from the Nikon D90 is exceptional, and the auto focus performance is VERY good.
So far I've only mentioned Nikon DSLR cameras. While I think Nikon makes the best DSLR cameras available today, and certainly offers the BEST warranty of any DSLR manufacturer, there are certainly some other great camera options out there outside of the Nikon line-up. Canon, Sony, and Pentax all have some excellent DSLR offerings for the wedding photographer.
Canon's 5D MkII is a full frame favourite among a lot of wedding photographers. It's high ISO abilities are very good... not in the same league as the Nikon D3s or D700, but still very good.
The new Canon 7D is also fast becoming a wedding photographer favourite for those who shoot Canon. A crop sensor DSLR, which at 18MP produces images which are a little noisy for my taste, the 7D features a new and improved Canon auto focus system.
I'd stay away from the Canon 50D if you're shopping. It produces images that are noisy by comparison and are not of a quality that is worthy of a Canon DSLR in my opinion. You're better off with the previous Canon 40D.
The Canon Rebel XSi is a pretty decent little performer if you are on a tight budget. Not a bad idea to buy 2 of these bodies and spend the rest of your money on high quality lenses if you can't afford the more expensive bodies and the better lenses. I'd steer clear of the Rebel T1i as it has a similar chip to the 50D so you get the same image quality issues as the 50D.
For those of you considering a Canon DSLR purchase, Canon quality control is not the best, so be careful to test your new Canon DSLR if you buy one to make sure it doesn't have auto focus problems, exhibit banding in the images, or have other functional problems. You can find numerous accounts of folks who have problems with Canon DSLR's if you search the net, and I really hope they address the problem soon.
Sony has quite a few options in the DSLR arena now and are obviously looking to establish themselves as a major player. If you're a Sony fan, consider the full frame A850 as an excellent pro featured DSLR at a bargain price. I personally don't know of any pros shooting weddings with Sony equipment, but I'm sure that will change as they continue to improve their offerings.
Pentax fans can have a look at the K7, a great value that is one of the most full featured DSLR cameras on the market today. For the price, it's a bargain. My only caveat to the Pentax system is that their auto focus isn't quite up to par with Nikon or Canon (when Canon auto focus works).
My #1 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D3s. It's simply the best DSLR out there right now.
My #2 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D700. Lighter and less expensive than the D3s, you still get 90% of the D3s goodness at almost half the price.
My #3 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D90. To date, the Nikon D90 is the best value in a DSLR ever. If your budget doesn't allow for a D700 or a D3s, the D90 will do you just fine.
Unfortunately, Canon's quality control issues, auto focus problems, and shorter warranties, prevent me from recommending them in my top 3 recommendations. I feel that these problems just shouldn't exist in top quality equipment, and therefore I can't recommend them in good conscience.
Remember, if you're charging money to shoot weddings, you ABSOLUTELY have to have a back-up body. If you can't afford a D3s or D700 and a backup body, you NEED to be looking at two less expensive bodies like the D90 that fit in your budget.
Professional photographers ALWAYS need to have backup equipment. Don't even think about skimping here. You could be sued if you've been paid to shoot a wedding and you have an equipment failure and no backup. And rightly so. ALWAYS have backup equipment on hand.
I get asked a lot of questions about shooting weddings, and a lot of them are about cameras and gear, which is understandable since there are so many choices and so many different opinions out there.
There have never been so many DSLR camera choices available as there are today. Even a few years ago, some DSLR cameras were much better suited than others for the task of shooting a wedding. These days, a competent photographer could easily shoot a wedding with pretty much any DSLR on the market.
That said, there are DSLR cameras that are better suited to weddings than others.
The Nikon D3s and Nikon D700 are the best DSLR cameras ever available for shooting weddings. Their insane image quality at high ISO settings allows the photographer a wide latitude of creativity options that just aren't possible with any other camera. Add to that their incredible image quality, the fact that they have the best auto focus system on the planet today, and are built to withstand a nuclear explosion, and you have a pair of really incredible DSLR's that are perfectly suited for the challenges of photographing a wedding.
What's that? The D3s and D700 are a little out of your price range?
No problem. The Nikon D300s or the Nikon D90 are excellent alternatives that are a little lighter on the pocket book. I'd have no problem shooting a wedding with a pair of Nikon D90 DSLR's, and at less than $1,000 per body, their probably the best value on the market today. The image quality from the Nikon D90 is exceptional, and the auto focus performance is VERY good.
So far I've only mentioned Nikon DSLR cameras. While I think Nikon makes the best DSLR cameras available today, and certainly offers the BEST warranty of any DSLR manufacturer, there are certainly some other great camera options out there outside of the Nikon line-up. Canon, Sony, and Pentax all have some excellent DSLR offerings for the wedding photographer.
Canon's 5D MkII is a full frame favourite among a lot of wedding photographers. It's high ISO abilities are very good... not in the same league as the Nikon D3s or D700, but still very good.
The new Canon 7D is also fast becoming a wedding photographer favourite for those who shoot Canon. A crop sensor DSLR, which at 18MP produces images which are a little noisy for my taste, the 7D features a new and improved Canon auto focus system.
I'd stay away from the Canon 50D if you're shopping. It produces images that are noisy by comparison and are not of a quality that is worthy of a Canon DSLR in my opinion. You're better off with the previous Canon 40D.
The Canon Rebel XSi is a pretty decent little performer if you are on a tight budget. Not a bad idea to buy 2 of these bodies and spend the rest of your money on high quality lenses if you can't afford the more expensive bodies and the better lenses. I'd steer clear of the Rebel T1i as it has a similar chip to the 50D so you get the same image quality issues as the 50D.
For those of you considering a Canon DSLR purchase, Canon quality control is not the best, so be careful to test your new Canon DSLR if you buy one to make sure it doesn't have auto focus problems, exhibit banding in the images, or have other functional problems. You can find numerous accounts of folks who have problems with Canon DSLR's if you search the net, and I really hope they address the problem soon.
Sony has quite a few options in the DSLR arena now and are obviously looking to establish themselves as a major player. If you're a Sony fan, consider the full frame A850 as an excellent pro featured DSLR at a bargain price. I personally don't know of any pros shooting weddings with Sony equipment, but I'm sure that will change as they continue to improve their offerings.
Pentax fans can have a look at the K7, a great value that is one of the most full featured DSLR cameras on the market today. For the price, it's a bargain. My only caveat to the Pentax system is that their auto focus isn't quite up to par with Nikon or Canon (when Canon auto focus works).
My #1 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D3s. It's simply the best DSLR out there right now.
My #2 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D700. Lighter and less expensive than the D3s, you still get 90% of the D3s goodness at almost half the price.
My #3 Recommendation for a Wedding Photographer's DSLR is the Nikon D90. To date, the Nikon D90 is the best value in a DSLR ever. If your budget doesn't allow for a D700 or a D3s, the D90 will do you just fine.
Unfortunately, Canon's quality control issues, auto focus problems, and shorter warranties, prevent me from recommending them in my top 3 recommendations. I feel that these problems just shouldn't exist in top quality equipment, and therefore I can't recommend them in good conscience.
Remember, if you're charging money to shoot weddings, you ABSOLUTELY have to have a back-up body. If you can't afford a D3s or D700 and a backup body, you NEED to be looking at two less expensive bodies like the D90 that fit in your budget.
Professional photographers ALWAYS need to have backup equipment. Don't even think about skimping here. You could be sued if you've been paid to shoot a wedding and you have an equipment failure and no backup. And rightly so. ALWAYS have backup equipment on hand.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Nikon D90 - The Perfect DSLR For Just About Anyone
I get people asking me all the time what DSLR they should buy. I used to tailor my recommendations based on a number of questions concerning what they're going to use it for. Nowadays, my answer is almost always, buy a Nikon D90.
It's the perfect DSLR for just about everyone!
The Nikon D90 is an amazing DSLR camera at an amazing price point.
Prior to the D90, I'm not sure I would've had a recommendation for the PERFECT DSLR for everyone. There were so many variables and so many pluses and minuses to most DSLR cameras.
And then along came the Nikon D90.
The D90 is advanced enough for all but the most demanding professionals to use, yet approachable enough for the beginning hobbyist. The D90 is so well built, so well designed, so well spec'ed, and such a great price, that it takes the cake for best value out there in the DSLR market.
I find myself picking up my D90 over any of my other cameras almost all the time now. My Nikon D300 sits lonely in my camera bag, upstaged by it's little brother. The lighter body of the D90 is so pleasant to work with, and I love the versatility of the 18-105 VR lens that I bought with it.
The image quality of the D90 is top notch. 12MP never looked so good! While other manufacturers are trying to jam more and more megapixels into a crop sensor DSLR, Nikon understands that 12 megapixels is more than almost anybody needs and that quality trumps quantity. We don't need more megapixels. Give us better IQ, dynamic range, and high ISO ability.
The D90 is rugged and well built. The body is solid and capable of taking a beating, yet light and compact enough to not pull your neck out of shape or your back out of joint.
The D90 auto focus is best in class. Only the flagship auto focus system in the Nikon D300s, D3s, D700, or D3x is better, and for most uses, you'll never notice the difference. Unlike a lot of Canon DSLR's that seem chronically plagued with back focus, front focus, and out of focus problems, the Nikon D90 auto focus system just works.
Unless you're a professional who requires the ABSOLUTE best DSLR on the market, the Nikon D90 is probably more camera than you'll ever need. Even professionals who require the top of the line DSLR's will find the Nikon D90 to be a great back-up camera.
If you're in the market for a DSLR, check out the Nikon D90. You won't be dissappointed!
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Upgrading Your DSLR
Thursday, December 17, 2009
How to make a Crop Sensor DSLR Photo Indistinguishable from a Full Frame DSLR Photo.
1) Shoot at the lowest ISO possible. The lower the ISO the lower the noise, and the better quality image. The base ISO of your DSLR is its sweet spot. For most Nikon DSLR cameras, that’s going to be ISO 200. Leave it there if you can.
2) Shoot tight. Frame your shot to fill the frame. Maximize those pixels. When you fill the frame with your subject, you get more image to work with. When you don’t shoot tight and have to crop, you lose resolution. When you fill your frame with your subject, you get the maximum resolution which translates into the best image quality you can get out of your DSLR.
3) Use the best glass you own, and know where the sweet spot is. Where is your lens sharpest with the best contrast and color characteristics? You should be shooting at that f-stop, or as close to it as possible. Know your lens and use it to its maximum potential.
4) Perhaps the most important of all, light your shot properly. Whether you’re using speedlights off camera, or more powerful lights like Alien Bees, spend the time to make sure your lighting is perfect. Lighting is perhaps the single greatest variable that can make or break a shot. You can get an incredible image from a small point and shoot like the Canon G10 if you light it properly. Lighting is the single biggest factor in levelling the playing field between crop sensor DSLR cameras and full frame DSLR cameras. Lighting is everything!
5) Shoot RAW to maximize image quality. If you’re not already shooting RAW, start now! There’s just no comparison between RAW and JPG. When it comes to maximizing image quality, RAW is where its at, not to mention all the additional benefits of RAW like overexposure recovery, white balance correction, and on and on. There are times when shooting JPG is fine. This isn’t one of them. When you’re looking to maximize image quality, shoot RAW.
6) For that little edge… to get that little smidgeon of image quality… develop your RAW image using your camera’s own RAW processor. If you shoot Canon, use DPP. If you shoot Nikon, use NikonView or Capture.You’ll almost always get a little better image. Nothing earth shattering, but it’s usually enough to be noticeable, if ever so slightly.
Follow these tips and you’ll find your images from your crop sensor DSLR are indistinguishable from those of a full frame DSLR camera. Not only that, you’ll find your images are just better all around. You might just surprise yourself at how good they are.
2) Shoot tight. Frame your shot to fill the frame. Maximize those pixels. When you fill the frame with your subject, you get more image to work with. When you don’t shoot tight and have to crop, you lose resolution. When you fill your frame with your subject, you get the maximum resolution which translates into the best image quality you can get out of your DSLR.
3) Use the best glass you own, and know where the sweet spot is. Where is your lens sharpest with the best contrast and color characteristics? You should be shooting at that f-stop, or as close to it as possible. Know your lens and use it to its maximum potential.
4) Perhaps the most important of all, light your shot properly. Whether you’re using speedlights off camera, or more powerful lights like Alien Bees, spend the time to make sure your lighting is perfect. Lighting is perhaps the single greatest variable that can make or break a shot. You can get an incredible image from a small point and shoot like the Canon G10 if you light it properly. Lighting is the single biggest factor in levelling the playing field between crop sensor DSLR cameras and full frame DSLR cameras. Lighting is everything!
5) Shoot RAW to maximize image quality. If you’re not already shooting RAW, start now! There’s just no comparison between RAW and JPG. When it comes to maximizing image quality, RAW is where its at, not to mention all the additional benefits of RAW like overexposure recovery, white balance correction, and on and on. There are times when shooting JPG is fine. This isn’t one of them. When you’re looking to maximize image quality, shoot RAW.
6) For that little edge… to get that little smidgeon of image quality… develop your RAW image using your camera’s own RAW processor. If you shoot Canon, use DPP. If you shoot Nikon, use NikonView or Capture.You’ll almost always get a little better image. Nothing earth shattering, but it’s usually enough to be noticeable, if ever so slightly.
Follow these tips and you’ll find your images from your crop sensor DSLR are indistinguishable from those of a full frame DSLR camera. Not only that, you’ll find your images are just better all around. You might just surprise yourself at how good they are.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Full Frame DSLR Camera or Crop Sensor DSLR Camera… What to do?
So, the new Nikon D300S is out. It's a great camera, and it's a crop sensor DSLR camera. Likewise, the new Canon 7D is out, and it has some great things going for it too. It's also a crop sensor DSLR camera.
Both Nikon and Canon have many other great crop sensor DSLR cameras in their line-up like the Nikon D90, Nikon D5000, Nikon D3000, Canon EOS 50D, Canon Rebel T1i, Canon Rebel Xsi, and the Canon Rebel XS.
Then you’ve got the new Nikon D3s full frame DSLR camera, and it’s a fantastic piece of equipment. Likewise, the Canon 5D MkII is a full frame DSLR camera that many Canon shooters have fallen in love with. There’s also the Nikon D700, another great full frame DSLR camera, and the Nikon D3X, the full frame DSLR camera that is Nikon’s flagship offering. Canon has the 1DsMkIII full frame DSLR which is the current Canon flagship.
Which is better, crop sensor or full frame?
Why do the full frame DSLR cameras cost so much more?
So what do you need? Will a crop sensor DSLR camera do the job, or do you need to step up to a full frame DSLR camera?
As many people have found out, there aren’t any simple, cut and dry answers to these questions, but I’m going to try and help simplify things for you.
First off, let’s look at which is better… crop sensor or full frame. The short answer is neither. Many people will tell you that full frame is better. If you’re a professional photographer, you’ve probably been told that you should shoot full frame as it’s better, or more professional, or that you’re not doing right by your clients unless your using one of the latest and greatest full frame DSLR cameras.
There’s no question that full frame DSLR cameras are great. No question that they are capable of amazing image quality. No question that a full frame DSLR like the Nikon D3s is capable of delivering mind blowing image quality at insanely high ISO settings. You can practically shoot in the dark with that thing!
But does that suddenly mean that anything less than a full frame DSLR isn’t capable delivering a great photo?
There are some incredible photographers shooting with crop sensor DSLR cameras and creating amazing images. Loads of incredible images were captured on crop sensor DSLR cameras before full frame DSLR cameras were even available. Some top notch photographers have even gone back to crop sensor DSLR cameras from full frame. Case in point, the new 7D. More than a few photographers have decided it suits them better than the full frame 5D MkII. Are they suddenly going to have worse photos because they’ve gone from a full frame DSLR to a crop sensor DSLR? They don’t think so, their clients don’t think so, and I don’t think so.
I myself am still quite content shooting with my Nikon D300 and Nikon D90, both crop sensor DSLR cameras, and both capable of incredibly good image quality. For the bulk of what I do (portraits and weddings), the venerable little D90 is more than capable of getting the job done. Sometimes I prefer the D300’s slightly better auto focus, but the trade off is that the D300 is heavier.
There are times when I’m shooting in dim lighting that the D3s or D700 would be nice for their super high ISO abilities, but I can even the playing field by knowing how to light properly. A single, inexpensive flash unit can make a shot from a D3s and D90 indistinguishable for all intents and purposes. And a single, inexpensive flash unit is a hell of a lot cheaper than purchasing a D3s.
With proper lighting, I’m perfectly comfortable shooting with any DSLR, whether it’s a $400 or $10,000 camera. Even my little Canon G10 is capable of amazing quality with the right lighting. The point is, you don’t need a full frame DSLR to take good photos. You don’t even need a high end crop sensor DSLR to take good photos. A good photographer can take a great photo with ANY DSLR on the market today.
Now, that’s not to say there aren’t times when you might benefit from some of the advanced features of the higher end crop sensor or full frame cameras. My point is that you likely don’t NEED a full frame DSLR camera. You may want one, but you probably don’t NEED one.
If you’re an amateur hobbyist who takes nature photos, landscapes, and maybe some family photos, a crop sensor DSLR camera like the Nikon D90 or Canon T1i will do just fine. Even one of the lower end DSLR cameras may be all you need.
Advanced amateurs can still do just fine with a Nikon D90 or Canon T1i. Even professionals like myself find DSLR cameras at this level to be more than adequate for most jobs. It comes down to choosing the right tool for the job, and in a lot of cases, the top end DSLR cameras are OVERKILL.
So, the short answer is NO, full frame DSLR cameras are not necessarily better. They may have advanced features such as super high ISO or crazy accurate auto focus that are better or necessary on some jobs, but I don’t think its correct to say they’re better. They’re different. Some nature photographer actually prefer the crop sensor for it’s 1.5X extra reach, but does that make a crop sensor DSLR better than a full frame DSLR? No. They may be better for a specific job requirement like nature photography, but they’re not flat out better. Different horses for different courses.
Let’s look at it from a cost perspective. Full frame DSLR cameras are MUCH more expensive, especially when you’re talking the flagship bodies like the Nikon D3X and the Canon 1DsMkIII. The reason for this is quite simple.
Sensors are basically get cut from a larger sheet of sensor material if you will. You can cut more crop sensors out of a single sheet of a given size than you can full frame sensors. This also makes it more efficient to make crop sensors as there is less waste as well, hence an added cost savings for crop sensors and cost increase for full frame sensors. Factor in the cost of bad sensors (i.e. how many sensors are bad and go to waste out of a given number), and the cost of full frame is even higher in relation to crop sensors. It costs less to throw out a bad crop sensor off the production line than it does a full frame sensor.
Of course, you’re also paying a premium for the full frame sensor simply because they’re still newer and perceived to more desirable. Pure and simple. Like a high brand product that is no better than a relatively unknown brand product, the one costs more than the other.
Now, with that said, and understanding a little more of why full frame DSLR cameras are more expensive, let’s consider the value vs. cost of full frame vs. crop sensor DSLR cameras. For the sake of argument, let’s use the Nikon D700 and the Nikon D90. The Nikon D700 lists for $2899.99 here in Canada at Henrys. The Nikon D90 lists for $1019.99. (If you’re in the USA, UK, or someplace else, feel free to substitute local pricing. It’ll still make the point nicely.)
You can buy almost three Nikon D90 DSLR bodies for the price of one Nikon D700 body, or you could buy one D90 and some nice lenses and a couple of flashes. Proper lighting will almost always do more for you than a full frame DSLR will.
So the question is, do you really need the full frame D700 bad enough to spend 3X the price of a D90?
Some will still say yes, and that’s fine. Just be aware of why you’re saying so. Most don’t need the D700... they just want it, often REALLY bad. Some do actually need the D700 over the D90. Some need an even more expensive camera like the Nikon D3s or the Nikon D3X. The point is, be aware of what you need and what you want. I want a D700 REALLY badly, but I don’t NEED one. I’ll likely get one at some point, and I know the main reason is the POWER file it generates (as my good friend Peter Gregg likes to call them) and the SUPER clean high ISO. I often shoot in dim lighting, so the amazing high ISO will be welcome. That said, I’m creating great images with my D300 and my D90. The D700 is mostly a WANT.
If you don’t have a real need for a full frame DSLR, then you get better value for your money by buying a crop sensor camera like the D90.
Factor in too that DSLR cameras do not hold their value well. Within a relatively short period of time, your DSLR will be worth less than half of what you paid for it, no matter which one you buy. So, the more expensive DSLR you buy, the more money you lose when its time to upgrade. If you make your living with your camera, its not so bad as you can write it off and use it to make more money. If you’re a hobbyist, the fast depreciation of your DSLR probably hurts a little more. Spend more, hurt more.
I’d be remiss not to note the WANT factor as being valid in and of itself. If you’re like me, you love to have a new high tech toy. If you can afford it, and are aware of the real reasons why you’re buying a more expensive DSLR than you may actually need, go for it! Get a full frame DSLR and enjoy it! Hell, buy the best if money isn’t an issue.
If you’re a struggling photography business owner, maybe you should think twice. Would the extra money be better spent on marketing or improving your photography skills to set you apart in your market? Likely.
Full frame DSLR cameras are great, but there are some great crop sensor cameras too. A good photographer can take an amazing photo with any DSLR on the market today. Good lighting will improve your photography far more than a fancier camera will. Unless you’re on an unrestricted budget, take the time to consider if you really need the more expensive full frame DSLR, or if a less expensive crop sensor DSLR will meet your needs just fine.
Both Nikon and Canon have many other great crop sensor DSLR cameras in their line-up like the Nikon D90, Nikon D5000, Nikon D3000, Canon EOS 50D, Canon Rebel T1i, Canon Rebel Xsi, and the Canon Rebel XS.
Then you’ve got the new Nikon D3s full frame DSLR camera, and it’s a fantastic piece of equipment. Likewise, the Canon 5D MkII is a full frame DSLR camera that many Canon shooters have fallen in love with. There’s also the Nikon D700, another great full frame DSLR camera, and the Nikon D3X, the full frame DSLR camera that is Nikon’s flagship offering. Canon has the 1DsMkIII full frame DSLR which is the current Canon flagship.
Which is better, crop sensor or full frame?
Why do the full frame DSLR cameras cost so much more?
So what do you need? Will a crop sensor DSLR camera do the job, or do you need to step up to a full frame DSLR camera?
As many people have found out, there aren’t any simple, cut and dry answers to these questions, but I’m going to try and help simplify things for you.
First off, let’s look at which is better… crop sensor or full frame. The short answer is neither. Many people will tell you that full frame is better. If you’re a professional photographer, you’ve probably been told that you should shoot full frame as it’s better, or more professional, or that you’re not doing right by your clients unless your using one of the latest and greatest full frame DSLR cameras.
There’s no question that full frame DSLR cameras are great. No question that they are capable of amazing image quality. No question that a full frame DSLR like the Nikon D3s is capable of delivering mind blowing image quality at insanely high ISO settings. You can practically shoot in the dark with that thing!
But does that suddenly mean that anything less than a full frame DSLR isn’t capable delivering a great photo?
There are some incredible photographers shooting with crop sensor DSLR cameras and creating amazing images. Loads of incredible images were captured on crop sensor DSLR cameras before full frame DSLR cameras were even available. Some top notch photographers have even gone back to crop sensor DSLR cameras from full frame. Case in point, the new 7D. More than a few photographers have decided it suits them better than the full frame 5D MkII. Are they suddenly going to have worse photos because they’ve gone from a full frame DSLR to a crop sensor DSLR? They don’t think so, their clients don’t think so, and I don’t think so.
I myself am still quite content shooting with my Nikon D300 and Nikon D90, both crop sensor DSLR cameras, and both capable of incredibly good image quality. For the bulk of what I do (portraits and weddings), the venerable little D90 is more than capable of getting the job done. Sometimes I prefer the D300’s slightly better auto focus, but the trade off is that the D300 is heavier.
There are times when I’m shooting in dim lighting that the D3s or D700 would be nice for their super high ISO abilities, but I can even the playing field by knowing how to light properly. A single, inexpensive flash unit can make a shot from a D3s and D90 indistinguishable for all intents and purposes. And a single, inexpensive flash unit is a hell of a lot cheaper than purchasing a D3s.
With proper lighting, I’m perfectly comfortable shooting with any DSLR, whether it’s a $400 or $10,000 camera. Even my little Canon G10 is capable of amazing quality with the right lighting. The point is, you don’t need a full frame DSLR to take good photos. You don’t even need a high end crop sensor DSLR to take good photos. A good photographer can take a great photo with ANY DSLR on the market today.
Now, that’s not to say there aren’t times when you might benefit from some of the advanced features of the higher end crop sensor or full frame cameras. My point is that you likely don’t NEED a full frame DSLR camera. You may want one, but you probably don’t NEED one.
If you’re an amateur hobbyist who takes nature photos, landscapes, and maybe some family photos, a crop sensor DSLR camera like the Nikon D90 or Canon T1i will do just fine. Even one of the lower end DSLR cameras may be all you need.
Advanced amateurs can still do just fine with a Nikon D90 or Canon T1i. Even professionals like myself find DSLR cameras at this level to be more than adequate for most jobs. It comes down to choosing the right tool for the job, and in a lot of cases, the top end DSLR cameras are OVERKILL.
So, the short answer is NO, full frame DSLR cameras are not necessarily better. They may have advanced features such as super high ISO or crazy accurate auto focus that are better or necessary on some jobs, but I don’t think its correct to say they’re better. They’re different. Some nature photographer actually prefer the crop sensor for it’s 1.5X extra reach, but does that make a crop sensor DSLR better than a full frame DSLR? No. They may be better for a specific job requirement like nature photography, but they’re not flat out better. Different horses for different courses.
Let’s look at it from a cost perspective. Full frame DSLR cameras are MUCH more expensive, especially when you’re talking the flagship bodies like the Nikon D3X and the Canon 1DsMkIII. The reason for this is quite simple.
Sensors are basically get cut from a larger sheet of sensor material if you will. You can cut more crop sensors out of a single sheet of a given size than you can full frame sensors. This also makes it more efficient to make crop sensors as there is less waste as well, hence an added cost savings for crop sensors and cost increase for full frame sensors. Factor in the cost of bad sensors (i.e. how many sensors are bad and go to waste out of a given number), and the cost of full frame is even higher in relation to crop sensors. It costs less to throw out a bad crop sensor off the production line than it does a full frame sensor.
Of course, you’re also paying a premium for the full frame sensor simply because they’re still newer and perceived to more desirable. Pure and simple. Like a high brand product that is no better than a relatively unknown brand product, the one costs more than the other.
Now, with that said, and understanding a little more of why full frame DSLR cameras are more expensive, let’s consider the value vs. cost of full frame vs. crop sensor DSLR cameras. For the sake of argument, let’s use the Nikon D700 and the Nikon D90. The Nikon D700 lists for $2899.99 here in Canada at Henrys. The Nikon D90 lists for $1019.99. (If you’re in the USA, UK, or someplace else, feel free to substitute local pricing. It’ll still make the point nicely.)
You can buy almost three Nikon D90 DSLR bodies for the price of one Nikon D700 body, or you could buy one D90 and some nice lenses and a couple of flashes. Proper lighting will almost always do more for you than a full frame DSLR will.
So the question is, do you really need the full frame D700 bad enough to spend 3X the price of a D90?
Some will still say yes, and that’s fine. Just be aware of why you’re saying so. Most don’t need the D700... they just want it, often REALLY bad. Some do actually need the D700 over the D90. Some need an even more expensive camera like the Nikon D3s or the Nikon D3X. The point is, be aware of what you need and what you want. I want a D700 REALLY badly, but I don’t NEED one. I’ll likely get one at some point, and I know the main reason is the POWER file it generates (as my good friend Peter Gregg likes to call them) and the SUPER clean high ISO. I often shoot in dim lighting, so the amazing high ISO will be welcome. That said, I’m creating great images with my D300 and my D90. The D700 is mostly a WANT.
If you don’t have a real need for a full frame DSLR, then you get better value for your money by buying a crop sensor camera like the D90.
Factor in too that DSLR cameras do not hold their value well. Within a relatively short period of time, your DSLR will be worth less than half of what you paid for it, no matter which one you buy. So, the more expensive DSLR you buy, the more money you lose when its time to upgrade. If you make your living with your camera, its not so bad as you can write it off and use it to make more money. If you’re a hobbyist, the fast depreciation of your DSLR probably hurts a little more. Spend more, hurt more.
I’d be remiss not to note the WANT factor as being valid in and of itself. If you’re like me, you love to have a new high tech toy. If you can afford it, and are aware of the real reasons why you’re buying a more expensive DSLR than you may actually need, go for it! Get a full frame DSLR and enjoy it! Hell, buy the best if money isn’t an issue.
If you’re a struggling photography business owner, maybe you should think twice. Would the extra money be better spent on marketing or improving your photography skills to set you apart in your market? Likely.
Full frame DSLR cameras are great, but there are some great crop sensor cameras too. A good photographer can take an amazing photo with any DSLR on the market today. Good lighting will improve your photography far more than a fancier camera will. Unless you’re on an unrestricted budget, take the time to consider if you really need the more expensive full frame DSLR, or if a less expensive crop sensor DSLR will meet your needs just fine.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Speedlight Softbox... A Great Christmas Gift For Photographers!
Some people have a hard time figuring out what to buy for the photographer(s) on their Christmas list. I know, I know... seems hard to believe! There's so much gear out there that we all lust after.
Perhaps that the problem though... our non-photographer friends and family don't know where to start. Or maybe everything just looks to expensive.
Well, here's a great Christmas gift idea for under $100 for the photographer (s) on your Christmas list... a Speedlight Softbox!
Every photographer wants to take their photos up a notch, and better lighting is one of the best, most often over-looked ways to do it. The photographer on your Christmas list will love this 20x20 Collapsible Portable Speedlight Softbox. Even if they have one, a photographer can never get enough softboxes, so they'll love another!
Light up your photographer's face on Christmas with a lighting accessory that'll make their day! Order your Speedlight Softbox today!
Perhaps that the problem though... our non-photographer friends and family don't know where to start. Or maybe everything just looks to expensive.
Well, here's a great Christmas gift idea for under $100 for the photographer (s) on your Christmas list... a Speedlight Softbox!
Every photographer wants to take their photos up a notch, and better lighting is one of the best, most often over-looked ways to do it. The photographer on your Christmas list will love this 20x20 Collapsible Portable Speedlight Softbox. Even if they have one, a photographer can never get enough softboxes, so they'll love another!
Light up your photographer's face on Christmas with a lighting accessory that'll make their day! Order your Speedlight Softbox today!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Lighting Is EVERYTHING!
Lighting is EVERYTHING! Whether you're using natural light or making your own with a softbox, lighting makes the difference between a GREAT photo, and an ok photo.
I shot the above image of my niece Chloe with my Canon G10. Several people have done a double take when I tell them that. They swear it looks like a DSLR image.
It's the lighting folks! Yes, I shot it with my Canon G10, which is capable of amazing image quality, especially at its base ISO of 80, but what makes this image is the way I lit it.
I used a collapsible Speedlight Softbox on a small lightstand with one of my Nikon SB-800's fired into it. I had the Speedlight Softbox up close and personal, about 3 to 4 feet away from Chloe.
Yes, I've worked the image a bit in Photoshop, but the lighting is what makes it, and you can't get this kind of light from on-camera flash.
Too many people get caught up in the "need" for the latest and greatest DSLR and newest, most expensive lens to put in front of it. Sure, great gear helps make a great photo, but a good photographer can make a great photo with ANY DSLR out there. I shot this with a point and shoot!
Before you go spending more money upgrading to that new Canon 7D or that Nikon D300s, or a Nikon D700 or Canon 5D MkII, consider if you'd be better off expanding your lighting gear and skills. You can get a 20"x20" Collapsible Speedlight Softbox for under $100, and a used speedlight for the same. Add some radio triggers and a lightstand, and you've got a great portable lighting set-up for less than a few hundred dollars... a WHOLE LOT LESS than that new DSLR you were looking at.
Just a thought, but I bet improving your lighting does WAY more for the quality of your images than buying a new DSLR. :-)
P.S. You can view the full resolution image over at my Flickr Page.
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