Waiting on my new camera...

**FitnessPhotos** · November 26th, 2008, 08:29 AM

After much debate, I decided to get the D300 as a backup/general camera. I have had the D2X since the day they released it and have been considering the D3 but was held back by 1) two of my three lenses are DX format and only shoot 5MP with the D3 (and these are high end $1000+ DX lenses!) and 2) The body size is the same and the D3 and doesnt have a built-in flash which means carrying alot of gear around when I just want to take some decent photos.

The D700 came out in the smaller form factor but also had the new fullsized chip with the DX lens issue (and costs about $2700).

Canon just released a 5D at an amazing 21MP for $2600. 12MP seems to be second generation now.

So I paid $1500 for the D300 and will wait for the D4 from Nikon as my "Prosumer" camera.

So, here I wait.... UPS says "In transit".....

hardgainer · November 26th, 2008, 09:05 AM

I too want to replace my D200's with a couple D300's. That D300 takes amazing pics, the colors are outstanding, and the focus is suppose to be quicker. I'm having one heck of a time capturing more than one sharp pic out a of a large set at these motorcycle races. Good for you, glad your getting your new toy. Can't wait to see some pics.

**FitnessPhotos** · November 26th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Just got it, charging the battery. Out of the box, I love the feel - nice and solid. Like a short fullsized D series. Feels good in the hands. Will be going to "the farm" for Thanksgiving tomorrow, so a good change to take some photos of the kid son 4 wheelers to see how it handles focus, etc.

**FitnessPhotos** · November 26th, 2008, 07:57 PM

hardgainer, I'm curious what camera equipment do you have?

Nikon F5
Nikon D2X
Nikon D300 (now)
Nikon SB-600 flash

Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR
Nikon 17-55 f2.8 VR DX
Nikon 18-200 VR DX

When I go to FX chip, I'll need to get some decent non-DX glass. Shame I spent so much on those two DX lenses.

hardgainer · November 27th, 2008, 07:34 PM

All Nikon:

Sold F4 awhile ago (loved it!!)

D200 (x2) (1 has the MB-D200 vertical grip)
SB-800

70-200 f2.8 VR
17-55 f2.8 DX
50 f1.4

Alien Bee's studio lights
Photoflex reflectors/scrims

I NEED a D3 for it's fast auto-focus. These motorcycle racing events are whooping my D200's butts. I've got to go ol school in order to get any sharp shots. The D300 would be a nice step up in terms of improved picture quality and focus speed.

My equipment has paid for itself awhile ago, I definitely deserve an upgrade. It's insane how much cash is wrapped up in the equipment that the guys are walking around with at these bike races. With this being a part-time "hobby" I just cannot convince myself to go all the way to the D3.

**FitnessPhotos** · November 27th, 2008, 09:56 PM

I've been in the same boat, the equipment pays for itself over time, but I'm not hardcore like I used to be. I would love the D3, but since I have the D2X I think I'll skip a generation (I had the D1, D1X before this).

You have the same issue as me with those DX lenses though; the D3 only shoots 5MP images with a DX lens!

I had White Lightening gear and now have PhotoFlex lights that I rarely use. The Alien Bee's look like decent lights - made by with same people who do White Lightnings.

I did try out my D300 today and loved the light weight, but when I went vertical I noticed the lack of a vertical button and grip. That required moving the strap out of the way to curve my hand around to the top.

I've kept my F5 even though I havent shot film in a very long time. The money I would get for it versus what I paid makes me think I might as well just keep it. Maybe one of my kids would like to learn film someday.

Would love to catch one of you events and give it a whirl. I'm heading up to the Arnold Bodybuilding show in March to do my thing there - an outdoor race sounds like fun. I did alot of shots at a race event for Vipers Owners we did in Dallas:

hardgainer · November 28th, 2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessPhotos

I've kept my F5 even though I havent shot film in a very long time. The money I would get for it versus what I paid makes me think I might as well just keep it. Maybe one of my kids would like to learn film someday.

Really good move; wish I'd done that as well. There must have been 4-5k wrapped up in that F4 w/ lenses setup; we ended up donating it to a guy out west who has an orphanage. I'm hoping someone out there is learning with it.

Shooting those cars can be a PITA just like these bikes, especially when they are coming at you. I've got a good system down. It's provided great results but there is no time to relax at all. There are guys out there using auto-focus on their top end Cannons and Nikons that I cannot even dream of doing with these D200's. I'll have my day and when it comes I'll be nailing down tons of sharp pics (self-induced pep talk, lol).

-Here's a shot from Laguna Seca. I learned real quick to stay in this turn since I was getting good results. You need 500mm++ lenses to score close ups in almost every other turn.

-The "Texas Mile" (the bike was just starting off so it's still at approx. 80mph, after this it went to 190+) Forget about shooting that speed... hahaha

**FitnessPhotos** · November 28th, 2008, 09:12 AM

Very sharp and I love the colors; the D2X just isn't "bright" enough for my tastes, although it appears to capture the colors accurately, I have taken to bumping up the saturation lately to get closer to what I want.

All we need are corporate sponsors, lol. I keep trying to get press passes to the Arnold, but never can find that connection (and, honestly, I probably just am not trying hard enough). Even then, not sure it pays well enough to support it. Even on the fitness side the price per print is extremely low.

Sounds like your camera went to good use, have faith someone is learning and making good use of your gift.

hardgainer · November 28th, 2008, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessPhotos

I keep trying to get press passes to the Arnold, but never can find that connection (and, honestly, I probably just am not trying hard enough). Even then, not sure it pays well enough to support it.

Thanks!

-If the Arnold is anything like these motorsports events and the related tracks then it all comes down to whats in it for them. If a photog has no definite means (magazine connection, etc.) then they don't and won't allow "media creds" or anything similar. It takes an editor to get me into these things. Applying for media creds at some of these events is similar to getting a top secret clearance. Lots of proof of what you have done for the industry. It's tough and can be very very disheartening cuz you know what your capable of and that you'll get great shots but they don't care until they know your going to be able to tangibly promote the event in some way.

At all the NPC shows that we go to in Florida (my wife's a figure comp) there is a guy who has the whole market nailed down. I'm happy for him and glad that he's got such solid foundation in the local industry but when I go to these things I've got to slide up to the front with my 70-200 with ISO at 1000++ and try to get some good stuff. He's got the best seat in the house as he should but it's just another example of how someone got in and is keeping a strong hold.

In reference to the Arnold again, if you wanted, you could email just about every fitness, muscle, etc. publication, free or not, and see if an editor will vouch for you. This may be the ticket in there. :^)