Tomorrow is D700 Day for me. Hints?

[luisarguelles]

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<p >Well, I finally went out in order to take a few pictures, or better said, in order to test adjustments. I’ve uploaded some of the pictures in my portfolio. Please, take them only as “first-day” pictures, that is, don’t expect the more artistic work on Earth, but in any case I can say I’m really happy with my new camera. Well, let’s see the pictures:</p>

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<p >Landscape: Taken in Vivid mode (jpg) and translated to b&w in LR. Nikkor 24mm AF-D: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856938&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856938&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >A small sleeping: Taken also in Vivid mode (jpg). I used here a Nikkor 200mm f/4 and matrix metering: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856934&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856934&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >Trying a backlight: Taken with a 35mm AF-D lens, this is almost unretouched after adjusting the monochrome mode in the camera. Not Fuji Acros yet, but it works very well. Metering is center-weighted with AE-Lock and adjusting the center-weighted area to a semi-spot (the minimum diameter allowed), much in the way of what Leica-R cameras calls “selective metering”: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856932&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856932&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >A portrait: Same technique as the previous one: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856930&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856930&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >The Velvia look. Vivid and no RAW, directly in jpg. Minimum processing in LR and an exercise in color. 35mm AF-D: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856926&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856926&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >The “at home portrait at the well known armchair”. 35mm AF-D in RAW format. Minimum processing in LR: <a href="http://www.photo.net/photo/9856922&size=lg">http://www.photo.net/photo/9856922&size=lg</a></p>

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<p >Well, that’s all. It’s a great experience to share the results with you all.</p>

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[jeannean_.]

<p>Congratulations Luis! I'm thrilled for you and your photos are wonderful. (I remember that chair from the Wednesday thread!) I'm very excited for you. I will never own a D700 (unless I win the lottery, and since I don't ever remember to buy a ticket... ;-), will live vicariously through you. Enjoy your new "baby"!</p>

[eddy1]

<p>Luis, I wish years of fun. For my part, the one thing I found most useful was the setting up of a 'My Menu' with a handful of frequently used items like ISO setup (Auto ON:OFF). I also read Ken Rockwell's User Guide which I found informative; it isn't free but is the best value for money. </p>

[SolaresLarrave]

First off, congratulations on the camera! It's a remarkable machine and, in your hands, it will render great results. <p>

Now, I know fully well I'm not in your league (I've checked your site and your work is superb). However, you may want to

take advantage of my humble experiences and a first-time dSLR user, so take a peek at my blog <a

href="http://theneophytesguidetothenikond700.blogspot.com/">The Neophyte's Guide to the Nikon D700</a>, not because

of my text and shots, but to check out the links I have there. <p>Bookmark the DTown one. You'll find it offers very good

advice about camera handling, and some other features that help. <p>Again, congratulations! Last November, I was just

in the same place you are, after buying my D700 and AF-S 24-70. It was a wonderful time of discovery... Now, the

camera and I are old pals, but the thing always can come and surprise me. <p>Take care!

[luisarguelles]

<p>Jeannean, Eddy, Francisco, thanks very much for your encouraging words. Jeannean, about gettig a new tool ... one never knows. If only I had your technique and patience for macro shots! Francisco, your work with your M4 and M6 is exquisite, not to mention your blog.</p>

<p>Well, after almost three days I think I already have an introductory idea about what this camera is able to do. This afternoon I've been out for one hour and I've uploaded the results in my "test" folder. All the pictures have been taken in RAW in the city of Oviedo, Spain, using a Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 AF-D. All processing with LR: http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=935486 (please, don't forget to view the pictures in "large" format).</p>