kevin cassar

<p>to <a href="../photodb/user?user_id=5911856">Pierre Lachaine</a></p>

<p>Please spare us the bull and "likely stories" trying to impress. I have a Nikon D200 (a 5 year old DSLR) and it powers up in 0.15 sec. Even if you had your compact glued to your right eye and your finger glued to the shutter button with the camera manually focused beforehand, there is no way in this UNIVERSE that you would be able to take your picture before my DSLR is on. You may have other arguments in favour of compacts or photographer "skills" but this is definitely not one of them.</p>

<p>Ok it should be expected that a $2000 lens will produce sharper photos at 200mm but the Nikon 70-200mm is hardly a carry around lens, costs 3 times as much and weighs 3 times as much. That said in my humble opinion the Nikon 18-200mm lens is possibly the perfect travel lens especially when you are going to be carrying it around all day. My wife thinks my D200 with the 18-200 lens is "too heavy" and the 70-200 adds a further kg to the kit. They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating so I'll submit a photo taken at 200mm wide open @ F5.6, NO PS Sharpening as produced by the camera. Judge for yourself.</p>

<p>I have read one of the first replys where one suggested that you set the camera to Shutter 1/500 and ISO 1600. There is no way in hell that you can get a shutter speed of 1/500 @ ISO 1600 with a maximum aperture of F5.6!!! Since you are shooting indoors you need either a faster lens or higher ISO or both. I have shot a lot of indoor Volleyball photos @ ISO 1600 and the fastest shutter speed I get at F2 is 1/400 which is adequate. With a 5.6 lens that would be 1/50s which is way too slow so by increasing the ISO to 6400 you would at least get 2 more stops of light and 1/200 sec shutter.</p>

<p>My contribution for Nikon WedNEsDAy PiC #50 is another from the recent session at the UEFA Champions' League match between Manchester United and Besiktas. This one shows the fans going to Old Trafford (stadium) before the match. Nikon D200 with Nikon 18-200 @ 18mm ISO 400 F3.5 1/10sec</p><div></div>

<p>My contribution to <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>comes from a session taken during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United (the team I support) and Besiktas of Turkey last Wednesday at Old Trafford. In this photo defender Patrice Evra is seen with the ball in action for Manchester United.</p><div></div>

<p>There is a good chance that the content is recoverable. If the place where you take it says it can't fix it, make sure they give you the card back. If the photos you have in it are worth taking a risk for, I'd buy another card and open both up and replace the insides and attempt to read.</p>

<p>Like a few others, my <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>of this week is on the Halloween theme. This is a party I attended with the wife (we were dressed as devils). But alas my D200 kept calling me from the boot of my car and I had to succumb. This photo is one of my favourites because apart from the great costumes, I love how many of the people were not only dressed but in character.</p><div></div>

<p>Like a few others, my <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>of this week is on the Halloween theme. This is a party I attended with the wife (we were dressed as devils). But alas my D200 kept calling me from the boot of my car and I had to succumb. This photo is one of my favourites because apart from the great costumes, I love how many of the people were not only dressed but in character.</p>

<p>I read many of these forums and am always baffled at some of the comments and arguments. Some people do not have the capacity to realize that the way they see things is not necessarily the way others do. It makes no difference if you can get awesome results with a rebel or 30D or 40D or whatever!!!!! If you ask someone to take you in as a second shooter on HIS job, he could ask you to take photos with a mobile phone for all I care and there is no right or wrong here. How hard can this be to understand????</p>

<p>To all that said that the High ISO is useless: Just because you don't need it does not mean that it's useless to all the rest (it's kind of the all right me, screw the rest mentality that is the main reason for many problems in this world). While you may need a different type of camera, this camera is perfect for many others (me included if I could afford it). SB 800 someone said???? Yeah right, try telling that to a wildlife photographer trying to get a shot of a lion or tiger at night, or to someone covering an indoor sports event where high shutter speed is required and no flash is allowed.</p>

removed double post

<p>It's WedNEsDAy again at last!!!! I agree completely with Joseph Leotta's views but I will not adopt the same action. I post my humble shots here because it's fun, because some people may enjoy my photos, because I can learn stuff from the other photos and the comments and finally because it gives me a sense of belonging - Yes I'm a Nikon user too! On to this weeks submission I decided to change a little and post one of my gig shots since most of my photos are live band shots. This was taken at an album launch by Twenty six other worlds, a local metal band. Nikon D200 + 50mm F1.8 @ F2.8 ISO 800 1/60s (Available light - no flash).</p><div></div>

<p>Another great collection of photos this week. Thanks to all who made kind comments on my submission. These are the ones that caught my attention this week:<br>

<strong>Rene Villela</strong> - Interesting subject.<br>

<strong>Joseph Leotta & Eddy Furlong</strong> - Great shots with vibrant colours.<br>

<strong>Hamish Gray</strong> - Love the wide angle perspective.<br>

<strong>Lil Judd</strong> - Fantastic shot.<br>

<strong>Jeannean Buglady</strong> - Incredible detail on the robberfly.<br>

<strong>Dieter Schoefer</strong> - Thanks for the comments. Your submission is wonderful and one that I'd hang on my walls.<br>

<strong>Phil Evans</strong> - Fantastic family portrait. Very beautiful ladies, the lot :D<br>

<strong>James Kazan</strong> - Another photo I'd hang on my walls.<br>

<strong>Dave Beamont</strong> - great reflection and sharpness.<br>

<strong>Aaron Bonnici</strong> - Very Emotive portrait. I can feel the sadness/worry of the woman.<br>

<strong>Aguinaldo de Paula</strong> - great shot.<br>

<strong>Melissa Papaj</strong> - Nice and funny kids shot.</p>

<p>sorry double post removed</p>

<p>Finally it's <strong>WedNEsDAy </strong>again!!! Thanks to all who viewed my last contribution and left a comment. My submission this week is a candid portrait of my wife and child who were taking a peaceful nap in the afternoon. When I went into the room and saw the scene it gave me a good feeling and I wanted to capture the mood. I love the result (but I'm obviously biased). Hope some of you enjoy it. Nikon D200 + 50mm F1.8 @ F4 ISO 400 1/13s Manual (camera rested on sofa for steadiness).</p><div></div>

<p>My contribution this week. Alas it's another shot of my son who is 3 years old tomorrow!!! Nikon D200 + 50mm F1.8 @ F4 1/60s ISO 400 (SB600). </p><div></div>

<p>First of all I thank all those who viewed and commented on my contributions! I love <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>and look forward to it every week. Here are a few comments on the contributions that caught my attention:<br /><strong>Jose Angel</strong> Fantastic panorama view<br /><strong>Rene Villela</strong> Love it. Very eye catching.<br /><strong>Hamish Gray</strong> Great perspective<br /><strong>Lil Judd</strong> I love insect macros and yours is excellent and has great colours.<br /><strong>Jeannean Ryman</strong> Same as above. Great shot.<br /><strong>Dave Greenidge</strong> Wonderful view<br /><strong>Aaron Bonnici</strong> Great light and mood my fellow countryman!<br /><strong>Ikka Nissila</strong> What can I say, beautiful waterflow.<br /><strong>Francesco Pessolano</strong> Great result.....kinda reminds me of my time in Amsterdam.<br /><strong>Mark Gordon</strong> Wow....two things.....1) You are a very lucky guy and have an incredibly beautiful wife who models for you. 2) You did not put your luck to waste and produced a stunning photo!<br /><strong>Matt Laur</strong> Lovely B&W. Great lighting.<br /><strong>Dennis Nrabender</strong> Fabulous and very colourful<br /><strong>Doug Santo</strong> Speechless....just incredible, well done<br /><strong>Alex Foto</strong> Great child portrait<br /><strong>Mike Mason</strong> Ahhhhhh.....makes me wish I was there!<br /><strong>Tony Hadley</strong> Great use of wide angle lens perspective<br /><strong>Tiffany Brook</strong> Another great idea very well executed.<br /><strong>Andrew Phednos</strong> Beautiful lizard<br /><strong>Nick Doronin</strong> Great capture in flight.<br />The rest are all excellent. Keep it up.</p>

<p>Canadair CL 415 from the Malta International Air Show 2009. Nikon D200 + 18-200mm @ 170mm ISO 200 F5.6 1/1600s. Please keep the <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>alive! It's what keeps people like me coming back.</p><div></div>

<p>Canadair CL 415 from the Malta International Air Show 2009. Nikon D200 + 18-200mm @ 170mm ISO 200 F5.6 1/1600s. Please keep the <strong>WedNEsDAy PiC </strong>alive! It's what keeps people like me coming back.</p>

<p>From the Malta International Air Show. Nikon D200 - 18-200 @ 200mm F5.6 ISO 400 1/2500s</p><div></div>

<p>I too yearn for a D700 but currently own a D200. One point that you seem to miss is that yes the D700 is not a big deal over the semi pro DX bodies, but probably (like me) buying the D700 will mean that you'd want the best lenses that will add a substantial amount to your spending. When I think about the D700, I don't just see it as an expense of around 2000 but as a new system of around 6000 (with 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 F2.8 lenses). The best advice is - if you're serious and don't afford to splash 6000 at one go, start with one of these lenses and get the cheapest body for now. By the time you save up for the D700 it will probably have gone down in price. </p>

<p>I keep coming here every week and am amazed by most of the submissions!!! Keep it up people!!! I wish to make my first contribution which even though probably nowhere near most photos here, will hopefully bring a smile to your faces!!! This is my son lying on a bench at home - Nikon D200 - 50mm @ F4 ISO 400 1/60s</p><div></div>

<p>I agree with the ones who suggested the 18-200 VR lens. I have a D200 and almost never take this lens off except in extreme cases when I need macro or a faster lens. I'd also get the 50 mm 1.8 as I think it would be ideal for indoor sports such as basketball. I have used the D200 with the 50mm 1.8 for indoor volleyball with good results. If you need to see samples of photos taken with these two lenses send me a message and I'll give you the link to my site.</p><div></div>

People should stop taking every negative comment as if it was intended to put down their brand/equipment. Now I am by no means an expert or a professional photographer but I shoot in very difficult low light conditions like concerts, gigs and sports. I understand exactly what he means! I shoot a Nikon D200 and I know that because of the "limitations" of the camera I sometimes have to anticipate the shot or use the centre focus sensor and recompose to get the shot. If I had a D3 or D300, I probably would not need to do this because of Superior AF sensors. Having said that it does not mean that I don't get the shots I want but that if I spent more money on a better body, I'd be able to do it more easily. The Canon 40D vs the 1D mk3 is probably in the same line of reasoning. Just my opinion. [link removed]

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