chip_chipowski

<p>Take a look at this D5300 link: <a href="http://www.tecnofullshop.com.ar/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=138">LINK</a></p> <p>Particularly this image: <a href="http://www.tecnofullshop.com.ar/image/catalog/camaras/D5300/er_photo_204406_52.jpg">LINK</a></p> <p>The official product shots look matte to me, but the real world shots appear more glossy. This is consistent with the Red DSLRs (so terrible) I have seen from Nikon. Again, this is just my speculation. It could be a mystery model ;)</p>

<p>Tim, the blue color looks like a reflection to me. Either from the shirt or all that blue glass structure.</p>

<p>Andy are you seeing something to make you think it is not the grey D5300, which Hamish linked to? Looks like a match to me.</p>

<p>I bought several second-hand flashes in the past 3-4 years. First and SB-600, then SB-700, then SB-800 and SB-400. Many of these were part of larger packages and so I got them at good prices compared with new. Obviously, you are talking a leap of faith with a flash. You can spot rough handling, but otherwise you don't really know how much use the flash has seen. I have not had problems with any of my second-hand units, including an SB-28. </p> <p>In other words - it's a risk. If you can get a good enough deal, I say go for it.</p>

<p>I don't understand, do you want hippie style or a "classic" look. To me, those are mutually exclusive :)</p> <p>This may not be your style but I really like Dsptch straps. They have a narrow strap which is probably sufficient for the F2. The wider strap is surely sufficient. The straps come with disconnects so you can easily remove and attach the strap, and the little strap connectors don't really get in the way when the strap is disconnected. This allows you to do a modular strap system, where a strap can be easily moved from one camera to another or to a camera bag, etc.</p>

<p>Sam, I looked at photos of SB-25 and SB-26 on mir.com</p> <p>It looks like it has a similar door to my SB-28 and SB-800. At least on the SB-800, you slide the cover lengthwise - parallel to the length of the flash. After the sliding operation, then the door hinges open and you can open it a little more than 90 degrees from the flash body. The SB-800 cover is only held in place at this point by a couple plastic pins. You can rock the cover to the side and pull the whole thing out. On SB-800 the door is supposed to be removable because there is an option for a 5th battery holder. Not sure if this is relevant to the SB-26. Have you tried playing with the battery door after sliding it open? It does not take a lot of force to remove the SB-800 door so long as you are working the right geometry. </p>

<p>Robin, I think you make a great point. I can see a "honeymoon influence" on much online camera discussion. My personal interest in photography is about the photos but also about the gear. I like getting new gear, much like a child wants a new toy. This feeling probably drives at least some of the camera market :) Anyway, I think it is good to be mindful of this dynamic when scanning forum content. </p> <p>I hope the OP continues to enjoy her new Nikon. As Shun pointed out, Nikon is not a panacea but they do make excellent cameras. Just like Canon and others do. Just based on my few visits to the Canon forum, I sense there is a lot more petty griping from Team Yellow, so just a forewarning about that ;)</p>

<p>Danny - you can get a refurbished current VR model for around $100.00. The new lens has helpful VR and collapses down to a very small size. </p>

<p># Three</p><div></div>

<p>Number TWO</p><div></div>

<p>Dieter, I really like your second shot!</p> <p>#1</p><div></div>

<p>Barry, it is like a hole-in-one. Drinks are on you tonight!</p>

<p>I want to help nudge this thread towards 300, in honor of the D300 successor. </p> <p>So Dieter, tell me more about why you like the 105mm on Sony? I understand you lose the wide-open metering ability. Maybe not a problem if you are mostly using the lens at wide apertures. Do you find it easier to use manual focus with EVF tools?</p>

<p>Andrew - I agree with your points. As you say, why should we assume that any/every FX user wants to have legacy lens support and advanced features. A "dumb" FX camera could be a gateway to higher models. It should be possible to sell Americans on the allure of the larger FX sensor. The dumb FX camera could be akin to an older V8 Mustang. Big motor in a crappy car :) </p>

<p>Peter, you and I clearly see the term "non-enthusiast" differently. I am just trying to describe someone who wants great photos, but does not have an interest in the "gear aspect" to photography. In other words, someone who might just use the camera on an all-auto setting. Or scene modes. If you can market a DX camera to this person, why not an FX camera? Your answer seems to be: "because that person could not appreciate any meaningful difference." I disagree. Otherwise, let's just keep riding that slippery slope down. If that person can't tell the difference between DX and FX, then how can they tell difference between Nikon 1 and Nikon DX? Isn't a point and shoot good enough. Very cynical view of humanity ;)</p>

<blockquote> <p>Why any non-enthusiast would even want an FX camera is a mystery to me.</p> </blockquote> <p>Try this: Why would any non-enthusiast want a DX camera? Why would any non-enthusiast want a Nikon 1 camera? </p> <p>It is no more complicated for FX. Yes, the FX sensor is going to cost more. That is the way it works as you climb up the ladder. A lot of folks here seem to think about the camera market from their perspective - every model must make sense to <em>me</em>. </p>

<blockquote> <p>Honestly, you are imagining a product that has no market or purpose.</p> </blockquote> <p>Peter, thank you for your honest opinion. Clearly I see the camera market as more complex than you. You have a somewhat elitist attitude toward non-enthusiasts. I think there are a lot of people who don't know or care to know about photos, who can still plainly see the difference between cell phone photos and DSLR photos. I am just saying I think there are also those who can appreciate differences between DX and FX shots. But I agree with Shun that it would be crowded to offer another model below the D610. I would rather see Nikon downgrade that D6xx line to make it a fully consumer model and as cheap as possible.</p>

<blockquote> <p>Why? Who is that camera for?</p> </blockquote> <p>If you are Nikon, why not make a low cost FX camera for the non-enthusiast? A camera like that would make great images for a casual user, who is not as concerned about advanced features or build, etc. Call it an FX snapshot camera. Maybe that is all the camera the person ever needs, or maybe it is a gateway to more interest in photography.</p>

<p>I think it is fine for the D500 combo to be pricier than the D750. Shun made a good point about different stages of product cycle, which probably is biggest factor. But I hope Nikon does not get too caught up in creating the perfect hierarchical product structure. In general, Nikon seems to focus on FX for top quality. But a great, pro-level DX body doesn't have to be contradictory. Some may shoot D500 exclusive and stay in DX format. But I would guess there are some pros that shoot mainly FX but who find uses for a pro DX body. It could be as mundane as being able to use the 35mm f/1.4 as a semi-wide on FX and normal on DX. Mostly there is probably demand to use D500 with telephoto. But my point is that it is just another choice and another tool, even if it doesn't make cosmic harmony :)</p>

<p>Haha OOPS - Jason, you put D7000 right in the title. My bad. Anyway, a classic option to give you a range of wide angle is the Tokina 12-24. There is even a new 12-28 with a little more on the long end. Pretty reasonable prices on the used market.</p>

<p>I may have missed it, but we'll need to know what kind of camera? I assume DX, because you mention 18-55 kit lenses. The newest Nikon 18-55 VR kit lenses are really good. You can get the collapsable 18-55VR refurbished for under $90 right now, which is an outstanding value. Of course it has limitations, but it punches well above its weight. And the collapsing design is really nice - it is very compact. The 20mm f/1.8g would be a great option if you want more speed and better quality.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Javier - thanks!</p> <p>Tony Hadley - wonderful mood in your bridge shot</p>

<blockquote> <p>Therefore, the whole notion that APS-C/DX is preferred for sports and wildlife is now a bit out of date; at least it is not as meaningful as it was 5, 10 years ago. </p> </blockquote> <p>Agreed. It is interesting to see the human tendency to categorize. Camera 1 is for groups x, y, and z. Camera 2 is for q, r, and s. Everything in its right place. </p>

<p>I think those are both nice images. If you like nature close-ups, a macro would add a new dimension to your photography. Lots of good choices there.</p>

<p>I think Stephen's advice about 1/500 is a good if you want to avoid subject movement. I will just chime in to say that my indoor photos of my 3 year old are usually taken with auto-ISO set to a minimum shutter speed of 1/60. Obviously, at 1/60 subject movement is an issue so it is all about timing. Some of those low light shots have displeasing signs of motion, and those are discarded. Some shots have no motion on the critical focus point (eyes for example). Other shots have pleasing motion (to me). I attached one such example. I don't have the EXIF data for this shot but I think it was 1/60. So my advice is to either increase shutter speed, or increase the number of shots you take and come to terms with a low keeper rate :)</p><div></div>