Learning never stops……

* Before I get into today’s post, let me take  moment to thank Scott Kelby and Brad Moore for allowing me to share some thoughts this morning on Scott’s blog.  Scott certainly gets a lot of hits every day and I am honored that he would let me use his fantastic out reach to share these thoughts, and get the word out about His Light Workshops, please drop by his blog today and check it out!!!   http://scottkelby.com/

Now, after the two recent posts on mega pixles I got a lot of questions by email and it led to further thoughts.  I am sure the people that wrote won’t mind me sharing their questions and my answers with you!

Tyler wrote;  “I have a D90 and plan to replace it and don’t know if I should get the more affordable D7000 or spring for a D800?  I do mostly nature, close-ups and travel photography.  I own the 10-24 and a 18-200 lens.”

Tyler, the D7000 would be perfect for you, it is a big step up from the D90, which was already a great camera, which-by the-way, I would keep as a back up camera!    If you go the D8oo route, you will have to start over buying new FX lenses, while your DX lenses would work they would not take advantage of the D800’s full frame sensor.  For now, for what you do, the D7000 is a great choice!  I was recently asked how good the D7000 was at high ISO.  To my shock while reviewing some old shots from Old Car City, I mistakenly had left the camera on ISO 4000 !!!!  I’ll let you judge the results in the HDR shot below! 

Shaun wrote; “I’ve really enjoyed your posts on mega-pixels, I have a question, if I bought a D800 or D4 and the 24-120 AF-s Vr f4 lens that I see you use a lot,  before I make the jump, how would  it compare to my D7000 and my 16-85 AF-S VR lens?  The cost difference is significant!?”

Shaun the difference is a matter of degrees, and the use you will put it to.  If you plan to make very large prints, (over 24X36), and shoot in low light and must often shoot wide open, the edge will go to the D800 and 24-120.  If you usually stop down a stop or two and don’t do a great deal of available light work, you already have a great combination now!

Ellen wrote, ” I see that Nikon just released a new 24-85 and I had been considering the 24-70 f 2.8 how do they compare?

Ellen I have not had the chance to shoot the new lens extensively, just a few quick snaps, which was enough to see it is very sharp.  The 24-70 f 2.8 is legendarily sharp but costs three times as much, I think the decision would come down to budget, I suspect you would be thrilled with either one.

Brad wrote; “When I look at your images on the blog they all look great, even the point and shoot ones, how much does the camera and lens really matter?”

Brad, thanks, however the photographer makes the image, not the camera!  Having said that, for me cameras are a very personal decision, how much do you want to carry?   Is a D4 too big, is a point and shoot not big enough?  Can I afford a $6,000. dollar camera body or is a $1,200. more in line with my budget.  One thing is for sure, if you buy any good camera and lens and you work very hard learning how to get the most out of it, you can make images that will be astounding.  The bad news is that as your skill level grows you will want, and probably need, better cameras and lenses!

Linda wrote; ” If you had to, could you make all your images for the rest of your life with a $500. point and shoot camera?”

Linda, If I had to, I could,  but I’m glad I don’t have to!  The shot below is why I think I could.

John wrote; “Is it true that almost all lenses are equally sharp when stopped down to F8 or f11?”

John, the short answer is yes.  Of course there are exceptions and “all” is a big word, but for the most part most lenses are very sharp at the mid range aperture settings.  All of this is assuming holding the camera steady or even better working  off a tripod, if you don’t do that, no lens is going to give sharp results!

Ron wrote; “You mentioned that you carry a mini tripod, what kind??”

Ron, mine is a set of Kirk Mini pod legs    http://www.kirkphoto.com/Mini-Table-Top-Tripod.html and the Really Right Stuff BH-30 Compact ballhead with LR     www.reallyrightstuff.com

Faith quote of the day:

God, the sovereign ruler of this universe, is in control of your life. Don’t make the mistake of thinking He isn’t, simply because He does not operate according to your will and schedule. If you read your Bible and meditate on it, you will find genuine strength in His promises.

Blesssings,

Bill