{"id":6273,"date":"2012-09-04T12:57:01","date_gmt":"2012-09-04T12:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/?p=6273"},"modified":"2012-09-04T18:49:48","modified_gmt":"2012-09-04T18:49:48","slug":"ten-good-questions-ten-surprising-answers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/?p=6273","title":{"rendered":"Ten good questions – ten surprising answers….."},"content":{"rendered":"

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As a tech rep I get questions, lots of questions! \u00a0 I jot down some of the most interesting or relevant ones. \u00a0Since someone once asked, I thought you might be wondering too!<\/p>\n

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(1.) \u00a0FX vs DX sensor size. \u00a0Which and why?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Now before we start, other manufacturers, besides Nikon, make cameras with 35mm size sensors 24×36. and also make smaller sensors that have a 1.2, 1.3 or 1.5 lens factor. \u00a0To start with, you have to remember that we are now a good 12 years into the history of modern digital cameras. \u00a0In the first 8 years, the size of the actual pixel had a great deal to do with how low the noise could be at High ISO settings. \u00a0This is still true today, however much better software in cameras that process the images, have allowed very low noise, even at very \u00a0high ISOs. \u00a0Does a larger sensor with larger actual pixels still have superior noise at high ISO? \u00a0Yes, but not by as large a margin as in the past. \u00a0So where does that leave us? \u00a0If you need the absolute lowest noise, an FX sensor or it’s equivalent from other makers is the best solution. \u00a0If you want a smaller, lighter camera, with smaller lenses, and if ever so slightly higher noise at very high ISO is not an issue, you just might be a DX kinda person! \u00a0You could save some money too!<\/p>\n

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(2.) Can you use older lenses on new Hi Res cameras and get good results?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Yes, but with qualifiers. \u00a0I wondered that myself and since I own a stable of old manual focus Nikkor glass I did a pretty serious test with the new D800, and it doesn’t get any higher than that in terms of \u00a0resolution. \u00a0First, I picked what were arguably, some of the best of the classic manual Nikkors. \u00a0They worked incredibly well. \u00a0Now I must admit that most were shot stopped down to f 8 or lower. \u00a0 Any lens, even those that are not all that great, are at their best stopped down a few stops. \u00a0Can the newest, most advanced lenses do better on the current cameras? \u00a0 Yes. \u00a0Does that mean the older lenses “shouldn’t” be used? \u00a0 Not for \u00a0me, I love the feel of the old glass and the fact that they make you slow down, and when you slow down and are more careful, your work gets better!!! \u00a0One last thing, using the older lense takes me back to some great memories over a long career, \u00a0that alone makes it satisfying!<\/p>\n

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(3.) How many mega pixels do I need?<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0Wow, now we have really stepped in it! \u00a0First I cannot answer that for you, I have no idea what you do with your cameras. \u00a0Let me give you some ideas, if you need to make huge prints, (4X6 feet and up), you are going to want at least 24 mega pixels, I said want, not need. I’ve seen massive prints made from the D3s a 12 mega pixel camera!!! \u00a0The question may come to mind, how much is enough? \u00a0Now we are getting somewhere. A number of years ago I loved stereo gear and I had a large selection of albums, LPs, 33 rpm records, I know some of you don’t remember that, but when I first heard a music CD, all I really wanted to hear was the new technology! \u00a0The same thing happened when I first shot the D800. \u00a0Do I need it, probably not, do I love it, \u00a0you bet. \u00a0Could I be happy and do perfectly wonderful images \u00a0with a high quality 12 mega pixel camera, you bet, but then I’ve seen files form a D800……<\/p>\n

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(4.) Do I need a Pro body?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0If you need massively strong build quality, lots of frame rate, the best moisture and dust sealing, high end, long lasting shutter, and your pocket book can handle it, you bet you do! \u00a0If you truly don’t need those things, (think hard before you decide), the answer is no. \u00a0For me the D7000 is such an incredible camera, I can’t ever imagine needing more, but that doesn’t mean I won’t own something more! \u00a0Always remember need and want may be different but we buy on the strength of both!<\/p>\n

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(5.) Do I really need lenses 400mm and longer?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Maybe, depending on what you shoot! \u00a0If you shoot sports, yes, if you shoot wildlife, yes, if you were for the CIA, o.k. let’s not go there!!! \u00a0One thing to keep in mind is that with cameras in the neighborhood of 24 mega pixels and larger, you can effectively crop to half \u00a0the normal frame size so your 70-300 is really a 105-450. \u00a0Actually this is another great example of why the D800 is a super camera. \u00a0In Crop Mode the D800 is still over 15 mega pixels. \u00a0As great as that is, it doesn’t answer the core question. \u00a0Long glass is expensive, and if you have a great need, you just have to face the music and pony up! \u00a0If that is the case, let me make a suggestion, the 200-400 and a TC14E II and a DX body, would give you the effective focal length of a range from 200mm to 840mm with and maximum aperture setting of no more than f 5.6! \u00a0Let me break that down, with a FX body the 200-400 f4 is a, you got it, a 200-400 f4. \u00a0Add a TC-14E II (1.4 tele-converter), and the 200-400 f4 becomes the equivalent of a 280-560 f 5.6! \u00a0Now take the 200-400 f4 and put it on a a DX body and it becomes equivalent to a 300-600 f4 (still f4!!!) Now the fun starts, add the TC14E II and you go to 420-840 f 5.6! \u00a0 Now a 200-400 AF-S VR f4 is not cheap, but the price looks a lot smaller when you look at this formula!!! \u00a0I know what you’re thinking, starting to know you guys pretty well!! \u00a0What am I doing? \u00a070-300 on FX = 70-300, put it on a DX body and you get a 105-450, which for me is enough! \u00a0O.K. I do own a secondhand 400mm f 3.5 manual focus Nikkor lens, which is my long glass for the rare occasionI need one, on the DX it is the equivalent of a 600 f 4.5. \u00a0Lots of ways to skin the cat!! \u00a0Oh yes, and the D800 in Crop Mode is just like the DX body!<\/p>\n

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(6.) How much is too much gear?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0If you can afford it, you can never have too much, however, carrying it is another matter all together! \u00a0People buy equipment as collectors, as gear lovers, or to display with pride, and that is fine, all worthy pursuits, but for a photographers intending to make images, you need far less gear. \u00a0I’ve probably beat you to death with this, but for general work, (travel, nature, close-up, people) you can do almost every shot with a wide angle zoom, mid range zoom, a telephoto zoom and some way to do close-ups as micro lens or diopters or automatic extension tubes. \u00a0How much gear do you need? \u00a0Are you a photographer, a collector, or both!<\/p>\n

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(7.) Do I need an expensive Micro\/Marco lens for doing serious close-up work?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Now we have that pesky “need” word again! \u00a0 If you do a lot of close-up work you might need a Micro \u00a0lens. \u00a0Which one depends on what kind of subjects you shoot, but a Micro lens is the trick if you shoot close-ups a lot! \u00a0Are diopters and automatic extension tubes, bellows less affective? \u00a0No, but they are not as convenient. \u00a0I do a great deal of close-up work and I own a 55mm Micro Nikkor, a 105mm Micro Nikkor, and the 200mm Micro Nikkor, but then I really do love to do close-ups! \u00a0The shot at the top? A point and shoot!<\/p>\n

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(8.) Are Pro Grade lenses better than amateur based lenses?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Yes. Does that mean that less expensive lenses are not good, of course not! \u00a0I love the 70–300 AF-s VR f4.5-5.6 \u00a0and it is very, very sharp, and is less expensive (about one fourth the cost), and weighs less than the pro grade 70-200 AF-s VR f 2.8 II. \u00a0But is the 70-200 a better lens, yes it is! \u00a0 Lenses are highly complex, and the very best employ ED glass, aspherical elements, and very precise physical bodies. \u00a0One thing to consider is the harder you use your gear, the more you need the Pro Grade stuff. All of that comes at a cost. \u00a0My advise is to always buy the best lenses you can afford, but do know that some bargains do exist and are worth looking for, my beloved 70-300 is certainly one!<\/p>\n

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(9.) Is flash the best light source for close-up work?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0If the goal is to freeze action like a flying insect, or movement, yes flash is the best solution. \u00a0Some people learn flash faster than others, but with the \u00a0creative lighting System from Nikon close-ups really are a snap. \u00a0The one thing you can’t do with flash is see what the result will be without \u00a0making a shot and examining it. \u00a0 I am also using a new tool I learned about from Mike Moats my friend that does extraordinary close-ups. \u00a0It is a small multi LED unit, that many manufacturers \u00a0make, mine is a Promaster LED120. \u00a0I bought mine at a show from Hunt’s. It is small and hand held and can be position to get just the kind of light you want! \u00a0That plus a couple of SB-900 Nikon Speed-lights and I can light almost anything!!<\/p>\n

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(10.) What is the best $200. you can spend on your photography?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Actually it’s $199.95, \u00a0join Kelby Training! \u00a0Now I know you think this is a self serving suggestion, but honestly, I have learned so much looking at all the other classes, (besides mine), there are classes on almost anything you would like to learn from great instructors, \u00a0Another great use of your \u00a0money? \u00a0 Check out the Nikon School of Digital Photography, a fantastic learning experience as well. \u00a0Education is some of the best money you can spend, the best equipment is of little use if you don’t know how to use it.<\/p>\n

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Keep the questions coming and we will do this again!<\/p>\n

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Blessings,<\/p>\n

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the pilgrim<\/p>\n

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Now something really serious!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Have you ever asked yourself the key question of life? \u00a0 Why am I here? \u00a0Well on a purely physical level, you’re here because your parents gave birth to you. \u00a0On a spiritual level you were created to be His. \u00a0He loves you so much He gave His only Son for you. \u00a0If there was only one person in the world, you<\/span>, \u00a0He would have still given His life for yours. \u00a0Now deciding how to use your life, may just take on a new vision and purpose!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As a tech rep I get questions, lots of questions! \u00a0 I jot down some of the most interesting or relevant ones. \u00a0Since someone once asked, I thought you might be wondering too!   (1.) \u00a0FX vs DX sensor size. \u00a0Which and why? \u00a0Now before we start, other manufacturers, besides Nikon, make cameras with 35mm […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6273","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chronicles","category-learning"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6273","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6273"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6273\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6284,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6273\/revisions\/6284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6273"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6273"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6273"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}