Jamee Gibson , Feb 01, 2005; 12:29 p.m.
I was looking for a little advice. I plan on buying a digital SLR in
the near future but can not figure on which one I should purchase.
Some History. I am a serious amature photographer, I own 3 systems,
an F100, FE, Mamiya RB, and a small strobe set up. I shoot
everything from portraits to landscape and anything in between.
I am purchasing the Digital SLR because my wife wants to pursue
wedding and portrait photography as a second income and likes using
digital. I will also use the camera quite a bit as well :).
I am curious though. The D2x would be far out of my price range but
a new D2H or used D1X could be affordable. I wanted to hear from
users as to their thoughts on image size and quality, as well as
workflow. I know the D2H is about 1 MP smaller image size, but what
would be the largest possible print size from either camera with
little or no PS touch ups.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
JSG
Jeroen Wenting , Feb 01, 2005; 12:53 p.m.
I've never used the D1 series cameras but I did have a chance to use a D2h during a demonstration.
Nikon also showed large prints (A3 size and up) created by the D2h and D1x and the prints from the D2h beat those from the D1x in quality.
All prints made from the same subject, same lighting, same lens, same printer, same paper and ink, same (minimal) postprocessing.
For wedding stuff you won't be printing at more than half that size and that rarely, so the D2h should serve you very well indeed.
It's wireless networking option could come in handy as well. If you bring an assistant with a laptop and a printer you could have some proofs for the couple before the ceremony is even over while you are still shooting away.
It's a joy to hold, excellent ballance and ergonomics like all Nikons.
Arnab Pratim Das , Feb 01, 2005; 01:17 p.m.
Michael Bradtke , Feb 01, 2005; 01:27 p.m.
James
I use a D2H for a variety of different applications. The auto focus is great. The viewfinders reminds me of my F3 only with more information in it.
I have 13X20 inch prints done from it with no problems. I shoot in RAW only and have the in camera sharpening turned off. At 800 ISO the camera is maybe a touch noisier then my D100. But noise reduction works on it very well and I would have to use it on the D100 as well.
I really like that I can set the color temperature by degrees kelvin instead of auto or cloudy -3. The auto WB works very well on the new D2H's but I like being able to make my own choices on white balance.
For the occasional wedding that I do I love the fact that I can use my old AI and AIS lens's. Like my 55 f1.2 AI or my 85 f1.8 AI-S with all metering functions.
I can crop tighter with my D100 because of its larger resolution. But I try to get the shot I want in camera so that I get to keep all the information that I have captured in the frame. Its a habit I learned as a camera operator.
If this is for your wife to use I would take her to a store that has them in stock and let her handle it. The camera is not a lightweight but it is a fine piece of equipment.
Michael
D2H 20mm 800 ISO
Guy Hammond , Feb 01, 2005; 02:45 p.m.
D1x: slightly higher resolution, slightly better exposure latitude, slightly lower noise
D2h: faster AF, CLS flash, better battery life.
This is a far more sensible question that whoever asked D70 vs D2h the other day. For portraits I'd say D1x - you don't seem to need the "high speed" features of the D2h. Then again, the D2h is new, the D1x might have a worn shutter by the time you get it. I'd go for the D2h myself.
D Price , Feb 01, 2005; 08:44 p.m.
I asked the question that you're referring to. Why would you consider my question to be unsensible? If you felt that way, then why did you even bother to post to it? Instead of making petty comments to the question, I'd of much rather you given your expertise.
