D3x - a few impressions

[rhlpetrus]

I'm really curious to see how DxO Mark will rate D3x, not final ranking, but the graphs with all info, especially compared to A900 and 1DsIII (5DII seems almost same as 1DsIII, except for a slight better DR performance as ISO goes up, compared to 1DsIII).

Then we'll see if the 14bit trick is really a big deal. Comparing D90 and D300, it didn't seem to make D300 any better, on the contrary. But then, the D90 was a later launch with some sensor mods (video, for example), so that a more recent technology may be also getting into D3X, compared to D300.
--
Renato.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhlpedrosa/
OnExposure member
http://www.onexposure.net/

Good shooting and good luck
(after Ed Murrow)

 

[kevm14]

Why do so many Europeans assume Americans are so parochial? Is it how
we're depicted in your comedy shows? I don't assume all Scots wear
kilts, play pipes, and talk in incomprehensible accents (chose this
example because I've been to Scotland). And I certainly don't assume
all Germans talk and act they did in WW II movies (I've been to
Germany). I've also Mexico, Venezuela, and the Bahamas, so it's not
just the easy "drive over for dinner" international travel...

Take the average liberal bias of the typical american broadcast media, make it even MORE left-biased, and that's about what most europeans see on the "news" (and probably a LOT of the rest of the world), and that's why these people think Obama is going to come in and fix everything - that's how it was sold to them. It is a serious problem. Then you have TV programs that propagate these sentiments (Daily Show, et al, or even Top Gear) and through comedy, still manage to make a point.

 

[Luzumsuz Lazim]

Because of the same reason why people (including you I presume) call a
50-mm-lens as "50mm lens" instead of "2-inch lens", etc

I am not sure what A1 is. I looked it up, is it 23.4 × 33.1 inches?
Why don't you all just say 24x36 etc?

 

[bobn2]

Why do so many Europeans assume Americans are so parochial? Is it how
we're depicted in your comedy shows? I don't assume all Scots wear
kilts, play pipes, and talk in incomprehensible accents (chose this
example because I've been to Scotland). And I certainly don't assume
all Germans talk and act they did in WW II movies (I've been to
Germany). I've also Mexico, Venezuela, and the Bahamas, so it's not
just the easy "drive over for dinner" international travel...

Take the average liberal bias of the typical american broadcast
media, make it even MORE left-biased, and that's about what most
europeans see on the "news" (and probably a LOT of the rest of the
world), and that's why these people think Obama is going to come in
and fix everything - that's how it was sold to them. It is a serious
problem. Then you have TV programs that propagate these sentiments
(Daily Show, et al, or even Top Gear) and through comedy, still
manage to make a point.

Top Gear is liberal or even more left biased?? I think you've just managed to make a point, though not necessarily the one you intended.
--
Bob

 

[nijkerk]

And in the Netherlands 500g is referred to as "een pond "

 

[Joe Federer]

Or, it's more because, it's true. Sorry, we are a very insular nation.

One anecdote from one person who lives on the boarder hardly refutes the fact that most people from the US neither own a passport (less than 25% by most accounts) nor speak other languages (less than 10%) nor travel to other countries often (thus they never get perspectives from other parts of the planet).

This is actually a huge problem, imho, and has reared it's head recently with the spat of recent "America is perfect and anything or anyone associated with it is also perfect" opinions by many and globe-affecting decisions by the people they vote in.

Edit:

There are no 'official' stats on the matter... but this page does a good job of explaining the issue of passport ownership:
http://www.gyford.com/phil/writing/2003/01/31/how_many_america.php
Language rate and isolationism is discussed here:
http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=6553

Why do so many Europeans assume Americans are so parochial? Is it how
we're depicted in your comedy shows? I don't assume all Scots wear
kilts, play pipes, and talk in incomprehensible accents (chose this
example because I've been to Scotland). And I certainly don't assume
all Germans talk and act they did in WW II movies (I've been to
Germany). I've also Mexico, Venezuela, and the Bahamas, so it's not
just the easy "drive over for dinner" international travel...

Take the average liberal bias of the typical american broadcast
media, make it even MORE left-biased, and that's about what most
europeans see on the "news" (and probably a LOT of the rest of the
world), and that's why these people think Obama is going to come in
and fix everything - that's how it was sold to them. It is a serious
problem. Then you have TV programs that propagate these sentiments
(Daily Show, et al, or even Top Gear) and through comedy, still
manage to make a point.

--
JOE FEDERER
Websites:
Misc personal stuff: http://www.joefederer.com
Minneapolis / St. Paul Wedding photography @ http://www.federerphotography.com

 

[Joe Federer]

Also, just like the metric system, this IS easier to use because you
know that it's simply half or double the size. Mind you, telling
someone 13x19 is easier but it doesn't really say how big compared to
the previous size.

To be fair... it doesn't MATTER how big the 'previous size' is, so who cares if it's double the size of a print you don't want? The only size that matters is the size you ARE printing in. My client doesn't order a 8x12 because it's "double the size of a 4x6" ... they order it because is 8 inches by 12 inches.

(though, on your other point, I agree, the metric system would be nice to switch too and it's simple to convert... but I just can't think in it very well)

A1, A2, etc is the european equivalent of inches/feet. It simply doesn't make sense in a modern world. (but I'll hardly fault you for using it, as long as you don't fault me for using inches)

--
JOE FEDERER
Websites:
Misc personal stuff: http://www.joefederer.com
Minneapolis / St. Paul Wedding photography @ http://www.federerphotography.com

 

[Joe Federer]

... and if I have a space on my wall that will fill nicely with a 3x20 print ... what Ax is that?

The modern world works with A, B and C formats, centimeters and
kilograms... it is much easier to say "880 grams" than "5/16 kg 12½
oz" or even better "two stones and one dead squirrel".

A1 = 2x A2 ( 594 x 840mm or 2/9823 x 3/9735 miles )
A2 = 2x A3
A3 = 2x A4

etc.

A3 = magazine spread... so, the D3x has plenty of resolution if the
A1 prints can take close critical viewing.

--
JOE FEDERER
Websites:
Misc personal stuff: http://www.joefederer.com
Minneapolis / St. Paul Wedding photography @ http://www.federerphotography.com

 

[kevm14]

Top Gear is liberal or even more left biased?? I think you've just
managed to make a point, though not necessarily the one you intended.

Many parts of the show include supposed tongue-in-cheek comments aimed at the US/Americans/US cars (of course they tend to be down on all non-british cars anyway). I'm not saying the show isn't funny or enjoyable (mostly) but when they go there, they are just catering to their at-home viewing audience. Something like "Why would anyone want to go to the US?" Well, of course everyone knows the US is a cesspool of ignorance, arrogance and selfishness. Sure, the entire population. If that's what makes you feel good, keep on thinking that.

 

[Vince P]

bobn2 wrote:
aimed at the US/Americans/US cars (of course they tend to be down on
all non-british cars anyway).

Lol yes they do tend to have fun at the expense of the whole world not just the US it's supposed to be ironic. But as for being down on non british cars where did that come from? I know they are down on bad cars but they seem to like good cars no matter where they come from. I think they all own plenty of non British cars and are big fans of certain German Italian and Japanese cars. They do tend to have a downer on American Cars but who wouldn't, they tend to test them on roads with corners.

 

[Bill T]

Hi Suvo,

Whatever happen to your point number 2?

BillT

I was at the solutions expo as well.

1. The D3x and 50/1.4G combo was very impressive. I didn't bring
images home, but agree that people will be surprised if they're
expecting ISO1600 to be rubbish. I was surprised that the camera felt
lighter and more compact than my D700+MB-D10 grip.

3. I'm not sure the D3x is overpriced in the UK. For example,
http://www.rgb-tech.co.uk will sell you one for £4699 (including VAT). This
is only £300 more than their current Canon 1DS MarkIII price. I think
it will sell fine in its target market. I spoke to at least a couple
of fashion photographers who work with MF but have D3x's on order.
They had no interest in 5D2 or A900.

4. Andy Rouse has always been very pragmatic about gear. He even shot
wildlife with Pentax medium format for a while. Although he was very
visible as a Canon supporter before the D3 came along, he was never a
Canon person in the way Arthur Morris is. Seems like Andy is happy to
change his mind about computers as well. Around the time he advised
Pixmantec, I remember him ranting about how useless Macs were and
that Rawshooter was right to not bother with supporting Macs. He
showed up yesterday holding a Macbook Pro to his chest.

--
Suvo Mitra

 

[Davidismyfriend]

Une livre ( feminine), un livre (masculine) is a book
--
http://www.davidshama.com

 

[Davidismyfriend]

Hahaha, actually the international ISO unit for speed is the m/s (meter per second).
--
http://www.davidshama.com

 

[Lindsayhunter]

Seriously, another reason I prefer the A4 to Letter size is that it's a bit longer. I always feel like I'm cutting letters short on letter size paper...honestly, I do.
--
George with the (big) rack

 

[SuvoMitra]

Uh ... oops. Point 2 meant to say that the 50/1.4G didn't seem to focus any faster than the 50/1.4D I'm used to, but since I've never tried the old lens on a D3 or D3x, I didn't think this would be a useful comment.

--
Suvo Mitra

 

[DennisB]

You're just making that up. When I stand on the coastline there is
nothing but water! Why if you went out far enough, you would probably
fall of the edge.

 

[bobn2]

Top Gear is liberal or even more left biased?? I think you've just
managed to make a point, though not necessarily the one you intended.

Many parts of the show include supposed tongue-in-cheek comments
aimed at the US/Americans/US cars (of course they tend to be down on
all non-british cars anyway).

Not an observation, I'd agree with. they're rather keen on Italian cars, and German ones, and quite a few Japanese ones. the main reason they have a down on American cars is because, by and large, they're cr4p. That's one reason the American auto industry is in such trouble. By and large, British cars were cr4p too, that's why we no longer have an indigenous car industry.

I'm not saying the show isn't funny or
enjoyable (mostly) but when they go there, they are just catering to
their at-home viewing audience. Something like "Why would anyone
want to go to the US?" Well, of course everyone knows the US is a
cesspool of ignorance, arrogance and selfishness. Sure, the entire
population. If that's what makes you feel good, keep on thinking
that.

Ah, I thought you were accusing them of being liberal/left leaning, in fact you think they're too nationalistic?

Of course, the reason you don't understand it is that no American has a sense of humour (and i have as much evidence to back that up as many statements of fact made here on DPR).
--
Bob

 

[bobn2]

Une livre ( feminine), un livre (masculine) is a book
--
http://www.davidshama.com

Thanks for the correction - that's why I get funny looks in France!
--
Bob

 

[CRH]

Why not just give the inch equivalent for A1 and a good-natured ribbing about the person's question being one that might reflect the need to educate oneself, and move on, like an adult?

Why lecture someone about the USA's insularity and arrogance (which most reasonable folks like some here at DPR are willing to good-naturedly admit to, at least as a well-earned generalization)? When I'm lectured, especially by a stranger with an agenda and a Internet soapbox, I tend to react badly, but maybe that's just me (rolls eyes)...

For the record, A1 size is the equivalent to 23.4" x 33.1"... here's a handy chart-

http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/office/paper.htm

OK? ;^D

'Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end.'
-Stephen Hawking

'The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.' -Archilochus

'The media doesn't dictate the message. The need dictates the media.'
-Melvin Van Peebles

 

[sidelight]

'Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end.'
-Stephen Hawking

Good comments. I do like to see tangential discussions as it makes the forum much more conversational and human, but like you, I prefer to see it done politely and with good humor (says one who does not always practice this in offline life).

Love your Hawking quote. Applicable to some of the threads seen here sometimes :^)
--
David