Nikon D90 dissapointed

ficovh

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Hi folks

I'm happy user with the D70 using a 18-55 VR lenses, two days ago, i bougth a D90, whenever I found the old D70 more practical, better photo quality compared with the D90.

The new D-lightging feature is very confused to me, I can view good pictures in the LCD camera display, but when I transfer it to laptop, the quality is not good.

Question:

Users from D70 is recommended upgrade to D90 ?

I don't know the D200, but think this is more suitable for D70 users upgrading .

Please consider my post.

Best Regards

--
-----
Fco. Valladolid Hdez.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigueme/
 
Suggest you turn off in-camera D-lighting and try again.
I for one don't like the results with it activated.
This feature appears to affect the RAW files and not just the JPEGS.

One can always add D-Lighting afterwards with CNX2 or use a similar technique available from other PP software.
 
Suggest you turn off in-camera D-lighting and try again.
I for one don't like the results with it activated.
This feature appears to affect the RAW files and not just the JPEGS.

One can always add D-Lighting afterwards with CNX2 or use a similar technique available from other PP software.
I put OFF D-Lighting, but the photo quality is very soft yet.

Thanks.

--
-----
Fco. Valladolid Hdez.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigueme/
 
I put OFF D-Lighting, but the photo quality is very soft yet.

Thanks.
What sharpening are you using?
I find around 2 to 4 (in-camera or CNX2 or NX2) works best.

Best way of getting a better response is to post some pics so we can have a look at what your problem is.
 
Without samples and more info we can only guess. Raw, jpg, software and viewing sized may all give clues. A shot from a d70 in perfect conditions and ideal light will look better than a d90 shot in less favourable conditions, back to back testing would need to be done to compare like with like.

The 90 is a better spec camera, it should deliver better results, though when I went from 70 to 300 I did an exhaustive test (well, 4 shots out of my window) shooting back to back and concluded exposure and processing was far more important to finished quality than the camera - though the resolution obviously gives a bit more in the 300.

But no comparison in use, I really dislike the 70, great in its day as it had no competition, but its tiny lcd and terrible viewfinder are just not nice to use compared to any more recent camera.

I'd stick with the 90 for a while, if shooting jpg you may not have it dialed in to your taste, if shooting raw, then the this could still be the case if you use nikon software, but if using 3rd party software then raw from either camera should be on a similar footing.
--
http://www.johnleechstudio.co.uk
http://www.johnleechstudio.blogspot.com
 
he has 'soft' results and it's got to be his fault?

....There is some way to go before deciding on that...

First thing to do is test if the camera is capable of taking a sharp image; In bright light conditions put it on a tripod and using the selftimer take a couple of shots at different focal lengths and check the results. Take the same shots handheld. compare the images. Change the lens.. borrow one if you can.

As you say, it 'may' indicate a lack of technique (handhold ability (threshold) or something else. Front/back focus , lens faults. there's plenty to consider yet.

Perhpas he will try this out.. (or has?)
Then it's your technique problem, not your camera.
--
There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' :'!':
 
I am no expert, use the D5000 which has the same sensor as the D90 and D300. This is a very good sensor.which copes very well in most but the most contrasty and lowest light conditions.

I also do not like the D Lighting results, so it is always off. Some say that the next generation i.e. D5100 / D7000 D Lighting is better implemented, but I dont know.

Some guys here have run tests to show that D-Lighting works well in specific circumsatances, but I just dont bother with it anyway.

In very contrasty situations, either expose specifically for the subject, or use your histogram (after a test shot) to get the exposure as much 'middled' possible, to include shadows (left of graph, dont let go past left axis line) and highlights (right of graph, dont let go past right axis line).

Also, I think ADL only works properly if you use Nikon post processing software.

Finally, I use Lightroom 3 which is great for post processing to your taste, colors, contrast etc,. But others should work well too, you may have to post process adjut to get what you want.

Cheers

--

.....Just from an amateur......'Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy.”
 
The D90 is a far better camera than the D70, you're doing something wrong. Turn off ADL if you find it confusing, and read your camera manual.
 
I've been quite happy since the AF problems were fixed. I might even add another D90 as it's a nice price.

Agree as above post some samples for ADL put it on normal and I can't see why that would cause an issue bar at very high ISO levels.
 
Just to make it easier to answer your concerns, it would be nice to get more information what it is you do not like.

On a general note : It is very, very common to feel a bit lost with a new camera or new lens. Every camera or lens are slightly different, and it takes time and a lot of shooting to adopt. Changing a camera means you get a new viewfinder, a new AF system, different timing in shutter activation, buttons and wheels on lightly different places, different (and usually more) menu options and so on. And that is just the handling, also the image files will look different.
I'm happy user with the D70 using a 18-55 VR lenses, two days ago, i bougth a D90, whenever I found the old D70 more practical,
What do you mean by "practical"? Easier to work with?
better photo quality compared with the D90.
Try to describe more in detail what it you do not like, preferably with examples if possible.

Technically, the D90 sensor outperforms the D70 sensor in almost every way. But it is quite different, meaning there is a bit of adjustment to do. Some differences:
  • Keep in mind the D70 has a unusually weak anti-alias filter, meaning images will look very sharp and crisp out of the camera. Part of this is real details and sharpness, parts of it is not ... Anyway, you will need to add more sharpening to your D90 images - and this is not just an issue of the D90, it is the D70 which is a bit unusual.
  • Also keep in mind the D90 has a bit different tone curve, meaning images often will look a bit brighter, a bit more washed out. Again something which can be adjusted to have the D90 behave more like the D70, but in honesty, the D90 gives more 'truthful' images, where the D70 adds a bit of punch that really wasn't there :)
  • The D90 gives slightly different, and in most cases, better colors. It has different color filters in the sensor, meaning things will look different. And it also have slightly different processing of image data after it leaves the sensor.
The new D-lightging feature is very confused to me, I can view good pictures in the LCD camera display, but when I transfer it to laptop, the quality is not good.

Question:

Users from D70 is recommended upgrade to D90 ?

I don't know the D200, but think this is more suitable for D70 users upgrading .
I still have my beaten up old D70s, hardly ever use it any more, mostly kept for nostalgic reasons ... But, I did shoot for two years with the D200, have shot a few thousand images wit D90 (and D5000), and a bunch of other cameras (I work part time as a photographer, part time technical journalist, and also teach introduction classes in photography and I do test out many new camera models).

The D90 in terms of image quality easily trumps the D70 with a wide margin, particularly in terms of dynamic range and low light performance. It also beats both the D80 and D200 (which both are better then D70, but less noticeably).

The D200 is a bit of a different camera also, it is sturdier built, has more external controls, better viewfinder, is faster overall, has better AF and ... Well, better everything. It is the older sibling of D300 which is in the same class, but which basically has the same sensor as D90 (noticeably better then D200).

My advice: Accept the D90 is not a new D70, it is a different camera, and for almost every photographic purpose, a better one. But it takes some time to get used to it, and the different images it produces.

Even among pro shooters, many are reluctant to switch camera unless they know they have some time to get used to the newer one. You definately do not want to switch in the middle of an assignment, because things will, intevitably, be different.

--
-----------------------------------------------------------
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every moment of it!

By the way, film is not dead.
It just smell funny
 
I am no expert, use the D5000 which has the same sensor as the D90 and D300. This is a very good sensor.which copes very well in most but the most contrasty and lowest light conditions.

I also do not like the D Lighting results, so it is always off. Some say that the next generation i.e. D5100 / D7000 D Lighting is better implemented, but I dont know.

Some guys here have run tests to show that D-Lighting works well in specific circumsatances, but I just dont bother with it anyway.

In very contrasty situations, either expose specifically for the subject, or use your histogram (after a test shot) to get the exposure as much 'middled' possible, to include shadows (left of graph, dont let go past left axis line) and highlights (right of graph, dont let go past right axis line).

Also, I think ADL only works properly if you use Nikon post processing software.

Finally, I use Lightroom 3 which is great for post processing to your taste, colors, contrast etc,. But others should work well too, you may have to post process adjut to get what you want.

Cheers
Thank you. I do post-processing with Nikon Capture Nx2.
--

.....Just from an amateur......'Sometimes it's to your advantage for people to think you're crazy.”
--
-----
Fco. Valladolid Hdez.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigueme/
 
Without samples and more info we can only guess. Raw, jpg, software and viewing sized may all give clues. A shot from a d70 in perfect conditions and ideal light will look better than a d90 shot in less favourable conditions, back to back testing would need to be done to compare like with like.

The 90 is a better spec camera, it should deliver better results, though when I went from 70 to 300 I did an exhaustive test (well, 4 shots out of my window) shooting back to back and concluded exposure and processing was far more important to finished quality than the camera - though the resolution obviously gives a bit more in the 300.

But no comparison in use, I really dislike the 70, great in its day as it had no competition, but its tiny lcd and terrible viewfinder are just not nice to use compared to any more recent camera.

I'd stick with the 90 for a while, if shooting jpg you may not have it dialed in to your taste, if shooting raw, then the this could still be the case if you use nikon software, but if using 3rd party software then raw from either camera should be on a similar footing.
--
http://www.johnleechstudio.co.uk
http://www.johnleechstudio.blogspot.com
Please consider this picture:

http://flic.kr/p/c1dr4f

I do a retouch with GIMP

--
-----
Fco. Valladolid Hdez.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigueme/
 
Just to make it easier to answer your concerns, it would be nice to get more information what it is you do not like.

On a general note : It is very, very common to feel a bit lost with a new camera or new lens. Every camera or lens are slightly different, and it takes time and a lot of shooting to adopt. Changing a camera means you get a new viewfinder, a new AF system, different timing in shutter activation, buttons and wheels on lightly different places, different (and usually more) menu options and so on. And that is just the handling, also the image files will look different.
I'm happy user with the D70 using a 18-55 VR lenses, two days ago, i bougth a D90, whenever I found the old D70 more practical,
What do you mean by "practical"? Easier to work with?
better photo quality compared with the D90.
Try to describe more in detail what it you do not like, preferably with examples if possible.

Technically, the D90 sensor outperforms the D70 sensor in almost every way. But it is quite different, meaning there is a bit of adjustment to do. Some differences:
  • Keep in mind the D70 has a unusually weak anti-alias filter, meaning images will look very sharp and crisp out of the camera. Part of this is real details and sharpness, parts of it is not ... Anyway, you will need to add more sharpening to your D90 images - and this is not just an issue of the D90, it is the D70 which is a bit unusual.
  • Also keep in mind the D90 has a bit different tone curve, meaning images often will look a bit brighter, a bit more washed out. Again something which can be adjusted to have the D90 behave more like the D70, but in honesty, the D90 gives more 'truthful' images, where the D70 adds a bit of punch that really wasn't there :)
  • The D90 gives slightly different, and in most cases, better colors. It has different color filters in the sensor, meaning things will look different. And it also have slightly different processing of image data after it leaves the sensor.
The new D-lightging feature is very confused to me, I can view good pictures in the LCD camera display, but when I transfer it to laptop, the quality is not good.

Question:

Users from D70 is recommended upgrade to D90 ?

I don't know the D200, but think this is more suitable for D70 users upgrading .
I still have my beaten up old D70s, hardly ever use it any more, mostly kept for nostalgic reasons ... But, I did shoot for two years with the D200, have shot a few thousand images wit D90 (and D5000), and a bunch of other cameras (I work part time as a photographer, part time technical journalist, and also teach introduction classes in photography and I do test out many new camera models).

The D90 in terms of image quality easily trumps the D70 with a wide margin, particularly in terms of dynamic range and low light performance. It also beats both the D80 and D200 (which both are better then D70, but less noticeably).

The D200 is a bit of a different camera also, it is sturdier built, has more external controls, better viewfinder, is faster overall, has better AF and ... Well, better everything. It is the older sibling of D300 which is in the same class, but which basically has the same sensor as D90 (noticeably better then D200).

My advice: Accept the D90 is not a new D70, it is a different camera, and for almost every photographic purpose, a better one. But it takes some time to get used to it, and the different images it produces.

Even among pro shooters, many are reluctant to switch camera unless they know they have some time to get used to the newer one. You definately do not want to switch in the middle of an assignment, because things will, intevitably, be different.

--
-----------------------------------------------------------
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every moment of it!

By the way, film is not dead.
It just smell funny
Thank you for te great explain, I think my technique is failing. I need know more in depth the camera.

Best Regards.

--
-----
Fco. Valladolid Hdez.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sigueme/
 
I posted a comment on your flickr page. Other than a very thin DOF, I think it is a very good photo.
--
Michael
 
You had Active D Lighting to "Extra High". That can ruin a shot.

Turn if off. If you shoot RAW and convert in GIMP, Active D Lighting will not help your photos at all.

Also, Saturation is "High". That is not a good setting for a portrait. Turn it to medium or normal for portrait.

You are using poor settings and getting poor results.

--
Catallaxy
 
Your photo is an example of totally wrong processing. The saturation is extremely high and you use a very thin DOF for a portrait.

Review your technique and processing skills. You have a very good camera (unless is a lemon) and you should get good results.
--
Victor
Bucuresti, Romania
http://picasaweb.google.com/victorpetcu69/
http://picasaweb.google.com/teodor.nitica/
http://picasaweb.google.com/vpreallize/
http://picasaweb.google.com/v.petcu.gci/
http://picasaweb.google.com/vpetcu.gci.arhiva/
http://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m268/victor_petcu/
 
There area also a couple of settings on vivid - and those colours are certainly that.

Plus you processed this in gimp... its hard to know whether you made it better or worse so hard to assess this image.

As indicated by someone else, the D90 is not a 70, it has a different sensor and a different processor - the same settings will not give the same results.

Personally, I'd be shooting in raw to factor out the camera settings.
You had Active D Lighting to "Extra High". That can ruin a shot.

Turn if off. If you shoot RAW and convert in GIMP, Active D Lighting will not help your photos at all.

Also, Saturation is "High". That is not a good setting for a portrait. Turn it to medium or normal for portrait.

You are using poor settings and getting poor results.

--
Catallaxy
--
http://www.johnleechstudio.co.uk
http://www.johnleechstudio.blogspot.com
 

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