- be prepared to spend a lot of time learning the camera
programming and photo editing software. Things compact digitals do
automatically aren't automatic anymore.
- the manufacturer's software can be surprisingly buggy. I guess
it's not such a surprise since they aren't traditional software
companies. It drove me nuts until I found out from this forum that
Nikon View 6.1 disabled the picture sharpening.
- Storage media speed makes a difference, especially when shooting
continuous. This wasn't a factor with the A80.
- You are going to have to relearn your lenses. They just don't
perform the same as they did with film. The most puzzling thing
has been depth of field. Even when checking repeatedly before
taking a shot, I just don't achieve it in the picture. Others have
observed this, but I don't think anyone has explained it.
- I've taken 2300 shots in 4 weeks, and I'm a hobbiest. So I
really like it, once I started figuring it out. But it was
frustrating for awhile. I almost sold the camera a couple of
times, and still might.
- It's no panacea, and there are clear tradeoffs versus film. I've
been very disappointed with the dynamic range of the sensor as seen
with the persistence of blown highlights. I understand there are a
number of image processing fixes for this.
- I think Nikon missed a real opportunity with the LCD by not
precisely matching the color balance and exposure level of the
screen to the actual image. The Canon A80's LCD more closely
matched the actual image than the D2H does. I think having the LCD
to quickly preview or review shots is a paradigm shift in
photographic technique that the manufacturer's are missing.
- I'm worried about technological obsolescence, which is a new
feeling for me in photography. I've shot primarily film with Nikon
glass, and never worried about auto-focus. But now I worry about
the D2X. I don't worry about Canon, because my investment in glass
makes it moot.
- I haven't started printing my pictures yet, even though I have a
Canon cp-200 just sitting here. It's been the next step, but I
just haven't gotten to it because of the time I've spent learning
the software, and how the lenses perform with the camera. I
suspect that printing is going to be an adventure in itself.
- I sometimes think about the aesthetic question of just what is a
photographic image. My image processing has been only the most
basic sharpening and exposure compensation, which is not too far
off from what can be done in the film realm. But the amazing
ability to manipulate images digitally makes me wonder about what
is the aesthetic validity of what may result. I suppose at the end
of the day it may devolve into a matter of taste. While some
degree of manipulation existed in the film world as well, digital
opens up a whole new order of magnitude.
So those are my impressions. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on
things you didn't expect. This forum has been an invaluable
resource, though I find the dialog is skewed to digital processing,
while analogue issues, which persists in the new format, are
discussed less.
Good luck with your decision. Don't sell you film gear too quickly.
Brian.
my experience exactly, but the sales ppl at the other stores they
have - much different experience.
Say, how's your experience with the D2H thus far. I'm really close
to getting one myself?
Thanks!
Hello!
Maybe, but just maybe I´m visiting friends in LA June-July. I´m
thinking of buying a Nikon 12-24, 24-120 VR and some other goodies,
maybe the D200 (or whatever it will be named).
What is the best and most reliable store in LA area? Is there
something similar to B&H?
Thanks!
Best regards
Calle, Sweden
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