Would D100 Owners Recommend It?

[Bob &rsun]

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my deposit back)

I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses, soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.

I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However, what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too soon to be asking these questions?

 

[Phil97249]

I have not noticed soft images... Although I am using Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 AFS and a 28-70mm f2.8 AFS lenses.

If you write in JPEG even in the highest resolution, write times are VERY fast. No prolems here.

If you are writting Raw, it is slow to clear the buffer... But if using compressed RAW then you still have enough buffer to take 4 shots in sequence. You then need to wait for an extended period (2 min) for it to clear. If this feature is important to you then you either need to shoot in JPEG or get the D1-X or D1-H camera. But since they are over twice as expensive as the D-100... I think I can live with out this.

I took some fun pictures you can see them at http://www.pbase.com/philgrocks

So far I am amazed... I had been using an F5 and a Coolscan 4000ED as my digital setup... using an Epson 2000P printer for prints.

The D-100 is not an F5 replacement (you need to get the D1-X or D1-H for that), it is more in line with the F-100. So far I am in love with the D-100

My only worry now is what will I do with the $500 worth of film I have not used yet... I fear my film shooting days are over for general photography.

Phil

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[Su M.]

Phil:

Nice to hear simple clear thoughts; I'm a flim photographer with an Olympus UZI thinking of upgrading to the D100 because first of all I havea couple of lenses I could use and because I sometimes shoot gymnastics and the UZI is slow; I don't think I care that much to shoot raw images (at least not for sports shots) but I was wondering what you estimate for write times in JPEG...how many shots; how long to clear the buffer Thanks...and have fun

If you write in JPEG even in the highest resolution, write times
are VERY fast. No prolems here.

If you are writting Raw, it is slow to clear the buffer... But if
using compressed RAW then you still have enough buffer to take 4
shots in sequence. You then need to wait for an extended period (2
min) for it to clear. If this feature is important to you then you
either need to shoot in JPEG or get the D1-X or D1-H camera. But
since they are over twice as expensive as the D-100... I think I
can live with out this.

I took some fun pictures you can see them at
http://www.pbase.com/philgrocks

So far I am amazed... I had been using an F5 and a Coolscan 4000ED
as my digital setup... using an Epson 2000P printer for prints.

The D-100 is not an F5 replacement (you need to get the D1-X or
D1-H for that), it is more in line with the F-100. So far I am
in love with the D-100

My only worry now is what will I do with the $500 worth of film I
have not used yet... I fear my film shooting days are over for
general photography.

Phil

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[Moo]

it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

All things being equal, the camera performs as advertised. It is nimble (to say the least). I have come from a 990 and an F90 film camera. Frankly, it reminds me a LOT like the F90 - fast focus, handles well, nice color - a pleasure to use.

Any concerns I had (soft focus, etc.) were corrected once I did more shooting and tweeked things.

I have no regrets at buying - cept my VISA is in sticker shock right now .. but we will get over it.
Happy Camper!

 

[James Jones]

Any concerns I had (soft focus, etc.) were corrected once I did
more shooting and tweeked things.

Could you elaborate for us on the word "tweeking". What did you have to do to make your D100 sing?

-James

 

[John_T]

Bob,

Except for the two hot pixels my D100 has, it's amazing. I admit, this is my first DSLR, but compared to anything else I've used, it's wonderful.

John

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[Lan Dao]

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

I am Nikon SLR user for long time. I used a lot of cheap point & shoot Digital cameras for a while (Sony, Ricoh & Canon). I bought the CP5000 last year & sold it (did not like it). Just picked up D100 yesterday and try some last night and this morning. I love it. This is my first DSLR and I am not a Pro (Camera is one of my hobbies) so still learn a lot to master the camera. Sorry for my English. LanDao.
http://www.pbase.com/image/2869206 was tested with internal flash.

 

[Moo]

Any concerns I had (soft focus, etc.) were corrected once I did
more shooting and tweeked things.

Could you elaborate for us on the word "tweeking". What did you
have to do to make your D100 sing?

I got more familier with the colour space settings (1, II, and III) and played with the shapening a bit (different settings for different occasions). All the info is there if you want to wack it with Photoshop to tweek sharpness or colour. You will get what you want.

My best analogy is that if you own an F90 (and that is the only camera I can compare with it.), then you know what the D100 "feels" like. NIMBLE!!

"Plastic" body has a heavy solid feeling - no concerns there. Camera is light and easy to hold and control. It "feels good".

Controls are fine - easy to understand and you can get used to any "quirks" htat have been mentioned in other posts. No big deal.

Let me say this, the camera shot everything I wanted, WHEN I wanted and with great results. It is fast enough to catch the "twinkle" in someones eye when YOU want - not when the camera has finished focusing and thinking first (my 990 - still a great camera but not for things that move quickly)

I'm quite pleased and look forward to learning more on how it works. Everytime I had a gripe, it was ME and not the camera. (I've been shooting film for over 35 years). It behaves like a good film camera with digital output. And it looks great!

Don't get too caught up in the technical hype - this is a great camera. It is not the wand, it is how you wave it. Get out there and shoot - the camera will do its job - you do yours!

("Find it - compose it - light it - expose it!)

 

[William Mayer]

Just got mine yesterday and so far I am very inpressed with the images. Yes I do see a little softness in the images but I am still making adjustments

so I will not be able to give a better comment untill I do some studio work later today. I am glad I got the camera and the wright times for jepg-Fine-Large, is fast enough for wedding work.

The color that I am seeing is great, out of the camera. I did print some to a canon s800 without color correction and found the color matched what I shot(that was a plesent surprise)
So far I would recommend this camera to others

Hope that Helps

Bill

I plan to use this to photograh my H.S. Seinors

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[david16793]

I have also read a few reports/threads that haven't given the D100 the best right-ups but after trying it for a few days I'm well impressed with mine. (My last camera was the S1). It's fast, very responsive and well designed... I've had no problems with my AF lenses. Like all cameras you have to adjust the settings etc but that's half the fun... if you want a point and shot I don't think you need a DSLR I've just added a few images to my web site.. your welcome to take a look. http://www.davrodigital.co.uk/galleries/gallery39/gallery39.htm To answer your question 'Would D100 Owners Recommend It?'...Yes I would!

David
http://www.davrodigital.co.uk

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

I am Nikon SLR user for long time. I used a lot of cheap point &
shoot Digital cameras for a while (Sony, Ricoh & Canon). I bought
the CP5000 last year & sold it (did not like it). Just picked up
D100 yesterday and try some last night and this morning. I love
it. This is my first DSLR and I am not a Pro (Camera is one of my
hobbies) so still learn a lot to master the camera. Sorry for my
English. LanDao.
http://www.pbase.com/image/2869206 was tested with internal flash.

 

[darren kelly]

I've had the camera for less than 24 hours, but I am thrilled.

My film camera is the F100 and a Mamiya 645. I use typically pro grade Tamron and Sigma lens's.

It feels good in my hands, and it is fast with auto focus and using the memory card(Microdrive).

I do find it sharp and the colour resolution is great. I plan on spending more time with it today, but I would recommend it.

I'm selling the 645 - for my commercial work, this camera will do just fine!

Cheers

DBK

 

[Christian Knoll]

Simple test to shoot continously with JPEG fine ... makes 7 to 8 shots before I have to wait. MEaning that during the 2 and something seconds it takes to take teh 6 shots for teh buffer ... one sometimes two cleared already. And that's just with the inger on the trigger. Simple casual shooting - never had to wait thus far. Might be too slow for professional sports - if you want to do that get a D1H or a 1D.

just my 2c.

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[mastix]

Hi Christian

Can u tell us more about write times when you shoot Raw. How many shots(I think 4 in a roll?) and how much wait after they are taken to keep shooting. Which Compact flash do you use?????

Thank you

just my 2c.

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

--
Cristian

 

[danp]

Having had the D1 with its odd colors and lots of tweaking to get them realistic. I very rarely had true colors with it esp grass, water and sky. The d100 has much better true color at default settings right out of the cam.

Shooting d100 with 18-35 and 80-200 and any softness has been my fault ...slow shutter speed, too much movement etc. Highly rec'd.

Dan

 

[Steve62429]

I too have Mamiya 645 and am considering the D100. I am looking at doing portrait work and weddings with groups ranging in size up to 20 or 30 people, and print sizes up to 20x24. Do you feel that I could use the D100 for this purpose and get rid of my 645?? Thanks for you input.

Steve

I've had the camera for less than 24 hours, but I am thrilled.

My film camera is the F100 and a Mamiya 645. I use typically pro
grade Tamron and Sigma lens's.

It feels good in my hands, and it is fast with auto focus and using
the memory card(Microdrive).

I do find it sharp and the colour resolution is great. I plan on
spending more time with it today, but I would recommend it.

I'm selling the 645 - for my commercial work, this camera will do
just fine!

Cheers

DBK

--
Steve Hiebert
http://www.personalexpressions.ca

 

[Jussi Leppänen]

I had a 512 SanDisk card, and my new D100 was little too slw for me. Then i bought 2 Ridata 512 Cards and writing times changes about 3x faster!!!

Now my D100 takes at maximum resolution 4 RAWs in a series, it tooks about 20-25 s to write them to a card. Enough speed for my purposes.

Cards have their impacts on this issue.

just my 2c.

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

--
Jussi Leppänen

 

[darren kelly]

I too have Mamiya 645 and am considering the D100. I am looking
at doing portrait work and weddings with groups ranging in size up
to 20 or 30 people, and print sizes up to 20x24. Do you feel that
I could use the D100 for this purpose and get rid of my 645??
Thanks for you input.

My opinion at this point is it might be possible, but I am still checking. I have an Epson printer that is capable of 13X19 prints and will sometime today check this out.

Do your own test. download someones demo print, resize it in Photo shop and print it out and see what you think. There is a growing opinion that digital camera files are cpable of making larger images than we think.

In my case, I've owned the 645 for about 2 year, it's paid for itself and doesn't owe me a dime, so I've decided to try and replace it with my new D100 and if it becomes a problem, I'll rent the 645 if I need it. I only shoot the 645 2-3 times per year, while I shoot 35 and now the D100 almost every day as it's both a money maker for me and my hobby. I own a video production comapny as a living.

I hope this helps

Cheers

DBK

 

[Su M.]

I expect the write times to be slower than the D1X but what makes you think they would be slower than the D1? how quick are those 6-7 shots; fast enough to capture the action?

just my 2c.

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?

 

[Bob &rsun]

I really appreciate your well thought out responses to my inquiries.

I also appreciate that folks were so willing to take time out from their new cameras to help somene else.
Kudos to all of you!

 

[Phil97249]

You should download the manual... It has the info in it...

Here is a good link http://d100.topcities.com/d100downloads/d100downloads.html

In JPEG, fine, Large(3008x2000) it takes 30 seconds to clear 6 frames (the limit of the buffer)

So in real life...

I can take take 7 pictures in sequence (about 2 fps) and if I keep shooting it will take 2 seconds to clear enough buffer to take another picture... So then I can shoot continously once per 2 seconds until I run out of flash memory.

With compressed RAW

I can take 4 picutres in sequence (about 2 fps) and then I have to wait 43 seconds to take the next shot.

uncompressed RAW is faster since the compression does not need to happen.

Hope that helps.

Phil

If you write in JPEG even in the highest resolution, write times
are VERY fast. No prolems here.

If you are writting Raw, it is slow to clear the buffer... But if
using compressed RAW then you still have enough buffer to take 4
shots in sequence. You then need to wait for an extended period (2
min) for it to clear. If this feature is important to you then you
either need to shoot in JPEG or get the D1-X or D1-H camera. But
since they are over twice as expensive as the D-100... I think I
can live with out this.

I took some fun pictures you can see them at
http://www.pbase.com/philgrocks

So far I am amazed... I had been using an F5 and a Coolscan 4000ED
as my digital setup... using an Epson 2000P printer for prints.

The D-100 is not an F5 replacement (you need to get the D1-X or
D1-H for that), it is more in line with the F-100. So far I am
in love with the D-100

My only worry now is what will I do with the $500 worth of film I
have not used yet... I fear my film shooting days are over for
general photography.

Phil

For those of us that don't yet have the camera and are waiting
patiently...(I'm #13 on a list but I can change my mind and get my
deposit back)
I've been reading several threads about some problems with lenses,
soft images and slow write times. On the other hand, some folks
seem happy with the camera and have few complaints.
I know that one camera will not be a perfect match for all
photographers and that some folks are just anti-Nikon. However,
what do the owners think? If you had to do it over, would you buy
it or would you wait? Would you recommend it to others? Is it too
soon to be asking these questions?