Photographer Advice On Camera
 

Hello,

Photography is a hobby of mine that I truly enjoy. Most of what I photograph are the beautiful landscapes all around my area. I also enjoy macro shooting of vegetation, insects, and anything that catches my eye. I'd like to take a step up from hobbyist to serious hobbyist, if you will. I was hoping some of the photographers here at GFY would share their opinion on the camera that I think will help me take that step up.

The camera is a Nikon D800 or the D800E. With the addition of lenses, flash, tripod, misc. items, it will be the most money I've spent on a hobby in one bundled purchase. Which is another reason I'm seeking advice.

I hope some of you will reply, it would be very much appreciated!

Thank you,
Tact

I have the D800 great camera. my dealer recommended against the E wasn't worth the extra expense :2 cents:

That's what some of the review sites are saying as well. That the E model is so similar to the 800 that it may be overpriced. Thanks for sharing!

Do you think the D800 would be too complex for someone who's only taken basic photography courses and has limited post processing abilities?

the d800 is quite a leap. I'd recommend the d600/d610

if you are set on the d800, I think the 800e's extra sharpness/anti-aliasing is worth it, especially for macro and landscape photography.

But again, it's not cut & dry to get a d800/800e dialed-in perfectly so that the extra from the 800e is noticeable.

imo, go with the 600 series.

I won't be much help since I know nothing about that Nikon cam but as a photo lover, I'm giving you a bump.

I shoot with the Canon Rebel T3i. Nowhere near as good as that Nikon or other cameras but it gets the job done for me and my style.

I hope you find and get what you're looking for!

As Dyna Mo has stated , it is a learning curve, start of with something smaller and learn the ropes:winkwink:

i have the d800 too, its a awesome camera :)

If you arent a good photographer to begin with the camera is going to make little to no difference. if you dont yet know how to meter shots and shoot in manual mode and plan a photo and shoot exactly what you planned that is where you should invest your time and money.

Most times your accessories have more to do with getting a good picture than the camera does. Lighting, reflectors scrims and an understanding of depth of field and how to get what you want....The camera makes little difference.

a pro can take great pictures consistantly with a cheap camera...buying a Nikon D800 isnt going to make you a pro.

^^^ This. A camera doesn't make a photographer. Time, effort, absorbing knowledge and advice, do.

:2 cents:

there are some cameras that provide vast insight into how to take a good picture these days. exposure, focus, depth of field for instance are all concepts that I've gotten comfortable with due to working with a camera that provides me feedback on those topics. Heck, there are dialogue balloons with many of the setting that explain what it is and how it impacts the picture.

Now, none of these features are on a d800/800e. none. But they are on a d600.

So depending on where the op is as a hobbyist and what camera he's using in his journey mentioned here
IMO, a properly selected good solid camera would make sense and can contribute to learning.

but again, it's not a d800/800e

i use a nikon D7000 and its awsome...all u need if u are a middle level:)

I too use the Nikon D7000 and I love it. It really does come down to know how. Getting the lighting right, composition and comfort in manual mode. Then the huge difference is also made in the actual lens you have. The stock lens is ok to start with but if you want to spend extra money somewhere make it on the glass. Get a great mid level body and a higher end lens. Also buy some good lighting set ups and you've got a great start.

You can get a lot of lessor cameras that will work very well for you.


My recommendation is drop the money on good full frame N series glass. The two I would get right off the bat; 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8


I have lenses that are 15+years old that I still use today, the body i have gotten in the past, not so much.



Just Dave

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/6363653632/h4D386CB1/

Remember to remove the lens cap before taking pictures... :2 cents:

:stoned

ADG

D800 it's a great camera, especially if you like to shoot landscapes i think it will be the best choose for you, but you need to understand that with this camera, you MUST have very good , expensive lenses, other way - you won't get great result.

I shoot with a Nikon D800 and it is an amazing camera. BUT more important get good glass. Unless you are shooting murals I would avoid the 800e. It will cause way more problems for a very minor increase in sharpness.

Starting with a simpler (but full frame) Nikon body is not a bad idea and will give you similar results while being cheaper and easier to use.

Lenses will have much more effect on what your images look like. For landscapes get a wide zoom like the 28-70 2.8 and some fast primes at last as fast as 2.8.

Stay away from Non-Nikkor glass generally unless it is the new Sigma Series or Zeiss. :2 cents:

I'm using the tamron 24-70 2.8... damn good glass... I had so many issues with the nikor glass I almost lost my job :2 cents: the 24-120 4. lost focus and clarity in the zoom, twice... both of my 24-70 2.8's lost focus on the zoom and the color went bad due to degradation of the coating... 1 lens went to Nikon twice, the other 3 times.... last time I sold both of them... even the tamron have been to the factory once each... any glass I buy in the future will go to the but the 24-71'S.. ... not so much... not worth the extra $800-$1000 per copy

you have a J O B ? :Graucho

Really? The Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S is one of the best rated lenses.
I will look that up! Tamron used to be junk but so did Sigma. Technology is changing the marketplace. :thumbsup

yeah it's tuff with the amount of content and the degradation is slow that you can't really see it happening and then you can't figure out why your tense all the time and feeling you can grab a good image... then the members all start complaining. then eventually it's like WTF? not a pleasant experience... on the flip side have all my permits, site almost done and being revived by the bank, have conference call with the bank tomorrow and I'm pretty sure it will be a go for the merchant accounts.. ... our first expo is may 17th in LA ... be passing out samples and discount coupons to 1000's and 1000's of totally hot MILF's!!! :thumbsup :winkwink:

pretty sure it's a macro as well.... very very clear... seems like the lens eats less light as well... always pulled a 1/3 of a stop with the nikors and with the tamron I don't... could be the 800 chip though

if you pick the tamron up just send it straight to the factory for repair... tell them the focus is soft