Well, after much debating, thinking, reading reviews and generally getting bitten by the upgrade bug; I invested in a spanky new Nikon D300 dSLR yesterday, and I have to say that after an initial wave of ‘Oh crap, what have I done!!!!?’ I’m really happy with it.
The new screen and live preview are worth the upgrade alone, but the new features that I’ve actually had the opportunity to play with are certainly useful. I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to shoot some motorsports in the next few weeks (BTCC at Donington or Thruxton in May I hope!)
If all goes to plan, the extra FPS should be really useful for capturing the action, and the new 51 point 3D matrix autofocus system should prove very handy with the fast moving cars and hand held panning shots.
As you can imagine, there will be a whole new collection of photographs posted here and on the forum from the day(s).
Well, I’ve finally got around to getting a new video tutorial added to my training site, WZ2K: Digital Illusions Explained covering Adobe Camera Raw and B&W conversion methods. ACR offers some pretty cool ways of creating high quality black & white conversions that really do stand out.
The video, which runs for 10 minutes takes you step by step through the process and covers how many of the settings inside ACR work and how they influence the tones and within your photograph.
If you are new to working with RAW then this video will guide you through the basics and if you’re used to working inside the editor, this video may well show you how to go one step further with your mono coversions.
A direct link to the tutorial information can be found here.
It looks like I’ve been hit by the photography spending bug yet again! After looking at various pieces of camera sexiness I’ve succumbed to the VR bug… I had my spanking new Nikon 70-300mm F4.5/5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR lens back, and after a brief play I can say it is a stunning piece of kit. The VR (Vibration Reduction) works a treat and really allows incredibly slow hand held images. I’ve had success down to 1/6th of a second!
I also had my MB-D80 multi-battery grip back which certainly adds to the bulk and weight of the D80. It certainly looks like it means business when it’s attached and the 70-300mm VR is on the front! Read the rest of this entry »
Ok, it’s been a little while since I added an update around here, but work and social life have taken precedence of late. That said, I have had the chance to get out the camera and do some fun photography over the past few weeks. One of which was the recent Renault World Series at Castle Donington.
For anyone who hasn’t been to the Renault World Series in the past, it’s a race weekend (Saturday and Sunday) that is completely free that includes Formula 1, formula 2, Renault Megane and Renault Clio racing, time trials and exhibitions as well as a fun fair (again, free), historical vehicles and loads more all set in the grounds of the Castle Donington race track. Read the rest of this entry »
Well, after much debating, thinking, reading reviews and generally getting bitten by the upgrade bug; I invested in a spanky new Nikon D300 dSLR yesterday, and I have to say that after an initial wave of ‘Oh crap, what have I done!!!!?’ I’m really happy with it.
