My D2X test pics from today

[BBJ]

Ok hi All as i have mentioned before a few of us are having problems with getting sharp and infocus shots. Anyhow had some time before lunch before it got too hot and tool D2X up the lakes with the 300m and the 2X tc. Took some shots of ducks as thats all i could find of interest and another nice birdy which this picture is a crop, had to do some cloning to get rid of a stick going across his leg, but not too bad.

Tried the flash out as well,it only gets 250 shutter with flash and i found shutter mode more usable. I think you really need to change the iso as i think pics came out better when i used a higher iso, could be just me but yeh looked like shooting at 100 iso is not the go.
Anyhow still lots to work out but here are some of my pics.
All pics 600m.OOPS forgot to clone the rest of the branch out.




Sleeping Duck

[avkomp]

congrats on the d2x and I am sure you are getting on top of the learning curve.

As for the flash, as you have pointed out goes up to 1/250 but you can also select hi-speed sync which will let it sync witht eh sb800 at higher speeds.
The problem though is that in high speed sync, the sb800 pulses the flash at lower output, achieving sync but dramatically reducing the range of the flash. The problem is that if you increase shutter speed you will reduce the range of the flash. so if you increase the iso you would get a higher shutter speed and therefore less range from the flash.
Note that if you shoot at 1/250 or less the opposite is true and it works as you would expect. If you dont believe me, have a look at the range possible readout on the back of the sb800. set the camera to manual and select 1/250 increase iso and watch range possible increase.
now enable high speed sync (flash indicates fp I think) increase shutter speed and watch the range fall away.
when using fill with the d2x and long lens you should use the slowest iso possible because this will have the effect of using the slowest shutter speed possible with a given aperture. Then you run into the 1/focal length rule when using longer lenses
This is only a problem for nature photographers and the like , who wish to use fill flash on a long lens in brightish conditions
This means that a better beamer becomes a necessity for nature work with long lenses and the d2x

hope that makes sense
Steve

[BBJ]

Thanks for that info Steve, yes i had the problem being a bright sunny sky and too many shadows so thought well on with the flash and used as fill, did put on GN for a bit to lighten up a couple of swan and set flash to 9 meters etc.. I do know that you dont need a faster shutter with flash as i learnt this at stadium X even using very slow shutter that with flash was still freezing the wheels.

Like you said will take time to sort it out and sooner the better, will keep playing if the weather holds out next few days although spose to rain.

[birddog114]

avkomp!
Thanks for your info and telling about the use of sync on the D2x.

Wendellt,
That what's the sync designed for, and it works well also if you're using with the SD-8A and plug its sync cable to the D2x.

[avkomp]

bbj:

the flash will almost always freeze things like wheels etc.
so I wouldnt be using it for motor stuff.
the birds and animals benefit from fill though.



they use electronic flash for producing high speed photos.
If for example you set a camera up on a tripod in a dark room and set the shutter to bulb, if you fire a single flash to whilst the high speed stuff is going on, the exposure produced is the duration of the flash only.
some flashes have a duration of 1/100000 sec or less.
using this technique many years ago (whilst at school) we produced some amazing images.


Steve

[BBJ]

Ok Steve, Thanks for that info, as i have never been a flash person always a pain in the butt, but yes today i did use it for fill and worked well. Just when you take a pic with 1/250 flash pic comes ok do it without and either out of focus or not as sharp. So it seems anyhow, but yeh need to keep playing it.

[avkomp]

bbj:

I figure motor sport is your thing and the fill caper will not be a big part of what you want to be doing anyhow.

Steve

[marcotrov]

John looks like you are starting to come to grips with the autofocus on the D2X How much more difficult is it to get a grip on the autofocus compared to the D70 and I know they are different beasts but I'm still struggling with why it should be so unforgiving? Hope the D200 ain't that bad
cheers
marco

[avkomp]

think this was posted around here the other day but thought it made interesting reading
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/nikon_articles/body/multi-cam2000_af/index.html
explains the d2x af system and suggestions for different subjects.

many more choices over my humble d70 and faster so there should be something for everyone.


Steve

[BBJ]

Marco, i dont know why it is this way, but at least with the D70 we get good pictures without any hassles. Set the D2X up with sim settings and it is no good, dont know why but the focussing is a lot faster so you would think that it would be in focus. I even have it set so it wont fire the shutter unless it is in focus but still the pics dont look right, either not in focus or not sharp. So i have seen in forums that this seems to be the norm thing for most who have this new beast till they sort it out, but i can say i get more keepers with D70 than D2x at the moment.

Maybe i still have to play and play till i get some sort of satisfactory settings and so on with pics.

3 of us have the same problem at the moment, so i think we have seen most post about this subject and there is a lot of them so well might just take time.

[birddog114]

Perhaps the D2x does not like the weather or the region of SA.

Only no complaints from mickwhit, but he's now off on his duty.

NSW has 14 and QLD has 2 x D2x owners and no one complaints about it + produced stunning images at first try!!!!!

I recommend three of you, fly to Sydney and join the D2x workshop at the mini meet then your problems will be solved.

[spartikus]

Well, i'm no expert when it comes to D2x images or autofocus problems, but I think these photos are sharp enough! The third shot of the duck especially!

[avkomp]

I recommend three of you, fly to Sydney and join the D2x workshop at the mini meet then your problems will be solved.

birdy will arrange a few mini bikes to do some high speed manouvers in the back garden to practice on.!!


Steve

[birddog114]

I recommend three of you, fly to Sydney and join the D2x workshop at the mini meet then your problems will be solved.

birdy will arrange a few mini bikes to do some high speed manouvers in the back garden to practice on.!!


Steve

Or three of D2x owners from SA can send their D2x to us for testing and set them up as same as we got and send them back once we finished, we have lot of experienced D2x users overhere

[BBJ]

Yes Birdy i am sute it is only us,lol read dpreveiw and so on seems like a comon thing for most of us newbies, but anyhow i have just been out trying some nite pics so will process a few and see how we go.

[marcotrov]

It's probably too simplistic John but there is no chance it's a firmware issues?
cheers
marco

[BBJ]

Did that marco, updated it so that should be ok, could be the way we using it so who knows time will tell.LOL
Here is a couple of nite shots i took earlier.

Truck was going pass.

[avkomp]

It's probably too simplistic John but there is no chance it's a firmware issues? Confused
cheers
marco

marco, they seem to take razor sharp shots of stuff that aint moving, but there are heaps of options available to setup for how it works on moving stuff. more af sensor zones, grouping, focus lock, etc etc
but the experts are pulling some amazing stuff outta their hats after they figure out the settings that suit them.

with our D70 we just use afc or afs

Steve

[avkomp]

have read that AF is better and faster after the firmware update

Life was much easier with the box brownie. nowhere near as many buttons and stuff.

Steve

[marcotrov]

Good luck with it John I'm sure your experience and perseverance will pay dividends. LAst shot is fantastic.
Regardless of the autofocus by krikey the colours are saturated absolutely vibrant...terrific! Never ceases to amaze me how vivid the colour rendition is on the D2X ----Velvia plus
cheers
marco

[mickwhit]

:lol:
Perhaps the D2x does not like the weather or the region of SA.

Only no complaints from mickwhit, but he's now off on his duty.

NSW has 14 and QLD has 2 x D2x owners and no one complaints about it + produced stunning images at first try!!!!!

I recommend three of you, fly to Sydney and join the D2x workshop at the mini meet then your problems will be solved.

G'day Birddog, I'm extremely happy SA D2x owner however, I need a lot more practice using it. Prior to my work committments I was unhappy with the colour reproduction of the subjects I was shooting but I must say I need a lot more practice shooting different environments, scenes, subjects in both sRGB and Adobe. I loved the colour space and curve I was using with my D70. I'm sure once I get my head around the D2x colour space and an appropraite colour saturated curve I'm sure my D2x and I will be joined at the hip.........sorry head

Cheers,

Mick.
P.S BJ and Fozzie, I look forward to catching up with you soon to have a session with our D2x's. BTW have you updated your D2x with the latest firmware update? If so what did you think?

[wendellt]

avkomp!
Thanks for your info and telling about the use of sync on the D2x.

Wendellt,
That what's the sync designed for, and it works well also if you're using with the SD-8A and plug its sync cable to the D2x.

yo birddog

I already know about high shutter fp sync setting on the d2x I can shoot 1/250 with flash in sync, I used it for atistic shots where the backgroud is dark due to high shutterspeed but foreground element illuminated by the flash, I posted these pics months ago. I also use the strobe location light and that plugs into the flash sync socket ont he d2x. I got the hot tip on high speed shuter flash from member 'smac'

John sharp images at 600mm with a 2x TC but as you would know geting sharp images on a d2x is all about the right lenses, if your using a 2x TC you will end up with a softer image.

[birddog114]

marco & BBJ & other,

Shooting static subjects with D2 series is another new learning curve, but shooting moving objects in low or high speed is another challenge, the setup is totally difference with the D70, don't expect anything quite simple as take it out of the box, insert the battery and CF card then shoot and shoot, woohoooo all will be OOF.

I stepped up from few several long steps: started with digital age:from a D100 then D2h and D2x, but I do make lot of mistakes with the D2x after 7 months I have it in my hand.

I know all you guys are expecting better results out of box, it'll never happens with the D2x or Canon 1Ds MKII. Its system is very complicated.

The only way to increase the keeper: shoot more, few hundred frame/ days in all setup + lenses + lighting, with a notepad next to you, then you'll find the setup which is suitable for your shooting style.

[LostDingo]

Birddog is spot on Often times people feel that the flagship cameras do everything for but they do not. Instead they give you more control but as with a pc it will only do what you input, "junk in-junk out" as they say.

The D2x has so many control settings that the best thing to do is pick specific areas and learn one at a time such as ststic indoor subjects, then outdoors mid day and so on.

I have no doubt you will be very pleased after you learn more about it

Read your 300 page manual and then purchase Thom Hogans 749 page manual and read and you will be well on your way

[birddog114]

yo birddog

I already know about high shutter fp sync setting on the d2x I can shoot 1/250 with flash in sync, I used it for atistic shots where the backgroud is dark due to high shutterspeed but foreground element illuminated by the flash, I posted these pics months ago. I also use the strobe location light and that plugs into the flash sync socket ont he d2x. I got the hot tip on high speed shuter flash from member 'smac'

I wondered you didn't know and asked why should you have to plug the sync cable from the SD-8a to the D2x? and you said nothing difference at the mini meet.

John sharp images at 600mm with a 2x TC but as you would know geting sharp images on a d2x is all about the right lenses, if your using a 2x TC you will end up with a softer image.

No, it's not correct. What lenses are the right lenses for the D2x?
Tamron 28-75? Sigma 105? Sigma 70-200? Nikkor 70-300G?
The main factor is the guy behind the viewfinder/ NOT the lens or the camera.
Having TC.2x is tack sharp with other lenses, of which it can put in the combination, except the 70-200VR at over 350mm with TC.2x. at wide open, but it's still useable.

[birddog114]

This make me thinking about my transitional flight training in my military time:
From propeller to jet atttack or fighter aircraft: minimum 50 hours
From fixed to rotary wing: minimum 60 hours.
+ other instrumentals and ground trainings, before IP let you do the solo.

Not simple as you swap car or motorbike.

[Nikon boy]

Birdie once again is spot on, i moved from a D70 to a D2H and then to the D2X, however before buying the D70 i had been using an F5 for a few years ,mainly with transparency film,
My observations are as follows,
The D70 is very close to a point and shoot in process, the pro bodies demand proper use in handholding, exposure and focus mode's,
I had very few problems with my D2x as i felt like i was back using my F5,
and once i adjusted my technique i was cooking and believe me i am now in seventh heaven with my D2X, i only occasionaly get an out of focus shot but i usually know immeadiatly i have done something wrong, i.e. moved slightly whilst sqeezing off the shutter,
BBJ the focus modes on the D2X had me buggered until i purchased Tom Hogans guide i really suggest you get this, also have a look at Lone Star Digital's site and their reccomendations for the D2X these helped me a great deal, the other site has too much negative vibes mixed up with useful info to be much help ( my opinion only !)
Once you get everything going right you will be very happy, so persist and take as many exposures in all types of conditions as you can,
I have found ALL camera models to be different, just like people take your time to get to know it and the rewards will come.

[robw25]

birddog
i have taken some sharp images in my studio with the d2x, it is better than d70 in that dept. but for moving subjects i have not had a sharp pic, yet the d70 gives me a much better pic on a moving subject ??
i was showing a canon mk11 user the pics and he said they were ok ??? ( what do they know lol ) he was dissapointed with his camera compared to his old sony 707, but said he has to sharpen every pic, i would love to send my camera to you to check it, but as i've said lorraine and i are coming to sydney to do the bridge climb early in the year so i will hopefully get to another mini meet and get you "professionals" in the big smoke to check out the focus problems

cheers rob

[birddog114]

birddog
i have taken some sharp images in my studio with the d2x, it is better than d70 in that dept. but for moving subjects i have not had a sharp pic, yet the d70 gives me a much better pic on a moving subject ??
i was showing a canon mk11 user the pics and he said they were ok ??? ( what do they know lol ) he was dissapointed with his camera compared to his old sony 707, but said he has to sharpen every pic, i would love to send my camera to you to check it, but as i've said lorraine and i are coming to sydney to do the bridge climb early in the year so i will hopefully get to another mini meet and get you "professionals" in the big smoke to check out the focus problems

cheers rob

Rob,
Welcome both of you to Sydney once again.
I don't know whether we will have any mini meet in early Jan 06 or not and it depends on when.
Sorry, I'm not "professional" to check or do anything on the focus of your D2x, but as I can say, I use it very often during the time which I have it, so I may help you out but not entirely.

[fozzie]

Even with the firmware update last weekend, I am still having problems obtaining sharp shots (AF). I am in the process of reading various reports on the web, and also referring to Thom Hogan's e-book, and hope to continue further experimentation this weekend. I am not going to let this magnificant camera body beat me.

[BBJ]

I am sure and know it is me as i am so used to d70, i have no doubt i will master it as it is a big jump, will just take some practice and get the right settings to suit the shots. Ok it is a big step and i would not trade my camera but will take time to learn as i know and think it is just user error and i did not expect sharp pictures with the 300m and 2xtc. I am happy with the results yesterday and will take time ok i had to add some sharpening in PP but results were ok. Next i will try with out tc and see how i go but yeh more time on the bikes would have been ok but high grass put me off my shots and did get a lot of shots that was ok but hey i got the camer midnite on the friday nite, and shot with it that day so cant expect a good result out of the box.

I found yesterday, that i could not just shoot at 100 ISO and seemed to me the pictures were a lot better if i adjusted the ISO as i found shooting is S priority was my prefered setup.

I thought P mode would have been a good way to start, but i too was wrong as i had very low shutter speeds on a bright sunny day so yeh lots to learn and play with.
I do have Toms E-Book and will study it more, and i will not let it beat me and it will take some getting used to.

Bring it on. Old habits hard to break. Need to retrain myself.

[birddog114]

Even with the firmware update last weekend, I am still having problems obtaining sharp shots (AF). I am in the process of reading various reports on the web, and also referring to Thom Hogan's e-book, and hope to continue further experimentation this weekend. I am not going to let this magnificant camera body beat me.

It's worth a trip to Sydney in early Jan.06 and having a workshop of the D2x at the early stage of the mini meet.

[wendellt]

I have to say from experience
that my D2x has given me a great deal number of OOF shots
firstly i thought it was me and at that time it was but now I think i expected it to take a magically sharp shot regardless

But that simply is not the case

You have to get aperture shutterspeed iso and focus correct before taking the shot, all these things just don't magically happen even in P mode

I have noticed one thing though in the studio when used with great lighting the results shine

in low light you need to work on your skills to obtain a great shot

ont he runway it has failed me heaps of times more than 1/4 my shots are blurred works of art
I figured turn off 'focus tracking lock' when usign 70-200VR and use single servo mode even for objects moving towards you AF-C mode just ain't fast enough

buit i don't care I have time to learn and improve it doesn't bother me 1 bit.

Disclaimer:
I am no expert i am self thought from the day i got the thing like 5 months ago.

[BBJ]

Wendelt, i have had a play again this afternoon althought it is very breeze here and the flower were blowing around and do understand that yes ISO plays a big part in getting the shot looking better, i am happy with some pics i took and will post after in another thread when i finish processing the RAW files.

[birddog114]

BBJ,
I'm sure you'll get the best of the photos out of your new D2x.
It's just the matter of time which you have to look into more options and change your way of shooting from the D70.
I've been down that road and luckily, I did try hard. Nothing is impossible.
Any lens which you have in your inventory will sing, even the cheapo 70-300G.
Hope will see your great shots soon.