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A new era in photography…
Are we entering a new era in photography? I’ve been using a loaner Nikon D3 and its ability to render reality in low light/high ISO situations is, in my opinion, extraordinary. It is simply the best camera I have ever used.
ISO200
The freedom of having a tool that allows you to dial up the ISO as you need it means that capturing scenes in low light that previously meant using tripods or images with lots of unattractive noise and artifacts is no longer the case.
For the first time, I could easily ramp up the ISO dial to whatever sensitivity I needed and know the results would be technically beautiful, certainly at 3200 and even at 6400. This is not to say that I would use these settings very often, but it’s nice to know that whatever the photographic challenge is in front of you, you have the tool to be able to deal with it and bring back strong images.
ISO1600
In the film days, I don’t think the ASA dial would go beyond 6400—and that top number really wasn’t a practical option. It is today however, and as developments and innovations continue—things are only going to get better.
I know that other manufacturers also produce great results at high ISO’s and my hypothesis is that we will soon be seeing images that we haven’t before because they just weren’t technically possible.
As more and more photographers get these high end tools and as the technology of image capture keeps improving in quality—our technical limitations keep getting pushed back and photographers will find new ways to express themselves and bring back photographs in next to no light that were previously unattainable.
ISO6400
Add the incredible flexibility of Aperture as a raw processor along with all the new plug-ins on the way, making this new photographic era as exciting as we’ve ever seen in the history of photography. What do you think?
Comments (10)
I entirely agree Steve, we really are in a "Golden Era" of photography. These advancements are indeed uncomfortable for some however, but if the Pro. and consumer embrace progress they will undoubtedly be capable of producing images that were quite impossible to capture before. The race to produce the next major advancement is of real benefit to all photographers. As Nikon and Canon jossle for position and as Apple with Aperture, and Adobe with Lightroom continue to leapfrog each other with some outstanding advancements, the consumer at all levels continues to benefit.
Great times indeed!
I agree. For me, the huge change is the ability to shoot in dim light without flash (and the attendant dark shadows somewhere behind the subject). I do a lot of performance photography (for the performer or the organizer of the event), where it is not often possible to use flash at all because of the disturbance it would cause for the audience, or where it isn't possible to hide the shadows. Being able to get a good image with little available light is marvelous.
I've been reading a lot about the D3 lately. I feel am becoming a little obsessed by this camera and the possibilities it carries. I shoot mainly in available light and often not in ideal conditions. The noise problem has put me off of shots greater than 400 ISO, so my 1.4 stays with me all the time - just in case. It helps, but the problem then becomes the razor thin depth of field and overall lens sharpness which I then have to correct in Aperture/Photoshop. Even though I can shoot at a much higher ISO with the D200, it's not worth it if the images are subpar. I'm more inclined to just not shoot something if I know it's a lost cause. The new sensors across the industry are challenging my assumptions and really opening up so many more situations. I can't wait!
After reading your article, I am even more in love with the D3 - uh oh, that's the sound of my credit card screaming in agony...
Thanks for the article!
Thankfully, I'm not feeling that tug on my wallet since I'm one of those *gasp* Canon people. However, I'd have to agree that this is a different era for photography. It's a hell of a lot easier and more convenient, overall. Aperture and RAW shooting has torn away the pro-quality
ceiling' for me, making it not only easier but so much FASTER to get perfection out of every shot I want.
As for quality at high ISO settings, this will only get better as they make better sensors. A little clean up with Noise Ninja never hurts either.
I wouldn't write flash off completely, though. There's a LOT of artistic talent in using flash well, be it for fill light, bouncing light, stopping and blurring motion in tandem, or creating custom lighting effects. Indoors and out, good use of flash is nothing to sneer at. I have Neil can Niekerk to thank for opening my eyes to that fact, not so long ago.
I'm not saying we need flash all the time, but it has its practical and artistic uses.
I'm also one of those *double gasp* Canon people, but the tug on my wallet is severe and continuous. I need a D3 in a bad way. A good friend of my took the plunge several months ago and I watched his photography leap forward in every aspect. Not only are his shots so clear and focused, but he takes more interesting shots. Things he wouldn't have attempted with his old gear. I'm completely convinced that this camera is a godsend. I'm just waiting for the god$end of cash to pay for one. ;-)
As a D3 shooter I have to say it has changed the way I approach many assignments. I am no longer concerned about what the lighting conditions will be I simply know I will have what ever I need.
One of the things that continues to amaze me is when my eye tells me there is not enough light but when looking at the lcd I catch myself saying "where did all that light come from".
Nikon deserves all the praise they are getting for this camera.
I too totally agree that the D3 is a remarkable camera.
I am currently traveling in China despite lost luggage by British Airways in Heathrow and am loving my new D3.
I previously traveled with a D200, but now am traveling with a D3 and a D300 and the combination is awesome. I use my D3 with a 24-70mm lens and my D300 with a 70-200mm lens and am getting some awesome pictures that would probably have previously not been possible because of the low light conditions.
Check out my BLOG at www.WhereIsSteveRobertson.com for some examples.
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I'm currently a D200 user who shoots lots of youth sports both indoor and outdoor under available light conditions. There's much to love about the D200. However, the high ISO performance isn't one of those things to love. After seeing the ISO performance of the D3 here, I'm intrigued to know if similar high ISO performance can be attained with the D300. I think I'll also be impressed with it's autofocus performance over the D200 as well.
Hi Ranmac
As someone who also has the D200 as well as the D3 and D300, I would heartily recommend the D300 over the D200. Both the D3 and the D300 are much better than the D200, although I really loved the D200 at the time also. I think you will find it a worthwhile upgrade not only for the sensor cleaning, but also the higher ISO capability and the low light ability.