I didn't want to love the D800 because I've been drooling over the D4 but I can afford a D800 sooner than I can a D4. I could go D3S but the more money I have in my pocket the more that can go into upgrading my PC.
After thinking it over I don't mind the big files or lack of super crazy high ISO but I chase squirrels for my website, http://www.omgsquirrel.com and well FPS is semi important to me.
Is 4FPS really that terrible? As of right now I shoot with the D7000 and 6FPS seems to be OK my only complaint is I hit the buffer wall sooner than I'd like.
Does the D800 hit the wall right away or is it like an endless 4FPS? Or has anyone gotten the grip yet? Because if DX mode 6FPS is an endless buffer than I'll be set for sure.
well in about 1 second, you will get 4 shots... haha jk, I'm also curious about the buffer.
I would imagine that it wouldn't be mind shattering considering how large the files are though. You probably would want to get the fastest card you can afford so that the camera has the least amount of resistance in getting files out of the buffer.
Have you considered going d700+grip? Thats good for 8fps.
For chasing squirrels with the D800, use DX mode (better for reach anyway and you get smaller NEF files) and get the battery grip. That combo is good for 6 FPS.
TSY87 wrote:
well in about 1 second, you will get 4 shots... haha jk, I'm also curious about the buffer.
I would imagine that it wouldn't be mind shattering considering how large the files are though. You probably would want to get the fastest card you can afford so that the camera has the least amount of resistance in getting files out of the buffer.
Have you considered going d700+grip? Thats good for 8fps.
I've considered it and dismissed it. It just doesn't appeal to me. If anything I'd get a D3 over that but if I were getting a D3 then I'd want to get a D3S and if I'm getting a D3S I'll be dreaming of a D4 even more.
The only reason I am considering a D800 at this point is it gives me new gen tech in an affordable body, of course being available is a different story. I might be waiting long enough that I either build more funds to where a D4 is in reach, validation being no where in site, or the D400 meets my needs and I stick with DX.
afm901 wrote:
For chasing squirrels with the D800, use DX mode (better for reach anyway and you get smaller NEF files) and get the battery grip. That combo is good for 6 FPS.
Scott
Exactly what I was thinking especially if the buffer is basically endless. Of course I gotta buy a D4 battery and all that so the cost goes way up into D3S + TC territory (for my reach issue).
with my D3 and D3S, I always use the Continuous Low mode, which I always have set at 4 or 5 fps. if you're not shooting sports, you don't need more than 4. even with sports, 4fps in skilled hands will be WAY better than 14fps in unskilled hands.
I have my CL set to 3 FPS and I rarely use CH.... I can't say though, using CH on my D3s that I have ever filled the buffer, even shooting in 14 bit raw.
Here is the dirty secret about new Nikon pro/semi cameras: They always come out with a small buffer. Then next year they will come out with a buffer update that they will install in your camera for $500.
brett maxwell wrote:
with my D3 and D3S, I always use the Continuous Low mode, which I always have set at 4 or 5 fps. if you're not shooting sports, you don't need more than 4. even with sports, 4fps in skilled hands will be WAY better than 14fps in unskilled hands.
James R wrote:
Here is the dirty secret about new Nikon pro/semi cameras: They always come out with a small buffer. Then next year they will come out with a buffer update that they will install in your camera for $500.
Except when they dont. D3s came with the expanded buffer.
According to Nikon the buffer is as follows, based on an 8 GB Toshiba R95 W80MB/s UHS-I
SDHC card
RAW Lossless Compressed 12 bit -- 21 for FX and 38 for DX
RAW Lossless Compressed 14 bit -- 17 for FX and 29 for DX
RAW Compressed 12 bit -- 24 for FX and 54 for DX
RAW Compressed 14 bit -- 20 for FX and 41 for DX
RAW Uncompressed 12 bit -- 18 for FX and 30 for DX
RAW Uncompressed 14 bit -- 16 for FX and 25 for DX
BrianJarvis wrote:
According to Nikon the buffer is as follows, based on an 8 GB Toshiba R95 W80MB/s UHS-I
SDHC card
RAW Lossless Compressed 12 bit -- 21 for FX and 38 for DX
RAW Lossless Compressed 14 bit -- 17 for FX and 29 for DX
RAW Compressed 12 bit -- 24 for FX and 54 for DX
RAW Compressed 14 bit -- 20 for FX and 41 for DX
RAW Uncompressed 12 bit -- 18 for FX and 30 for DX
RAW Uncompressed 14 bit -- 16 for FX and 25 for DX
I'd imagine the real world buffer will vary a bit
Oh man, if that 41 in DX 14Bit Compressed is true... then yes D800 is the camera for me!
Any of those are acceptable to me, I just need to find a way to hide the fact I'm spending $3,000 on a new body The boss approved me for $1,000... $1,000.. $3,000 close enough!
jlawrence wrote:
Playing with the preproduction model at wppi, i felt it was pretty sLow.
I put en-el3e's in my d700 and set it to 4fps.
I eventually got used to it.
You're gonna want fast cards.
Mmm, I still have time to make a decision yet. I just wish I could try it out. I have no local camera shops around here that would even have one on display.
_SBS_ wrote:
30 pages of omgsquirrel.com later and what was the question?
Thanks, that's the idea!
BriMcD wrote:
I found myself in the same boat oops I mean tree.
The boss approved me for $1,000... $1,000.. $3,000 close enough! 