Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1      
2
       3       4       5       end
  

Archive 2013 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800

  
 
brewercm
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


fsiagian wrote:
I agree at least 2 bodies for wedding. D700 is a great camera but the price difference with D600 is minimal. I would buy a D600 and a D7000.


This is the team I eventually settled on myself. Sold my D700 to help pay for the D600. Main reason I went that route rather than keep the D700 as the backup was now both cameras share the same batteries and SD cards,not to mention I have a couple of DX lenses I really still like to use. I don't think any of the cameras mentioned would be a bad choice.

As far as the dust issue goes, I've had it on both my 600 and 7000 and neither are bad enough to affect the image unless you are really pixel peeping. After a couple of cleanings that will be a non issue.






Jan 27, 2013 at 06:32 PM
M635_Guy
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


If you don't like the handling of the D90, you won't like the D7000 or D600. For me, handling made me miss more shots than the sensor - I love my D300s.

That leaves the D800 and the D700. You can pick up a very nice D700 for $1500 or less, where a D800 is going to cost a thousand dollars more. Personally, I think the addition of video controls has diminished the handling of the D800. They replaced the switch on the back that allows you to move from all points to cross-points to single point with a switch that moves between video and photo mode. It might be less for you depending how much you switch between AF points modes - I'd think that no-look adjustment on the D700/D300s would be useful in weddings especially. (on the D800, you have a more D90-style hold-the-button-and-rotate-a-wheel adjustment, which requires you to look at the camera)

For that money, I'd consider selling the D90 and D300, grabbing a D700 and pick up one of the two nice, low-mile D300s cameras that are on the Buy/Sell board for just $750. That would give you two bodies that handle identically (and well) with great AF, one with great low-light performance and the other with great "reach" and both would share accessories like cards and batteries. It would also allow you to make use of all of your current glass.

Edited on Jan 27, 2013 at 06:56 PM · View previous versions



Jan 27, 2013 at 06:42 PM
Tete
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


M635_Guy wrote:
If you don't like the handling of the D90, you won't like the D7000 or D600. For me, handling made me miss more shots than the sensor - I love my D300s.

That leaves the D800 and the D700. You can pick up a very nice D700 for $1500 or less, where a D800 is going to cost a thousand dollars more.

For that money, I'd consider selling the D90 and D300, grabbing a D700 and pick up one of the two nice, low-mile D300s cameras that are on the Buy/Sell board for just $750. That would give you two bodies
...Show more

I find this response to be frustratingly accurate and spot on and waaaaayy too rational.

Get a d4 and a d800e as backup and shoot all MF primes at a wedding. Use the D4 for still objects and use the d800 for crop factor only. ......


Kidding , kidding



Jan 27, 2013 at 06:48 PM
Vox Sciurorum
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I upgraded from D300 to D700 a few years ago and was very happy. My D700 to D800 transition was less smooth. The D700 is easy to use coming from a D300, and it's tough and dependable. The D800 is not in the same class. If you want to count the freckles on the girl across the street* it's the camera to get. Obviously if you want video go for the D800 over the D700. If you want more frames per second for sports, go for the D700.

If you aren't sure the D800 is worth an extra $1000, it probably isn't. How much is your money worth to you?

* Hypothetically. No freckled girls across the street from me. Also works for bird feathers, insect parts, and other inhuman details, which is why I bought a D800E.



Jan 27, 2013 at 08:04 PM
trenchmonkey
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Funny you should mention THAT.... The 8's totally set the bar







Jan 27, 2013 at 08:12 PM
montym
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:
Welcome to FM
D800 and better glass, I love spending other peoples money


I agree!
I've had a D700 then a D600 and now a D800. I the D800 is, hands down, my favorite!

I am currently using a 24-70 f/2.8 It is a wonderful combination!

Monty



Jan 27, 2013 at 08:26 PM
montym
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Our photography club was planning monthly projects for the up coming year. Lee was joking that medicine cabinets should be one of the projects.

I took a picture of my medicine cabinet

D800 and my 24-70 f/2.4

Monty












100% crop




Jan 27, 2013 at 08:33 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Again, thanks for sharing your experiences and insights. You guys are "spot on" and way too funny. This is the very reason I asked for your help. Stuff that I wouldn't have considered. Two different approaches - D7K and D600 - current gen sensors and prosumer ergo or D300s and D700 - last gen sensor and pro style handling. Good thinking on same gen batteries, memory cards and handling so that switching between cameras is more user friendly. The tricky bit about this is that there is no wrong answer. There are just choices which will have more or less immediate and long term utility. That is what I have to decide.


Jan 27, 2013 at 08:34 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Vox, I agree that the transition from a 300 to a 700 would be an easy one. However, I wonder whether if I go 300 & 700, in 2-3 years time, I will feel like my "photography looks dated". Your points about the 800 are valid, as it is reputed to be able capture an immense amount of detail vs its predecessors. Yes there is a cost to that. The good thing is that with each passing day the price drops. I already bought the 300 as a stopgap till my next "real" camera, so I dont really want to do that twice. That said though all of these represent valid solutions but not one size fits all solutions. Thus the crux of the decision I have to make.


Jan 27, 2013 at 08:34 PM
M635_Guy
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I honestly don't think your photography would suffer with a D300s/D700 combo.

Personally, I think people chase the latest sensor way too hard. There are certainly people to wring the most out of them (Tim/Trenchmonkey), but for most of us, there is more benefit to better glass and other investments.

My $0.02



Jan 27, 2013 at 08:51 PM
mbpics
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:
Funny you should mention THAT.... The 8's totally set the bar


This just isn't fair!!! I joined yesterday but I've been lurking long enough to know that one should take anything Trench says with an enormous grain of salt; us mere mortals wouldn't dream of getting shots like the ones you grab every day of the week



Jan 27, 2013 at 08:56 PM
trenchmonkey
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:
Funny you should mention THAT.... The 8's totally set the bar

mbpics wrote:
This just isn't fair!!! I joined yesterday but I've been lurking long enough to know that one should take anything Trench says with an enormous grain of salt; us mere mortals wouldn't dream of getting shots like the ones you grab every day of the week


thanks, but EVERYBODY should be better than me. Jpegs SOOC all the RAW/PP guys can make my
stuff look...well, ordinary. Hand a 'monkey a great camera, anything's possible! Welcome, Mike!!



Jan 27, 2013 at 09:09 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:Funny you should mention THAT.... The 8's totally set the bar

TM...the down feathers close to the body look a little soft in that shot. Oh wait a minute, thats cause they are soft fuzzy feathers! Excellent, sharp shot that exemplifies your take on the 800

Vox Sciurorum wrote: If you want to count the freckles on the girl across the street* it's the camera to get.

Vox: With his bird shot TM proves your point. I have seen some D800 shots which were taken in near dark, which shows amazing detail, color and sharpness.

montym wrote:I took a picture of my medicine cabinet

Awesome medicine! I am jealous...



Jan 27, 2013 at 09:32 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:
Welcome to FM

Thanks for a warm welcome to FM. Much appreciated.



Jan 27, 2013 at 09:38 PM
mbpics
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


trenchmonkey wrote:
thanks, but EVERYBODY should be better than me. Jpegs SOOC all the RAW/PP guys can make my
stuff look...well, ordinary. Hand a 'monkey a great camera, anything's possible! Welcome, Mike!!


Haha thank you very much! I've been reading this forum for about a year and it's always a treat to see you post shots. I'm just a young'un by the standards of most of the readers here, I imagine, so I've still got a couple of decades to catch up to you guys

Also, get it right in camera and a SOOC jpeg is all you need! I shoot raw in case I completely miss a good shot, which happens more often than I'd like to admit



Jan 27, 2013 at 11:10 PM
mrgetalife
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Going from a D300 to a D600. I wish I could of had a D700. But I wouldn't go out of my way to get one. Even if i don't really love the D600. It works.

The main issue i've run into is the AF system. The Cam3500 is much better than the Cam4800 if you're not locked into the center points all day. But I rely on the AF system. Just the way the cross-hatch sensors were setup worked with my flow much better.
That now is my main gripe. You can focus/recompose but meh.




Jan 27, 2013 at 11:26 PM
mbpics
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I'm glad to have lots of AF points, but I wish there were more cross types further away from the center column.

That said, one of the main reasons why I love my D700 and wouldn't give it up for an 800 or 600 is the AF control available on the D700 - one lever for area selection and another for single/continuous, instead of holding down a button and twiddling dials while looking to see which setting you're landing on. I'm sure it would be possible to get used to it in time, but I love being able to adjust everything by feel without taking my eye and attention away from the scene in front of me.



Jan 27, 2013 at 11:40 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Was reading an article by Kevin Kubota, a wedding photographer, on the topic of D600 vs D800. http://www.kevinkubotablog.com/kubota-blog/2012/10/10/nikon-d600-vs-d800-hands-on-review-and-tips.html He also spoke to other AF issues:

"AF: Now that you have great high ISO performance you can accommodate all of those brides that want the candle lit ceremony, right? On many occasions during my real wedding test with the D600 I found the AF to really struggle in low light. While it would eventually acquire, the shot was gone. Keep in mind two things: This was a very dark room and this is an entry level camera, not a D4. I will say when light was plentiful, the D600 focused very quickly.

I did find the D800 AF to be much improved upon the D600 and rightfully so, it's nearly $1000 more and utilizes an entirely different AF system. But 37 megapixel wedding files?"

That said, he did have an interesting workaround for compressing the large files of those camera's raw files. "The latest version of Adobe’s DNG conversion software allows not only for RAW file lossy compression, but for creating a reduced resolution RAW proxy. This means I can actually reduce the resolution and compress my original 36 megapixel, 50 MB, D800 RAW files down to 15 megapixels (or any size I want, actually) and retain virtually all of the advantages of a RAW file in an incredibly manageable file size - 7.4 MB! "

What I have learned so far about the D600 and D800 is that while they both provide amazing IQ and low light performance, the resultant workflow and camera idiosyncrasies are a bit of a PITA. Conversely, the old D700 still has very good performance just not up to that of current gen cameras. However, the D700 has much easier ergo and workflow characteristics. Life's little tradeoffs...



Jan 28, 2013 at 12:27 AM
Tete
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #19 · p.2 #19 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Ill probably get bash for this but I can agree to the previous post in regards to workflow. And that one I take into heavy consideration when buying a camera now. Im am starting to get into iPad workflow and editing images on the fly, via iphone etc , mainly for flickr or social media crap, but I have done a few little things for friends and they have not complained. (Photoshop Touch) working with nice size jpegs is great on the iPad could I couldn't imagine working up D800 files on this thing without some set backs. Also my MacBook Pro runs through D700 files and M43 files but I couldn't imagine a boat load of D800 files.


so I guess the general cost increase in storage and additional computing resources is just something I can't justify myself. But then again I don't make a living doing this either.



Jan 28, 2013 at 03:30 AM
Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.2 #20 · p.2 #20 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Tete wrote:
But really we should all have more than one body for paid work. It will bite you in the arse eventually.


+100.

It is downright irresponsible to shoot a wedding as a pro and be unprepared for every eventuality. Redundancy will save you getting sued and a lot lot more than a 2nd body would. You can't re-do weddings if something goes wrong. Same goes for any paid photographic event.



Jan 28, 2013 at 05:44 AM
1      
2
       3       4       5       end




FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1      
2
       3       4       5       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.