My X arrived so I charged up the battery and took it out to a bike race and fired off a ton of frames alongside my D2H. Being almost identical to my H, I felt comfortable with it right from the start. Given the conditions, I kept my WB on Auto (-2) and I shot with high speed crop almost exclusively (I don't need those big files yet). My computer handled the compressed RAW files pretty well.
Well, the D2X is a winner. I started out the day with my 70-200mm on the H and the 12-24mm on the X, but I was so happy with what I was seeing on the LCD of the X that I started using it almost exclusively toward the end of the day.
I haven’t had time yet to work with the images much, just quick adjustments so far in Capture before resizing for web display. And I can’t wait to run a couple of shots through my Epson R2400. But I must say that I had to do very little in Capture with the X images compared to those from the H (my settings were very similar in both cameras that day).
I do need lots of practice with HSC because I found myself cropping off body parts in the heat of the action. I think HSC will work well once I get used to it, but I was not comfortable with it at first. It is a well designed and executed feature nonetheless.
Check out my first batch of shots from that day. Can you tell which photos are from the D2X versus the D2H (hint: look for a pattern in the file name)?
Ted, that looks like a great first day I did find the crop mode just a little difficult at first, and after shooting a bit, it was great. But, I'm not shooting stuff like you are. You've really got some great pics in this series.
BTW, I really love being able to bang out 6MP shots at 8fps That size file is nice.
Ok, I still haven't heard back from him regarding which ones were taken with with camera. Can someone tell me? I'm thinking it's the ones beginning with STP, but not certain.
There`re all good but 548 X 800 doesn`t make it any easier.
Kinda defeats the purpose. Regardless, I`d have to say the Alpo shots are with the DX2
John
John Rougeux wrote:
Ok, I still haven't heard back from him regarding which ones were taken with with camera. Can someone tell me? I'm thinking it's the ones beginning with STP, but not certain.
John -- yes the files with the STP prefix are the D2H files (sorry for the late reply, I'm on the road accessing this site from a hotel computer).
Of course, these posted images are not an objective comparison because of the compressed file size, the slight tweaks made to the files in Nikon Capture, and because the image settings were not exactly the same. For example, I used a "less contrast" tone value on the D2X based on an earlier recommendation by John McFadden.
But I did notice a significant difference in the shadow noise that emerged between the two cameras when boosting the shadows -- either with the D-Lighting tool in Capture or the shadow/highlights tool in Photoshop (the D2X was more forgiving). I also noticed that I tended to use (initially) exposure compensation on the D2X because I am used to doing this on the D2H. I shot the D2X at -.3 or -.7 exposure comp and then realized I did not need to do this because the D2X metering was, given my conditions, more accurate than the D2H.
the guy with no clothes on and the fake tan cracks me up.. why is everyone on road bikes/offroad tires? i used to race mtn bikes but don't recall hearing of any races that required the setup in these pictures..
Romulus90 wrote:
the guy with no clothes on and the fake tan cracks me up.. why is everyone on road bikes/offroad tires? i used to race mtn bikes but don't recall hearing of any races that required the setup in these pictures..
enjoy the new cam
This is cyclocross, a sport that has been around for a long, long time -- way before mountain bike racing began. In the days before mountain bikes were invented, road cyclists (particularly in Europe) stayed in shape during the winter by racing on modified road bikes. Cyclocross had a strong following in the '60's and 70's primarily in the northeast and in California. It has become more poplular in recent years. In fact, the race you see in my shots apparently broke a record for single day entries in any domestic cycling event ( with the exception of national championship events) -- about 800 cyclists raced that day in Portland. Some American 'cross racers are now placing in the top 10 in European events.
And there are always some goofballs in cyclocross, like the guy racing in speedos. There is a big halloween race coming up that will certainly bring out some weird outfits.
I did find the crop mode just a little difficult at first, and after shooting a bit, it was great. But, I'm not shooting stuff like you are. You've really got some great pics in this series.
That size file is nice.