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Field Test of the Nikon D600 in the Arizona Desert by Paul

Posted on by Posted in Featured, Product Overview, Product Review, Techniques, Tips 2 Comments

 

Hey, folks!  I was recently presented with the opportunity to explore the desert Southwest in Arizona.  I thought this would be a great chance to play with Nikon’s newest (and more affordable) full frame DSLR, the D600.  Below is a list of the gear I used to capture the images you’ll find in the gallery at the end.  If you’d like a closer look at the gear, you will find the names are actually links to the products on our website!  Just click to find out more.

After some rather lengthy and heated internal debate with my selves, I decided to bring just 5 lenses and 1 flash along to use with my new D600.  I brought 4 prime lenses.  For wide-angle I selected the 24mm f/2.8.  The 50mm f/1.8 served as my normal lens.  I grabbed the 85mm f/1.8 for telephoto, and the old school 55mm micro-nikkor for detail shots.  Also packed, but very rarely used, was the 80-200mm f/2.8 and an SB-900 speedlight.  Call me crazy, but I still kinda prefer the 80-200 over the 70-200VR, because it happens to be a tic smaller.

 

Since I took mostly prime or fixed focal length lenses instead of zoomers, it was important for me to find a way to get really quick access to the gear.  A big bag was pretty much out of the question, because I was unsure how far we would be trekking.  The last thing I wanted was a bunch of unnecessary weight on my back. I’m just a skinny guy, not a pack mule.  Thus I elected to run with a strong, maneuverable strap and belt accessories.  The Carry Speed Slim MarkII strap proved indispensable.  It allows you to tuck the camera around your hip and out of the way, but can be pulled up to shooting position without causing any “strap burn” from dragging it across your shoulder.  The camera moves independently from the strap on a guide of sorts.  It’s brilliant!  Best strap I’ve ever used. I prefer it even to the similar Black Rapid systems.  I did modify it with a Manfrotto quick release plate system, as I do almost all my accessories, to speed up the process of moving it from strap to pod to bracket, etc.  For toting my glass, I put two primes together with a double rear lens cap and shoved them in a simple lens pouch hooked to my belt.  Another body (or, in my case, the 80-200) could be hooked onto a Spider Rig.  Again, I used the Manfrotto plate system on my other hip.  For stabilization, I brought a super light-weight Tamrac ZipShot tripod which I was able to attach to my belt loops using the nylon stretchy strap jobbies that hold it together when collapsed.

 

Here is a picture of my initial desert rig:

 

 

After the first trip out, I soon realized that the 80-200 was not worth bringing.  I was concentrating on scenic and there wasn’t very much active wildlife.  I think I saw a skink once, could have been a shadow.   The extended telephoto was just pulling my pants down.  Then I discovered a neat trick with the D600.  On the occasions where I needed a little more “zoom” than my trusty 85mm could provide, I just switched into DX crop mode by holding the function button and spinning a dial.  This instantly gave me that extra little reach (127.5mm equivalent) while still producing a 10MP image (like a D200).  This trick made me consider why I had continued to lug around the 50mm, too.  I could have done the same thing with the 24mm.  Needless to say, the bigger 80-200mm remained in the trunk for much of the rest of the trip.
My impressions of the D600:
I simply love this camera.  Yes, it is not as durable overall as the D800, but I never once felt like it was going to break as I knocked it around.  In fact, I was really, truly impressed by how light-weight it felt!  I’m used to big cameras with big grips and big glass bogging me down.  This was a refreshing change.  It’s not as light as mirrorless, but that huge optical viewfinder with 100% coverage was awesome to use under the unforgiving sun.
Yes, its flash sync is slower than its major competition.  But for travel and scenic photography, who the heck cares?  I did pack the SB-900, but with the stellar high ISO performance of the D600, the flash never made it out of the suitcase.  In fact, the tripod got very little use.  I was never afraid to jump up to 6400 ISO and hand-hold this well balanced, well built machine.  Noise was minimal at best and easily removed in Lightroom.  Write speeds can be slow if you are not using the right memory cards.  Remember, all cards are not created equal. Make sure you get a fast enough one!  Class 10 or better.  With big mirrors comes big dust, so be prepared!  If you’re swapping glass in the desert, bring a hurricane blower.
So I’m going to go out on a limb here and just say it . . .
I’ve owned over 120 cameras thus far in my short time on this rock.  Amongst all of the digitals, I believe the D600 is the BEST camera in terms of overall image quality, without question!
As for shooting in the desert:
1)  Keep hydrated.  Bring plenty of water.
2)  Bring good shoes.  I brought my Dr. Marten’s Johns.  Rugged leather with awesome soles, but STILL had a thorn get through!
3)  Don’t carry too much gear.  Everything in your camera closet does not belong in the desert. Stay light.
4)  Sunscreen.  Duh, it’s the desert.
5)  Leave it as you found it.  The desert is beautiful just as it is.  Take only memories and images, and leave no trace for the next folk.
Cheers,
Paul

How to Shoot a Baby! (Did We Get Your Attention?) Part 1 by Holly Hines

Posted on by Posted in DSLR Next Steps, Techniques, Tips 2 Comments

When it comes to baby portraits, getting good pictures is like taking candy from a baby, right?  But — is this really true? Some baby sessions are easy. Others…not so much. Keeping baby awake, attentive, and happy can be challenging. Thus, we offer a two-part post on the basics of baby portraits! In Part One, we’ll discuss preparations, posing, props, and equipment. Later, you can check back for more on expressions and editing.

Preparations

When booking a baby shoot, I find it’s wise to ask Mom and Dad exactly what they’re envisioning. Often, parents have their own vision of the “classic” baby picture in mind, and it’s in your best interest to understand their interpretation of that image.

Also, see if they want pictures of Baby in more than one outfit. If time is a concern, suggest they stick to one outfit, or a single outfit plus “naked baby” pictures. Some babies cry during outfit changes. To avoid shots of a red-faced infant, you’ll need to schedule time for tear-drying, or just keep things simple.

Lastly, remind Mom and Dad to be mindful of scheduling around feedings and naps. Sessions run smoother when Baby is well-fed and alert (unless Mom and Dad are looking exclusively for “sleeping baby” images — in which case, as long as Baby is handled gently, naptime may be the perfect time).

Posing, Props and Equipment 

What do you need on hand for a Baby shoot, besides your studio basics?  For “naked baby” or “diaper” images (lots of parents want these pictures), be prepared with a space heater or a hair dryer to keep Baby warm.

You’ll also want a noise-making toy to lure Baby’s eyes to the camera. And, to keep your hands free for grabbing Baby’s attention, you may want to set up a tripod and shutter release. This way, you can lean close to engage Baby without having to bounce back to the camera.

Once prepared with these items, you’ll want to consider posing. For younger infants, parents may want to see Baby lying on his or her tummy, head propped on the fists or lying against Baby’s arms. But be mindful of Baby’s capabilities. If Baby can’t lift his or her head, don’t push to the point of tears. If Mom and Dad are set on this pose, come back to it at the end. In the meantime, capture other cute shots. With proper encouragement, Mom and Dad will often abandon unrealistic visions, once assured you’ve got other adorable pictures.

In most cases, Mom and Dad are tracking Baby’s growth and abilities. If Baby just learned to sit up, focus on sitting poses. Likewise, if Baby can stand with support, you may need a posing block, small chair, wooden chest, or other sturdy item to show off Baby’s feat. Which brings me to my last point: props. Stuffed animals, flowers, blocks, and birthday cakes can enhance an image, particularly if Baby is restless or inattentive. Parents will  like these images more if they bring sentimental props from home. So, try capturing candid shots of Baby engrossed in these props.

That wraps up Part One. Be sure to check back for more information on facial expressions and editing tips!