A Challange to Nikon users (Page 11): I recently attended a two-day, Nikonians class specifically designed to address the D800/800E. The question of whether or not to "risk" moire and...

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

I recently attended a two-day, Nikonians class specifically designed to address the D800/800E. The question of whether or not to "risk" moire and buy the D800E came up within the first 20 minutes. Our instructor, a professional who clearly knew his gear and had tried both cameras, didn't hesitate before advocating the D800E. Even a slight improvement in sharpness, he stated, is worth going after.

I was very relieved to hear this from a pro who has access to the best equipment, because when I bought my D800E I hesitated slightly before plunking down the extra bucks, but I did and have only seen moire twice (In roughly 2500 exposures). Once I got some in a brick building, and once I got a touch in the roof of canal boat. Both times I was able to quickly work around the problem.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

rdgreenwood wrote:

I recently attended a two-day, Nikonians class spe... (show quote)

it doesn't take much to confuse me, but what is meant by a "slight improvement in sharpness"?

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

wj cody wrote:

it doesn't take much to confuse me, but what is meant by a "slight improvement in sharpness"?

Hmmm... "Sharpness"is a subjective term, so "slight improvement" is a somewhat better degree of a subjective quality. I hate to seem glib, but "slight"means "some but not much." I don't generally have problems with words, but I'm not sure what there is in the phrase "slight improvement" that confuses you.

ZappaMan Loc: Williamsport, MD

jerryc41 wrote:

If you have a cell phone, you don't need a D800e.

Actually you will need the smart cell phone to store the 800e manual cause you won't know how to work it!!! LOL

I was waiting for the 800E ever since they made a digital sensor. Digital is finally here in a format capable of making 16 x 20 prints. They made Blu-Ray for sharp movies and now the D800E makes incredible photos. Can't wait to use mine next.

Trout man Loc: Alabama

bersharbp wrote:

Here is A link to what Ken Rockwell had to say on the subject

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800/vs-d800e.htm

Good article. I was in printing when I was younger and know about pixels and line screens. What ever I shoot I want clear pixels and usually use my LCD to blow my photo to the limit and if it's not in focus enough I delete it and take another one. I know lens sure makes a difference so I'm looking at different prime lens instead of zoom. Have a D7100 so I'll have to check out the 55 1.8 for $125. That sure seems like a bargain.

amehta Loc: Boston

Trout man wrote:

Good article. I was in printing when I was younger and know about pixels and line screens. What ever I shoot I want clear pixels and usually use my LCD to blow my photo to the limit and if it's not in focus enough I delete it and take another one. I know lens sure makes a difference so I'm looking at different prime lens instead of zoom. Have a D7100 so I'll have to check out the 55 1.8 for $125. That sure seems like a bargain.

Yes, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D is one of the best bargain lenses out there.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

rdgreenwood wrote:

Hmmm... "Sharpness"is a subjective term, so "slight improvement" is a somewhat better degree of a subjective quality. I hate to seem glib, but "slight"means "some but not much." I don't generally have problems with words, but I'm not sure what there is in the phrase "slight improvement" that confuses you.

are we talking contrast, bokeh, resolution, and at what particular apertures and focal lengths. that's what confuses me. when using large format, for instance, it's standard practice to match the lens and shutter to the film and meter and subject matter. so it's a little more complex than subjective quality.

Trout man Loc: Alabama

amehta wrote:

Yes, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D is one of the best bargain lenses out there.

Just ordered it from B & H @ $109.00 Now I have to wait 8 days to use it. That's ok I have an old 50 1.8 but not AF so I'll go out today and shoot Manual. Which I should be doing anyway.

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

wj cody wrote:

are we talking contrast, bokeh, resolution, and at what particular apertures and focal lengths. that's what confuses me. when using large format, for instance, it's standard practice to match the lens and shutter to the film and meter and subject matter. so it's a little more complex than subjective quality.

Sure, but since we're talking about a D800E, and "D" stands for digital, and since bokeh is, by definition, the absence of sharpness in the background, and contrast is tonal, it seems obvious that in this context "sharpness" is synonymous with "resolution."

This all goes back to my quoting someone who said there's a "slight improvement" in sharpness with the D800E. How, or why, you jump from from there to bokeh and contrast is beyond my ken. And when speaking of two known cameras, a D800 and a D800E, what does focal length and aperture have to do with it? We're talking about sensors, not lenses. Come on, hasn't the hair been split enough?

Tony R Loc: Westport, CT

Go for it! Like I tell my wife; "I don't drink, chase women, do drugs or gamble. Might as well spend my money on something I enjoy".

Rabbott Loc: Grass Valley , California

Hubby is wise.

twhrider wrote:

As my darling hubby tells me....if you've researched it "thoroughly" (I won't use his description for thoroughly....) :O), it'll do what you want, and you want it, you can afford it, you're not going to wish you hadn't done it in six months, then go for it. I typically respond "but I don't NEED it..." and I get the answer "When has that ever stopped us from doing anything..." Go for it. :O)

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Hey its your birthday go for it. If you can afford it, I shoot the 7100, and would love to have a 800E to keep it company when I can swing it. Full Format a horse of a different color, bigger challenge, more fun. Happy Birthday

oldtigger wrote:

Last year i expressed the desire to buy a 600/610 ... (show quote)

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

all depends if you want exhibition quality prints or something you are going to delete six months from now.