Nikon DX vs FX ?
Oct 3, 2011 16:45:40 #
Hi everyone! I'm new here.I've been reading the posts on Ugly Hedgehog for several weeks now & have really enjoyed some of the topics. I've finally gotten the courage to ask a question. I take mostly nature pics ( insects, butterflies, birds,etc.) & tightly crop most pics. I have a Nikon D-90 with several Nikon lenses. Im looking to buy a second Camera body so I don't have to change lenses in the field. I'm looking @ a D-700 (FX format-12.1MP). The D-90 (DX format-12.3MP) has almost the same MP. Will the resoulution on the FX format be less than the DX?
Oct 3, 2011 17:56:15 #
If you intend to eventually move all of your equipment to FX then start heading that way with the D700. If, however, you do not intend to use this opportunity as a stepping stone then stick with the DX lenses and a new DX body using all your lenses interchangeably.
Oct 3, 2011 17:59:30 #
Resolution should not change, only angle of view. Get the 700, an excellent camera for the money. Just remember a DX lens should NOT be used on a FX camera body.
Oct 3, 2011 18:25:50 #
the advantage of the FX body is that given the same resolution, the photosites on the FX sensor will be larger, and will gather more light. also, the lower pixel density on the FX sensor means better heat dissipation and therefor lower noise. you won't get more pixels, but you'll get better ones.
that comes at a price, though, and if you've been using a DX body, and your lenses are DX lenses, you might be economically better off to stay with the DX format. if your existing lenses are made for FF bodies, then moving to the FX format would be a lot less costly.
that comes at a price, though, and if you've been using a DX body, and your lenses are DX lenses, you might be economically better off to stay with the DX format. if your existing lenses are made for FF bodies, then moving to the FX format would be a lot less costly.
Oct 3, 2011 18:53:45 #
Aside from the DX/FX lens issue, I noticed a BIG difference in the image quality when I upgraded from the D90 to the D700. Photosites are light collectors. If you have 12 million on a DX (smaller sensor) and 12 million on an FX (larger sensor), the FX photosites are going to be larger thereby collecting more light and photography is ALL about light. You can use DX lens on an FX camera, there just isn't any point, because the DX lens is only going to be using part of the FX sensor (cropping), so you loose some of the advantage of having an FX format.
Oct 3, 2011 18:54:18 #
naturepics43 wrote:
I take mostly nature pics ( insects, butterflies, birds,etc.) & tightly crop most pics. I have a Nikon D-90 with several Nikon lenses. Im looking to buy a second Camera body so I don't have to change lenses in the field. I'm looking @ a D-700 (FX format-12.1MP). The D-90 (DX format-12.3MP) has almost the same MP. Will the resolution on the FX format be less than the DX?
I shoot insect field macro-photography with a Nikkor 105D, dedicated to a D90. My general photography camera is a D5000. The layouts of both cameras are significantly different.
My suggestion to you is to purchase a D90 as your second body, so that your controls are identical.
Oct 3, 2011 20:43:25 #
If I'm not mistaken the D700 can shoot in DX mode, so any DX lenses you may have are not completely obsolete.
Oct 3, 2011 20:49:00 #
I have a Nikon D5100...what macro lens would you recommend i purchase...(mostly flowers, portraits)...
Nikonian72 wrote:
quote=naturepics43 I take mostly nature pics ( in... (show quote)
Oct 3, 2011 21:47:04 #
beegal wrote:
I have a Nikon D5100...what macro lens would you recommend i purchase...(mostly flowers, portraits)...
The shorter the macro lens, the closer your lens must be to the subject for 1:1 capture (true macro). Conversely, the longer the lens, the more "working distance" between lens and subject. I use a Nikkor 105-mm macro, so that I can be about 6-inches from small subjects. That way, I do not throw a shadow on my subject from either sun or flash.
Nikon D5000 with Nikkor 105D macro lens, Nikon SB-600 flash unit with O-Flash 3/4-ringlight attachment
Oct 3, 2011 22:38:19 #
Thanks to all that replied. I thought that since about the same number of pixels were on a larger sensor(FX)that the pixels would be larger on the FX than on the DX thus showing more grain in the image. Looks like the opposite is the case. P.S. All my lenses are Nikon & FX compatable. Nikkor 105D f2.8 macro, 80-200 f2.8, 300 f4 & 80-400 f4.5-5.6. Thanks again. When I muster up the nerve I'll post some pics.
Oct 3, 2011 23:44:49 #
Soon there will be a replacement for the D700 so the D700's should drop in price and then start looking for a deal.
I think you'll be happy with the 700, I've used one since they came out.
Frank
I think you'll be happy with the 700, I've used one since they came out.
Frank
Oct 4, 2011 00:18:01 #
Imageme wrote:
Photosites are light collectors. If you have 12 million on a DX (smaller sensor) and 12 million on an FX (larger sensor), the FX photosites are going to be larger thereby collecting more light and photography is ALL about light.
Paaalleeezzze! Not the Photosite vs Pixel controversy. NO!!
I haven't seen that term here yet so please don't bring that dead mouse in here...
Oct 4, 2011 00:22:31 #
snowbear wrote:
If I'm not mistaken the D700 can shoot in DX mode, so any DX lenses you may have are not completely obsolete.
What happens when you use DX lenses on the D700? Does it automatically mask the image as it records the image? The DX only covers the center of the sensor doesn't it? If there's not much degradation I'm going shopping for a D700.
Oct 4, 2011 00:28:36 #
Oct 4, 2011 08:14:28 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
When you put a dx lens on the D700 it automatically mask the image.
You using the center of the sensor so there isn't a visible loss in quality. The mask will appear and needs to be cropped out.
There is a big difference in the smoothness and look of a fullframe image than a cropped sensor.
You using the center of the sensor so there isn't a visible loss in quality. The mask will appear and needs to be cropped out.
There is a big difference in the smoothness and look of a fullframe image than a cropped sensor.
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