I have the Nikon D5100 which only has 16 mp capability and also the same lens. I use this lens for a lot of indoor shots and very seldom use raw settings unless I have a need for the higher mp settings. I mostly shoot using fine jpg settings. I get excellent pictures with this set up. I also have several prime lenses I use for macro and portraits. You can see some difference but you usually have to look close.

I have to agree with other answers and concentrate on focus and you might look into camera shake and shutter speeds.

Good luck.

Hi Zanderc,

I have the same camera and lens as you are using. Haven't noticed your problem however my thoughts might be the mirror not closing all the way and letting some light leak through. Do you have the same problem shooting stills in live view?

I like to shoot HD video action shots and cut frames from the video. I get some pretty nice pics like that.

The auto focus motor working during a video is a little problem and you can usually hear it working on the audio.

Hi Squire H,

Welcome to the forum.

I use the remote cable release quite often when doing macro or hummingbirds on tele and have not used the view finder cover. Haven't noticed any problems. As mater of fact I have never used it after having my D5100 for over a year.

Also a point well made by others, in live view the mirror is up and there would be no need.

Pet photography can be very challenging. I have a border collie that was photogenic from a pup right on up. You get a camera out and he starts poising. My Yorkie has never stood still long enough to get a great shot. He is 12 and still just like he was when a pup. The best ways I found to get good shots of him is setting my camera on sequenced shots (8 per sec) and not pay attention. I can usually get a couple of good shots out of a session. Another method is having some one else direct his attention away from the camera. One other thing that will distract them is the auto focus beam, so I try and always use manual focus. I have attached several of my favorite border collie pics. His dark brown eyes show up pretty good against is black fur.

Hi Mark,

I know just what you are going through. I had lower back surgery in 2004 and this past September.

I noticed one of the post suggested using a mono pod, I use this and it helps, although as I am sure your well aware of a tripod often has to be used.

The leaning forward or bending like wise can be very painful. Several things that helps me out is Z-Coil shoes, elastic back support and if you are standing in one place for extended periods stress mat works as well.

I have been wearing Z-Coil shoes http://www.zcoil.com/ since my first back surgery in 2004. They take the stress off your legs, knees and back. If your on your feet a lot they make a difference.

Good luck,

Terry

Photos taken May several years ago.
While walking my dog in cemetery I ran across these Fox Cubs playing in the sun. I first observed the mother watching me at some distance then leaving the den.

Photos taken with cheaper Fuji DSLR, I had to crop the pics to get some detail with a 55 mm lens. Only wish I had my Nikon with me that day.

Fox Cubs Playing


Fox Cubs Playing

Fantastic eagle shots. Like wise #12 is excellent. I have seen a few Bald Eagles in southern Ohio along the Ohio river but it is a rare occasion to see them.

We have a pretty good population of hawks and falcons and I make do with those.

Very Nice Perry for shooting in total darkness with flash. Not washed out color or red eye from the flash. I love wild life photography.

Just curious why you left out the statistics for Australia out. :roll:

Zuzanne,

I can't speak from experience from the present but your question brought up an experience when I was a police officer.

I was an Evidence Technician working a bad accident scene in the early hours of the morning. It was -22 degrees f with the wind blowing. I was using a Nikon F 35 mm camera and the shutter mechanism would freeze up in several minutes if left exposed to the inclement weather. I could only shoot several pictures and then had to place the camera inside my snow mobile suit to warm it up. Needless to say it took some time to complete the job.

I am sure you won't be out in that kind of inclement weather but I am sure very cold weather can and will lock up shutters and probably cause other problems to the electronics on modern cameras. I now shoot a Nikon D 5100 but have not had to use it in those kind of conditions since retired.

The other big factor is taking your camera in and out of a warm area with the lens fogging and I saw some good suggestions for that problem.

Have fun in Jackson Hole, I have always wanted to go there but never made it. I have seen pictures and videos of it and it sure is a photographers paradise.

Hi Phil, Beautiful photos. Nature and bird photography are my favorite subjects. The first pic the gull was looking right at you and is really cool.

I can't speak for refurbished cameras but I do have a few refurbished lenses. Have never had a problem and I find it a good way to get good prices on quality equipment.

Have been watching for some good deals on refurbished full frame DSLR cameras.

Thanks bigshim, really looking forward to forum activity.

Hi, I have been enjoying the beautiful photographs and informative information on this forum for some time and its about time I get more involved.

Started out years ago with Nikon F 35 mm and lately using Nikon D5100 with nice host of lenses.

Love all photography but more so wild life and scenery photography. Looking forward to posting some of my work for comments.

Beautiful Shots, wish we had Ospreys in Ohio. Have been getting great shots of Red Tail Hawks, Bald Eagles and Vultures I will be posting soon.