Search found 78 matches

by BrianSmith
Sun 17 Jun 2012 19:30
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Focus Calibration 'errors'
Replies: 7
Views: 10047

Re: Focus Calibration 'errors'

And last but not least and completely independent from cases with real issues, I find many users exhibiting too high expectations about gear. I believe you are right here. A culture seems to have developed where analysis of gear's performance at an intellectual and specialist level has become the r...
by BrianSmith
Sun 17 Jun 2012 13:11
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Focus Calibration 'errors'
Replies: 7
Views: 10047

Focus Calibration 'errors'

Stany, this is a sort of open message to you asking for your opinion only. I have waded through the anguish going on at DPR over the AF problems of the D800. Out of interest I have done a NON exhaustive test of my own machines and am beginning to wonder if this is a problem that has always existed, ...
by BrianSmith
Wed 30 May 2012 17:01
Forum: Image Post Processing
Topic: Oloneo and panoramas
Replies: 6
Views: 10883

Re: Oloneo and panoramas

Very nice results. I have been using Hugin, a free software, to do hand held panoramas, with excellent results. Never tried on interior shots though. Your samples are interesting, but don't they give a false space impression? How are customers reacting to this ? With both the customers I used this ...
by BrianSmith
Sun 6 May 2012 17:45
Forum: Zoekertjes - Offer and demand...
Topic: Sigma 10-20mm f 4-5.6 EX DC HSM for sale
Replies: 1
Views: 6682

Re: Sigma 10-20mm f 4-5.6 EX DC HSM for sale

Hi Rita, is it still for sale? I have this lens but mine won't work with my D5100 without rechipping. I presume if yours works with the D7000 it will work with the D5100. My copy was quite an early one.

Brian
by BrianSmith
Wed 8 Feb 2012 19:17
Forum: Nikon
Topic: D800 officialy released by Nikon...
Replies: 2
Views: 6526

Re: D800 officialy released by Nikon...

Looks very nice, as does the resolution shown in the nikon samples.

Now, If I sold the D2X, and D3 how close could could I get to the price of a, now devalued, D3X?
by BrianSmith
Tue 7 Feb 2012 00:14
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Castle at Skelbo NE Scotland
Replies: 2
Views: 6489

Castle at Skelbo NE Scotland

Late last year I went to Golspie, just north of this castle, for epidural injections for pain relief. The result was good and bad, it worked fairly well but didn't last very long. However on the way home I came across this little gem of a ruin complete with atmospheric crows. http://www.ullinish.com...
by BrianSmith
Mon 6 Feb 2012 23:30
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: Just Flew In
Replies: 0
Views: 5163

Just Flew In

This little lady flew into our shed and conveniently landed inside a white plastic drinker used for our hens. With such lighting I couldn't ignore her could I? I did look her up for an identification but I forget what it was. Some sort of parasitic wasp. She was about 2.5cm long. http://www.ullinish...
by BrianSmith
Mon 6 Feb 2012 23:17
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: A lion pride's battle with 2 buffalo in Zambia's SthLuangwa
Replies: 7
Views: 13227

Re: A lion pride's battle with 2 buffalo in Zambia's SthLuangwa

Stunning images well executed. I couldn't have taken them for a whole host of reasons. :cry:
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 23:58
Forum: Open Talk-Photography related
Topic: Need advice on tripods and lights
Replies: 4
Views: 7700

Re: Need advice on tripods and lights

Thanks Pam and Leen. Pam, I looked at that website and started to drool until I realised they were soap! That's serious teasing for a diabetic. I'll have a look around for suitable halogen desk lamps as I think they will be the easiest to correct. I have a Solux fitting that I use for viewing prints...
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 20:29
Forum: Open Talk-Photography related
Topic: Need advice on tripods and lights
Replies: 4
Views: 7700

Need advice on tripods and lights

I have several tripods but I have just bought a very reasonably priced 1.2 m light cube with the intention of doing a bit of product photography for Ebay. I've also managed to get hold of a used macro stage so that I can have a go at a bit of focus stacking. Thing is, I now need a table top tripod b...
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 20:05
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Repair a 17-35 or buy Nikon 16-35 AF-S VR ?
Replies: 2
Views: 4132

Re: Repair a 17-35 or buy Nikon 16-35 AF-S VR ?

I'm certainly happy with the sharpness of my 17-35 copy and I'm not sure I would get much use out of the VR on the 16-35. I guess it will depend on the size of the repair bill when it becomes necessary but at least I would probably get the lens recalibrated at the same time.
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:53
Forum: Image Post Processing
Topic: Oloneo and panoramas
Replies: 6
Views: 10883

Re: Oloneo and panoramas

It's running happily and quickly on Win 7 64 Ultimate so I think, yes. I use Oloneo for speed but for the most natural results I use SNS-HDR. I'm still learning when it comes to avoiding ghosts. I occasionally take 9 frame bracketed bursts handheld for HDR treatment and 90% of the time get away with...
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:42
Forum: Open Talk-Photography related
Topic: something to think about....
Replies: 2
Views: 6012

Re: something to think about....

I think I'm just climbing out of the 'Dammit, I suck' trough but the sides are slippery.
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:35
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Repair a 17-35 or buy Nikon 16-35 AF-S VR ?
Replies: 2
Views: 4132

Repair a 17-35 or buy Nikon 16-35 AF-S VR ?

My 17-35 has started to squeak occasionally. If this progresses to AFS motor failure should I have it repaired or try and find the pennies for a Nikon 16-35 AF-S VR :?:
Or maybe just use the 17-35 manually. :?
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:25
Forum: Nikon
Topic: D800 and D400 will be released on Feb 7th.
Replies: 8
Views: 13464

Re: D800 and D400 will be released on Feb 7th.

If the D400 has an articulated screen then I might sell my D5100 to get it. The articulated screen is the only way I can take pictures below 3ft and I would like a few more pixels.
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:13
Forum: Zoekertjes - Offer and demand...
Topic: Fuji S5 pro for sale
Replies: 2
Views: 7133

Re: Fuji S5 pro for sale

There are a lot of them! I'd love to have one instead of the S2Pro I have languishing in a drawer but my camera collection is large enough as it is.
by BrianSmith
Sun 5 Feb 2012 17:04
Forum: Image Post Processing
Topic: Oloneo and panoramas
Replies: 6
Views: 10883

Oloneo and panoramas

Hi, I was asked to photograph the interior of a local self catering cottage for their website and decided to do it in two ways. Way one was to use my 17-35/D3 and balance the flash with the views outside but with small rooms it can be a bit limiting if conventional. Way two was to use my D2H and Sig...
by BrianSmith
Mon 13 Dec 2010 21:41
Forum: Nikon
Topic: More about Nikon D7000...
Replies: 26
Views: 59343

Re: More about D7000...

That said I note that Ffords Photographic have currently got 4 S/H 17-55 lenses for sale. Maybe the message hasn't got out yet ;)
by BrianSmith
Mon 13 Dec 2010 21:38
Forum: Nikon
Topic: More about Nikon D7000...
Replies: 26
Views: 59343

Re: Some notices from the Dpreview D7000' review...

Dpreview just published their D7000 review. Some thoughts: If you go for a D7000, put the 17-55 F2.8 on your "What's next-to-buy-list." ;) The difference is much more than only being able to use F2.8 over the whole focal length[/list] I noticed when the D700 came out that dealers were swa...
by BrianSmith
Sat 11 Dec 2010 23:27
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Skye in the snow
Replies: 6
Views: 10257

Re: Skye in the snow

Glad you enjoyed the stay James. I really like the first picture, strong backlighting is my favourite light and the Zeiss lens gives excellent contrast. May I also compliment you on your lovely new wife ;) The outlook from Sleat in south Skye benefits tremendously from the mountains of Knoydart on t...
by BrianSmith
Thu 9 Dec 2010 01:38
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: A Sad Ruin
Replies: 1
Views: 5372

A Sad Ruin

With my D2H. This poor house used to be an inn on the way down to the Struan pier on Loch Bracadale. The last people to live in it were an elderly brother and sister. They continued to live in it after part of the roof fell in despite having earth floors, no electricity and running water through the...
by BrianSmith
Fri 3 Dec 2010 19:55
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Fairy Glen
Replies: 9
Views: 15789

Re: Fairy Glen

Thanks for the tips Brian - it doesn't mean anything to me yet, I've been busy working and leaving to someone else to sort out!! We're staying here: http://www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk/ It seems fairly central, I'm hoping it's as nice as the description says, it's our honeymoon! My (soon to be) wife's f...
by BrianSmith
Fri 3 Dec 2010 15:55
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Fairy Glen
Replies: 9
Views: 15789

Re: Fairy Glen

Hey Brian, How are you? I'm off up to Skye for a few days from Sunday or Monday - anywhere in particular I should go and look at - this place looks beautiful! Also is there snow at the moment? Amazing photo, keep sharing :) Thanks, James Hi James. Not bad thank you, just fought my way to the superm...
by BrianSmith
Thu 2 Dec 2010 23:31
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Fairy Glen
Replies: 9
Views: 15789

Re: Fairy Glen

Hello Brian, Indeed a wonderful landscape. Is this a picture out of te camera or is it postprocessed? For me it looks a little flat and the colours, especially the greens, don´t look natural to me. Greetings, Rudy Hi Rudy, lighting in the Fairy Glen is bizarre, it's one of the reasons why it gives ...
by BrianSmith
Sun 14 Nov 2010 01:44
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Fairy Glen
Replies: 9
Views: 15789

Fairy Glen

This is the Fairy Glen at Uig on the Isle of Skye. Whatever the light it somehow always manages to remain spooky. Unfortunately for most of the day you are shooting here against the light but late in the day it looks like this.

Image
by BrianSmith
Thu 28 Oct 2010 20:42
Forum: Image Post Processing
Topic: PhotoAcute image processing software...
Replies: 1
Views: 5575

Re: PhotoAcute image processing software...

I replied when Steve Bingham raised this software in DPR but as usual my comments fell into a black hole. I have this software and have used it on an occasional basis for a year or two. It is slow but some of the functions work well. Don't get it for dynamic range expansion (HDR) as many new product...
by BrianSmith
Sun 21 Feb 2010 00:32
Forum: New member - Introduction - "About me..." - Welcome - Invitations - Info how to join this forum
Topic: The time has come
Replies: 8
Views: 14807

Re: The time has come

Hey Stany, I think I can answer a lot of this but am happy to be corrected if I make any mistakes! The difference between front and back illuminated structures is where the electrical parts of the chip sit, on a front illuminated sensor all of the electronics are on the same side of the chip as the...
by BrianSmith
Sun 21 Feb 2010 00:32
Forum: Open Talk-Photography related
Topic: The time has come
Replies: 9
Views: 13583

Re: The time has come

Hey Stany, I think I can answer a lot of this but am happy to be corrected if I make any mistakes! The difference between front and back illuminated structures is where the electrical parts of the chip sit, on a front illuminated sensor all of the electronics are on the same side of the chip as the...
by BrianSmith
Sun 24 Jan 2010 16:26
Forum: User Reviews
Topic: Question - original 70-200 VRI + TC-20 E III ?
Replies: 2
Views: 6633

Re: Question - original 70-200 VRI + TC-20 E III ?

Thanks for that Stany. Unfortunately the nearest shop likely to have one of these is probably 250+ miles away. I haven't driven that far for 6 years. Here on Skye we have to do everything by mail order. I moment ago I was ordering a Sky+HD receiver to fit by myself because Sky TV can't seem to get a...
by BrianSmith
Sun 24 Jan 2010 16:02
Forum: User Reviews
Topic: Question - original 70-200 VRI + TC-20 E III ?
Replies: 2
Views: 6633

Question - original 70-200 VRI + TC-20 E III ?

Can anyone give a definitive report on how good this combination is? I could not afford to update my 70-200 but might manage the new TC. I really miss my 80-400 which I stupidly sold before I went FX and this might perk me up a bit.
Any info?
by BrianSmith
Thu 7 Jan 2010 11:37
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Turbines in the snow
Replies: 1
Views: 5371

Turbines in the snow

Since I took this shot it has snowed an awful lot more but, because of the 3 ft line of snow down each side of the road it's no longer possible to stop to take a picture! Nevertheless it looked like it would make a good monochrome shot as everything was blue-white. I don't do much B/W which probably...
by BrianSmith
Thu 19 Nov 2009 21:55
Forum: NEWS: About new gear, official releases, fairs, exhibitions ánd rumors...
Topic: The new Orbis arm
Replies: 0
Views: 2563

The new Orbis arm

Don't know if any of you have an Orbis ring flash adaptor but if you do or are getting one here's a heads up on the new Orbis Arm. After many users have been making and publishing DIY solutions for supporting the Orbis from the camera the makers have finally come up with their solution. I just recei...
by BrianSmith
Fri 13 Nov 2009 18:14
Forum: Computing & printing
Topic: Upgrading from Vista 64bit to Windows 7 64bit...
Replies: 17
Views: 54749

Re: Upgrading from Vista 64bit to Windows 7 64bit...

Stany, I'm currently running winXP SP3 32bit. My machine is 64bit compatible and I am considering an upgrade to Win7 Ultimate 64 bit. Bearing in mind that I have something like 220 applications installed on my machine I'd be interested in your opinion of whether it's worth the trouble to make the u...
by BrianSmith
Thu 12 Nov 2009 14:12
Forum: Computing & printing
Topic: Upgrading from Vista 64bit to Windows 7 64bit...
Replies: 17
Views: 54749

Re: Upgrading from Vista 64bit to Windows 7 64bit...

Stany, I'm currently running winXP SP3 32bit. My machine is 64bit compatible and I am considering an upgrade to Win7 Ultimate 64 bit. Bearing in mind that I have something like 220 applications installed on my machine I'd be interested in your opinion of whether it's worth the trouble to make the up...
by BrianSmith
Sat 17 Oct 2009 22:54
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: How to Crop?
Replies: 4
Views: 8523

Re: How to Crop?

Thanks both of you for your comments. Sometime ago I got stuck on one particular aspect ratio for my prints and consequently have a lot of mats in that size. It's slightly less wide than the full frame but I couldn't see how I could crop this one to match it because, like you, I think it looks right...
by BrianSmith
Sun 11 Oct 2009 18:02
Forum: Images from our members: Miscellanious
Topic: Book published with my 5D pictures...
Replies: 14
Views: 21850

Re: Book published with my 5D pictures...

Quite extraordinary work of great humour and depth.
I get the impression everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves in its making.
I wish someone had been able to do something similar for an artist uncle of mine but alas
he passed without anyone giving him such a tribute and when I was too young.
by BrianSmith
Wed 7 Oct 2009 17:37
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: How to Crop?
Replies: 4
Views: 8523

How to Crop?

This location is only 1/2 a mile from my home but this is the first time this year I have felt well enough to walk that far.
The picture is nothing special but I cannot decide how to crop it for best effect. Perhaps someone could suggest?
Image
by BrianSmith
Wed 5 Aug 2009 16:20
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Which PC lens?
Replies: 2
Views: 4335

Which PC lens?

Apologies. I posted this on DPR a little while ago where it is disappearing without trace. Perhaps the cognescenti here may have more experience to give me some advice ;o) I'm looking at good used examples of the 28mm f4 PC and 28mm f3.5 PC lenses as I cannot afford the new PC-E lenses. From what I ...
by BrianSmith
Mon 18 May 2009 13:12
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Some pictures from Rocamadour, France...
Replies: 9
Views: 13757

Re: Some pictures from Rocamadour, France...

Hello Brian, Thanks for the reply. I must agree for the fifth picture. It´s something new I was trying so I like the comment a lot. I´m a doctor so I know a lot about cataract and I hope you never get it. Greetings, Rudy Thanks for taking it in the spirit. My mother had cataracts and her descriptio...
by BrianSmith
Sun 17 May 2009 20:33
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Some pictures from Rocamadour, France...
Replies: 9
Views: 13757

Re: Some pictures from Rocamadour, France...

Absolutely gorgeous location and some fine picture taking. I have to say I find the post processing makes the shots a little dismal to my eye. I'm not trying to be rude and obviously it's a difference in tastes but they look to me like I think they would look if I had cataracts. I would appreciate s...
by BrianSmith
Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:42
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...
Replies: 13
Views: 19279

Re: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...

Dear Stany, I notice the critical sharpness are lacking in some of the shots if compared to the last one shot on tripod.. I think you are right. 105 VR is still possibly the best macro for handheld macro photography for its VR. have you tried 105VR with the 1.7x TC? It is suppose to give around 180...
by BrianSmith
Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:39
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: Just a bird...
Replies: 3
Views: 5628

Re: Just a bird...

I really wish I had not sold the 80-400 :o(
Great light on the juvenile gull.
by BrianSmith
Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:36
Forum: NEWS: About new gear, official releases, fairs, exhibitions ánd rumors...
Topic: Nikon brings AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Replies: 4
Views: 5188

Re: Nikon brings AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

I'll stick with my Sigma 10-20 which I can't really fault, unlike the Nikkor 12-24 I sold because it was positively dreadful.
by BrianSmith
Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:33
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Annecy and the lake of Annecy, France...
Replies: 4
Views: 8497

Re: Annecy and the lake of Annecy, France...

Nice pictures of a very attractive and busy location. I think you have the contrast set too high on the camera though with a lot of impenetrable shadows and burnt highlights. Had it not been for the dust bunnies I'd have said they were taken on slide film.
by BrianSmith
Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:23
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Oradour, the horror of war...
Replies: 7
Views: 12012

Re: Oradour, the horror of war...

On the whole I prefer the monochrome versions but without sepia toning which does nothing to promote the mood of the shots. My favourite is the school entrance with the agressive trees and their shadow. I find all the shots a little flat and would prefer a little more contrast added to the middle to...
by BrianSmith
Wed 15 Apr 2009 00:27
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...
Replies: 13
Views: 19279

Re: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...

Hi Brian, Thanks for your reaction. Working distance was 60cm and closer upto very close, for some of the shots I was using a 20mm kenko extention tube (also for the flying "real" bee). Also with the 36mm kenko ext tube AF was still perfectly possible. For tripod mounted shots this lens i...
by BrianSmith
Tue 14 Apr 2009 18:31
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...
Replies: 13
Views: 19279

Re: First images with my Sigma 180mm macro...

Great shots Stany. I love the 'not quite a bee'.
Can you tell me what sort of working distances you got with this lens and the above shots?
by BrianSmith
Tue 17 Mar 2009 14:14
Forum: Images from our members: Sports, action, aircrafts, cars(new and old),...
Topic: Paul Lopez was -
Replies: 7
Views: 12975

Re: Paul Lopez was -

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Your post here, together with the beautiful shots, give us a very moving impression of his life. You have created a better memorial for Paul than most people can ever expect to get. Plainly a great guy.
by BrianSmith
Thu 26 Feb 2009 17:12
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: Newly delivered Orbis - some shots
Replies: 1
Views: 3478

Newly delivered Orbis - some shots

Let me stress these are no more than hand held [both hands :o) ] quick experiments. Just to show the sort of lighting the Orbis gives on a range of subjects using my SB800 and SC-29 cord with Tamron SP 90 Di. A handy dead insect http://www.xrdbear.com/images/bug1.jpg My clerodendron that's been with...
by BrianSmith
Thu 26 Feb 2009 17:05
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Question Nikon R1 macro flash
Replies: 5
Views: 6649

The Orbis has landed!

It arrived in 2 days from ordering and I'm very pleased. A couple of rubber bands sorts out the potential problem of the SB800 falling out of it and the weight is not too much of a problem if you are only doing a few shots. If I was doing a studio photoshoot (perish the thought) I would definitely m...
by BrianSmith
Sun 22 Feb 2009 18:41
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Question Nikon R1 macro flash
Replies: 5
Views: 6649

Re: Question Nikon R1 macro flash

I've made an impetuous decision. I've ordered an Orbis. I won't be using it for many shots in a row so having to hold it isn't going to be much of a problem. If it is I'll make a bracket. I didn't like the idea of hanging half a kilo on my SB800 (Rayflash) and it gives me the alternative of using it...
by BrianSmith
Sun 22 Feb 2009 01:24
Forum: User Reviews
Topic: Lens align from rawworkflow.com...
Replies: 14
Views: 29515

Re: Lens align from rawworkflow.com...

Any news Pam? Still happy with it? Is it worth it?

I've done a few experiments with regular front/back focus charts and I'm not finding it very satisfactory.
by BrianSmith
Sun 22 Feb 2009 01:20
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Question Nikon R1 macro flash
Replies: 5
Views: 6649

Question Nikon R1 macro flash

Can anyone who has this system or perhaps the R1C1 help me with a couple of questions? I'm trying to decide on a macro flash system but all the alternatives seem to have downsides/compromises. 1. I have an SB800 which can trigger the R1 kit. Does it communicate using the flash or IR? Does it have to...
by BrianSmith
Thu 5 Feb 2009 22:50
Forum: Nikon Capture NX and Nikon View NX
Topic: Possible Nikon Capture NX2 improvements...
Replies: 4
Views: 10740

Re: Possible Nikon Capture NX2 improvements...

Someone on DPR just posted that NX2 started crashing *after* installing .NET framework 3.5
by BrianSmith
Wed 28 Jan 2009 23:34
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Complementary D3(D3X) guide from Nikon...
Replies: 2
Views: 4698

Re: Complementary D3(D3X) guide from Nikon...

That pdf turned up as a little 8x12cm booklet in the post a couple of weeks ago from NPS.

Its very useful to carry about
by BrianSmith
Mon 26 Jan 2009 21:43
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Some recent pictures...(HDR PP)
Replies: 4
Views: 6277

Re: Some recent pictures...(HDR PP)

3 and 4 do it for me. Very good atmosphere from the HDR treatment. Picture 2 I find dull with this treatment. Having brought all the elements into visibility I think it needs processing to make the most of the dynamic range available on screen or on paper. In other words it needs the contrast increa...
by BrianSmith
Thu 22 Jan 2009 22:54
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: Introducing Cuba
Replies: 13
Views: 21019

Re: Introducing Cuba

Markus, I'm overwhelmed by the beauty of the pictures on your website. I don't say this often. While there may be considerable poverty in Cuba and the buidings may be crumbling I believe that they have a lot to teach us how to live. When they finally get opened up to the West I really hope they are ...
by BrianSmith
Tue 20 Jan 2009 12:54
Forum: Nikon
Topic: New firmware for D700 and D3 available
Replies: 1
Views: 3532

New firmware for D700 and D3 available

The interesting part for me is a cure for the black dots created by long exposure noise reduction.
by BrianSmith
Mon 19 Jan 2009 19:12
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Nikkor 24-70 F2.8 vs 28-70 F2.8, my findings...
Replies: 6
Views: 11536

Re: Nikkor 24-70 F2.8 vs 28-70 F2.8, my findings...

Thanks for this. I feel even comfier with my 28-70 now.
by BrianSmith
Mon 19 Jan 2009 19:09
Forum: Image Post Processing
Topic: Favourite HDR
Replies: 9
Views: 14726

Re: Favourite HDR

Another vote here for Enfuse. Much more natural results. It avoids most of the light halos round objects and sooty centres to panels like the side of houses. Look forward to a comparison here.
by BrianSmith
Mon 19 Jan 2009 19:04
Forum: Images from our members: Nature, wildlife,macro, Fauna & Flora
Topic: Taking off...
Replies: 5
Views: 7818

Re: Taking off...

Nice sequence. I think the first shot should be labelled 'taxiing'.
by BrianSmith
Sat 3 Jan 2009 01:32
Forum: Images from our members: Miscellanious
Topic: Jan1st getaway
Replies: 5
Views: 8806

Re: Jan1st getaway

pam.meier wrote:Good choice of white balance, golden hour light.
Now if we could only turn those sheep around ;)
I'll have to train one of my cats to herd sheep then ;o)
by BrianSmith
Fri 2 Jan 2009 12:57
Forum: Images from our members: Miscellanious
Topic: Jan1st getaway
Replies: 5
Views: 8806

Another from the getaway

Sheep moseying up the hill.

Image

Looks rather better large and not sharpened for web. Difficult to decide on WB but went with warm low winter sun rather than ice blue shadows.
by BrianSmith
Fri 2 Jan 2009 12:44
Forum: Images from our members: Miscellanious
Topic: Jan1st getaway
Replies: 5
Views: 8806

Jan1st getaway

I actually managed to get out of the house for a couple of hours but realised I had forgotten how to take pictures :o( Nevertheless here is one of the very few shots I got before I had to go home to make lunch. http://www.myphotogallery.name/fotosOpForum/BrianSmith090102-1.jpg A cattle grid on the e...
by BrianSmith
Sun 28 Dec 2008 23:26
Forum: Nikon
Topic: D3 and D3x side by side...
Replies: 19
Views: 28594

Re: D3 and D3x side by side...

Not that I am in the market for a D3X, I don't expect to (or be able to) replace my D3 for some years, but I would be interested in a comparison of fine detail between the D3 shots (maybe just the crop) and the D3X shots having uprezzed the D3 shots to the same size. Also with every attempt made to ...
by BrianSmith
Sun 21 Dec 2008 21:57
Forum: Images from our members: Miscellanious
Topic: Post your best or favourite 2008 picture...
Replies: 13
Views: 19501

Re: Post your best or favourite 2008 picture...

Not my best but certainly a favourite. I particularly liked it because the small post at the end of the rainbow is actually a wind turbine.
It seemed somehow eco-friendly.

Image
by BrianSmith
Sun 7 Dec 2008 12:34
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: This afternoon
Replies: 6
Views: 8129

Re: This afternoon

Lovely landscape. Where is this shot? Lil :-) Thanks, Lil. The end of my garden (bog). I live in Ullinish on the west coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. I'm looking SE across Loch Bracadale toward the Black Cuillin which is the exposed root of a 50 million year old supervolcano. Most of Skye is...
by BrianSmith
Sun 7 Dec 2008 01:22
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?
Replies: 10
Views: 12843

Re: Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?

Hi Brian, I sold my 70-200VR and bought a 80-400VR when I went to D3. I did this move basically for reach but I'm more than pleased wth all aspects of this lens with exception of AF speed. Not really slow but uncomparable with 70-200. I tried the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 a couple of weeks ago and I was u...
by BrianSmith
Sun 7 Dec 2008 01:17
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?
Replies: 10
Views: 12843

Re: Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?

Thanks, I surely will. Frankly, with the higher iso available on the D3 but without the accompanying noise, I find myself not using VR and having the suspicion that my images are sharper without it. If this nonVR version is that good and at that sort of price then I would make the swap. Particularly...
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 23:42
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: This afternoon
Replies: 6
Views: 8129

Re: This afternoon

If you look carefully you can see the Gates of Moria.
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 21:44
Forum: Images from our members:Landscape & travel...
Topic: This afternoon
Replies: 6
Views: 8129

This afternoon

Just finished looking for a sick hen and noticed the light was good so I struggled to the bottom of the garden. I was experimenting with superresolution and taking bursts of six or so shots for PhotoAcute Studio. This is one of them, mildly enhanced with Topaz Adjust. This does not demonstrate the i...
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 01:25
Forum: Nikon
Topic: Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?
Replies: 10
Views: 12843

Nikkor 70-200VR alternatives?

Since owning my D3 I find, like some others, that the performance of this lens is a little wanting at FX in the corners both for resolution and vignetting. Not enough to panic over but I would like to ask for suggestions if I wanted to swap out. Is there a better FX alternative from Tamron or Sigma?...
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 01:08
Forum:
Topic: Photoacute Studio
Replies: 1
Views: 36

Photoacute Studio

I bought this program a little while ago but have had no chance to use it properly yet. I get the impression that the superresolution function can bring a 12Mp camera close to the performance of a 24Mp machine from the examples I have seen. No good for moving targets of course but for landscape, usi...
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 01:01
Forum: NEWS: About new gear, official releases, fairs, exhibitions ánd rumors...
Topic: Who will buy the new D3x
Replies: 7
Views: 8255

Re: Who will buy the new D3x

My feeling is that Nikon know exactly how the price ticket will go down and they have good reason for this position right now. It may be supply problems, D3 stock situation or the D700x timescale but $8000 is not likely to be where they see the price in a year's time. It will change.
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 00:55
Forum: NEWS: About new gear, official releases, fairs, exhibitions ánd rumors...
Topic: My first impression on D3X images I've seen...
Replies: 1
Views: 3159

Re: My first impression on D3X images I've seen...

My impression is that anyone who thinks that the D3X is going to fulfill all their requirements, like FX landscape and DX sports in low light is going to be disappointed. D3 AND D3X together is the dream ticket, if only because you only need one L bracket. The D3X looks great at lower iso and I woul...
by BrianSmith
Fri 5 Dec 2008 00:09
Forum: Computing & printing
Topic: strange experience with 8Gb CF sandisk card...
Replies: 2
Views: 6297

Re: strange experience with 8Gb CF sandisk card...

What capacity, in Gb, does it show now? Have you resolved this?
My immediate thought was that there are a lot of fake Sandisk cards knocking around but that's only one explanation.
by BrianSmith
Thu 4 Dec 2008 23:51
Forum: New member - Introduction - "About me..." - Welcome - Invitations - Info how to join this forum
Topic: Introducing Brian Smith
Replies: 2
Views: 7485

Introducing Brian Smith

Hi there, expect my username to change to BrianSmith in the near future! I live on the west coast of the Isle of Skye, facing into the wind, with my partner Graham who does some hobbyist web design ( I do a lot of the custom graphics) and my mother who is now 92. We moved here from three seperate lo...