The new D850 takes time-lapse to a whole new level of easy! At the same time, it produces some pretty darn clean results. I started with the D850 with the 14-24f2.8 attached to a tripod. I wanted to test the system (this was the 3rd TL I created) using what I call the “too tired to think” settings. With the camera set to Auto ISO, Aperture Priority at f/22, I went into the Time-lapse menu and dialed in the settings. I set the duration to 7hrs, frequency to 1 every 15sec, Exposure Smoothing and Silent Shutter (which freakin rocks!). I shot one with the EN-EL15 and one with the EN-EL15a battery hot out of the charger, both creating a time-lapse 37sec long, from a total recording time of 4:45hrs (battery died at that point). The D850 creates right out of the camera a 4k time-lapse movie as easy as touching the menu Start (yep, Menu is touch activated!). Really way too simple now, thank goodness. Now you can create an 8k time-lapse with the D850 as well. You would need to shoot Nef’s and then run those through a 3rd party program (like Photoshop) to create that high res time-lapse (which would produce the best results). Either way, it’s so simple it’s a ton of fun! mtc
Ya, this is simply a gorgeous camera! I am really enjoying shooting with it and the images it’s producing. It’s not your father’s D800! Later today a special Podcast will be posted that will cover much more than I can here in writing. I can honestly say that this is the first megapixel camera I really like to shoot! Here’s some more trivia that might help you get started with your new D850. mtc
I have no words cause thanks doesn’t cover it! Already Out of Stock at Amazon and #1 new release in photography books just days after its release, I’m totally at a loss for words. But thank you, thank you, thank you! I know more copies are in route and thank you, thank you, thank you!
The D850 brings with it many new features, an interesting one receiving no play yet is the new Auto Picture Control. It can be summed up as “The camera automatically adjusts hues and tones based on the Standard Picture Control… elements as the foliage and sky in outdoor shots more vivid than in Standard Picture Control. Picture Control is one of the first things I explore in a new body as I feel it’s the heart and soul of how the camera’s computer translate the world I’m seeing to 1’s and Zeros. Since I shoot the D5 & D500 in Standard, this new Picture Control naturally grabbed my attention. So for the last few days, I’ve been giving it a spin.
White-breasted Nuthatch captured by D850 / 800f5.6
The first thing you notice when you head into the menus, Photo Shooting Menu > Set Picture Control > Auto, you’ll see a new value scale for Quick Adjust, Sharpening Clarity, Contrast, Saturation. Too soon to know the impact or lack of impact these might have on the file. And while I’ve not had the opportunity to do any side by side comparison, first impressions is the new Auto does produce a slightly nicer file than Standard and not as “vivid” as Landscape or Vivid (I was using the new WB A Natural at the same time). The colors have just a tad more punch while still true to the scene. I’m likin what I’m seeing! It’s a subtle “upgrade” that might be perfect for a majority of photographers.
The Nikkor 8-15Fish … one helluva lens! I’ve been shooting with it for a month now and have come to appreciate the quality this unique and specialized lens brings to my camera bag. Now shooting this video was a challenge with the Black Bear and the crowd it brought, but I share with you thoughts on the lens, care for it and shooting with it. Check ‘er out!
Pre-orders of the new Nikon D850 are record breaking I’m told by retailers. That’s darn cool, I know I’ve added to that list by two. The B&H site is reporting they will start shipping next week. There is nothing worse than to get a new camera body and not be able to play (you know what I mean) with it from the get go. So now’s the time to figure out your game plan so when that new D850 arrives, you’re ready for it. Here are a couple of the things I’m doing to be ready.
First, I watched the Nikon D850 Panel discussions to hear what my peers found and see what they did with the D850 in the limited time they had to shoot with it. From that, the creative thought process began thinking up what I want to photograph first to put the D850 through its paces. It’s key to me to see if a new tool solves problems in our photography business and with all the killer new features in the D850, I can’t wait! For example, with all those mega pixels, coming up with scenes with lots of detail is a must for landscapes, low light, focus stacking, focus peaking and time lapse. My stable of lenses is already in place so that is one the biggies that can be checked off. Then with that creative road map and lenses done, what accessories do I need, the basic list includes:
Ordering spare EN-EL15a is a no-brainer, got 3. I have the EN-EL15 from the D500 which will work and get me by for the initial start up but I want that little extra the “a” batt provides. I already have the amazing SB-5000 / WR-R10 wireless flash so I can check that off the list. While I have the MH-26a charger and spare EN-EL18a batteries for the D5, we are getting at least one set, grip, battery, clip & charger for one of the D850 rigs. My reasoning is simple, shooting video we want that extra shooting time. My threshold for FPS required from a body is 5.5FPS. The D850 already delivers 7FPS natively and at least for the moment (time could change this), my D850 will be without the grip as I’ll using my mine primarily for stills. Finally, comes the memory and that’s really simple, go big or go home, big Lexar cards!
Everything listed above is here in the office right now except the MB-D18 so when that D850 arrives I am good to go. But more importantly then acquiring all these new toys is setting aside the time to truly learn the camera. The video above goes through all I do to get to know a new body, tool which is so important. I have a list what I’m going too shoot, what lenses, time of day, location to put the D850 to the test. I even have a plan how I’m going to share that all with you (yes I’ll post my settings). I’m the biggest kid on the block, all giddy to get a new toy, I mean tool in my hands so we’re ready for when the D850 arrives.
