Lets Talk Cameras

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JohnyGluebag

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233
Nova Scotia, Canada
First Name
Myles
Last Name
Washburn
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5729

Nikon D800

Huge potential with this gear, do not get nearly enough spare time to get out and shoot these days.

This one does suffer a little bit from back/front focus problems, all my lenses need significant compensation; going to send it to Nikon for service this year, hope it does not come back worse than it is now.

But overall the camera has produced great shots for me.

 
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Jake Wettern | iamjake

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2,666
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
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5315

My Camera Equipment | Gear

Main Camera - Canon EOS 80D SLR - http://amzn.to/2tI4IGD
Back up Camera - Canon Rebel T3i Digital SLR - http://amzn.to/2s4cFZy

3 Camera Lenses

10-18mm - Canon EF-S - http://amzn.to/2tI4MWT
18-55mm - Canon EF-S - http://amzn.to/2t4AVtS
55-250mm - Canon EF-S - http://amzn.to/2sOtXqG

GoPro HERO4 Silver - http://amzn.to/2u1VkNp

Main Drone - DJI Mavic Pro - http://amzn.to/2t8bkkh
Back up Drone - DJI Phantom 3 Standard - http://amzn.to/2s9wNVu

Camera Gear Backpack - Lowepro Pro-Tactic 450 AW - http://amzn.to/2tI0bnS
Flexi Tripod - Joby GorillaPod - http://amzn.to/2rP3Ezp
Ballhead for Tripod - Joby Quick Release - http://amzn.to/2t8vEm9
Video Mic - Rode - http://amzn.to/2rP1Giy
 

Jake Wettern | iamjake

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2,666
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
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5315

Come Visit.
Hey, James! I'll for sure make it to SATX.

If you haven’t already, please complete my 50 State Road Trip Questionnaire so I will have your contact info when I’m in your area. I use the completed questionnaires to meet up with the people you see with me in my videos!

Here is the link to the questionnaire which I hope you will complete - https://goo.gl/forms/ZopZP74rkYqGTBhh1

Also, here are links to my other social media sites that I hope you will follow me on also:

Facebook – Jake’s - https://www.facebook.com/iamjakebookface/
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Twitter - https://twitter.com/JakeWettern
Snapchat - https://www.snapchat.com/add/jakewettern

Thank you for your support and following my journey!
 
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Boort

Rank V
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Member III

2,779
Colorado
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9314

@BillyBadly

Anyone have feedback on the Nikon D3400 (or 3300)? A number of online searches led me to it as one of the best entry level DSLRs, which is what I'm looking for...
What are you used to taking pictures with?
What are you looking to shoot?
Where does your current equipment leave you wanting?

I ask because answering these questions will help you to choose what direction will be best for you. Much like Overlanding Picking Photo equipment depends on what you plan to do with it.

I've shot with a wide range of recent (and not so recent) Nikon Cameras over the last 10 years. Shot various systems during the film days as well. While I've never owned either the 3300 or 3400 I've shot the 3300. I find it works well but the ergonomics of the camera seem cramped in my hands. IE the shutter button requires that I curl my finger to rest on it which becomes uncomfortable after a short time. (Same goes for the Sony A7II and some of the Canon bodies I've used). As for features it worked well for day time shooting and when paired with a Nikon AFS lens it focused reasonably quickly and sharply. Shooting animals at the zoo the 5FPS burst was good but I' would want faster for shooting wildlife. It also seemed to be impacted by the quality of the memory card far more than my D700. The body is very light for what I'm used to shooting (Nikon D700 + grip).

Here is a good feature by feature comparison of the 2 Nikon bodies you mentioned along side some others that I've found enjoyable to shoot.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d3300&products=nikon_d3400&products=nikon_d5500&products=nikon_d700&products=pentax_k3ii&products=pentax_k5iis&products=pentax_k1&sortDir=ascending

I'd suggest including the Pentax K-3 II in your research as it compares very favorably to the Nikon lineup and adds sealed buttons (Better dust/water resistance) and image stabilization on sensor. Both of which are good for Overlanding. :)

Also consider the Sony Mirror-less lineup like the A6000 or many of the Fuji X-series mirror-less. They provide lighter weight and some awesome features over DSLRs while retaining interchangeable lenses.

Boort
 

Billy "Poserlander" Badly

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Launch Member

Member III

2,741
PDX, OR, USA
Member #

1987

@BillyBadly



What are you used to taking pictures with?
What are you looking to shoot?
Where does your current equipment leave you wanting?

I ask because answering these questions will help you to choose what direction will be best for you. Much like Overlanding Picking Photo equipment depends on what you plan to do with it.

I've shot with a wide range of recent (and not so recent) Nikon Cameras over the last 10 years. Shot various systems during the film days as well. While I've never owned either the 3300 or 3400 I've shot the 3300. I find it works well but the ergonomics of the camera seem cramped in my hands. IE the shutter button requires that I curl my finger to rest on it which becomes uncomfortable after a short time. (Same goes for the Sony A7II and some of the Canon bodies I've used). As for features it worked well for day time shooting and when paired with a Nikon AFS lens it focused reasonably quickly and sharply. Shooting animals at the zoo the 5FPS burst was good but I' would want faster for shooting wildlife. It also seemed to be impacted by the quality of the memory card far more than my D700. The body is very light for what I'm used to shooting (Nikon D700 + grip).

Here is a good feature by feature comparison of the 2 Nikon bodies you mentioned along side some others that I've found enjoyable to shoot.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=nikon_d3300&products=nikon_d3400&products=nikon_d5500&products=nikon_d700&products=pentax_k3ii&products=pentax_k5iis&products=pentax_k1&sortDir=ascending

I'd suggest including the Pentax K-3 II in your research as it compares very favorably to the Nikon lineup and adds sealed buttons (Better dust/water resistance) and image stabilization on sensor. Both of which are good for Overlanding. :)

Also consider the Sony Mirror-less lineup like the A6000 or many of the Fuji X-series mirror-less. They provide lighter weight and some awesome features over DSLRs while retaining interchangeable lenses.

Boort
Interesting stuff, thank you. Like many of us, I'll probably mostly be shooting landscapes, rig photos, wildlife, some macro... I currently use a GoPro for video and and Olympus TG2, and occasionally my wife's Iphone (cuz my Galaxy S5 takes crummy pics).

I had actually read a few mentions of the size being a bit uncomfortable, so that's good to know. And, my Olympus was also sensitive to memory card quality, which was unexpected and disappointing.

I'm looking for a fairly simple/budget-friendly DSLR, as I've only used point/shoot cameras since before the D was added to SLR. I'm not looking to go pro, I just want more control and flexibility.
 

Boort

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Colorado
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@BillyBadly

I'd suggest that you call your local camera shop and find out if they do a "test drive" or demo days event. The locally owned shop down in Boulder/Denver puts these on a couple of times a year. Here is a link to the ones this spring:
They work with manufacturers to bring in hundreds of cameras and lenses then let folks take them out to play with. I've visited these events many times over the years and they helped me to decide what features I need vs the ones i want.

If you're used to the durability of the Olympus line (Back when I sold cameras in the 90's they were the only water/dust resistant full line up.) Check out the weather sealed Pentax bodies. (ESP since you're up in PDX!)

I'd suggest pairing up the Nikon 3xxx to the Pentax with a 70-300mm for a good comparison. The 70-300 is a great all around lens Esp since you can pull out the iPhone for wide angle shots.

If your local shops don't offer a test drive you can rent the systems and do a side by side shoot out.
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/pentax-k-3-ii
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon-d3400
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/sigma-18-35mm-f1.8-dc-hsm-art-for-nikon
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/sigma-18-35mm-f1.8-dc-hsm-art-for-pentax

I was looking for a good telephoto 3rd party lens but the rental options for Pentax are still kinda limited. That way you could compare the bodies and be rather sure that any quality differences are in the body and not the glass. This 18-35 was all I could find at lens rentals .com. Once you decide on a body you then pick the best lens. (The Nikon 28-300 VR and 70-300 VR are sweet and affordable, as are many of the newer (released in the last 2-3 years) Sigma's. )

Boort
 

CDN Offroader

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2,030
St. Albert, AB, Canada
First Name
Adam
Last Name
Houghtaling
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2713

I've been using a Canon SX120 for point and shoot, although I recently killed it trying to get dust out from behind the lenses, so I've ordered a newer SX150. I like the convenience of carrying camera equipment that fits in a pocket, uses standard AA batteries, and has some optical zoom(the Canon had 10x, new one will have 12x). Lately I've been using my cell phone for doing panoramas, who knows maybe newer cameras do that now too?

Some of the people from my recent trip to Iceland look like they were on a National Geo photo shoot. Who knows, maybe they were. I personally wouldn't want to carry around all that extra bulk/weight/cost for which might walk and shoot style would probably only get me marginally better photos. Sometimes the extra zoom would be nice for distance shots though.
 
T

The Raven

Guest
I run a
D750 with a 50mm 2.8 that I rarely remove
D300s with a bunch of DX lenses that I honestly love more than my D750
D3100 IR converted
A fujifilm X100s.....ssshhhh, don't tell anyone how awesome this camera is.
A gopro 4 that I'm thinking about getting rid of as the audio is crap.
A nikon AW130 P&S waterproof.
My s6 with gets a bunch of use
A canon HF30 Video camera

Trying to decide what to take.....as I can't take it all.
 

Boort

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2,779
Colorado
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9314

@The Raven
How you like your IR D3100? Have you had any issues with long exposures ghosting?
I was thinking about upgrading my 700 back when the 800 came out then having my 700 converted but there is a problem with ghosting and the 700 (probably the 300s as well) due to the IR Shutter sensor used on these and newer bodies. So that scrapped that idea :(

Boort
 
T

The Raven

Guest
@The Raven
How you like your IR D3100? Have you had any issues with long exposures ghosting?
I was thinking about upgrading my 700 back when the 800 came out then having my 700 converted but there is a problem with ghosting and the 700 (probably the 300s as well) due to the IR Shutter sensor used on these and newer bodies. So that scrapped that idea :(

Boort
Hey Boort,
Nope I don't shoot any long exposures as it's a full spectrum conversion so I just shoot normal speed using the LV and my choice of filter.
My first IR was a d70 and the d3100 is a lot better. I actually use the kit 18-55 as I have found the clarity is quite nice.

Here is one that I recently shot and flipped to make a optical torment scene.
 
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Boort

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Colorado
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@The Raven

Good To know. I've always enjoyed IR and UV Photography. but have not done it since I switched to Digital.
"optical torment" It does take a minute to get bearings and determine what is happening in that shot. I like it.

Boort
 
T

The Raven

Guest
I've been considering one of these for some time. I've never heard anything but wonderful reviews of the X100 line.
I've had nothing but good luck with Fuji. I had concidered the interchangable lens line but did not want to open that can of worms as Nikon has me pretty good. Figured the 28mm fixed lens on the Fuji is perfect. It's a fast lens and the only complaint I have had is focus. I tend to shoot Jpeg and in BW and the freedom to just have fun again is beautiful. If I only could have one camera...this would be it.
 

NYCO

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271
Colorado
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6236

Canon Rebel T1i then Canon 60D. Since sold both setups and now have a Sony a6000 (secondary) and Sony A7ii (primary).

the switch to the small Sony's have been great so far and loving the full frame A7ii except I've had to keep an eye on the sensor cleanliness as it seems more debris gets in there. Never really had much issue with the Canon and used it in the same dusty situations I get into while exploring. I'd still have annual cleanings, but the Sony seems to need at least a blow after every trip.

a bit behind on my editing and uploads, but some pics here https://www.flickr.com/photos/101673349@N04/
 
T

The Raven

Guest
Focus speed or near/far errors?
near far errors though I have the 100s and heard the newer ones are even better. It's not a big deal but can be frustrating when you are coming from a d750 that focuses on an ants ass at 500 meters.
 
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TheAdventurousMind

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628
Yorba Linda, CA
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0718

I love my Sony set ups. I switched over from Canon and love the compact size, but full frame.

For photos, I have the Sony A7ii.

For Video, I was using the A7ii and my DJI Osmo, but since I shoot photo and video on my trips, it wasnt a good enough run and gun solution. I picked up a Sony a6300 with a Rode Video Mic Pro on a Gorillapod for dedicated video for my Vlogs. It uses the same batteries as my A7ii which is very handy, and both use SD Cards. The Osmo works well, but is too hard to set up on the fly. I did use it a couple times for in car video on a suction cup mount though.

I plan to add a DJI Mavic Pro to the mix.