Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
Over the last seven or eight years I have had brief flirtations with the dreaded digital camera, mainly 'bridge cameras' and compacts. Usually these affairs have ended in disappointment, due to the ever-present issue of dynamic range - or rather lack of it!, the best of the bunch (and most expensive ) was a Fuji S3 pro, now also departed - due to weight, bulk, and the fact that I no longer do much paid work.
A short while ago I took what was about the cheapest entry into the field of DSLR's - and bought a Nikon D40, mainly so that I could use my old Manual Nikkors, and this path has been very satisfactory indeed. A pleasant surprise has been the performance of this little camera at higher ISO settings, especially at this price!.
Yesterday I visited my regular steam rail stamping ground, and talked with a friend who mans a country crossing signal cabin, as we talked I took a handheld shot with the D40 and kit zoom - at it's wide setting, and ISO 400.
I was quite pleased with the attached JPEG file - which has had no post processing at all. Yes, the exterior scenery is a little 'washed out', but I don't think - objectionably so, I think the exposure system did a good job, what do you think?
A short while ago I took what was about the cheapest entry into the field of DSLR's - and bought a Nikon D40, mainly so that I could use my old Manual Nikkors, and this path has been very satisfactory indeed. A pleasant surprise has been the performance of this little camera at higher ISO settings, especially at this price!.
Yesterday I visited my regular steam rail stamping ground, and talked with a friend who mans a country crossing signal cabin, as we talked I took a handheld shot with the D40 and kit zoom - at it's wide setting, and ISO 400.
I was quite pleased with the attached JPEG file - which has had no post processing at all. Yes, the exterior scenery is a little 'washed out', but I don't think - objectionably so, I think the exposure system did a good job, what do you think?
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
reala_fan
Well-known
Indeed!! It looks great!! And the white balance looks dead on as well.
Ronald M
Veteran
It is indeed a good camera and the ability to use the old Nikors without mod is a virtue.
Now try a D700. It works just like a real slr and the edges are not cut off the frame.
P&S and bridge cameras are a disservice to those who expect decent results.
Now try a D700. It works just like a real slr and the edges are not cut off the frame.
P&S and bridge cameras are a disservice to those who expect decent results.
peter_n
Veteran
I love this picture, the fax and the microwave make a wonderful counterpoint to the old-fashioned points switching gear! The DR isn't bad either! 
Fuji seemed to give up on dSLRs late last year, but I did manage to buy a new S5 before they all disappeared. That body has terrific dynamic range...
Fuji seemed to give up on dSLRs late last year, but I did manage to buy a new S5 before they all disappeared. That body has terrific dynamic range...reala_fan
Well-known
Not sure I would be so quick to expell all bridge cameras from the game of 'decent results'.
The Olympus C-8080WZ was a remarkable camera, capable of 'very close to dSLR' quality. Olympus said the glass was THE most important factor in image quality from
a digital sensor, and certainly proved it with the superb 28~140mm f2.4 lens on the
C-8080.
Not everyone can afford a D700 and not everyone wants to carry a heavy camera and multiple lenses.
A C-8080, and mastery of the photoshop 'Contrast Masking' technique, and some bridge cameras will get you darned close, with a far lighter and easier to lug outfit.
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
thanks!...here's one from the same day, a little way off that cabin, same set-up.I love this picture, the fax and the microwave make a wonderful counterpoint to the old-fashioned points switching gear! The DR isn't bad either!
Dave.
zuikologist
.........................
Those shots look great, and indeed prove you do not need a D700 for good results for 95% of what most people shoot.
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
......and as an engineer - I like to pick out this type of detail!
Dave.
Dave.
remegius
Well-known
Those shots look great! I've been using a D40 for a couple of years now and find it to be an extraordinary little camera. I mostly use it with a Sigma 30mm 1.4, but I have a 50mm Nikkor 1.8 that is great for portraits. Just curious as to which metering option you are using on the D40.
Cheers...
Rem
Cheers...
Rem
jfretless
Established
I love this picture, the fax and the microwave make a wonderful counterpoint to the old-fashioned points switching gear! The DR isn't bad either!
I believe the Fuji S5 Pro is only digital camera that has increased in value on the secondary market. I'm a Canon shooter, but have been watching S5 listings on eBay for the past year. The value has definitely risen since then.
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
I usually use my old pre AI Nikkors - for speed (and quality ) so have to use a separate meter, of course. I was feeling lazy this day and used the kit zoom and ( I think! ) matrix metering, with 1/3 under - compensation. Yes, that Sigma 30mm f1.4 is very nice, I used one on my S3 pro. and still kicking myself for letting it go!:bang:
Dave.
peter_n
Veteran
Dave I love these pictures of yours, they take me back to when I was a little boy and used to ride on trains like these (my dad worked for British Rail so I've seen the insides of a few signal boxes too ).
).
I count myself extremely fortunate that I just happened to buy at a very opportune time; Ffordes were having a fire sale and the exchange rate $/£ seriously favored this side of the pond, I got my cam new for less than 1/3 of the price here. I didn't know they had been increasing in value, but I won't be selling mine - I like it too much!
remegius
Well-known
The 18-55mm kit lens that comes with the D40 (and other Nikons) is no slouch. My experience (and DPR's I might add) is that it is head and heels above the kit lenses that accompany the lower end DSLRs from other manufacturers.
Cheers...
Rem
pvdhaar
Peter
Yes, the exposure system did a good job, and for that matter, you did as well.. nice pictures!