Rumors from the Nikon Camp...

So I've been waiting like a child on Christmas Eve for a new release from Nikon. I am still shooting with my trusty d50, and don't get me wrong, it can produce...but I feel as though I am in need of change. After shooting with Mak's d300 and later d700 I knew that it was time.

I have had my eyes on the d300 for a while, but now with the impending rumors of a d300s and a d700x, I have decided that I can hold out a while longer.

Herein lies my problem...the d300s is a DX body and will use all of my glass. It should also include HD video which would be a cool feature to have (but not imperative). The d700/d700x are FX cameras which would require me to buy new lenses....PLUS! apparently Nikon's release schedule has been leaked as well!

If I put any trust in that, a d400 will be released in Q2 2010...I would hate to get a d300s and have a d400 released shortly after....

I guess I will get a used d300 for the time being and flip it for an upgrade when I feel it is appropriate....

Whatever happens, I will still enjoy shooting...that's for sure!


Later.

Locked and loaded...

I'm headed down to Charleston, SC for the second time in one
year...the reason? My uncle's wedding. I'll be shooting from the
audience for this one but it should give me a good idea of what the
Pros shoot. I'm rocking the Crumpler bag since my Burton Zoom Pack
would have been way to big to haul to the ceremony. Plus the Crumpler
has Velcro silencers :)

Later.

Summer Concerts...

David Sanborn, originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

One thing that I love about summer is that it gives many bands the opportunity to tour the country to play for their adoring fans. Now, you may think, "But Dan, bands can tour all year round..." While this is true, bands take advantage of the warmth and great weather of the summer months to display their artwork in an outdoor setting. There is nothing like this atmosphere.

Last summer I had the opportunity to shoot the DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington, DE. I had rented a Nikon 70-200VR and ended up with some pretty good shots. It was the first time that I had ever shot a true "concert" so it was a great learning experience. The other photographers there really helped me out!

This shot is of Jazz musician David Sanborn, although his set was more smooth jazz focused, it was entertaining nonetheless!

Here's to the summer, and the concerts it brings!

Jaco Sunset

DSC_0309, originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

So I finally got some more of my photos edited from the trip to Costa Rica. I was satisfied with how they came out for the most part, but I have finally realized the limitations of my tamron 70-300 lens. It isn't the best piece of glass for low-light, especially when it loses sharpness at the long end. Oh well, time to think about upgrading....

Anyways, this is my favorite shot from the trip. There were some minor corrections (color, contrast) that were necessary but overall I really like this shot. Possibly one of my best.

The rest of my set can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielbott/sets/72157618107995338/

Mak's shots can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/makhofmann/sets/72157618376874344/


Have a great day!

Pura Vida en Costa Rica!

As you can see, the blog has taken on a new language for a bit. Mak and I (the 2 photogs...dur) are in Costa Rica until Saturday shooting away. Our time here has been in Jacó, a surf town along the Pacific Coast. The scenery is great and the wildlife is very unique! Click the photo below to view the (few) pictures that I have uploaded so far...

DSC_0023 (1), originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

Hotel Canciones del Mar, Jaco, Costa Rica

We are having a great time in CR. Check back soon for the photos.

Woahhhhhh brah.....

DSC_0157, originally uploaded by Daniel Bott.

I got a chance to spend all day last Sunday on the lake at Bald Eagle State Park. I was able to get some pretty sweet shots of my roommate and a couple buddies wakeboarding and wakesurfing. I even tried my hand at wakesurfing as I was still sore from an attempted wakeboarding effort from Friday. Overall it was a really fun day, and i was able to get some kick-ass photos!

Nikon D5000: Spec Review

Nikon released the D5000 today and it's worth taking a look at what's offered in their new entry level camera:

12.3mp CMOS Sensor:  Likely the same one as in the D90 and D300, both of which produce fantastic images.

720p Video:  Not something I'm necessarily interested in, but a nice touch nonetheless.  

Vari-angle color LCD:  This may seem like a dumb feature, but the ability to view the screen in live mode from almost any angle is great.  Plus, you can flip it around and store it so only the plastic back is exposed.  That will help cut down on scratches while transporting it.

One Button Live View:  Easier access to Live View than my D700 has, which requires pressing a button down and rotating a wheel.

4 FPS:  Nice upgrade here.  Faster than the Rebel T1i's 3.4 FPS.  

Built-in Image Sensor Cleaning:  I have this on the D700 and it's genius.

11-point AF System with 3D Tracking:  HUGE upgrade here.  Nikon has really been dedicated to improving their AF systems recently and this system is probably the main reason to upgrade from a D40/D50/D60.  The D40 and D60 only had 3 AF points and the D50 had 5.  The addition of 3D tracking is huge for any amateur who wants to shoot action.  The Rebel T1i only has 9 AF points and no 3D tracking.  

100,000 Cycle Shutter:  Very few amateurs will come anywhere near this, but the fact that it's this robust makes the camera even more maintenance-free.

GPS Geotagging:  Unfortunately, you have to get Nikon's GP-1 for $210 to use this feature (I have a Geomet'r unit for my D700 that was $150 and works incredibly), but I like the feature.  It's fun to track exactly where you took certain shots in case you ever blow the shot and want to return.  

Overall, this is an impressive entry level camera.  Aside from the metering system and weather-sealing, it's easily exceeded the D200, which was $1800 when it was released in 2006 and it comes very close to the D300 for most users.  The main difference is that the D300 has a 51-point AF system with 3D tracking.  To be honest, I usually shoot in 11 or 21 point AF on my D700 and I find that to be plenty of points. 

Compared to the Canon Rebel T1i, you get slightly less resolution in stills and video, but a vastly superior AF system and a very user-friendly design.  While the camera isn't quite designed to stand up to the demands of an abusive pro shooter, it will certainly take professional-quality images.  Most importantly from Nikon's point of view, it gives people a pro-quality camera for $729 and dedicates them to the brand.     

Harry the K moves on...

Today, a Philadelphia sports cornerstone has left this world. Harry Kalas passed away at 1:20pm in Washington, D.C.

With a voice that brings back memories of childhood, summer nights, and America's past-time, Harry will be missed by millions. It is exciting to know that he was able to call the Phillies' World Series victory shortly before his death.

Because of this win, I had the privilege of snapping a few photos of him at the 2008 World Series Parade in Philadelphia...a moment that I will never forget.




Rest in Peace.

My First Front Page!

Today (April 3, 2009), I got my first front page shot on The Daily Collegian! Pretty exciting stuff!

This was taken at a rally for Take Back the Night, an awareness event for sexual violence against women.


Here is the front page of the paper:



Did you miss it?? Bottom left photo...


...here is the shot:


The shot was taken at:
20mm
ISO 200
WB: Sunny
1/640
f5.6
exp -0.7
with my Sigma 10-20mm

The whole article can be found here, and as usual, click for larger versions.



Have a great Friday!
-Dan