Forest snipers change their camera to the Nikon D750. Why?

In mid-2014, Nikon released a new camera Nikon D750, fully satisfying the needs of most photographers, from amateurs to professionals, and incorporating all the advantages and successful technological solutions of its predecessors. The main advantages of the Nikon D750 – full-frame sensor, excellent image quality at all sensitivities, a professional autofocus system, high speed continuous shooting and control over all camera parameters without marketing restrictions.

Full-frame sensor – professional photo quality

Full frame sensor with a frame size of 24x36mm is no longer a standard just for professionals. Enthusiastic amateur photographers can now enjoy the benefits of the full frame. Especially for those who take landscape photos with wide-angle lenses.

Masters of photography who shoot portraits also prefer full-frame technology, it gives them an opportunity to use high-speed optics and control the depth of field. Sharply portrayed space and pattern in the out-of-focus area, the so-called “bokeh” has become a popular, fashionable pictorial device at a time when full-frame cameras have become available to amateur photographers.

Photo resolution of 24.3 million pixels, which allows you to get large prints for exhibitions or interiors, freely crop trim the image, while maintaining high detail images.

The main advantage of the Nikon D750 – the ability to shoot at any high sensitivity without loss of detail. The camera allows you to save a picture of the natural light pattern and not use a flash, and get great quality pictures in dark environments, under lantern light, candlelight.

All pictures taken with Nikon D750 with sensitivity from 100 to 8000 ISO, virtually no different from each other. Higher sensitivity of 12800 ISO is also possible, the result does not require the use of third-party noise reduction programs.

The new processor EXSPEED4 processes photos on the fly, applies optional dynamic range extension mode D-Lighting, very delicately implements the noise reduction mechanism, preserves fine details and converts large amounts of data into the JPG format.

There is practically no need to use HDR when shooting contrast scenes, although such a possibility is provided in the camera settings.

HDR Off

HDR on

Precise focus system

Previous models of inexpensive full-format amateur class cameras used a focusing system consisting of 39 sensors. In my opinion, there was a sufficient number of them, but they were located in the center of the frame. Nikon D750 has 51 focus sensors for accurate focus.

Among them, 12 cross-shaped, with the central part of the focus metering system sensors can work with not very fast lenses. Sensors are also located in peripheral parts of the frame, some of them in places where you can position the scene.

Not only the center point, but also the focus brackets at the edges are now intuitive, and in both AFS single-shot and AFC tracking focus modes, they are now in perfect focus. You can group the points, select one, 9 or 21, apply intelligent 3D metering or activate the human face recognition system.

Right thumb can be used with a joystick to reposition the active focus points. You don’t have to move the camera as you had to do before in most cases.

The camera has the traditional single-frame, continuous tracking and intelligent focus modes. And of course, the popular LiveView manual focus mode for stills and movies.

Since this is a traditional DSLR, continuous tracking focus is not possible when shooting movies. AFS is the most commonly used mode in most situations, and the second AFC mode is used in tricky changing situations. And manual focus is for tripod photography. Focus is now more intuitive, with more professional features.

Ergonomics for the demanding amateur photographer

The camera body is made sturdy. It is saturated with various controls and has a built-in photoflash. Traditional proprietary controls are located on the top panel. A power dial under the shutter release button makes the camera instantly ready for use. This feature saves significant battery power by preventing you from forgetting to turn the camera off. The program and burst mode selectors are always within easy reach. They are protected against accidental rotation by special locks. The top display is not overloaded with information and is easy to read.

The large LCD is now a flip-down display, a first for full-size DSLRs, including all manufacturers. It broadens the scope for awkward positions, video and tripod shooting.

A solution that has long been requested by users and anticipated. The resolution of the tilted display has been increased to 1,229K. pixels. It displays photos more realistically than previous generations of models. The menu, in my opinion, has changed the structure, so at first you sometimes have to refer to the voluminous user manual.

Compared to its former classmate, the Nikon D750 is slightly smaller in size. The camera lacks a connector for large external studio flashes, which once again emphasizes its amateur orientation, but this problem is easily bypassed with devices from other manufacturers. Sure to be useful built-in flash with a guide number of 12. The front panel has a button for adjusting the aperture and a button for reducing the size of the frame being shot.

On the body there are connectors for external interfaces, USB, HDMI, mini-jack for an external microphone, headphones, there is a jack for the wired remote control, which was not the case with some previous models.

For the first time there is a wireless Wi-Fi interface, but the range is relatively short, I would call it a kind of analog of the remote control with the ability to watch the image without leaning into the camera.

Enhanced video capabilities

The camera gives a very high-quality result for amateur movies, you can connect an external microphone. The single-shot duration in maximum Full HD quality at 60 fps is 10 minutes, in gentler modes 20 and 30 minutes.

Interesting addition is the proprietary option to slow-motion video shooting in time-lapse mode. The camera itself automatically takes long shots without the presence of a person and collects a video file based on the settings. If the lighting changes during the scene, the exposure smoothing option can automatically correct the differences in light and shadow. It is desirable to disable automatic focus and optical stabilizer, so that the image remains still.

The possibility of setting up any shooting modes

The philosophy of the basic mode settings suggests that the camera is still intended for experienced amateur photographers. Traditional aperture priority, shutter speed, manual and program modes take center stage on the main switch. Amateur modes from traditional “Landscape” and “Portrait” to exotic “Food” and “Colors of the Fall” are combined in the menu SCENE.

16 scene modes and fully automatic shooting program allows a person who does not know how to take pictures, to get a decent quality result.

Trained amateurs and professionals can adjust absolutely any shooting parameter, change the speed of the series, create a movie, program the automatic continuous shooting without the presence of a person on a timer, make accelerated video shooting, set the connection with a mobile device or tablet.

The systemability of Nikon equipment

Compatible with a huge fleet of modern lenses from different manufacturers, with a computerized system of creative pulse lighting Nikon CLS and hundreds of other tools, makes the system Nikon D750 one of the most versatile and high-quality solutions in today’s market of SLR equipment. Once again, the lack of artificial restrictions on many camera control options replaces additional expensive external devices with their wires and connectors, expands the scope of the technique and ultimately expands the creative freedom of the author.

Impeccable image quality at high sensitivities assuming no photographer error makes for a stable and enjoyable imaging experience. Availability of free new software Nikon Capture NX-D to convert from professional raw *NEF format, which hopefully will continue to evolve, expands the creative application of the camera. Also I hope that we can find an agreement with Adobe for support of the new camera, which will further strengthen the position of the novelty among the fans and new consumers of Nikon products.

Nikon D750 with Nikkor 28-300mm f/3 lens.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S

The versatile super zoom is a great choice for travel and for anyone who wants to be always ready to shoot any scene. It makes it possible to get along with one lens for all occasions and avoid having to change lenses, which partly solves the problem of dust on the sensor. The high zoom ratio almost 11x covers both the wide-angle area and a pretty decent telephoto range, i.e. Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S captures a lake with its sweeping surface, and a moment later you can get a close-up of a duck swimming far away across it. In the family of all-in-one superzooms, this model is one of the most perfect. It has both good optical performance and is relatively compact, but most importantly, it has a built-in optical image stabilization system that compensates for camera instability at slow shutter speeds and allows you to shoot in low light.

Nikon D750 with a Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S lens

The Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S zoom is for those looking for the optimum balance between lens versatility and image quality. Suitable as everyday optics for full-frame cameras and provides noticeably higher image quality, though at the expense of a smaller focal range. Compared to the superzoom 28-300mm it has a much more modest long focal length, but has better wide angle capabilities – from 24mm. The Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S also features constant aperture at all focal lengths, the hallmark of high-end optics the f/4 maximum aperture of 120mm is sufficient for spectacular background blur – a classic recipe for expressive portraits. An effective optical image stabilizer allows you to shoot at relatively slow shutter speeds and ensures sharp shots even in unfavorable lighting conditions.

Nikon D750 with a Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S lens

A set for those who shoot in the TV range – portraits, genre scenes, reportage in a variety of light conditions, and still want perfect image quality. In capable hands, of course, this professional telephoto zoom offers a much sharper, higher contrast and richer color than the general zooms the price for quality is that it dispenses with the medium and wide-angle range of focal lengths. Constant aperture ratio gives photographers significant latitude in their work on the image, allowing them to blur the background when necessary and visually emphasize the main subject in the frame. Another sign of high-end optics is that the image at the far end of the zoom 200mm is almost as good as the image at the near end in the case of cheaper and more versatile zooms this difference is noticeable.

Nikon D750 with a Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR AF-S lens + Nikon AFS Teleconverter TC-17E II

Professional telephoto kit with 1.7x converter designed for professional work in a focal range longer than the 70-200mm lens itself – with the converter it’s 119-340mm, but the aperture ratio drops by more than a notch. However, the built-in optical image stabilizer and the capabilities of modern cameras at higher sensitivities can easily compensate for the aperture ratio drop and provide sharp frames at much closer zoom. Nikon has other converters – 1.4x and 2x – but 1.7x is considered by many to be the perfect combination of magnification and image quality.

Nikon D750 with NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4 lens.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S

A kit for those who shoot in the TV range with a wide variation of focal lengths – in this case the lens covers both the relatively “short” 80 mm, which would be perfect for a personal portrait at close range, and the rather impressive 400 mm required for shooting wildlife, expressive landscape details, not to mention reportage and genre scenes from afar. In general, the zoom range is such a thing that the focal length is always short, so an increased zoom will certainly result in interesting shots that would be impossible to shoot with another lens. The built-in optical stabilizer is a great help both in field photography and in reportage, because the longer the focal length of the lens, the more urgent the problem of “shake. It will confidently give you about three additional shutter speeds and keep your shots sharp, even when your non-stabilized competitors are long gone.

The Nikon D750 with a NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3 lens.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S

Set with a NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3 lens.5-4.The 5G ED VR is a much more affordable solution for every day and still produces images of a very decent level. The reason is that zooms with smaller focal lengths 3.5x in this example and variable focal lengths are easier to design and produce, and can have very good optical characteristics at a very reasonable price. In addition, the lens has a built-in optical image stabilizer, significantly expanding the scope of its possible applications, and is relatively lightweight and compact.

Nikon D750 with NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR AF-S

The modern NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens is one of the best in the company’s lineup. It combines excellent optical performance, a sought-after range of focal lengths and an effective optical image stabilizer. The set of full-frame D750 and the professional zoom will be appreciated by both landscapers and reporters not without reason that year after year the highest awards in international photojournalism competitions get shots shot with wide-angle lens – their optical properties create a bright sense of involvement in the events, as if he was in the midst of action . Lots of photographers of all genres love wide angle photography, so a set of a good full frame camera and a high quality wide angle zoom will definitely be in demand.

Nikon D750 with NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S lens

The NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED AF-S constant focal length professional lens kit is for the more experienced fans of wide-angle optics. This lens was released just a couple of months ago and incorporates Nikon’s best practices from many years of creating professional optics. Lightfast, with well-corrected aberrations, capable of focusing at close range, it was immediately beloved by many professionals and became part of their arsenal. Of course, shooting wide-angle requires experience and a deep understanding of many aspects of photography, but it’s fun to learn, and the results justify the effort.