...

NIKON DF: Less light, more wine?ā€¦

REVIEW * TEST SHOOTING * SPECIAL PROJECT * PHOTO CONTEST

A top-of-the-line professional reporterā€™s camera specifically built to handle any conditions. Shooting without flash is usually necessary to avoid drawing attention to yourself and to preserve the natural lighting pattern. Such a camera in the Nikon family is the D4. A sensor similar to a reporterā€™s is found in the Nikon Df. When I set out to shoot a commercial event, without having any advertising purpose, I purposely decided not to use flash and to evaluate the image sensor for indoor shooting. I started as usual with a very gentle ISO speed. The lobby of an upscale hotel is bright, with sunlight streaming in through huge windows, and no need for very high ISO settings.

Master class led by photographer Andrian KOLOTILIN

Nikon

Photo 20. ISO 800, shutter speed 1/160 s, aperture f/13. AND_5403.jpg

Once the action starts in the hall with artificial light, you have to increase the sensitivity a lot and open the lens aperture all the way. Even at high sensitivities of 4000 ISO, the structure of cloth, eyelashes and hair, details that are used to visually check the entire optical system of the camera, consisting of the lens, sensor and mathematical algorithms of signal conversion, are preserved in the focus point.

SLR cameras

Photo 21. ISO 4000, shutter speed 1/125 s, aperture f/4. AND_5291.jpg

Further decrease of light intensity causes necessity of using even higher values of ISO and high luminosity interchangeable optics. The focus system continues to do its job confidently. However, my eyes I wear glasses can no longer appreciate the quality of a focused image in a sufficiently large and bright viewfinder.

In such cases, I always set up an audible and luminous confirmation of focus, and use those signals as a guide. And in order to avoid slightly blurry images, I prioritize the AF quality over the shutter release speed in the AF settings menu, as if to tell the camera, ā€œAim accurately first, then shoot. We donā€™t want any blurry photos.

SLR cameras

Picture 22. ISO 5000, shutter speed 1/320 s, aperture f/2.8. AND_5191.jpg

Even higher ISO speeds of 6400 and 8000 also produce reportage-quality images. Auto white balance has a slight tendency to enhance the red-yellow tones. However, there is no special button for operative regulation of color balance in the camera, the white balance adjustment can be performed from the menu, or after shooting processing in graphics programs.

Nikon

Photo 23. ISO 6400, shutter speed 1/250 s, aperture f/3.2. AND_5180.jpg

Even at the upper limit of 12800 ISO, the ISO speed is still fair, t.e. Using such sensitivity doesnā€™t cause picture-destroying noise and the picture doesnā€™t lose details, especially in the scene-relevant part. Consequently, for reportage photography, you can confidently use the full sensitivity range when you donā€™t want to draw too much attention to yourself.

Photo equipment

Photo 24. ISO 12800 shutter speed 1/250 s, aperture f/4. AND_5130.jpg

It is worth noting that in other cases where the quality of color and image contrast is very important, such as advertising or wedding reports, you can and should use an external source of additional lighting, such as a reflected flash or LED light bar.

OVERVIEW * WILDLIFE * REPORTAGE IN THE FIRE * DAYTIME SHOOTING

Rate this article
( No ratings yet )
John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

Home appliances. Televisions. Computers. Photo equipment. Reviews and tests. How to choose and buy.
Comments: 3
  1. Nicholas Hunter

    What is the significance of the phrase ā€œless light, more wineā€ in relation to the NIKON DF? Can someone explain if it refers to a specific feature, concept, or experience associated with this camera?

    Reply
    1. Rowan

      The phrase ā€œless light, more wineā€ is not directly associated with any specific feature, concept, or experience related to the Nikon DF camera. It seems to be a clever play on words that captures the essence of the cameraā€™s capabilities. The phrase suggests that with the Nikon DFā€™s impressive low-light performance (less light), photographers can capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the mention of ā€œmore wineā€ could imply that the camera allows photographers to enjoy their passion for photography to the fullest, enhancing their overall experience. However, itā€™s important to note that this interpretation is subjective, and the phrase itself may not have an official or intended significance from Nikonā€™s perspective.

      Reply
    2. Clementine

      The phrase ā€œless light, more wineā€ in relation to the Nikon DF does not refer to a specific feature, concept, or experience associated with the camera. It is actually a tagline used in Nikonā€™s advertising campaign for the DF. The phrase is suggestive of the cameraā€™s ability to capture high-quality images even in low light conditions, allowing photographers to focus on their passion while minimizing technical limitations. It emphasizes the cameraā€™s low-light performance, making it an ideal choice for capturing memorable moments, regardless of lighting conditions.

      Reply
Add Comments