Debangshu's new Nikon

[debangshu]

I bought my first SLR Nikon D90 today. Need to know it quickly and join you all here. ;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4587210124_5b5a0a26f7_o.jpg

[suvo]

I bought my first SLR Nikon D90 today. Need to know it quickly and join you all here. ;)


Congo dude...

[robin234]

congrats man :D and cheers to you that you got with warranty :D

well ,I prefer grey stuff lol

[Devaiah PA]

I bought my first SLR Nikon D90 today. Need to know it quickly and join you all here. ;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4587210124_5b5a0a26f7_o.jpg

Congratulations......lots of D90s at TPIN..
By reducing the price of D90 Nikon has given a offer which cannot be rejected while buying a DSLR.
Lots of offers going on in US market on Nikon DSLRs...
D90 production life is almost ending or ended, Amazon does not sell it anymore..only through 3rd parties.

Whatever comes next is also worth the wait... Atleast for the new AF system(atleast 51 point)....Birding is more affordable...

[Bibudesh]

Congratulations......lots of D90s at TPIN..
By reducing the price of D90 Nikon has given a offer which cannot be rejected while buying a DSLR.
Lots of offers going on in US market on Nikon DSLRs...
D90 production life is almost ending or ended, Amazon does not sell it anymore..only through 3rd parties.

Whatever comes next is also worth the wait... Atleast for the new AF system(atleast 51 point)....Birding is more affordable...

D90 is no more available with the dealers in US.

Speculation are there that they are building something which is between D90 and D300/D300s. It is expected to have a 32 point AF system and even better high ISO performance than D300/s (D90 has a better sensor than D300 anyway) ..

It is going to have an improvised HD recording capability to beat the 550D.
I am kinda sure that it is going to be a better deal than 550D. Canon are u listening? Come out of your conventional AF system.

AF system was one major reason for me to choose the D300 over a 50D.

There are also speculation of many VR and VR-II lenses in pipeline. A long awaited 300mm f/4 VR and a replacement of 80-400mm has extreme possibility. I have seen people selling off their 300mm f/4 quite fastly these days bcoz of this speculation.

With all these advancements going on, I think people will end up wasting time in only upgrades rather than concentrating on their core i.e. Photography.

I have seen many idiots upgrading from a D300 to D300s or a D90 to D300/s without any justifiable reason (No, they dont want video).

[KrishnenduKes]

Created New Discussion Thread

[Cyclops]

Congratulations Debangshu for your new D90 DSLR. A fine camera, indeed. Like Robin, I'm a grey mart person. ;)

My $0.02: I don't follow speculations or look for new releases of lenses for 2 reasons: (1) I can't afford 'em. (2) Current equipment (6MPx & 18-200mm) suits my current needs & I'm no pro to keep upgrading every now & then.

[Technocrat]

Congrats Dude :)

How much did you get it for?

[shutterbug]

Congrats Debangshu! Good choice and like we used to say when we were little kids, same pinch, I am also a Nikonian.

[amby]

Congrats didnt knew there was a member from siliguri in here ,where did you get the cam from spectrum colour labs?at what price?did they give you discount?and where do you intend to take the lenses from dhulabari or from bagdogra?

[KrishnenduKes]

I guess the summer is taking its toll. This is a thread about Debangshu's new D90!

We can take this heat elsewhere. Just create a new thread and I will gladly approve it and even invite susceptible people into it!!! :D

Edit Just moved the posts to: http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/showthread.php?t=850

[debangshu]

Hi All,
Sorry, I never knew there was a complete new thread over my new D90, I just got here today by chance. Thats a pleasant surprise. Thanks Ken da.

Created New Discussion Thread
Thanks a ton.

Congrats Dude :)

How much did you get it for?
Well I got a good discount ;) bargained hard to settle below 53K.

Congrats didnt knew there was a member from siliguri in here ,where did you get the cam from spectrum colour labs?at what price?did they give you discount?and where do you intend to take the lenses from dhulabari or from bagdogra?
Spectrum quoted a price thats displayed on the Nikon website although they promised a discount as much they can and kept my contact no. also. But they took a lot of time to give me a call back to have a look at the camera and finalize the deal. I had inquired about it at other studios also and Zoom gave me the best deal and they got it in 24 hrs from Kolkata.

As for lenses I am open to all options as soon as I can get my bank balance back to a condition to buy one ;). Meanwhile I got a UV filter and a CPL from ebay.

[KrishnenduKes]

Hi All,
Sorry, I never knew there was a complete new thread over my new D90, I just got here today by chance. Thats a pleasant surprise. Thanks Ken da.



Good one. So finally you found this and answered some of the questions. But... now how about some good samples.

[debangshu]

Good one. So finally you found this and answered some of the questions. But... now how about some good samples.

With Pleasure... So here we go..

Understanding the metering was the trickiest part for me of all. Certainly there are others aspects as well.

Started with all set to Auto - amazing focus and what a speed...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4624346785_7c5b13c57f.jpg

Testing Manual Focusing
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4625002282_a8c2bf8c82.jpg

Night and Long Exposure shots: I mostly get the nights to try ;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4626967043_2c5272665d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4627573698_734a12751d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4624398243_d3c46f0c18.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/4624398125_400a810935.jpg

Bokeh... Focus & White Balance set to Cool Fluorescent
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4679504854_15cc0e4fdc.jpg

I'll be looking forward to your C&C on how to make the shots better.

[KrishnenduKes]

With Pleasure... So here we go..

Understanding the metering was the trickiest part for me of all. Certainly there are others aspects as well.

Started with all set to Auto - amazing focus and what a speed...
I'll be looking forward to your C&C on how to make the shots better.

We have seen the first two. I liked them.

I also liked the knife shot. In fact, I liked the knife itself!

[synn]

Spend as much time as you can learning Nikon's multi-segment metering. It's hands down the best system out there, but needs a sound understanding from the photographer's part to get the most out of it.

Same goes for the AF system.

Ken Rockwell's D90 guide should be of great help to you on this regard.

[debangshu]

We have seen the first two. I liked them.

I also liked the knife shot. In fact, I liked the knife itself!

Hehe, Thats one of my prized possessions ;).

Spend as much time as you can learning Nikon's multi-segment metering. It's hands down the best system out there, but needs a sound understanding from the photographer's part to get the most out of it.

Same goes for the AF system.

Ken Rockwell's D90 guide should be of great help to you on this regard.
Yes I totally agree and am trying my best to understand it ASAP. Yes, I do follow Ken Rockwell. Thanks

As for today a few more shots

नीम के पत्ते - Playing with Exposure Compensation
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4656443205_907a517900_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4656442749_6c54cc40cf_b.jpg

Trying to get a dark Background at mid day sunlight
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4678872563_11dff0a607_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4656441907_5949d4c2ba_b.jpg

Thats about it for now. will keep on updating regularly... looking for your C&C

[robin234]

loved those neem composition

[KrishnenduKes]

The Azadirachta Indica sure had very good light on the leaves.

[debangshu]

Its been 2 months since I am engaged rather married to the D90 and after much considerations, trials and learning would like to point out a few things. Hope this would help other DSLR seeking aspirants. Although I have very little or almost no knowledge of photography and most of its equipments and like to avoid long post processing sessions so with what little I have learned I would like to share. Please, please, please feel free to correct me if I am wrong and guide me further. Thanks.

NIKON D90 my views not reviews

1) A DSLR is not a WYSIWYG

2) The Metering Mode is important: Matrix Metering of D90 is accurate and claims to be the best. I am happy with it but like the Spot metering also; give a vignetting effect to the image sometimes

3) I love to be in total control of the shot so the Manual Mode is the best for me

4) We can shoot is 0 EV but underexposing just a stop or two is not bad either. Exposure Compensation is handy and Bracketing (with or without Flash) is cool.

5) ISO: Wow! performances under low lights is great beyond my expectation but surely turn on the Noise Reduction accordingly. I have set it to 'High'

6) White Balance: This is what surprised me the most and made me understand how important it is to get the right colours. Please see the light and set the WB mostly the presets are good but feel free to set your own as per the light.

7) ADL: Adaptive D-Lighting (Adaptive Dynamic Range as per Kenrockwell sirji), well this I see as an add-on which can certainly turn around the photograph specially in light and shadow areas. I now prefer to have it 'Off' to bring in the depth in the photograph but the good thing is we have a Bracketing Mode for it. I am not sure if Nikon wanted to project it as the HDR feature.

8) Focusing: Manual and Auto - just Sweet. There is an indicator to tell if the subject is in focus or not even for Manual mode. AF mode Auto is best in all times but for moving the AF Continuous Servo is recommended. Autofocus I use the Single point but have tried others too, 3D tracking Mode is interesting although haven't been able to test it on field.

9) Picture controls: Here's the catch ;) mostly its set to Standard and believe me its too good under certain lightings conditions and good in most. But do try others. The best part we can tweak it to any part, create our own as required. Yes! Brightness and Contrast can be adjusted only if the ADL is set to Off.

10) Displays: One on top, the Main display and the View finder. Info button is really helpful as the on touch access to multiple options even the viewfinder options and top display option. But the top LCD panel is what keeps calling me and telling me: "I am alive - you have these many shots left" - yeah it shows the counter even when the camera is off and when On it is all populated with options, handy really handy. Main display is brilliant.

There are many other options and buttons but as you see I can go on and on lets keep it for next time.

Special Note : I have a Circular Polarizer and UV filter most of the time attached to the lens.

Attaching a few files for easy comparison will update more.

[Devaiah PA]

6) White Balance: This is what surprised me the most and made me understand how important it is to get the right colours. Please see the light and set the WB mostly the presets are good but feel free to set your own as per the light.

Try PRE setting for WB... check out this video on how to use it...
You will never complain again.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MQTO9tiXb0

Awaiting your feedback...

[debangshu]

Try PRE setting for WB... check out this video on how to use it...
You will never complain again.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MQTO9tiXb0

Awaiting your feedback...

Thanks, but its not a complain. I was amazed to see how important it is. And yes I have done the PRE WB. I would certainly encourage everyone to have the WB preset as per the light conditions. Its really easy and quick. I even have saved the WB setting for the light in my room at d1 position.

[hensil]

With Pleasure... So here we go..

Understanding the metering was the trickiest part for me of all. Certainly there are others aspects as well.

Started with all set to Auto - amazing focus and what a speed...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4624346785_7c5b13c57f.jpg

Testing Manual Focusing
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4625002282_a8c2bf8c82.jpg

Night and Long Exposure shots: I mostly get the nights to try ;)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4626967043_2c5272665d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4627573698_734a12751d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4624398243_d3c46f0c18.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/4624398125_400a810935.jpg

Bokeh... Focus & White Balance set to Cool Fluorescent
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4679504854_15cc0e4fdc.jpg

I'll be looking forward to your C&C on how to make the shots better.

Hi Deb,
Excuse me for digging out this old thread. I was just browsing the forums and came across this.
Can you tell me what is the exif data (shutter speed) for the night sky shot if you still have the picture? I cannot see the exif, guess you have stripped it.
I guess, the stars that you see in the pictures are not stars buy hot pixels. Every DSLR has a long exposure noise reduction mode. This feature reduces the hot pixel considerably by exposing a dark frame immediately after the exposure. What it means is, if you expose the shot for 3 mins the camera will expose for 6 mins (3 mins black) and subtract the hot pixels from black.
Just for the knowledge of others who don't know.
Henry

[Devaiah PA]

Hi Deb,
Excuse me for digging out this old thread. I was just browsing the forums and came across this.
Can you tell me what is the exif data (shutter speed) for the night sky shot if you still have the picture? I cannot see the exif, guess you have stripped it.
I guess, the stars that you see in the pictures are not stars buy hot pixels. Every DSLR has a long exposure noise reduction mode. This feature reduces the hot pixel considerably by exposing a dark frame immediately after the exposure. What it means is, if you expose the shot for 3 mins the camera will expose for 6 mins (3 mins black) and subtract the hot pixels from black.
Just for the knowledge of others who don't know.
Henry

But most pixels are not visible, unless you crop at 100% or atleast 50%(if the resize SW algorithm maintains that set of coordinates in the output)

[debangshu]

@hensil: Thanks for such detailed explanation, I am glad that you found this thread and more than happy to dig out the shots. I had heard about something similar but never understood it properly. The exifs are same for both the star shots just the date and time differences. These are my first trials so many things & settings were just left to the defaults. Please tell me are these just hot pixels? What would have happened if I turned the Noise reductions off?

Exif
File: DSC_0308.jpg
Date Created: 12/05/2010 11:09:18 PM
Date Modified: 12/05/2010 11:09:18 PM
File Size: 4.04 MB
Image Size: L (4288 x 2848)
File Info 2
Date Shot: 12/05/2010 23:08:37.00
Time Zone and Date: UTC+5:30, DST:OFF
Image Quality: Jpeg Fine (8-bit)
Artist:
Copyright:
Image Comment:
Camera Info
Device: Nikon D90
Lens: VR 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G
Focal Length: 18mm
Focus Mode: Manual
AF-Area Mode: Single
VR: ON
AF Fine Tune:
Exposure
Aperture: F/3.5
Shutter Speed: 20s
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Exposure Tuning:
Metering: Center-Weighted
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 500
Flash
Flash Sync Mode:
Flash Mode:
Flash Exposure Comp.:
Colored Filter:
Image Settings
White Balance: Auto, 0, 0
Color Space: sRGB
High ISO NR: OFF
Long Exposure NR: ON
Active D-Lighting: Auto
Image Authentication:
Vignette Control:
Auto Distortion Control:
Picture Control
Picture Control: [VI] VIVID
Base: [VI] VIVID
Quick Adjust: 0
Sharpening: 4
Contrast: Active D-Lighting
Brightness: Active D-Lighting
Saturation: 0
Hue: 0

[KrishnenduKes]

Hi Deb,
Excuse me for digging out this old thread. I was just browsing the forums and came across this.
Can you tell me what is the exif data (shutter speed) for the night sky shot if you still have the picture? I cannot see the exif, guess you have stripped it.
I guess, the stars that you see in the pictures are not stars buy hot pixels. Every DSLR has a long exposure noise reduction mode. This feature reduces the hot pixel considerably by exposing a dark frame immediately after the exposure. What it means is, if you expose the shot for 3 mins the camera will expose for 6 mins (3 mins black) and subtract the hot pixels from black.
Just for the knowledge of others who don't know.
Henry

I do not think that those are hot pixels since I can recognise the constellations! :) (At least the one in the first one for sure.)

[hensil]

I do not think that those are hot pixels since I can recognise the constellations! :) (At least the one in the first one for sure.)

Hi Ken,
Well, I have no idea of astronomy. May be that's an constellation, but I have my doubts. Let me point out to some of meta data facts which tells me that it is hot pixels.
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 500- This is high for a long shutter.
High ISO NR: OFF- This will surely give hot pixels
Shutter Speed: 20s- At 20s there should have been some trails in the star.

Let me go home and try a simple experiment. You and Deb can also try.
Keep the same settings as deb's and try 30s exposure with lens cap on. I am sure there will be hot pixels looking like stars.:)

Deb, some tips for shooting long exposure.
Keep minimum ISO
Shoot manual exposure and focus.- You did that.:D
Keep VR off whenever on tripod- You had it on.
Keep this Long Exposure NR: ON-You had it on.:D
Keep Active D-Lighting: Off- You had it On. You don't want the camera to add brightness unnecessarily.
Most important, shoot in raw

Did your camera shoot the black frame after the exposure? This is associated with Long Exposure NR: ON

Henry

[KrishnenduKes]

Hi Ken,
Well, I have no idea of astronomy. May be that's an constellation, but I have my doubts. Let me point out to some of meta data facts which tells me that it is hot pixels.
Henry

Maybe there are hot pixels.

But in the first photograph I can clearly without any inkling of a doubt see Ursa Major exactly in the shape and size and position that it is supposed to be! :)

There may be hot pixels other than that; that I am not sure of!

[debangshu]

@hensil: I already tried a few things just after posting here yesterday night. Yes, with Noise reduction ON after a 20s shot the camera takes a similar time to present the image for viewing. The manual says the the processing time with this setting ON will take around 1.5 to 2 times long to process an image. After the shutter is closed at 20s the camera shows "Job NR" busy and about after 15-20 sec only I see the image. Yesterday I turned the Long Exposure Noise Reduction & High ISO Noise reduction Off and tried, the Images came just after the shutter closes i.e no processing time. So I guess what you said is quite true. D90 has the capability of Multiple exposures and it may silently use it saying as Noise reduction but is that turning the stars into hot pixels I doubt it.

I have got star trails also, even these images have trails but I guess the length of the star trails also depends on their position & my position relative to the earth's rotation and their path and time of the shot. The trails of Ursa major (Big dipper) are smaller when compared to the trails of Orion for the same exposure time. The Ursa major was just above my house almost at 90deg angle towards the North but the Orion was on the Southern Sky farther around 45-50deg from my view travelling from east to west. If you set the focus on the Pole star at north and give a long exposure you will see that the trails of the stars towards southern tip are longer than the ones near the pole star.

View these larger files to compare

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/5731164568_4d841d3403_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/5730613007_84fba3aae8_b.jpg

File Info 1
File: DSC_2761.NEF
Date Created: 04/12/2010 1:21:50 AM
Date Modified: 04/12/2010 6:02:35 PM
File Size: 8.31 MB
Image Size: L (4288 x 2848)
File Info 2
Date Shot: 04/12/2010 01:21:17.00
Time Zone and Date: UTC+5:30, DST:OFF
Image Quality: Compressed RAW (12-bit)
Artist:
Copyright:
Image Comment:
Camera Info
Device: Nikon D90
Lens: 50mm F/1.8D
Focal Length: 50mm
Focus Mode: AF-C
AF-Area Mode: Auto
VR:
AF Fine Tune:
Exposure
Aperture: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 15s
Exposure Mode: Manual
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Exposure Tuning:
Metering: Matrix
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 500
Flash
Flash Sync Mode:
Flash Mode:
Flash Exposure Comp.:
Colored Filter:
Image Settings
White Balance: Auto, 0, 0
Color Space: sRGB
High ISO NR: OFF
Long Exposure NR: ON
Active D-Lighting: Auto
Image Authentication:
Vignette Control:
Auto Distortion Control:
Picture Control
Picture Control: [SD] STANDARD
Base: [SD] STANDARD
Quick Adjust: +2
Sharpening: 5
Contrast: Active D-Lighting
Brightness: Active D-Lighting
Saturation: +2
Hue: 0

[hensil]

Sorry Deb and Ken,
The larger files have cleared my doubt. Yes, this is constellation and I can see the trail, even though it is small. Notice the trail of all stars in the same direction.
I guess we learned some points from this discussion. I need to learn about stars.:D
Henry

[surya@64]

Hot pixels are part long exposure Astrophotography. There are different techniques to avoid this...

These are inherent of the COMOS & CCD image sensors. In case of long exposure Astrophotography its taken care by stacking number of small exposures & its results in what is called noise cancellation technique.

Coming to the pic. that deb has taken....its a constellation USRA MAJOR..in first pic. and URSA MINOR...both in the northern sky. They are also called BIG DIPPER AND LITTLE DIPPER...

In fact the URSA MAJOR...points to the north celatial pole also know as pole star.

Here is a image done in 2006...with my 350d. for 30sec. The constellation of Orion.
Its one exposure...no stacking involved...I did not know the technique then.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/5732291921_a5187ee660_b.jpg

Regards.

[hensil]

Hi Prakash,
You, Ken, Deb and quite other few on this forum have good knowledge of astronomy. For were did you all acquire all this knowledge?
I do sometime shoot star trails but very, very rarely use digital. For this I have my trusted Nikon FM2 (completely manual camera-the shutter works without battery) film camera.
Henry

[surya@64]

Hi Prakash,
You, Ken, Deb and quite other few on this forum have good knowledge of astronomy. For were did you all acquire all this knowledge?
I do sometime shoot star trails but very, very rarely use digital. For this I have my trusted Nikon FM2 (completely manual camera-the shutter works without battery) film camera.
Henry

I have been doing Amateur Astronomy since last 30yrs. I teach and build Reflector telescopes. Night sky observation and Astrophotography is my other hobby...( although I have not done too much of Astrophotography except moon ) due to it being equipment intensive....But will do serious Astrophotography a little later.

Check out my flicker account for some solar eclipse pic. Regards.

[hensil]

Flicker is blocked in our office. I'll see it once home.
Henry

[surya@64]

Just one image...before you go back home...Henry.

it is the 2009 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE...in india. was marred by clouds...The color is due to different temp. setting to bring out the solar flares in the rim.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3764305709_b148356d43_o.jpg

Regards.

[hensil]

Just one image...before you go back home...Henry.

it is the 2009 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE...in india. was marred by clouds...The color is due to different temp. setting to bring out the solar flares in the rim.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3764305709_b148356d43_o.jpg

Regards.

The moon is on fire. Very nice image.
Thanks
Henry

[KrishnenduKes]

Looks like this thread has been completely hijacked from the original topic! :D :D But I guess we learned quite a few things.

Hi Prakash,
You, Ken, Deb and quite other few on this forum have good knowledge of astronomy. For were did you all acquire all this knowledge?
I do sometime shoot star trails but very, very rarely use digital. For this I have my trusted Nikon FM2 (completely manual camera-the shutter works without battery) film camera.
Henry

Henry, I have no knowledge about Astrophotography whatsoever. Cameras need to be heavily modified. There is an Astrophotgraphy thread even on the forum somewhere started by a Dr Sureshmohan I think. He does not post anymore. Very informative.

About Astronomy or Astrophysics, I have even less knowledge. I just about know the Ursa Major, Orion with the belt and the scimitar, Leo (too big for me to put together) and Cassiopeia. That is where my knowledge ends!

Brilliant shot Prakash!

[debangshu]

Wow! so much action. I am loving it :)

Thanks to Henry really.

As for my knowledge well I am in touch with the people of the Sky Watchers Association of North Bengal - SWAN (http://www.skywatchersindia.com) but mostly my knowledge of astrophotography is due to my experiments in the night, the time that I get to play with my camera after a long day at office. I consult with Mr. Debasis Sarkar at SWAN to clear my doubts, I regard him as a mentor and guide who really brought me into photography and forced me to buy my DSLR.

@Surya anna: the SWAN were doing pretty good job here and have covered the TSE very nicely, do check out their site sometime.

BTW my DSLR completed its First year on 7th May 2011.

[KrishnenduKes]

BTW my DSLR completed its First year on 7th May 2011.

Congratulations! (Since this is the Nikon thread)

I am sure you are more than happy with your DSLR. :)

[debangshu]

Congratulations! (Since this is the Nikon thread)

I am sure you are more than happy with your DSLR. :)
Thanks Da, yes we understand each other better now so quite happy and enjoying clicking :)

[amby]

No Updates?

[KrishnenduKes]

No Updates?

Oh he has been shooting and posting all over the forum. Some shots are really good.