PhotoComment July 2010

Portfolios: Simon Davidson Elsa Gousard

JULY 2010 ISSUE NO. 17 FREE ONLINE

Product Review Nikon D3s

Worldwide Photowalk 2010

CONTENTS

JULY 2010

Editor’s Comment

4

Event Report

18

Snap II Exhibition

Scoop

6

All about what is happening in the photographic world locally and internationally

Product Review

24

Nikon D3s by Ian Cooper

Reader’s Portfolio

8

Simon Davidson

Final Comment

27

Keep Shooting

Events

13

Worldwide Photowalk 2010

Reader’s Portfolio

14

Final Photo

28

ElsaGousard - Camera Club

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Front Cover Image by: Alet Pretorius Snap II Exhibition

EDITOR’S COMMENT

C

an you believe that the World Cup is over, life

through a beginners photographic course. By

seems to be returning to its hurried and

registering for our website news updates before the

impatient self again – if Johannesburg drivers are

end of the month, you will also stand a chance to

anything to go by – and sadly in some ways it

win a copy of Scott Kelby’s ‘The Digital

already feels like the faint memory of a distant past.

Photography Book’ volume 1.

To try hang onto those memories. We still have our

Speaking of Scott Kelby, the 24th July 2010 is the

2010 Kick Off Competition running, but the closing

Annual World Wide Photowalk. We will be

date is for the 25th July 2010 so hurry and enter on

attending the Melville walk and you can find out

our competition page at PhotoComment.net.

more details inside this issue.

In this issue we get a review from Ian Cooper – a

Hope you enjoy.

working professional – on Nikon’s D3s. We also take a look at the work of Simon Davidson and Elsa

Tristan Hall - Founder

Goussard.

Don’t forget to keep following our website. We have Click on the Icon to listen to the Editors Comment

a new feature ‘Mental Resolution’ where we will be following a complete newbie on their journey

SUBMIT YOUR PORTFOLIO Regular readers of PhotoComment Magazine will

Send us no more than 10 of your best images with

know that in each issue we publish a professional

your contact details to

portfolio and either a reader’s or student’s portfolio.

magazine@photocomment.net with “Portfolio for

This is your chance to get your images published.

PhotoComment” as the subject. Make sure the

For each issue we (the editors assisted by a panel of

images are in JPEG format and no larger than 1

industry leading photographers) will choose a

Megabyte each (or closest too). We will contact you

portfolio from each category that inspires and

if we need any more information or to ask you some

celebrates the art and craft of photography. Include a

questions. Needless to say that the standard will be

self-portrait accompanied by a brief introduction of

high and uncompromising so please put your best

yourself, your style and your philosophy.

foot forward.

New Sony Cyber-shots

S

It has been a fairly quiet time in terms of photographic news, the silence before the storm of releases being speculated about for Photokina in September perhaps, but let’s take a look at what has been announced.

To keep up to date with the latest news see our blog at http://photocomment.net

ony have done some updating to their Cyber-shot range with the introduction of a DSC-WX5, TX9 and T99. Perhaps the least exciting of the three is the T99 which while keeping true to the stylish, high-end appeal that has become associated with the T-series of Cyber-shots, the camera sticks with the more common 14mp CCD sensor and 720p HD video.

Canon Firmware for EOS 550D & 1D Mark IV

W

e said there was not a lot of exciting news at the moment but that doesn’t mean some of it isn’t important, like the new firmware updates for Canon’s EOS 1D Mark IV and 550D. According to Canon’s site firmware 1.0.8 “Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses)”. On the 1D Mk IV it also “Corrects misspellings in the French and Spanish menus for applicable products.” Okay, so maybe this news is a little bit exciting.

It is really the TX9 and WX5 that are the exciting models here. Those who have read our reviews of Sony’s cameras with their new Exmor R CMOS sensors will know we have been blown away by them.

Sony now lift the resolution on the sensor for these models from 10mp to 12mp, adding 1080 AVCHD video and 3D Sweep Panorama. While we are hesitant to see if the noise levels are going to be as low on these higher resolutions models, the geek in us is rather exited by the 3D feature, if only there was a better way to view the images than on 3D TV that cost more than a used car.

Sony’s NEX-VG10 Video Camera?

O

kay so strictly speaking this is not photographic news, but at the same time it is and here is why.

The NEX-VG10 is a consumer targeted (though at a suggested retail of $2000 one has to ask what level of consumer) Handy-cam video camera that used the new E-mount found on the Alpha NEX cameras.

How many of you have ever found a consumer, changeable lens video camera? The import thing here is that this Handy-cam uses the same sensor that is in the NEX cameras and can shoot 14mp still images. The only catch is it wont capture RAW files... could this be the first real convergence camera from the video side of the fence?

Sony NEX gets 3D Sweep Panorama

A

s promised at the time of launch of the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5, July saw the release of a firmware update that allows these new cameras to shoot 3D Sweep Panoramas. Exciting stuff, if you can find a way to conveniently view the images there may be a serious application for it outside of the ‘show off’ domain. Keep a look out for a full review coming soon.

READER’S PORTFOLIO

SIMON DAVIDSON

PC: Are you a photographic purist or a post production dogmatist?

SD: That is a tough one but I would say I lean more towards being a photographic purist as I believe you can’t spruce up a badly composed and over exposed image into an incredible piece of artwork. But rather, you can take a fantastic photograph and bump it up into being an image with a serious ‘WOW’ factor. At the end of the day I think it all depends on the field of photography you are working in; as photography for advertising will definitely rely a lot more on post production work than that of a wildlife photographer.

I’m all about composition and strategically placing certain objects in the foreground and background; the rule of thirds plays a big role in most of my images.

PC: What role do you see your photography playing in society?

SD: I wouldn’t say my photography has much of an influence on society as of yet because photography isn’t a profession for me. Nevertheless, I generally try to evoke an emotional response from people who look at my work; whether it be one of happiness, sadness, or even a sense of mystery. At the end of the day, I believe that something that most people find ordinary can be captured from a creative angle and totally different perspective turning it into something extraordinary!

PC: What do you shoot with?

SD: I shoot with a Canon EOS 400D and almost always use my Sigma 18 – 200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC lens.

But I also have two other lenses; a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II and a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III. All

PC: What plans do you have for the future?

SD: I am currently still studying full time at University but I’ve always had a dream of working as a photographer for National Geographic; we’ve all got to have dreams!

my gear is on the budget side of the DSLR range but I hope to invest in some quality equipment sometime in the future.

READER’S PORTFOLIO

PC: What is your favourite image and why?

SD: That is a difficult question to answer because I have so many favourites. But if I was to single one out from the crowd, it would be the black & white image I took of a young boy in India playing with his soccer ball on the local cricket field.

Why? Well… for starters the composition is good and the way in which the rays of sun shine down through the trees helps to add warmth to the image, but more importantly I feel that this image tells its own story and; from my point of view; it evokes an emotional response each and every time I look at it.

PC: How did you get into photography?

SD: I don’t think there was any one significant event that got me interested in photography but I’ve always been a fan of National Geographic and wildlife documentaries which you could say gave rise to most of my interest in photography. That being the case; I first started taking photographs back in 2004 using an

SIMON DAVIDSON

old Sony Cybershot 3.2 megapixel camera and from there, my interest has simply become more and more prominent.

PC: Any personal projects you are working on and willing to share?

SD: At present I am not working on any photography related projects but my head is always full of new ideas which are yet to be put into action. I always have so many ideas but so little time to bring them to life.

PC: How do you keep yourself motivated?

SD: I’m always inspired when I watch National Geographic channel or when I read through the latest issue of the Getaway magazine! I’m also inspired and motivated whenever I see work from other photographers like those of Cameron Cushman and Michael Mauro.

PC: Do you believe that a person must have an ‘eye’ for creating an image naturally or that it is a skill that can

READER’S PORTFOLIO

SIMON DAVIDSON

READER’S PORTFOLIO be learnt?

SD: I do believe that you can be taught certain photography skills and techniques but I also believe that a person must have a natural ‘eye’ for capturing a subject and letting others share in its splendour!

PC: Who are your influences?

SD: I have followed the work of Michael Mauro for several years now and I would say that he and his work have been my biggest influence and drive. But as I’ve already mentioned, watching National Geographic channel always gets me excited about bettering my photography skills and techniques and helps to give me the drive to do better and to keep learning.

PC: When you go out to take photographs, do you go with some ideas or preconceived images that you would like to create for the day or are you a documenter of what you find?

SD: Sometimes I do go out with certain preconceived images that I have conjured up in my mind but I generally go out with a clean slate, blank canvas,

SIMON DAVIDSON ‘fresh role of film’ and when I see a picture perfect moment I focus on it and snap it up!

PC: What is your long-term objective for your photography?

SD: My long term objective would be to keep on learning and to continue enjoying myself because once you no longer have that enjoyment, then your passion and creativity dies with it!

PC: What is your view on image manipulation SD: Image manipulation has been around for a long time, even way back in the day when the dark room was the Photoshop equivalent of today.

Depending on your field of photography, there is nothing wrong with image manipulation to a certain extent. But I personally would rather go out and shoot some great images then simply adjust the brightness, contrast, hue and saturation a bit as well as sharpening if necessary. Over manipulation is a no-no for me!

PC: Where have you seen your greatest improvements in photography?

READER’S PORTFOLIO SD: I think my greatest improvements have been since I bought my first Digital SLR camera back in 2006. It pushed me to start reading up a little bit more about photography and in doing so, I have learned so much just by reading up about what others have learned through their experiences.

PC: Did you study photography or are you self taught?

SD: I have never officially studied photography or ever been on any official photography courses, even though I have always wanted to. I have taught myself all I know, simply by reading up about it in books, magazines and on the internet. But personally I think the real learning happens by taking more and more photographs and by having a look at past big name photographers work. [o]

SIMON DAVIDSON

PROFESSIONAL EVENTS PORTFOLIO

WORLDWIDE PHOTOWALK COLETTE BAILLIE 2010

24 July 2010 o what is a Photo Walk? A Photo Walk is a social photography event where photographers get together (usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town) to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.

S

If you have not yet registered for a Photo Walk head on over to www.worldwidephotowalk.com and put your name down. Unfortunately there is a 50 person limit on each walk, but register anyway and if someone pulls out you could get their slot.

This year the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk is taking place on Saturday 24 July 2010 at a location near you! This year there are over 1000 different groups getting together for the Photo Walk.

PhotoComment is going to be in Melville, on what we are sure is going to be a chilly morning, armed with our cameras ready to participate in this huge event.

This promises to be an exciting event and an oppurtunity to meet and speak to other photographers of all skill levels. Thats right you do not need to be a pro or have a fancy camera to take part.

We look forward to seeing you there and will bring you a report on the event in the next issue. [o]

www.worldwidephotowalk.com

READER’S PORTFOLIO

ELSA GOUSSARD

E

lsa Goussard is a top contributor at Camera Club, an online photography club open to all South African

photographers. Elsa is a multiple winner of Camera Club’s photo competitions and was the first member to win the monthly photo competition 2 months in a row (June and July 2009) – an achievement equalled recently by Peter Dawson.

Elsa has a variety of talents and interests, from playing the djembé (hand drum) to being a self-taught professional digitiser of machine embroidery designs. Elsa did pottery for a number of years and had her own potter’s wheel and kiln.

African Sunset This photo was voted third overall in Camera Club's "Colour Burst" photo competition and appeared on the Camera Club website on 17 May 2009. The photo was taken in Namibia with a Canon 400D.

READER’S PORTFOLIO PC: How did you get started in photography? What developed your interest?

EG: I went to Botswana in 2005 and I only had a video camera with a memory stick. I took a few videos and photos and then realized that I needed a decent camera.

My interest in digital photography really started in 2006 when I bought an Olympus E-500 camera with a 40-150mm lens. I realized after the Botswana trip that I needed a 500mm lens but was shocked at the cost of a 500mm lens for the Olympus. I ended up buying a

ELSA GOUSSARD Canon 400D with a 170-500mm Sigma lens.

PC: What are your favourite photographic subjects and what subjects or situations inspire you?

EG: Wildlife will always be my favourite photographic subject as I love nature and being in the bush. However, thanks to the monthly set subjects of my local photography club, I have developed an interest in photographing anything that can be photographed! Although studio work and

Botshabelo at Night This photo appeared on the Camera Club website on 9 March 2010. The photo was taken at Botshabelo with a Canon EOS 50D using a long exposure, a tripod and a remote shutter release cable. The bright light in the background was due to the lights from Middelburg.

Reader’s Portfolio Sponsored by:

READER’S PORTFOLIO photographing people is not my first choice, it was a wonderful experience to photograph the Ovahimbas in Namibia, and a photo of an Ovahimba woman with her baby is among my favourites.

PC: Do you have any tips on taking photos of wildlife?

EG: I have learnt from experience that lots of patience is required for wildlife photography. It is better to stay at a waterhole for a couple of hours than to drive on when there is nothing to see. There are many

ELSA GOUSSARD opportunities to photograph the abundant birdlife while waiting for the larger animals to arrive.

Wildlife photography has taught me a lot about animal behaviour. The more one knows about animals, the better one is able to read their body language and anticipate good photo opportunities.

PC: Can you share some of your experiences of photographing wildlife?

Smaller Hyena Cub This photo won Camera Club's November 2009 photo competition and appeared on the Camera Club website on 1 December 2009. The photo was taken in the Makalali Concervancy with a Canon EOS-1D Mark III.

READER’S PORTFOLIO EG: I was once photographing crabs on a beach in Mozambique. I chose a spot on the beach and stretched out flat on my stomach to get a good angle. I was so engrossed watching the crabs playing in the foam that I neglected to keep an eye on the incoming tide.

Suddenly all I saw through the lens was white foam and when I looked up the wave was almost upon me. I grabbed my camera bag and camera and held them as high as possible as the wave drenched me up to my waist! Fortunately the photos I took made the

ELSA GOUSSARD discomfort of wet jeans worthwhile!

PC: What is the most important thing you have learned about photography?

EG: Digital photographers need Photoshop! Digital photos definitely benefit from some post processing, which I only learned after joining a photo club.

Initially I was sceptical and thought that better Photoshop skills could produce better photos. I now understand that even the best editing skills won’t make

Crab on Beach This photo appeared on the Camera Club website on 12 November 2009. The photo was taken on the beach at Malangane, Mozambique, with a Canon EOS 50D. Reader’s Portfolio Sponsored by:

READER’S PORTFOLIO a bad photo good, but a good photo can be enhanced to look even better!

PC: Do you think somebody must have an "eye" for photography, or is it a skill that can be learned?

EG: I definitely have an eye for photography and I am sure it makes up for my lack of technical knowledge. I would rather press buttons and see what happens than read a manual – I forget most of the information anyway! However, I believe that photography is a skill

ELSA GOUSSARD that can be learned. Sometimes I still find myself in a situation where I am not sure which aperture or ISO setting would be best for the circumstances and, when time permits, I experiment with different options.

PC: Are you inspired by any other photographers?

EG: Yes, definitely. The best tip I ever received from a fellow photographer was to change my camera settings so I can focus by using the AF-On button at the back of the camera body instead of using the shutter

Red Bishop Taking Off This photo was voted second overall in Camera Club's "Fast Action" photo competition and appeared on the Camera Club website on 16 July 2009. The photo was taken near Elsa's home with a Canon EOS50D at a favourite spot for bird photography.

READER’S PORTFOLIO release button to focus. It took some time to get used to it, but now I never use the shutter button to focus. For me it works well for continuous focusing on fastmoving animals or birds and on high continuous shooting. While I keep my thumb on the AF-On button, the camera keeps focussing and when I release the button it locks the focus. This allows me to recompose the scene whilst the subject remains in focus.

ELSA GOUSSARD PC: What camera and equipment do you have?

EG: I have a Canon EOS 400D, a Canon EOS 50D and a Canon EOS 1D Mark III, often keeping all 3 handy with different lenses.

I use a Wimberley head on a tripod or the Wimberley head with a Badger Gear Basic Base Plate when at a bird hide. I also have a Badger Gear Panning Plate that works really well on a bean bag with a lighter camera and shorter lens. I also use a Standard 3 Way Head on

Fighting Elephant Bulls This photo appeared on the Camera Club website on 8 February 2010. The photo was taken in the Savute, Botswana, with a Canon EOS 400D. Elsa was photographing a baby elephant in the background when these two bulls started to fight right in front of her.

Reader’s Portfolio Sponsored by:

READER’S PORTFOLIO

ELSA GOUSSARD

the tripod when I use a camera with a shorter lens.

photographic organisations?

I have a variety of lenses such as a Canon 10-22mm wide angle lens, a Canon 17-85mm lens, a Canon 70200mm F2.8 lens, a Canon 100mm Macro lens and a Sigma 150-500mm lens. The lenses I use most are the 500mm fixed, the 70-200mm and the 17-85mm.

EG: Yes, I am a proud member of the Midlens Photo Club in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. I am also a member of the Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA). I joined the PSSA and the Midlens Club in 2008 and started to take part in national salons shortly thereafter. Recently I qualified for a PSSA 2 Diamond Rating in Nature photography and a 3 Diamond Rating in Pictorial photography. [o]

Are you a member of a local photography club (other than www.cameraclub.co.za of course) or any

See more of Elsa’s pics at www.cameraclub.co.za/elsagoussard or on Elsa’s website: www.elsasdesigns.com/photography.html Camera Club membership is free and all South Africans are welcome to enter the monthly and theme competitions. For more information, go to www.cameraclub.co.za Reader’s Portfolio Sponsored by:

EVENT REPORT

F

riday 9th July 2010 saw the opening of the Snap II exhibition which you have seen the build up of in PhotoComment over the last few months. I wont say that I have attended a lot of exhibition openings but of the ones I have attended, I don’t think any have had the same excitement and vibe that was enjoyed at this opening.

The images were fantastic with many holding my attention and taking me on a journey of wonder, amusement and soul searching. Images covered

SNAP II EXHIBITION

areas of nature to documentary and abstract or art.

The exhibition is open with 24th July 2010, 15:00 at Platform on 18th Gallery, c/o 18th ave and Chamberlain street, Rietondale, Pretoria.

To Halden Krog, Alet Pretorius, Cornel van Heerden, Theana Calitz, Waldo Swiegers, Lisa Skinner, Gerhard Uys, Herman Verwey & Brenda Veldtman, a hearty congratulations and thank you for a great evening, we look forward to the next one. [o]

& Image, ra e m a C ic Magazine? f h o p y ra p g o c to t o s h P te g la the Longest runnin Have you read South Africa’s e hop or read it th S ra e m a C r o ks Boo ow! l CNA, Exclusiveww.camera-image.co.za right n ca lo u yo t a y p w co ent at Get a print ad PhotoComm re u yo y a w e m sa

If you are unable to find a print copy of Camera & Image please let us know at tristan@commentmedia.co.za

PRODUCT REVIEW

NIKON D3S

The D3s – Nikon’s New Flagship - “The Beast” User Review By: Ian Cooper

T

hree years ago, I started taking photography a little more seriously than I should have…so serious in fact, that come September 2009, I left the corporate world to go full time into photography, and never have I regretted it.

However, this is not why I am writing this column on the Nikon D3s, it’s because I have been truly blown away by the Nikon flagship D3s and so when asked to return a D3s review, I thought it would be much better to give you my opinions and thoughts as to why I first bought the D80, then the D300 and skipped the D3 and went straight for the “beast” which is the sensational and smashing D3s.

When I started thinking that photography was definitely my game I was using a Nikon D80, in fact I have two of them. It is a great enthusiasts camera and it is fabulously easy to use. It does most things that an aspiring photographer would dream of doing…. but, I needed something much more advanced, as by late 2008, I was heading straight for professionalism in photography and thus needed something to carry me through wild life shoots, demanding corporate and event shoots, plus I was starting to get loads of calls from Models to shoot their portfolios…..oooohh yeah baby! So I bought the D300. It has great handling features, it’s speed and low light features are great and handles most lighting situations truly well. There are many great features with the D300 as apposed to the D80, but there comes a time when high ISO performance and a full format sensor cannot be ignored.

What I wasn’t expecting at the time was that I was getting more and more enquiries to shoot weddings.

I have shot many weddings with my D300, using fill-in flash most of the time in low light situations because the noise levels are not that great at the top end of the ISO ratings, but I was becoming quite despondent with some of it’s features such as it’s battery life, frames per second, ISO performances and the lack of a second flash card slot. The cherry on top of the cake was one Saturday last October while I was shooting a wedding and the light was appalling in this particular chapel. Obviously I had to use a Speedlight to fill in where I needed to, but unbeknown to me this was actually becoming an irritant to the Father of the Bride who suddenly stood up rushed up to me and asked me to stop shooting! I think for the rest of the ceremony I

PRODUCT REVIEW

NIKON D3S

probably took another 5 images at the most and those were of the ring exchanges and first kiss!

When it became time to give the Bride her album she was more than upset at not having more images of the ceremony, thanks to her Father!

What I learned afterwards was that the flash was irritating some people in the congregation, including the Priest and obviously the FOB! It was never explained to me that this particular wedding was so deeply against flash photography throughout the ceremony (Bride’s fault), but this incident was to become the main factor and wake up call for me taking the big step to acquiring the D3s.

So why the D3s?

Without getting into heavy stats and technical features about the D3s, I started researching information and visiting helpful camera retailers in order to learn more about the D3s. I learned very quickly that the D3s has amazing low noise level

performance at higher ISO settings and at 102,400 ISO, one could literally shoot in the dark with out being able to see anything through the viewfinder.

This isn’t that much of a gimmick, it does work, and although times will be few and far between when you will be shooting in the dark, at its highest ISO, the camera can amplify light much better than the human eye!Yes of course there will be noise, but this camera has ISO levels that are astonishing, in fact, more than astonishing, more like unbelievable.

I am very left-brained and believe in being near anal about preparation, planning and being constructive.

When I am messing with a Bride’s most important day of her life, shooting away and my flash card dies on me, what happens next? Not to worry, just like the D3, the D3s has two flash card slots. You can either use both slots as “over-flow” for a much improved maximum allowable shot capacity, or you can set the camera to shoot RAW on the first card and jPeg on the 2nd…why I have no idea…who shoots on jPeg anyway? It’s a great safety feature to have. I just want it in case I get very excited, over shoot and suddenly need more storage, and without scrounging my bag for another card while the Bride and Groom get

PRODUCT REVIEW irritated, the camera simply moves onto the 2nd card, seamlessly.

The other major reason why I wanted the D3s is that it has some funny little buttons on it, just like the D3 has. Such as the Continuous burst mode in two different speeds, low and high. If you are shooting faster events such as sports then you use CH (Continuous High) or like myself, shooting the Bride “running” down the aisle “screaming at the top of her voice”, “sorry Honey I am late but I am here, please marry me”, I choose CL (Continuous Low).

The other great button is one called the “Quiet” button. Yes that father of the Bride scenario again, if only I had this camera on that day! So you are in the ceremony, you aren’t using a Speedlight because you don’t have to as you are shooting on 3200 ISO and you have switched the camera to “quiet mode”….no it’s not a dream! It’s fact!

Where the D3 has a maximum ISO of 25,600, the D3s goes two stops further, to a previously unheard of 102,400!!! Wow! Yes there is plenty of wow-factor to be had in pointing this camera at a very low lit room and then marveling at the amount of detail returned from a fast shutter speed, that’s why I have mentioned that at 102,400 it may be a bit of a gimmick, but in an emergency, or when the content of a shot means more than the quality, then this is the camera able to do it for you.

You also need not worry about the quantity of light, as you almost always have enough to return a usable shutter speed. Yes the 102,400 ISO is the headline feature, but the real draw is the D3s’s performance a few stops down the line where the D3 or D300 shows large amounts of noise yet with the D3s, its hardly noticeable. Some of my test shots

NIKON D3S had noise starting to creep in at ISO 3200 and not becoming a cause for alarm right through until 25,600.

The D3s’s bulk takes some getting used to, so I was told. However, having owned a D300 with the battery pack and grip, the D3s’s 1.2kg weight was hardly going to weigh me down. The body of the camera is made from tough magnesium alloy with chunky rubber grips and is sealed against water and dust ingress by a series of rubber seals. Once in your hands the D3s feels like it will survive all but the most willful abuse. In fact I would go as far as to say that this camera actually feels bombproof. It wouldn’t surprise me if Nikons next batch of D3s’s were hijacked in transit from OR Tambo to Kyalami, only to re-surface on the streets of Johannesburg in the hands of criminals using them as new-aged weaponry! Jokes aside, this camera feels like military-grade construction; it’s truly that robust. It

PRODUCT REVIEW actually feels so good; it literally screams out, “use me”!

The other major point of improvement, which turns into a great feature for me, is the battery life. I can shoot a 10-hour wedding and still have approximately ¼ of the battery life left. This is truly amazing. With the D300, both the batteries in the grip and camera would be finished within 7 or 8 hours.

So, in a nutshell the most important pros and con’s I can summarize from a personal level are that the D3s has: ?

Extremely high ISO and low noise performance ?

Large 3 inch LCD ?

Very quiet ?

It is very easy to use ?

Accurate Auto Focus ?

Fast shutter speeds including at high ISO usage ?

Excellent Image quality ?

Full Format sensor ?

Dual CF Card Slots ?

Easy access to controls and menu ?

Battery Life (up to 4, 200 exposures per battery

charge) ?

Very versatile ?

In Camera RAW processing ?

Easy menu access at the bottom of the LCD as

well as n the normal Menu program.

NIKON D3S Anyway, it took me all of 20 minutes of caressing, feeling, prodding, poking, squeezing, ogling and admiring and I placed my order! Well not really, I walked out that shop with my new D3s camera tightly tucked under my arm! I couldn’t wait at the time, as there was a back order as long as my arm.

So I made a plan!

As you can see from my analysis above there is no need for me to give a verdict on what I think of the camera, but I will say that if you are in the market for a new camera, whether you are a wedding, sports, portrait, product or fashion photographer and for more or less the same reasons as above, then do your homework, research the technical articles and make sure it is a need and not a want and I am sure you, like me, will be astonished and will come to appreciate the marvelous capabilities of the D3s.

PRODUCT REVIEW

NIKON D3S

Test Images: The test carried out which again was from a more personal level therefore I used the D80, D300 and the D3s. I took the exact same image with all three cameras at ISO levels of 3200 (D80 highest level) and 6400 and compared the noise levels of all three.

All these test images were shot with the same 24120mm AF-S f3.5 VR lens, on a tripod at 58mm focal length, AWB and at f5.

With the images at 3200, the D80 is clearly showing large noise levels whereas with the D300 it is noticeable, however, the image is also de-saturated and lacks contrast compared to the D3s. The D3s at 3200 shows no sign of noise, has punch and good contrast compared to the other two cameras.

Taking the same images at ISO level (D80 doesn’t feature) the same problems appear. The D300 has large amounts of noise, and is very un-saturated and lacks contrast or punch. Yet look at the D3s at 6400, you can see the minutest amount of noise in the dark and shaded areas, but not enough to get concerned about and it still has loads of contrast, punch and saturation!

D80 - 3200 ISO

D300 - 3200 ISO

D3s - 3200 ISO

Lastly with the test shots I included two more images from the D3s at ISO levels 12800 and Hi 3 which is equivalent to 102,400. Even at 12800, you have to look really closely to see large amounts of noise and the image still has good punch and contrast. Now at Hi3, you can see loads of noise, understandably. [o] D300 - 6400 ISO

D3s - 6400 ISO

D3s - 12800 ISO

D3s - Hi3 (102400)

‘KEEP SHOOTING’

T

oday is Friday 9th July 2010 and by the time you read this, the Soccer World Cup will have come to an end, years of preparation and millions of Rand invested in stadiums, transport etc, will have had their moments of glory and so will the teams. By Sunday we will either have the Dutch wearing short orange miniskirts drinking Bavaria – doesn’t that story make one smile – or the Spanish will be doing the Fandango. All I hope is that we won’t have any more of Paul the Octopus’ predictions upsetting things.

In the end, South Africa has gone through an amazing time and has done really well, all things considered, in the view of international press. Speaking of international press, I don’t know if there has ever been so many photographs taken over such a short period of time in this country as we have had over the World Cup. It has been great, and when all is said and done, that is all we will have left of the memories, that and whatever we do with the spirit that has accompanied our nation.

I guess that is the essence of my final comment for this

issue, a picture really does paint a thousand words. Think of the images you have seen of fans when their team scored or the anguish when they were a goal or two down. An image of the opening goal of the tournament by Bafana Bafana’s Siphiwe Tshabalala will to me, always be the ultimate soccer thrill.

There are also images of tourists visiting and having their first taste of South Africa, the smiles, laughter, and memories.

It is my hope that this will not be the end of the story telling through thec medium of photography on the scale we have seen in this past month. Let’s rally to the cause and continue to shoot. Take part in the Scott Kelby, World Wide Photowalk on the 24th July. Set up a personal project; get a photograph each week of your child’s growth. Do what it takes to get out there and shoot. Stop shopping for an ever increasingly better camera; they will never be as good as the camera you actually pick up and use. [o]

AUGUST 2010 - Winner of the 2010 Kick Off Competition - Report on the Worldwide Photo Walk - Have you submitted your portfoilio? You could be featured in our next issue!

Image By: Simon Davidson

2010