Field Review Nikon D3100 (Day 3)

Camera Nikon D3100 Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50) Aperture f/2.0 Focal Length 35 mm ISO Speed 800

Next in this review: an ISO test. The Nikon D3100 has a higher ISO capability than its predecessor the D3000. Its maximum is IS0 3200 and can go up to ISO 128000 when set to HI 2. I started shooting high ISO’s from day one with this camera. The quality of the images at ISO 800 is very nice with little to no noise. Before reading, you can take a look at Day 2 in this series.

Field Review: Nikon D3100 (Day 2)

Camera Nikon D3100 Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500) Aperture f/4.0 Focal Length 35 mm ISO Speed 100

New Jersey was recently hit with very light snowfall and a good day to take pictures. I took the Nikon D3100with me to my day job. Having a good understanding of how the focusing works from Day 1, I turned off the auto area selection feature to really give it a go. Nothing was planned I just had a little fun with my commute.

Field Review: The Pentax K-5 (Day 4)

This week, I took our Pentax K-5 along on an engagement portrait shoot in the scenic Oakland hills, and – for the third field test in a row with the robust little Pentax – it was raining. I will say, without hesitation, that we have tested and proved the weather sealing of both camera and 55mm f/1.4 DA* lens. In our previous entry (here) I discussed both the camera’s discreet and capable handling while photographing a wedding (a rainy wedding) and a critical issue of purple fringing in certain images.

Before reading this posting, you may want to read about it used at a wedding, in tough weather, and my initial feelings.

Field Review: Gary Fong Origami (Day 2)

In Day 1, we introduced you to some basics of the Gary Fong Origami. Here are the results of a very quick test. I’ve seen that the results with how it is used can vary greatly depending on lighting; or lack thereof.

Field Review: The Pentax K-5 (Day 3)

The other day the I shot a wedding and brought along the Pentax K-5. So far, I believe that the Pentax K-5 is a great event camera, offering a respectable 16.3 MP; compact dimensions; intuitive, creative controls; and a remarkable maximum ISO reach of 52,200. I photographed a wedding this past week and took along our demo K-5 with its Pentax SMC 55mm f/1.4 DA* lens. After the jump: a discussion of Pentax’s flagship 35mm DSLR and its appeal for wedding photography…

Editor’s Note: Day 1 and Day 2 are here for your reading pleasure.

Field Review: Pentax K-5 (Day 2)

The Pentax K-5 is a compact and sturdy camera, capable of creating images with excellent detail, color, and contrast. I’ve had a couple weeks with it, including shooting in a wide range of conditions and it’s been a joy to use. The camera’s unique degree of customization and range of novel exposure and JPG processing controls demand a little experimenting, but add flexibility, entertainment, and a few surprises to the process of getting to know this well-regarded little camera. Read on for Day 2 of our in-depth field review of the Pentax K-5.

Editor’s Note: Day 1 can be read here.

Field Review: the Pentax K-5 (Day 1)

The Pentax K-5, A little fist with a big punch. At least that’s what I’m feeling so far when using it. I’ve had the unit for a little while now and it is already starting to grow on me. Chris did a hands-on with the unit and provided samples a little while back. So let’s just go right into it.