Any photographers in here?

[TheMAN]

Question for you guys. I'm new to DSLR and I've noticed I get a lot of noise with my darker photos. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Kind of hard to see here (anyone know how I get flickr to not resize my photos?) but especially in the shadow of the ship it's very grainy. Any ideas for reducing this via photoshop?
*edit* Nikon d60 in fine mode, 7.3 MB per pic
ISO- 200
ET- 1/800
F/stop- 7.1

there's not a lot you can do to prevent noise on the D60, even with noise reduction turned on, you will definitely notice them... it's just a limitation of the camera, mostly due to its sensor.... I don't know enough to explain why, but I had a D60 a few months ago also, and I traded it in for a D90 after I got fed up with how slow and limited the D60 was... no offense, but the D90 is lightyears ahead compared to the D60 and even high ISO pics, the noise is much tolerable compared to the D60.... the noise reduction and active d-lighting settings are also adjustable, whereas on the D60 it's just off or on

many reviewers out there and myself personally have found out also that the D60 tends to oversaturate colors on its pics and fail to produce a more natural/accurate shot compared to the D90

granted, the D60 is still a great affordable DSLR by far, just don't expect it to do much tricks as it is still an entry level DSLR... it's a great camera to learn on, but don't expect much after that... the 18-55 f3.5 kit lens is a piece of s***, and vignetting happens very easily compared to the D90's 18-105 kit lens which happens only on the rare occasion... of course since the D90 is much more advanced compared to the D60, the learning curve is much higher if you just start straight with it... I myself am still learning on it right now due to its greater flexibilities and functions, I'm still figuring out how to take the best shots possible... a definite worthwhile challenge over the limitedness of the D60


anyway, for anyone else *seriously* looking into getting into the world of DSLRs, I really recommend NOT getting a D60... the D90 IS the camera to get in the sub $2000 range... it's only a few hundred bucks more over the D60, so the D60 isn't justified unless you are just a very casual camera user... the canon 50D is the rival of the D90 of course (and if you know how to shop, it tends to be cheaper than a D90), but it is a heavier camera, less ergonomic (for you canon freaks out there, you will be arguing with us nikon guys of course) IMO, and the major downside of it is lens interchangability compared to nikon's cameras which all uses the F mount that gives great flexibility and good opportunities to tap into the 2nd hand market... what sucks more is, the 50D compatible lenses aren't cheap and if you do happen to upgrade to a 5D or 1D one day, you'll have to start all over... be warned

as for you, don't get discouraged by all the negativity from me, it's still a good camera and it's a great starting base to learn on... but if you want to get more serious from there, I don't recommend you investing anything into it... sell/trade it in for something better... the D60 (and also the new D5000)'s limitation is that you *must* use AF-S lenses for full functionality, the body itself doesn't have a focus motor, which means any lens you buy HAS to be AF-S (which has this built in), which makes them hundreds more expensive than just getting something without it (such as an AF or AF-I lens)

 

[FunkyBuddha]

there's not a lot you can do to prevent noise on the D60, even with noise reduction turned on, you will definitely notice them... it's just a limitation of the camera, mostly due to its sensor.... I don't know enough to explain why, but I had a D60 a few months ago also, and I traded it in for a D90 after I got fed up with how slow and limited the D60 was... no offense, but the D90 is lightyears ahead compared to the D60 and even high ISO pics, the noise is much tolerable compared to the D60.... the noise reduction and active d-lighting settings are also adjustable, whereas on the D60 it's just off or on

many reviewers out there and myself personally have found out also that the D60 tends to oversaturate colors on its pics and fail to produce a more natural/accurate shot compared to the D90

granted, the D60 is still a great affordable DSLR by far, just don't expect it to do much tricks as it is still an entry level DSLR... it's a great camera to learn on, but don't expect much after that... the 18-55 f3.5 kit lens is a piece of s***, and vignetting happens very easily compared to the D90's 18-105 kit lens which happens only on the rare occasion... of course since the D90 is much more advanced compared to the D60, the learning curve is much higher if you just start straight with it... I myself am still learning on it right now due to its greater flexibilities and functions, I'm still figuring out how to take the best shots possible... a definite worthwhile challenge over the limitedness of the D60


anyway, for anyone else *seriously* looking into getting into the world of DSLRs, I really recommend NOT getting a D60... the D90 IS the camera to get in the sub $2000 range... it's only a few hundred bucks more over the D60, so the D60 isn't justified unless you are just a very casual camera user... the canon 50D is the rival of the D90 of course (and if you know how to shop, it tends to be cheaper than a D90), but it is a heavier camera, less ergonomic (for you canon freaks out there, you will be arguing with us nikon guys of course) IMO, and the major downside of it is lens interchangability compared to nikon's cameras which all uses the F mount that gives great flexibility and good opportunities to tap into the 2nd hand market... what sucks more is, the 50D compatible lenses aren't cheap and if you do happen to upgrade to a 5D or 1D one day, you'll have to start all over... be warned

as for you, don't get discouraged by all the negativity from me, it's still a good camera and it's a great starting base to learn on... but if you want to get more serious from there, I don't recommend you investing anything into it... sell/trade it in for something better... the D60 (and also the new D5000)'s limitation is that you *must* use AF-S lenses for full functionality, the body itself doesn't have a focus motor, which means any lens you buy HAS to be AF-S (which has this built in), which makes them hundreds more expensive than just getting something without it (such as an AF or AF-I lens)

Sorry but the 50D can use both EF, EF-S and L lenses. Which actually is pretty much most of Canon's lineup. I have an older EF 50mm, a used EF 75-300 and a new EF-S 10-22. If you do get the 50D, and plan on going full frame later, you might as well buy L or EF lenses. That way, the lense can be transferred back and forth between a crop and a full frame body.

And..there is a pretty big market for used lenses for Canon stuff. Especially the older EF lenses since a lot of people upgrade all the time.

Note* not pushing Canon but just letting you know that the other side also has options. ANd I personally use a 50D and an XTi. Great cameras to learn and develop on as well. THe noise on the 50D is way more tolerable from anything above 800ISO.

 

[tekkie]

you nikon guys make me laugh, the biggest thing you guys can come up with is nikon is more ergonomic than canon, I dont see any difference between them I have 3 canons and I have 0 problems with ergonomics

as for the cost of lenses canon is pretty much cheaper on that end for sure, and if your looking at telephoto canon has way more options and are cheaper to boot

if you looking to spend upwards of 2k on a camera the clear winner for landscapes / cars etc is the canon 5D by a landslide, the D90 is a decent camera but there is certinally nothing special about it

 

[TheMAN]

well, obviously there's no comparison between a 5D and a D90, so you don't have to be an ass about it... the D90 is a good bang for the buck though... it *can* take 720p video, but whoopdyfucking do... it's just a toy that'll hardly get used, and it needs to be manually focused.... retarded... you want crappy vids, use a crappy compact camera, or use a real camcorder

nikon lenses can be had cheap too, especially since you can use a bunch of the older s***

I guess you are used to a single rotating knob and having the mode buttons put at funny places... it sure was fun changing ISO and EV values on the 5D and 50D.... takes me less than a second to do this on my D90 without even having to look... this means the camera can still be against me while I do this WITHOUT having to reposition my hand in order for my fingers to reach the buttons... I don't know about you, but I had a hard time being able to do this on the canons... this was when I only started using my D90, so you can't say I was used to it either.... it was from a total n00b standpoint.... even my cousin's bf who just bought the 5D mark II agreed that his D80 was much more ergonomic but of course, the 5D is the s*** as far as quality for the dollar... a D700 costs a lot more and is a much larger camera, not very attractive there

oh and while "chimping", the canon doesn't really have a directional "d-pad" that lets you change viewing modes or scrolling (while zoomed into a pic)... you have to use the rotating knob next to the display and then switch over to a little joy stick... WTF? totally doesn't make sense... sure it's a petty function when viewing pics, but I'm sure for other s***, it could get retarded having to move your thumb back and forth also... I haven't played with the 50D or 5D enough to know what else you do with the little thumb joystick, so I can't comment there


but yeah, by far the 5D is a clear winner as far as quality for the dollar... canon has also been quick at putting new technologies into their models sooner, so it could be beneficial to consumers or troublesome if they weren't designed right... nikon has always been conservative as far as coming out with new s***... look at the D300, it still uses a 1.5 factor CMOS sensor, and the D300's price point is comparable to the 5D... so unless you already have a bunch of nikon gear, what is the obvious choice here? nikon better make the D300 replacement full frame if they were to stay competitive with canon.... but I guess their slowness could simply also mean thoroughly tested and refined before released to the public... that could also be good for ones that want dependability

bottom line is, it really depends on how you look at this s***... I know it's always going to be this way... nikon and canon people talking s*** at each other... whatever man, I'm just happy with my s*** and if you're happy with yours, go you

this age old argument is just like the alpine vs eclipse headunit ones... real funny s***.... eclipse = nikon and alpine = canon

 

[judman13]

How about we just post some picture and not get into a giant pissing match over which company makes better camera's and lenses. It really comes down to a personal preference as both Nikon and Canon make superb camera and lenses. Each have their pro's and con's.

P.S. tekkie: There is quite a difference in the ergonomics, everything from the weight of the camera, to the placement of the shutter release and control layout can make or break the deal for people. If your not comfortable holding the camera, why buy it to use. Every company does something different. IE Canon's wheel vs Nikon's D-pad.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

How about we just post some picture and not get into a giant pissing match over which company makes better camera's and lenses. It really comes down to a personal preference as both Nikon and Canon make superb camera and lenses. Each have their pro's and con's.

P.S. tekkie: There is quite a difference in the ergonomics, everything from the weight of the camera, to the placement of the shutter release and control layout can make or break the deal for people. If your not comfortable holding the camera, why buy it to use. Every company does something different. IE Canon's wheel vs Nikon's D-pad.

No doubt...eitehr way you're gonna get a kick ass camera for your money. And your skills as a photographer is not going to surpass what the camera is going to offer you. So choose wisely. There's always pros and cons to everything. Go buy something and just use it to the best of your abilities!

 

[TheMAN]

yeah, like I said... as long as you're happy with it, it's all good... both brands are good and they both have their pros and cons... it's like some of us owning proteges... there's better cars out there, but why a protege? because we like them


anyway, this is with the D60

 

[NETC_Redd]

from today

 

[TheMAN]

with the D90

 

[TheMAN]

more D90

 

[IAMHOLLYWOOD]

the view from my new apartment:

 

[asianjul]

My fiance

Kaleb

Random plant

 

[FunkyBuddha]

Took pics of a baby's 1st birthday.

Aedyn

Dad & Son

Grandpa

 

[FunkyBuddha]

Grandma

Mom - baby didn't like gettin' his picture taken.

 

[tekkie]

omg I must win an award for Edwin calling me an ass lol

Nikon makes good stuff just like Canon for sure, the D700 is an awesome camera if I didnt have a collection of canon gear already I would probably have purchased one

I agree on the video I had a 5D MKII which has awesome video performance BUT that whole manual s*** didnt do it for me. I sold the camera and went back to the original 5D which honestly I use very rarely as most of my photos are wildlife and the FF doesnt have the reach.

but yeah at the end of the day the camera is only a small part of the equation, hell I just purchased a 1D MKII which is only 8MP and 5 years old but omg the AF on it is amazing and for flying birds its a dream

well, obviously there's no comparison between a 5D and a D90, so you don't have to be an ass about it... the D90 is a good bang for the buck though... it *can* take 720p video, but whoopdyfucking do... it's just a toy that'll hardly get used, and it needs to be manually focused.... retarded... you want crappy vids, use a crappy compact camera, or use a real camcorder

nikon lenses can be had cheap too, especially since you can use a bunch of the older s***

I guess you are used to a single rotating knob and having the mode buttons put at funny places... it sure was fun changing ISO and EV values on the 5D and 50D.... takes me less than a second to do this on my D90 without even having to look... this means the camera can still be against me while I do this WITHOUT having to reposition my hand in order for my fingers to reach the buttons... I don't know about you, but I had a hard time being able to do this on the canons... this was when I only started using my D90, so you can't say I was used to it either.... it was from a total n00b standpoint.... even my cousin's bf who just bought the 5D mark II agreed that his D80 was much more ergonomic but of course, the 5D is the s*** as far as quality for the dollar... a D700 costs a lot more and is a much larger camera, not very attractive there

oh and while "chimping", the canon doesn't really have a directional "d-pad" that lets you change viewing modes or scrolling (while zoomed into a pic)... you have to use the rotating knob next to the display and then switch over to a little joy stick... WTF? totally doesn't make sense... sure it's a petty function when viewing pics, but I'm sure for other s***, it could get retarded having to move your thumb back and forth also... I haven't played with the 50D or 5D enough to know what else you do with the little thumb joystick, so I can't comment there


but yeah, by far the 5D is a clear winner as far as quality for the dollar... canon has also been quick at putting new technologies into their models sooner, so it could be beneficial to consumers or troublesome if they weren't designed right... nikon has always been conservative as far as coming out with new s***... look at the D300, it still uses a 1.5 factor CMOS sensor, and the D300's price point is comparable to the 5D... so unless you already have a bunch of nikon gear, what is the obvious choice here? nikon better make the D300 replacement full frame if they were to stay competitive with canon.... but I guess their slowness could simply also mean thoroughly tested and refined before released to the public... that could also be good for ones that want dependability

bottom line is, it really depends on how you look at this s***... I know it's always going to be this way... nikon and canon people talking s*** at each other... whatever man, I'm just happy with my s*** and if you're happy with yours, go you

this age old argument is just like the alpine vs eclipse headunit ones... real funny s***.... eclipse = nikon and alpine = canon

 

[judman13]

hell I just purchased a 1D MKII which is only 8MP and 5 years old but omg the AF on it is amazing and for flying birds its a dream

I would much rather own a camera that shot 6MP and 8-10 FPS with a fast auto focus than 21MP anyday!!

I do a lot of sports and action, so speed is mucho important to me. Too bad I am stuck with a D80 shooting 3 FPS =(

 

[TheMAN]

yeah, at the end of the day, speed is what really matters

I only have the D90 because it's what I like and can afford, other than that, the slowness of the SDHC card pisses me off.... CF is WAYYYYYY better and makes me wish I at least have a D300

 

[tekkie]

yeah, at the end of the day, speed is what really matters

I only have the D90 because it's what I like and can afford, other than that, the slowness of the SDHC card pisses me off.... CF is WAYYYYYY better and makes me wish I at least have a D300

there is certinally nothing wrong with the D90 its a good camera imo, its to bad it doesnt have UDMA you would see a big diff I think, if you buy a UDMA card / reader at least downloading to the PC will be much faster

the 1D series have both CF & SD, I noticed a massive difference when i tried the SD its so slow compared to CF, so I dont use it even to just view the pic in the camera took about twice as long

 

[tekkie]

I would much rather own a camera that shot 6MP and 8-10 FPS with a fast auto focus than 21MP anyday!!

I do a lot of sports and action, so speed is mucho important to me. Too bad I am stuck with a D80 shooting 3 FPS =(

for sports for sure, but for landscapes / portraits / printing 21 MP like the 5D MKII is amazing, I took some pics of owls with it and omg the details is nuts, I miss that

but at the end of the day if you cant focus and your getting oof pics its pretty useless

 

[TheMAN]

I pretty much only care for taking landscapes, so the D90 works good in a lot of cases... it's only a b**** when trying to take pics from a car (where you're not supposed to) hahha

you look at those few I posted yet?