Real world application/experience?

MyFilmPro

MyFilmPro

Active member
Hello,

Okay so I've picked up a d90 to play around with and I've read thru Kholi's thread on setup and use... amazing! Thank you!

But this is my question. Am I getting this right? I've gotten some really nice footage using a 50mm 1.8 nikor lens with manual controls and using the method Kholi showed... set to f5.6~8, ae-l(hold), set to f1.8, etc...

But how has this been for real use? I can picture it being very frustrating having to set this up for every shot.

Do you light the scene, then point at a big sheet of white paper?

Also, one thing I really like on the dvx is the spot meter that gives me a % for lighting. How do I know if I'm getting a good image with the d90? Can I trust the LCD display?

And lastly, if I'm reading things right, and it seems Kholi made them pretty clear, I should only be buying manual lenses. I don't have a problem with this, I actually like it, but my question is, what lenses should I be looking to get for a basic rig? Are there any reasons not to raid local pond shops for older lenses?

Thanks.
 
You can trust the lcd once you know what to look for. In general it's a bit too dark so if it looks good chances are it's actually overexposed. You can also check the histogram after shooting but since you have to exit live view for that it can be hard to find the same exposure again. And yeah, the whole procedure sucks when you're out there, but you get used to it. ;-)
 
MyFilmPro said:
What about lenses that have a range? Can you get a manual 18-100 for example? Or would you stick with fixed lenes?
Click to expand...
You can but generally they are slower, less sharp and they breathe. Some of the vivitar series one lenses are very good. The 50mm f/1.8 ai or ai-s is a great lens that sells for around 80 US. Pre ai lenses need a mod to fit the D90. some lens info-
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm#mf
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/index.htm
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html#top1
http://www.momentcorp.com/review/nikon_mf_lens_versions.html
 
you're a pro if you're getting paid

you're a pro if you're getting paid

I've been using a D90 since November in "the real world" of corporate photo/videography. By day I work for one of the largest North American railroads, and it's my job to make them look good.

In my particular application, manual focusing is a plus- trains travel down rails at a predictable speed, on a predictable path. I can choose my f/stop, set my focus, and wait for the train.

I don't think I've ever hit the 5 minute limit in the field: I'll generally only shoot 30 to 45 seconds of footage as a train is approaching. After the locomotives pass, I'll start recording a new clip, focusing on the freight cars.

With a solid tripod I avoid most of the jello effect. What stairstep issues I do encounter are fairly easy to remedy with the displacement map in After Effects.
 
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