D800e Questions from a Canon User

AwesomeBox8

I have a few questions about the D800e. I rented one over Christmas along with the 16-35 f4 lens. I shoot mostly landscapes and wanted to see how they turned out on the D800e compared to my 5d Mark ii with 17-40 f4 lens. I recently printed an 8"x12" section of a 40"x60" picture from both cameras. The d800e is, not surprisingly, noticeably sharper. I love the sensor and am considering purchasing one.

Here are my questions:

1) I have read about the issues with live view, but I am not sure if there is a fix for it or not. My 5d Mark ii's live view is great at giving me a realistic view of what the picture's exposure will be, but the d800e's was extremely dark and focusing using it was next to impossible in low light. I almost always use live view for landscapes, and this is a major issue for me. Any way around it?

2) Bracketing exposures was a long process. It's a pain to have to go into the menu and set up the timer and number of shots every time. Is there a quicker way around that?

Thanks in advance.

Golf007sd

Welcome to NRF. I personaly never worry to much about live view and what it shows me, regardless of the body. The device I use, which I think you will find quite rewarding is The Promote Control System. Have a look at this amazing unit and see if you like it.

Promote Control System.

The unit works great on Canon and Nikon bodies. Just the cables needed.

Best of luck

Ade

1) LCD brightness during LiveView is easily adjustable. It was probably set too low on the D800e you rented.

2) Bracketing can be quickly set using the BKT button (top left of the camera), instead of going into the menus.

Killerbob

I agree with Ade. I had my Live View set to bright, and had to adjust it darker. Only then was it usable for focusing. As for the bracketing, that is super easy via the button on top left - I shoot a lot of HDR, and I never use the menus.

Golf007sd

+1 on the 14-24 2.8.

PB_PM

If you are shooting landscapes the 16-35mm F4 is the weapon of choice. No need to spend an extra $500+ just to use filters you might already have.

WestEndBoy

What filter would you use on a wide angle lens for what effect that cannot be accomlished in HDR?

Golf007sd

Shooting HDR vs. using filters on any lens produce totally different images. I never use any filters while shooting HDR. While on the other hand, CPL, ND and GND filter are best used in a single image.

Filter for 67, 72 & 77mm filters less expansive vs those for the 14-24. But, the result with the right filter on the 14-24 are out of this world.

WestEndBoy

Hmmm....not disagreeing, but I want to understand. It seems to me that a CPL on a wide angle is going to produce odd colour variations in the sky. I didn't think about the ND. That will be good for long exposures for things like water. It seems to me that a GND is a prime candidate to be replaced by HDR?

Ironheart

A GND produces entirely different images than HDR. Plus you can do it in one shot. HDR brings out all shadow or highlight detail where a GND creates a horizon line to separate the sky and the ground. Some HDR can look surreal or fake where as I've never seen that from a GND. In fact you would be hard pressed to know if one was used or not.
Not saying one is better or worse, just different.

And way off topic. Let's take it to a different thread if there are further questions.

jackdavisphotoman

Bracketing exposures was a long process. It's a pain to have to go into the menu and set up the timer and number of shots every time. Is there a quicker way around that? - Use the Bracketing button and the main/ sub command dials. It is quick there is no need to go into the menu. a good video on it. I have not had any issue with live view, but don't use it that much.

kanuck

Welcome AwesomeBox8 I find that using the Histogram option while in live view is very useful especially when dealing with the proper exposure. I used a D600 and D700 before in terms of FX bodies and this option is not available. Particularly when using filters such as vari NDs, big-stoppers, and graduated NDs the histogram is indispensable I find making it nearly impossible to miss fire the exposure.

For bracketing, I set up 5 shots of -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, which I find to be ideal. Once it is programed as such all you have to do is simply press the bracketing recall button and you are all set. One option you are certainly going to miss is quick recall buttons that the Canon 5d bodies have. If you are primarily a landscape guy though this might not be a concern for you..