Nikon D300 - DSLR Camera Review

So I've had the D300 for about 8 months now and I thought I'd share with you guys a few of the things I like about it. I seriously love the camera. the highlights...

- great great color. when i've properly exposed an image, the color is really quite fabulous, even in RAW
- the automatic white balance feature is almost always right on. i very very rarely have to tweak it and if so, it's just a taste issue and not a real issue with the WB.
- with the battery grip and second battery, it seems like the battery lasts forever. i can go days and days and days without charging the batteries. and because of this, i often have to remind myself to do so. definitely better battery life than my old d70.
- i like that it doesn't have all the preset modes (portrait, action, landscape, etc). since i purchased the camera, i have only shot in manual. however, because of this, i wouldn't recommend this camera to a casual user. i actually need to start working with the P and A modes more so i can become more comfortable with them.
- the LCD screen is huge and well illuminated. (though sometimes it's a bit brighter than the actual RAW image so i end up under exposing if i'm not careful)
- i love the histograph features that allow me to immediately see the hot spots and tweak my exposure. the d70's histograph is really limited and while it does have the highlight display, it doesn't have all of the color channels so some blowouts don't show up until post processing.
- i'm in love with nikon's off camera flash system. it is so freakin easy with the in camera control. yes, the d70 and some of the other lower end models have it as well, but i didn't use it until i started working with the d300. love it.
- not the d300 (and kim will argue with me on this) but i love nikon glass. just love it. once you get to the higher end lenses, they are just so freakin sharp. but even my little $100 50 mm is tack sharp.

like i said, i love this camera. and i think i'll probably write another review in a few more months after i've become even more familiar with all the features. and there are seriously way too many! i do wish that it was full frame. but you can't have everything and it's not like nikon doesn't offer full frame, it just costs more than my current budget. other than this, the rare annoyance i have with the d300 is almost always user error.... and no expensive camera is going fix that!

'tis the season

Hi Everyone!

I feel like I've been so neglectful here, but things have been soooo busy. I honestly haven't picked up the camera in the last week as I've been busy processing my Christmas sessions, placing some big orders, putting together a few books, designing holiday cards, etc. It's a fun and exciting time with lots of work to be done... but I'm taking a couple of weeks off over the holidays to clean out and organize the office, set up the new accounting software, and take the girls to Disneyland!

Some things I'm super excited about:

- The new photoshop CS4 that should be arriving any day now thanks to a super killer deal. I saw a recent demo and I think my workflow will improve three fold with making the leap from CS2 to CS4.
- Dan encouraged me to break down and get the Nikon 24-70 2.8 when we found a deal for 30% off a brand new lens. I'm so freakin excited I might pee myself when it gets here. Until then, I'm on a rampage selling everything in the house on ebay to be able to afford this purchase. Thank goodness for my stash of sample sale diaper bags! (those who know me... stop laughing!)
- I'm taking the girls into my friend Kim's studio (of Mill Cottage Photography) on Monday and I'm excited about working in the studio again and possibly getting a few really good images of the girls together.
- Speaking of Kim, I'm working with Kim on a big portrait event for the end of January and as soon as I know more, I'll post here. I'm REALLY excited about this one! It should be so much fun!

that's all for now!

EILEY'S FUTURE HUSBAND....

Sadly, today I had to return the 28-70 to the camera store. Yes, I cried a little on the way there. : ) But before I gave it back, my friend Susan came over with her adorable son, Andrew, for a quick Christmas session. We took some great close-ups and then designed and ordered her family's Christmas cards. I know many have asked, so I promise to post tomorrow with a sneak peek at some of the Christmas cards the studio is offering this year. But it's late and I have 2 proofing sessions with clients in the next 2 days so I need my beauty sleep. But in the interim, I'll leave you with 2 images of little Andrew and his amazing lashes....

AND THE SEXIEST MOMMY-TO-BE AWARD GOES TO...

Heidi! I love shooting pregnant women and today's shoot was no different... of course, it helps to have a subject that is super beautiful, really hip, and open to just about anything. Oh, and I also rented a Nikkor 28-70 2.8 and MAN.. I am seriously in love. I've made the decision that this is the next lens I'm getting. It's huge and not light, but the colors and focus straight out of the camera are the best I've ever seen. I seriously had WAY to many images to choose from! Here's a sneak peak at some of my favorites...