Sony RX100 Black & White : Camera vs Silver Efex Pro 2
I love this new Sony RX100, it's a fantastic little camera. I'm impressed with the quality and that is saying a lot since my other camera is a Nikon D800. The D800 does spoil you with pixels and huge dynamic range, and you really notice the advantage when you start processing raw files from another camera. However, the RX100 takes infinitely better images when I leave the big camera at home because it doesn't fit in my pocket.
This post is just showing three images from the RX100, I was shooting in RAW+JPG in black and white mode. The first image is straight from the camera. I used default settings, but you can change contrast and exposure settings in the camera before taking a shot.
The image below is the same shot (camera JPG) but with minor processing done in Adobe Lightroom 5. I think it looks a bit better, there some contrast adjustments, sharpening, vignette, and other minor changes.
The last image is processed from raw (ARW) using Lightroom 5, Photoshop CS5, and Nik Silver Efex Pro 2.0. I think it turned out the best but I also spent more time processing it than the image above.
Shelter Dogs Feb 22 2013
Another batch of puppies and dogs available for adoption from Vancouver Animal Control. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here. Don't buy a pet through Craigslist or other online sources, adopt a pet from your local animal shelter.
Merry Christmas
No holiday season would be complete without dressing up the dogs. Jammie is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and despite the look on her face is happy to be Santa's Little Helper. Cedric is a mix and is grumpy about the whole situation. He complies as he knows there are cookies involved for being a good dog.
Shot in fairly low light with a Nikon D800, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens at f/2.8, ISO3200, 1/100s. Processed in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Shelter Dogs Dec 14 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Yesterday, I went to the shelter to photograph a litter of puppies. They look like little polar bears, so damn cute.
Nikon D800 Macro with Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR
Today I got my Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR lens back from a friend who borrowed it. Since I haven't used it for a while I decided to bring it with me on my beach walk at Acadia Beach in Vancouver. It was a cold morning and I was hoping to get some interesting macro shots of frost but I didn't find any. I did take a few photos but I'll have to try another day to get some frost.
All shots hand-held, ISO800, processed in Lightroom.
Shelter Dogs Nov 10 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Shelter Dogs Sept 13 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Shelter Dogs August 30 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Some very cute dogs in the bunch. My favorite is Tug, the little bull terrier.
These images should automatically display in high resolution for anyone who has one of the fancy new Macs with a Retina display.
Shelter Dogs July 14 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I’m happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Shelter Dogs June 27 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I'm happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
Another black lab, likely a mix.
A hyper but very cute little puppy.
This old guy really liked getting some attention. Hopefully he finds a home.
A young and playful dog, likely pit/shepherd mix.
More puppies! Awesome little dogs, friendly and playful.
They seemed to like my hat
And a Jack Russel Terrier. Couldn't decide if she wanted to play or just get some rubs.
Shelter Dogs June 23 2012
When needed, I try to help out at the local animal shelter (Vancouver Animal Control) by taking photos of their dogs available for adoption. I believe the quality of the photos makes a difference in the dogs adoption so I'm happy to help out when I can. It helps me and helps the dogs. You can see the animals they have available at PetFinder.com (not just dogs but rabbits, lizards, and at times even more strange things). You can also see previous shelter dogs I photographed here.
There were a few new faces on my most recent visit, some great dogs. I started off with a cute beagle, very friendly and loves to play. When he runs his ears flap around like he is trying to fly :)
Next up was this fluffy little Maltese who constantly tried to climb into my lap.
Then I met this young boxer. He just vibrates with excitement when you play with him. Awesome dog.
There were two puppies to play with too.
This young girl took some work, was more interested in the dogs around her than getting photos taken.
A black lab likely won't last long down there, always popular.
We put some of the dogs together, they had a great time. The beagle has so much energy, can play for hours.
But the tables were turned on the little guy when we put him in with the boxer. Oh crap, I'm out of here!
Make a move sucker...
Oh crap, I guess that's the move.
Better hide in here for a bit. (No beagles were harmed in the making of these photos :) )
And some of the bunnies currently available.
And finally, when I got home I decided to get a few shots of my own dogs. Jammie will always sit for the camera, a good and obedient dog.
Cedric is an old and grumpy guy, wanted no part of it.
The Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine
My friend Eli and I attended the Fifth Annual East Van Show and Shine held at the Whip Restaurant. It is a fundraiser that features live bands, a barbecue, local vendors, and vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Proceeds support the Canadian Cancer Society. We have attended the event for the last few years and it's always fun. There were a few new cars this year, including a late 60's Charger and a late 60's Camaro which are both near the top of my favorites list.
On our way out of the house, Eli noticed a rainbow around the sun. More info about this in my previous post, but it was very cool and not a common sight.
And shots of the cars.
Very cool old Volvo.
The most popular attraction as not the cars, girls, band, or food. It was a pug in a side car :)
Everyone was stopping to take photos.
There were some cool bikes down there too.
Guard dog on duty.
Mr. Grumpy Pants.
Shelter Dogs May 11 2012
Another trip to Vancouver Animal Control to photograph dogs. Photos from previous visits can be seen here. As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.
First up, this young pit bull who is a bit chunky but loves to play.
I had to visit the puppies again, they are great dogs and won't last long. Previous photos of these little guys are here.
A playful and very cute Pomeranian.
Call of the wild
And a German Shepherd who was more interested in napping in the grass than having her photo taken.
A Walk on Wreck Beach, Vancouver, BC
I don't always take my camera when I'm out walking the dogs, but since the D800 is new I decided to bring it along today. I was using the Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR lens, which I love. All shots hand held, so may not be critically sharp especially when shooting in the shady areas. It's still too early in the year, and too cold, for the nudies to be out so I had the beach to myself.
This is one of my dogs, Jammie. She is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, small but thinks she is a big dog.
You see some interesting critters when you start getting close
I have also been playing around with black and white images more and more. The D800 captures so much detail and has so much dynamic range you can really get great effects with b&w.
This was a bit random, looks like someone brought it to the beach and stuck it in the sand. I didn't see these growing anywhere.
The horror! Actually they are rather cute, as long as they don't decide to set up shop in my back yard.
And the fern somewhat reminds me of the furry caterpillars.
Shelter Dogs May 5 2012
Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here. As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.
The three puppies on this page are very cute and friendly, they all tried to crawl into my lap as I was taking photos. They have the most amazing crystal blue eyes I have ever seen! But first, this young German Shepherd. Playful and energetic, loves to play fetch.
Now the puppies!
For anyone curious, this was the fist time I shot dogs at the shelter with my Nikon D800. I used the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 lens but I think next time I'll try a 50mm f/1.8 prime. Overall, I have some learning to do with the focus system of the D800 but it is producing great images.
Nikon D800 High ISO Test
This isn't meant to be a critical test, it was just a shot I tried with my new D800. I shot hand held in poor light to see how the camera would do. Compared to my Nikon D90, where the image started to fall apart at ISO 800, the D800 is still going strong at ISO 3200.
Details:
Nikon D800
Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR
Aperture: f/4
Shutter: 1/80"
ISO 3200
High ISO noise reduction: normal
Processed from 14-bit lossless compressed raw in Lightroom 4, than ran through Noiseware to clean it up a bit. Overall, very happy with the image, completely usable shot of my dog, Jammie. The room was quite dark, Lightroom brought back the shadows and exposure, there is lots of dynamic range available to play with. (Click for bigger version).
My first images with the Nikon D800
My D800 finally arrived, charged the batteries and headed out with my dogs the next morning. Resisted the urge to photography my keyboard, floor, ceiling, and anything else boring just to play with it. Tried to make the first frame count!
I want to mention that I'm not that happy with the grip of the D800. I have big hands, XL gloves, and it seems small to me. I may just need to get used to it, but it is smaller than I expected. It's not comfortable in the hands, especially with a bigger lens on the body. I may have to buy the grip, which is not something I wanted as I like the size of the body as it is. I'm going to shoot it without the grip for a while, see if I get used to it.
Some people have posted on various forums that their D800 came with a few hundred shutter actuations. I checked the shutter count on my first frame, it was showing "2". Maybe they do a test shot at the factory?
This is the first frame from my camera. I didn't set all of the settings I should have, but it is what it is. Shot using the Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8, auto ISO, aperture priority mode. Processed from 14-bit lossless compressed raw in lightroom. Not the best, but I'm happy with things so far. My dog Cedric, who is always an unwilling participant since there are more interesting things to do at the beach than sit around. And yes, I can see my reflection in his eye.
Any my second shot, same settings. This time of my dog Jammie.
Flower shots below are shot on a sturdy tripod, Nikkor 105 f/2.8 VR, 2 second timer, 3 second exposure delay, live view focus. Processed from 14-bit lossless compressed raw in lightroom. Better, happy with the first samples as I know they will get better from here.
The full resolution jpeg (18MB) can be seen here. The detail captured by the camera is amazing.
Shelter Dogs March 17 2012
Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here. As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.
The little husky puppies are still there, and still cute. The first dog today was Root Beer, a very active but loving young pit bull.
At one point go got a case of the zoomies.
This girl likes to lean on you while getting some attention, I don't think she knows how big she is.
Coming in for my close up.
A young shih tzu, very playful.
This guy looks grumpy, is missing a tooth, but he is a friendly giant.
And a new litter of puppies! Furry face ones too, my favorite
Shelter Dogs March 10 2012
Another set of dogs from Vancouver Animal Control, you can see others here. As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.
My favorite dog of the day, this hyper little puppy Spotz. He can't sit still for more than two seconds, so it's amazing I got any decent photos of him at all.
This one seems a bit sad, like he is waiting for someone to come and adopt him.
Coming in for my closeup :)
Monty, he likes to give hugs.
Give me a hug.
Finally, the two little husky puppies. One has freckles on her nose.
Didn't like it...
Puppies & Bunnies
I took another trip to the Vancouver Animal Control shelter today to take photos of their dogs available for adoption. Photos from my previous visit can be seen here. As always, you can see the animals available for adoption from this shelter by visiting their PetFinder page or just drop in at the shelter.
I don't think this black lab will be there long.
Cute little Boston Terrier, he jumps around like a maniac.
My favorite dog of the day, a blue heeler.
He kept trying to climb into my lap.
Hound dog.
They don't always want to cooperate.
The fuzzy Rottweiler.
Funny dome head, but cute.
Almost every dog was black, the hardest to photograph!
Fuzz face puppies, so cute! 4 of them, they look like little Ewoks.
And a few bunnies too, even with fancy hair.
