The D850 is rolling out, and I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in a small way in this world-wide release effort. Below, is a portrait of Leon, a champion longtime boxer and now a trainer.
The above, and the shot immediately below were made with one SB-5000 Speedlight, fitted with a Lastolite Speed Lite 2 Plus softbox. The lens is the Micro-Nikkor 105 f2.8 for the tight portrait, and the environment below was shot with the Nikkor 28mm f1.4. The camera is 45.7 megapixels, and in continuous shooting mode, fires at 7fps, which accelerates to 9fps with the power grip. It has a tilting LCD, 4k UHD video capacity, and a base ISO of 64. The camera’s a monster. Fellow Nikon Ambassador Dixie Dixon referred to shooting it as going into “beast mode.”
I could continue to spew numbers all day, because the camera does have impressive numbers, but the bottom line is that the camera is the amazing nexus of the two most dominant, important issues for photographers–resolution and speed. Tune in tonight at 6:00pm EST for a Livestream event where Dixie and I will share some insights and also have the great fortune of being with Nikon’s Obi-Wan, Lindsay Silverman, to answer any tech questions. Following on from that, Corey Rich and Lucas Gilman talk through the camera’s prodigious video capabilities with Nikon’s Steve Heiner. Presiding over all is the experienced, engaging educator and television host, Melissa Niu. She will keep things moving when Lindsay and I wander too far into the pixels.
The pix here are the result of a few hours in a boxing gym with the camera and a few Speedlights and a couple of amazing athletes. But this brief stint sparked my imagination, and I can’t wait for this puppy to start rolling into full-blown production. Much more, as they say, tk….
Beautiful images as always Joe! Excited to see what more you have to say about the D850 tonight!
Great shots Joe! With a 45 mp sensor is that going to change the way you light subjects? Not much forgiveness from a sensor like that. Or does it give you the ability to get away with not great lighting?
If you want to donate one to me I am willing to accept!
Uh, I’ll get back to you on that! :-)))
Hmmmm…good question. Hang in on that. My experience with this whole new world of resolution is very slight, so far. But I have to think the more detail, the more dynamic range, the more clean the shadows, all will make for lighting that will look really great.
Thank you Dave! And thank you for the shout out!
Thanks for sharing Joe, is it pisibble to trigger sb5000 with wr10 on d810?
Dear Joe,
I am wondering about the light and light modifiers you used to illuminate the trainers back. It’s so soft and subtle and not giving blown highlights. Will you kind enough to share the details if possible?
Thanks,
Hi…no…the WRR-10 radio control system will not work with D810. The SB 5000 can be used in straight up optical pulse mode, just like always, but not with radio control.
Great work as usual Joe! I’m a big fan of your lighting style. Hope the live stream will be recorded and posted somewhere for those who could not watch live 🙂
Dear Joe,
Great shots! May I ask if you do prefer – for this kind of portraiture – the micro 105 f/2.8 over the 105 f/1.4 ?
Thanks, regards Stephen
Three of my favorite shooters together. Have fun.
Missed this. Anyway I can view this?
Hi Joe, what is the big softbox doing? The one pointing in your direction…
Hi Deep…nothing, actually. It was used for another setup and is just there, waiting to be put back into play.
Hi Stephen…both have different missions, really. The micro nikkor gets you close, super close, so I needed it for this shot. But to me, it remains a specialty lens. The 105 f1.4 is a go to portrait lens that is in the bag all the time.
Wow!! Amazing images. I’m still working with legendary D700 and lately I thinking of a change body. Initially I wanted to buy D810 but more and more I am thinking about D850.
So great and informative post here guy . A lot of thanks for this post keep up sharing .
many thanks!!
Great work as usual Sire! I’m your big fan
What an extraordinary Skill role model of many photographers