Time lapse photography D600

I have upload into youtube for better resolution viewing. Most of the shots are taken by a Nikon 50mmf1.8 set at f8. The built-in time lapsed function in D600 is fun and easy to use. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKayptsNeOc&feature=youtu.be

Does Fullframe matters?

When I was a mirrorless camera user and when I was in the m4/3 format, I have to admit I try to adjust my shooting so the end results looks like a Fullframe sensors. In the end, the result seems to be ok until I use the true fullframe sensor. It is hard to explain in words, the fullframe do look more pleasing and to get a creamy background is much more easier. I can still get creamy background even on a compact camera, but more effort and thoughts are required. The below photo of the butterfly with the nice creamy background was easy (100mm f2.8) to achieve even I was standing quite far from the subject. If I am using OM-D (m4/3), i may need to move in further with a 60mmf2.8 lens.(equivalent-120mm)

Other advantages of the Fullframe(FF) have been discussed and compared many times. The immediate advantage for me, if the FF is able to pull back the exposure even if it is 2 or 3 stops under/over due to the higher dynamic range.

With the new Sony A7/A7r Fullframe mirrorless, it will again set many photographers into thinking. It does matters. The fullframe output is now at almost same body size as a Olympus EM-1 (m4/3 sensors).
Some may be quick to hammer that the lens for A7 system will be huge and has no significant size saving but I bet the lure of Fullframe will be great as the price of the A7 with same sensor as D610/D600 is much cheaper than the DSLR.

For me I will still be holding on to my D600 mainly due to available low priced but good quality lens in the Nikon lineup. For me, when I go out to buy a camera system, I usually will hunt for the lens I need for my shooting style and if the price is ok vs the quality before choosing the camera body. So lens choices are important for me.

With the A7/A7r, the scene of photography just like when Olympus launched E-p1, will change. I believe the DSLR segment will be open to more FullFrame models with smaller/cheaper body.

Two hoppers 1 stem

Sometimes we are so addicted to getting closer and closer to macro. We buy extension tubes, magnify filters and crop the image to get close-up. But at times a normal macro shot is also interesting and getting the moment right needs more patience.

Here is my favorite of the day. D600 and 100mm Tokina

Event shoot with D600 and Kit lens

Using a FF DSLR and with the new technology in the sensor performance, I am comfortsble to use the kit lens 24-85mmF3.5-F4.5 in low light situations in my church event. As no flash is allow during the service, high iso is required. In the past, while using older DSLR I uses big aperture lens like 50f1.8 or 100mm f2.8 so the iso can be kept low. Even with OM-D EM-5, I uses their prime lens like 20mmf1.7 and 45mm f1.8 mostly.ISO is kept low to ensure more details are captured and less noisy output.

With D600, I am satisfied with the output even with ISO6400 to 12500. Keep in mind that, I need to keep my shutter speed around 1/100s inorder to freeze the human movement. I also set my ISO to AUTO selection. Here are some of the results.

Cleaning D600 sensor (good and the bad)

Recently I have spotted some dust spots on the sensor. As most will know, D600 was whack for the oil/dust spots issue since the launched. I bought the D600 (used) knowing this issue due to the low price. Nevertheless, my experience is only with dusts. No oil stain so far.
I am ready to face the dust issue as my past experience with  Canon 1Dmark2 and other DSLR faces the same dust issue. Recently D610 was launched and some D600 users are feeling lousy. For me, I still love this great value Fullframe DSLR. And will clean the sensor myself once a while. It is like cleaning our lens etc. Not too much of a chore. All DSLRs will some day face such issue as interchanging lens outside will attract dust.

The amazing thing I want to highlight is Olympus camera are free of dust even for the mirrorless OM-D. I believe their sensor self -leaning (Shaker) is the best in the market. I used OM-D for one year and no dust spots at all. The other reason is also maybe because of the smaller size sensor thus attract less dust. There is also no moving mirror inside the mirrorless camera thus reducing the "sucking" effect of dust.

I invested a sensor cleaner brush Artic Butterfly. It cost about $99 SGD. Boy it works very well. The anti-static brush does remove the dusts completely. More info can be found in their web. The brush is great for dry dust.

However, do beware of the CHINA made wet swap on the right of the photo. DO NOT BUY. The SWAP is so wet and once you clean the sensor, the residue of the alcohol  is left on the AA filter protecting the sensor. I need to use a cotton bud to slowly wipe it clean. It is a risky thing to do. Thank God that the stain was removed completely . No more such stuff anymore.

I have order swap from USA's Copperhill image. I have read good review and is willing to try.

Jumping Spider by the flower

Shot by D600 and 100mm tokina ISO100

Ant Mimic Spider

From the first glace, it look like an ant. Upon close-up it appears to be a spider.
By D600 and 100mm f2.8 w Raynox 250

Labrador Park (Singapore Sunset)

By D600 and 24-85mm. Handheld.