Why I'm switching/upgrading to the Nikon D800 and why you shouldn't.

One of the most asked questions I get when in my Galleries or on the street is what kind of gear I use. People are always curious what tools are utilized to create images and I completely understand. I've even been guilty of a few of those types of questions myself. However, for most people it's akin to asking a chef what type of pots and pans they use to cook the delicious food you just ate. It doesn't matter. And that is the true point to this post.

Gear is a tool. And we all need the equipment to be able to capture images but what gear is right for each person? Usually the answer is entry level with TOP lenses. Why? Sensors these days are incredible….truly. All entry level dSLRs are capable of producing great images that can be printed LARGE (up to 40x60 with proper technique!). The real difference comes down to the lenses that are used as the more expensive 'pro' glass will result in much sharper images and happier photographers.

So then why if I have been able to print 40x60 from my 16mp 1Ds2 (and 21mp 1ds3), do I take the leap and not only buy a NEW camera…which I've never done but completely switch brands? Good question.

In short I, and a handful of other photos are in the upper echelon of what we produce images for. By no means do I insinuate that lots of other photogs are not producing incredible imagery for their clients…they absolutely are, however what our goals are with our images tend to be slightly different. A good friend of mine and incredible wedding photographer, Preston Palmer, was completely stoked that the new 5d3 is only 22mp. As a wedding photog that's a great amount of detail. However a handful of us on the landscape side felt completely abandoned by Canon. 22mp is great…but now we have the 36mp D800. For those who's goal is LARGE (>60") fine art prints there only seems to be one option (outside of a very expensive medium format with lower high iso performance). I always tell people start with your basic or prosumer dSLR body and a GOOD lens and upgrade when you feel that the gear you have is limiting your creativity in some way (not your knowledge of how to use the gear).

So what am I getting at? 36mp is WAAAAAY too much for, I'm going to guess, 99% of photogs. There is no reason for that much resolution for what MOST people are shooting or producing for. For those of you that want to print a 90"+ pano cropped from a single frame…then 36mp is where you want to be. If you want to produce a 60" pano cropped from a single frame then stick with your 16 or 21/22mp even!

I'm curious to hear the discourse on this issue and believe me, switching brands was the last thing I wanted to do. However I'm excited to see what new possibilities I will be able to explore, even if it takes a few months and some headaches to make the dark side transition .

Thanks all and happy shooting!!!
aF