My Favorite Nikon DSLRS: Df, D610, D500, and D800

My Favorite Nikon DSLRS: Df, D610, D500, and D800 

November 2022, Carl Garrard

My inspiration for this article arose from the personal experiences I'vd had over the last few years with my favorite Nikon DSLR's. This article is by no means an attempt to sway anyone's opinion of, nor defend my purchases for, these four Nikon cameras. Rather, I decided that it was important to share my opinions with other photographers. Mostly it is intended for those who are newer to photography or to those photographers that are  reorganizing a new kit. Frankly, at times we can all use some experienced wisdom or insight in order to help us decide on what gear to outfit ourselves with. As such, it's important to anyone reading this to know that I have owned almost every single DSLR in Nikon's inventory (with exception to the D5/6 and D850). In addition, I own multiple camera systems from multiple companies, and for fifteen years I've been reviewing as many digital cameras and lenses on the internet as possible. This does not take into account any and all previous experience I've had prior to reviewing digital cameras online. I have been a photographer for nearly 32 years now (in one form or another). Therefore it's my hope that sharing my thoughts are then at least somewhat helpful to other photographers out there looking for an honest opinion, all whilst simultaneously trying to navigate their way through the maze of gear choices and other opinions in the internet toilet. Trust me, I know it's not easy.

Fujifilm X-PRO 1 Review: A Decade Old, Better Than Ever

Fujifilm X-PRO 1 Review: A Decade Old, Better Than Ever

June 2022, Carl Garrard

Hope you don't mind, but I think a little reminiscing is necessary before I get into the meat of this review. I think that is vital to set up the context of this article. So with that said, lets just jump in and start at the beginning. Way back in January 2012 was the first time that I used the Fujifilm X-Pro1, and I can remember that experience like it was yesterday. It was a chilly early morning in Las Vegas Nevada, I was attending the 2012 CES show after a five hour drive from Southern California. I was one of the first in line to get in the show. When the doors opened I made a beeline straight to the Fujifilm booth. Fortunate or, maybe because I hustled, I was one of the first to be able to spend a couple of productive hours of time with a group of Fujifilm folk there, learning about and testing all their new cameras. Although a couple of hours doesn't sound like a lot of time, trust me when I say that it is, especially when you are attending a packed shoulder to shoulder electronics show event. The experience that I had with the staff there at that counter was very positive, they answered so many of my questions (the best that they could) and never rushed me to give the cameras back. Most of that time was spent with the X-Pro1. Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Used and New Prices

PENTAX K5II Review: If You Had To Pick One...

PENTAX K5II Review: If You Had To Pick One...

May 2022, Carl Garrard

Pentax DSLR's have brought me so many fond memories. But the state of our camera market is such that DSLRs will likely become a rarity one day. Camera manufacturers are beset on mirrorless as the future, and that becomes more evident by the day. Only Pentax has shown a dedication to keeping a DSLR in production, but lets face it, they are a small dedicated brand with a proportionally small but equally dedicated base of photographers. I have always loved Pentax cameras, I've owned every single Pentax DSLR ever made. But the time has come to make room on my shelves. And in doing so I have decided to sell off a huge portion of my camera "collection" that I have from all manufacturers, not just Pentax. In the end, the goal was to keep only my very favorites from each manufacturer I own. 

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review 2021 (Part 1)

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review 2021 (Part 1)

November 2021, Carl Garrard

  

My review of the 1D Mark IV is a culmination of over two years of proud ownership and experience. Before I dive in though, I must say that it doesn't seem appropriate to write a review about the Canon 1D Mark IV without having first given a nod of  respect to the important heritage of the 1D series digital cameras. All of them have a nearly impeccable reputation amongst the most demanding photographers in their (relatively) short 21 year history. Mostly, this is due to the fact that these same photographers have worked in the most demanding of all situations and climates. Sometimes even life and death situations. And when the reliability of your gear is that important, photographers have consistently reached out for Canon's 1D DSLR's to get the job done. My own personal photography experience has never been as important as life and death, yet the expectations I have of my gear, like many other photographers, are still very high. And when I need a camera to perform better, more consistently, and with the greatest of fluidity, I find that it's nearly impossible to find better cameras than the 1D series for those demands.  Therefore it's my assessment that the numero uno in Canon's naming convention isn't just mere coincidence. It stands for something. They truly are amongst the best cameras that you will ever use.

Pentax K-01: A Marc Newson Sequel?

Pentax K-01: A Marc Newson Sequel?

October 2021, Carl Garrard

 

Of all the digital cameras that have come out in the last two decades or so, Pentax's K-01 is amongst a small and distinguished fraternity of cameras that received the most criticism upon announcement. Yup, it's right up there with the Hassleblad Lunar and HV, which take the top spots as the most repulsive camera offerings of all. But does the K-01 deserve as much criticism as it received? The short answer is equally yes and no. For every faceplant reaction and "wtf?"criticism armchair quarterbacks gave this camera, there are equally as many staunch and loyal supporters of its somewhat radical design. What I'm attempting to do with this article is to find common ground between the two extremes, because often enough the truth can usually be found somewhere in the middle. I will also go out on a limb and propose that Ricoh make a sequel to the K-01 because it had so much potential!

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 3

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 3

May 2021, Carl Garrard

 

Part III  in the K3 Mk III series, I'll go over build quality, ergonomics, and features. And I just have to take a moment to say that I'm really pleased to be doing a comprehensive review series on this camera. Ricoh's Pentax K3 Mk III is entirely new from the ground up, with every aspect of its design having been redesigned and improved compared to it's K3 predecessors (and previous Pentax DSLRs), one short review would not cut it. Quite honestly there's been more of a learning curve with the K3 Mk III than I expected. Sure it's still mostly familiar like most Pentax DSLRs, but there's a lot of new stuff here. So when I decided to do an in depth review like this, I realized that I really needed to dig into it, report its fine points, and test everything from the ground up. I think that's the only way you're really going to get to know a camera from the outside in. So far, and to my surprise, there haven't been any stick-out-like-a-sore-thumb moments with the K3 Mk III. There have been  no disappointments that reside in my personal deal breaker category.

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 2

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 2

May 2021, Carl Garrard

 

 

Ricoh's Pentax K3 Mk III is an impressive, gargantuan effort. Especially so considering that the world has been in crazy lock down mode for well over a year now. Despite that, Ricoh has been hard at work behind the scenes. From its engineers to the I.T department, to its marketing department and i's production facilities, Ricoh was on a mission to bring the K3 Mk III to the world. The depth of the effort that went into this camera's release is more apparent the more I spend time reading about it. I don't recall ever seeing so many pro photographers chiming in about a Pentax camera so soon after its release, whether that's the photographers on Ricoh's special website, or all of the others I'm seeing on the net. I'm quickly getting the impression here that the K3 Mk III represents more than just a new DSLR release, it also represents photographers who appreciate a DSLR's unique capabilities and heritage. Ricoh pushed back, and said no to conformity, and I for one, and all for it. I decided that with as much effort that Ricoh made to bring this camera to us, so too will be the effort that I make to review it properly. Feel free to skip past the Open Mic section if you don't want to hear my thoughts on the market reception of the K3 Mk III thus far.

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 1

Pentax K3 Mk III Review Series 1

April 2021, Carl Garrard

Pentax (Ricoh) stuck to their guns. Instead of making yet another "me too" mirrorless camera, Ricoh have decided to stick to doing what they do best- make an excellent DSLR. With this iteration of the K3, the wait was definitely worth it. True steps forward in design are under its amazingly tough and weatherproof magnesium shell. Oh you're going to love that grip and rock solid construction. It's a masterpiece. As you know, I have a full suite of Nikon and Canon DSLRS, as well as Pentax. I use whatever camera is suited best. Comparatively Pentax are the best built and most weather proof in their class compared to the other brands. It's just their brand strength, along with being backwards compatible to very old lenses (like Nikon). Pentax's weakness has always been autofocusing speed and tracking when comparing to Canon and Nikon, how will it fair?

Fujifilm's New GFX 100S

Fujifilm's New GFX 100S

February 2021, Carl Garrard 

I've been sort of out of the camera news loop lately, so I didn't see the press release of the new GFX 100S until the day it was announced. Life has been busy, in a good way. In a way I'm kind of glad I didn't catch all the "rumors" or sneak peaks of this camera before it was announced. I'm probably in the minority when I say that I prefer a good surprise to all the leaks and rumors that are so prevalent today. My reaction to the GFX 100S announcement thus was pure excitement and wonder. This wasn't the typical reaction to cameras news, I was genuinely excited and very, very curious. After reading up on the GFX 100S, going over its design with a fine tooth comb, I have to say that this camera is a very special one. I think it has true potential to radically alter the course of professional camera products in the future. In a way, it already has.

Fujifilm X-H1: Hybrid GFX/XT Inspired Excellence

Fujifilm X-H1: Hybrid GFX/XT Inspired Excellence

February 2021, Carl Garrard

When I returned my loaner X-H1 to Fujifilm back in February 2019, it didn't occur to me then that I just sent back my favorite X mount camera ever. And I certainly had no intention to wait two years to write a review about it either. For reasons I still can't explain, the timing to complete a review just didn't feel right. I guess I just wasn't ready to decide what to think about the X-H1 at that time. I knew it's design was a blend of stills and video of sorts, and I knew how Fujifilm were marketing it. Nearly two years on from the day I originally sent the X-H1 back, I know exactly what I want to say about it.

 

Nikon D810 Review Series Part I

Nikon D810 Review Series Part I 

November 2020, Carl Garrard

First, a bit of clarity. Although the title of this review implies that I may write further articles about the D810, please don't count on it. But also, don't discount it happening either. It's important to know that my impression of the D810 continues to evolve the more that I use it, thus, I may decide to have additional observations to note in the future. Consider instead that the title is a place marker. I won't rush or force myself into a writing review anymore, that time has long gone (thankfully). So my practice now is that an article happens when the time is right. After months of experience with the D810... I finally sat down this morning with a cup of black rifle coffee, motivated to condense my thoughts and experiences about the D810 into an article. I don't think I need to explain the reasoning why I'm reviewing an older camera, in my mind the point of relevancy for all interchangeable lens cameras came and went over 10 years ago, and many older cameras are just as relevant today as they were then.

The Magnificent Dozen (Updated List 2020)

The Magnificent Dozen (Updated List 2020)

October 2020, Carl Garrard

 

Since posting the Magnificent Seven article about two years ago (here), I've tested and reviewed more cameras in that time than in any two year period in the past. During which time, a few more cameras  have managed to really stand out as my favorites, so I thought I'd update my all time list to include these as well. As I stated in my first article; in order for a camera to reach my all time favorite list, it has to have several special qualities about it that make it stand out from the rest. There really is no set list of qualities it must have, rather, it must have the right combination of qualities to give it that something special- that at the end of the day makes it a camera that I never want to part with. These are also cameras that constantly beg my attention to be used for whatever subjective reason, and subsequently they are the ones I never lose interest in. Some cameras just have mojo, and it matters not what category they are in, or how expensive they are, they just have... it.

 

Zeiss ZX1: Pre Order Alert (Can it be?!)

Zeiss ZX1: Pre Order Alert (Can it be?!)

October 2020, Carl Garrard

October starts off with some spooky news. It appears as though BHPhoto has sent out pre order available emails on October 4th 2020 to those interested in the Zeiss ZX1- a prototype camera Zeiss unveiled in 2018 that was nearly forgotten. I myself received an email from BHPhoto early this morning. The camera is listed for $6,000.00 on pre-order and according to BHPhoto, should be available soon. To my knowledge it is not available for pre-order on other sites just yet (I did some checking around).  So I'm not entirely sure what BHPhoto are up to here, or, if they know something the rest of the industry hasn't caught up on yet. In case you doubt my sincerity, here is a screen shot from BHPhoto's site, as well as a direct link to the page where you can actually pre-order the Zeiss ZX1. (click on read more)

Photoshop Elements 2020 Deal

Photoshop Elements 2020 Deal
August 2020, Carl Garrard

If you are like me and refuse to buy into a subscription model only to be able to use software you should own, then this quick article will appeal to you. I've been using Photoshop Elements as one of my post processing software solutions since Elements 12, and find it a great little program for quick raw processing, especially for beginners. For more heavy handed work that requires more time and features to resolve final output, I use other raw programs. But I find for most raw processing or general post processing work that Elements is a really good and easy to use product. Adobe still sells it in CD form which is my absolute requirement, and for $59.99, it's a pretty darn good deal if you're using a much older version of Elements, or are new to Elements. Currently I have Elements 15, I've just been updating DNG converter as needed. I can recommend Elements. It's the only Adobe product I enjoy using and the only one I will endorse buying these days. Since I refuse to buy into an auto-subscription model, for this price a CD is a good deal; it provides great value to a photographer and will have free updates at least for a year or so. If you use the link below, you are automatically supporting my site. Regular price is $99.99 so it's been discounted a great deal here.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 [PC/Mac Disc]

Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD Review: The Lil Secret Wide Angle Lens

Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD Review
August 2020, Carl Garrard

This lens is a rare fantastic zoom. It so closely rivals prime lens performance offerings in the focal range it covers, that it made me reconsider keeping a couple of my prime lenses. Tamron nailed this one. Optically, good luck to you finding any other UWA lens that performs as well as this one for any where near it's price. Almost indistinguishable when compared to my highly regarded and optically excellent 24mm f/1.8G Nikkor at the same focal length, and its the best 17mm wide angle performance I've seen from any zoom lens yet. I'd pit it against any 17mm prime lens for edge to edge sharpness too. Clearly, this is a "modern optics" lens capable of handling the newer higher resolution sensors. A few test shots in, I knew it was a find immediately. Read on or visit it here:
Tamron 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD Seriously only $599.99?

Nikon Lineup: The Fantastic Four

Nikon Lineup: The Fantastic Four
August 2020, Carl Garrard

My goal was to update my main working camera kit. Never thought I'd end up using Nikon DSLR's for that task, but using is believing I guess. This is my main four camera set up, and I've other lenses not shown in this picture for each. I have other cameras of course, but these are the ones I'll be relying on for serious photography work only.I will detail which ones they are, and what I think all four are best purposed for.

Quick Spot: Pentax Perfection- The K5IIs

Quick Spot: Pentax Perfection- The K5IIs
August 2020, Carl Garrard

Pentax's K5IIs still remains one of my favorite cameras I've ever used, let alone in the DSLR segment. It's August 2020, and time has not taken it's toll on this beauty of a DSLR. The K5IIs is still an absolute gem, a small and amazingly built camera. It's capable of fantastic image detail because it lacks an AA filter, and its raw files don't feel as strained in post processing as the 24mp chips do. Besides the K70/KP it has the best overall APS-C image quality of any Pentax DSLR and it comes with better than expected video performance if you need it. With this list, the K5IIs is nearly future proof. The only feature it's missing is full compatibility with any KAF4 mount lens, this means the excellent 55-300mm PLM.
Pentax K-5 IIs Body Only (Black)

Photo of the Day- Waxing Gibbous Moon

Waxing Gibbous shot with Nikon D810 and Sigma 100-400mm HSM. 400mm f/8 ISO 100

Nikon D800E First Impressions

Nikon D800E First Impressions
July 2020, Carl Garrard

Prices on used and older pro level DSLR's have all fallen dramatically. Lucky for me, it was time for to upgrade two key areas of my kit. I needed an edge in two key types of photography: Birds in Flight/Action, and Landscape/Low Light. I've already found my perfect combo for bird in flight/action, the D500/Sigma 100-400 HSM. And trust me when I say that finding a camera and lens combination that I deem perfect for this task is so rare that it's only happened once in my life. My D500/Sigma 100-400mm HSM combo is stunning. But I'm here to talk about part II of my quest. Yep, I've set out to find that combo's equal, but this time for landscape/low light work instead. And after much deliberation, weighing practical advantages to cost etc. I decided to give the Nikon D800E a try. The D800E, is a camera I always wanted to try out, and although it was released in Feb of 2012, practically speaking I do not find it dated in the least bit.
Nikon D800E 36.3 MP Best Used Prices

Nikon D500 (Initial Impressions)

Nikon D500 (Initial Impressions)
July 2020, Carl Garrard

(Updated 9-17-2024) Hello Nikon fans! Just wanted to give a quick initial impression of the D500 for Nikon readers while I have my morning coffee. Again, this is only an initial impression and not my full review, which will come later. I've been using the D500 for just over a week now (constantly), which, honestly is plenty of time for me to get mostly familiar with a camera. When you review as many cameras as I do, you pretty much know what you need and like or dislike about a camera almost immediately. Nikon's D500 has been a camera that has intrigued me since its launch in 2016, and with the market going pretty much mirrorless now, I wanted to test a D500 against my other cameras to get a feel for its capability. For those living under a rock, the D500 is the most advanced APS-C (DX) format camera Nikon has ever made, and it's been updated in firmware a couple of times since its release.
Nikon D500 $949.00 Here