Nikon D5 shooting Theater

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 4000, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

There are certain types of lighting situations where the latest and greatest camera will not make all that much difference.

Whenever the ISO is around 3200 I believe the differences are not as noticeable at first glance as when your ISO is say at ISO 16000 for example.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 16000, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

Now there are some moments like this where the stage during the theater performance was dark and the ISO 16000 does give me a very clean file.

If you shoot a lot of stage performances then you know sometimes the lighting isn't all that great. A lighting tech forgets a lighting cue and the light isn't correct, but you still need a photo. Hey the Nikon D5 will now let you get those moments.

Now if you are shooting studio strobes like these headshots then there is minimal difference.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/5, 1/200

The headshot here is really a great file, but so was the Nikon D4 file earlier I shot.

Nikon D4, Nikon 85mm ƒ/1.8G, ISO 100, ƒ/5, 1/200

By the way the Nikon D5 was shot after the actor went to the beach last week.

If you are in situations where you have good light then if you will not necessarily see a big difference in the camera upgrade.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1100, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I shot this photo on the Flat Picture Control setting. I think the dynamic range is much better over earlier Nikon models. Shooting a dress rehearsal let me have some pretty extreme situations because the lighting wasn't set for the witch to make her as visible from the audience as Rapunzel in the tower. So you can see that is quite a range.

Now I can say that the results using the Highlight-weighted metering mode as compared to the Nikon D750 isn't giving me the same results.

Nikon D5, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 2800, ƒ/4, 1/400

In this situation where there was a lot of black the Nikon D5 Highlight-weighted metering mode worked great. But in unless the frame is mainly black with a spotlight the exposures were way underexposed.

I think I trust the Nikon D750 Highlight-weighted metering mode more than the Nikon D5 at this moment. However, let me say that this is just preliminary comment. I do believe every new camera takes a little while to really run it through all the situations many times before I can rule out my own errors using the new tool.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 9000, ƒ/5.6, 1/400

Conclusion

Unless you need those higher ISOs then in general you will not benefit from the Nikon D5 say over the Nikon D4. As you can see for theater, you will see a noticeable difference.

If you are primarily a studio shooter, then I personally haven't seen any major differences except when it came to resolution. Higher resolution will let you make bigger prints and as we know you can sell a bigger print for a lot more money.

Nikon D5, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 9000, ƒ/5.3, 1/400

Now I included this last photo to really point out how much backgrounds can impact a photo. The first night I shot the dress rehearsal they didn't have the woods background. I think the background really made a HUGE difference and helped to take the level of production of the musical to a different level visually.

Just like in real estate LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION makes a big difference. For photography it is often the same thing, but we say it this way: BACKGROUND, BACKGROUND, BACKGROUND.

Independent Photographers Anxiety and How I deal with it

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/800

Just this past Friday the Knobs of The Citadel, also known as freshman, were having to walk the gutter to and from class.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/500

Only the upper class could use the sidewalks. It is part of what they call the 4th Class System. Here is the official explanation below. However the very next day was Recognition Day where after a grueling events the system is announced as over.

THE CITADEL’S FOURTH CLASS SYSTEM

The purpose of The Citadel’s Fourth Class system is to develop and graduate the “whole person.”

The Fourth Class System hinges on the completeness with which it matures, refines, trains, and schools the totality of a young cadet’s character. This finely balanced process provides the foundation of the “whole person” concept. During their four years as part of the Corps, cadets will develop academically, physically, militarily, and spiritually.

Anxiety is an Altered State of Consciousness

Each day our brain is thinking and processing our thoughts. We know the difference between our thoughts and actions, however anxiety changes all that for us.

Normal thoughts take into account things that could happen when we make certain choices. We understand life has some risks and make those choices where we diminish the possibility of terrible consequences. Anxious Thinking cannot accept any risks. It continually asks for reassurances, and it demands that we avoid situations that frighten us. Anxious Thinking makes no distinction between feeling frightened because of catastrophic images in our mind, and the fear of being in actual danger.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1000, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

Many of the Knobs have trouble sleeping Friday night because they know that the next day is Recognition Day. This is where for the very last time they will be pushed physically and mentally by the upper class.

As I walked around the campus I could hear upperclassmen, parents and friends reassuring the Knobs to not over think it and just leave their best effort on the field.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 2000, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

I'll Admit It–I Get Anxious

When things happen to me that I have no control over it is very common for me to get caught in anxious thoughts. While I haven't had a major melt down with an anxiety attack like some people, I can tell you I fully understand how that can happen.

While just about anything can trigger these anxious thoughts it is when I have a few things that happen to me in a row that my ability to manage these anxious thoughts becomes increasingly difficult.

Recently we have experienced a series of medical expenses. We also had to replace a transmission in our van. Also while it is good news you have to pay more in taxes [means you made more money] it can produce more anxiety.

Over the years I have been able to understand that one of my fears is having to go into debt to cover unexpected expenses. Another real fear with medical procedures is they usually involve some pain in recovery.

If you find yourself shutting down and avoiding situations because of the fear you have, then I highly recommend seeing a counselor and/or psychiatrist who can help you manage these anxiety attacks.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 800, ƒ/8, 1/2000

After breakfast the cadets all changed into their workout clothes. I then saw all of them running out of the barracks onto the parade field where they would be challenged and tested.

While many of them had trouble sleeping the night before, they embraced the fears and knew they would just do their best in the moment.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 900, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

What was surprising to me was watching many of the cadets smiling and having fun. I think they were the ones who were able to dismiss the thoughts of what could happen and just deal with what is happening.

Call it Anxiety

One of the best things you can do is to realize when you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious that these fears affect you the same way as if you really were in true danger. This makes it extremely difficult for you to think clearly.

Call it what it is as Anxiety. By you naming it then you have better chance of dealing with it. Then just deal with the facts. I had to really think out what was the worst thing that could happen.

Now to be honest logic alone doesn't work for me. I had to use my faith to help me. I meditate on these scriptures many times in times of anxiety.

Philippians 4:6-7 

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Now I just don't jump straight to prayer and giving this all to God. I always first experience some anxiety. I think about what I am feeling and try to understand the emotion and pray for wisdom.

I need wisdom for me to think through what is causing anxiety and to get to the root. This also helps me to know if there is anything I can do other than avoidance of the situation. I want to be proactive if there is something I can do, but I also am asking for the wisdom to know the difference as to what I can do and what I have no control over.

Nikon D4, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/250

After that morning the 4th Class System was announced that it was no longer in effect. The Knobs now joined the upperclassmen as fully integrated into the corp.

The marchers depart from The Citadel's main gate, down Moultrie St. and then turning right on King St. to Marion Square. The cadets take the oath – which has been carried out in some fashion for more than 100 years. 

Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. – Corrie ten Boom

Tested the Nikon D5 shooting event: The Citadel's Recognition Day for the Class of 2019

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1100, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

Today I was covering The Citadel's Recognition Day for the class of 2019. I really love the Nikon D5 for covering events.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 16000, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

I was just blown away with the quality of higher ISOs for just simple event photography. The colors look great at ISO 16000 in this photo. And the noise is very acceptable for this type of photography.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 32000, ƒ/9, 1/100

I was really enjoying shooting with ISO 32000 for people just sitting around a table.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 900, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

However the one thing I was really enjoying was shooting at 1/4000 and really nailing the razor sharp photos due to eliminating the camera movement.

I was also enjoying the dynamic range of the files as well.

The files are a big improvement over the Nikon D4. The Nikon D5 a 20 megapixel camera and the Nikon D4 is a 16 megapixel camera.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 100, ƒ/4, 1/800

Hopefully these are just a taste of what the camera does. I hope to continue to understand more of it's capabilities and how they can help me do things not possible before with the Nikon D4.

Test driving the Nikon D5 with College Baseball

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1400, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

Today I took the D5 for a test drive with college baseball. I first started to shoot the game like I did with my Nikon D4 which was using 1/2000 for shutter speed.

Also when I setup the camera for one of the Shooting Banks. When I did this I forgot that the Quality of the file setting would be default for JPEGs and not RAW. So the first batch of images was shooting in JPEG mode.

Frankly those images were pretty awesome. Here is one of first base that was shot as JPEG.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 640, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

The Nikon D5 is so good with ISO I decided to crank the shutter speed to 1/4000. You can see in the first frame at the top how awesome the results were even at an ISO 1400.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1400, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

I can tell you one thing for sure, if you want your images to look really sharp one the best things you can do with sports is crank the shutter speed up. Next time I have a day game I think I will go for 1/8000.

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 1000, ƒ/5.6, 1/4000

Here you can see that at 1/4000 you can see how hitting the ball was actually bending the bat. 

Nikon D5, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM | S, Sigma TC-2001 2x, ISO 2800, ƒ/8, 1/4000

I wanted the ball and the pitcher tact sharp and so I increased the depth-of-field to ƒ/8. I think the quality of the ISO 2800 was great for these photos.

Once I get all the calibrating done on my settings for sports I will post those and more images in the future. This was the test drive and I can tell you I am really impressed with the larger image, dynamic range, high ISO and focus on the camera. All of these are upgrades over a stellar Nikon D4 camera.

I think my clients will be getting a better image due to the camera. I think Nikon really hit this one out of the park with the Nikon D5.

Nikon D4 vs Nikon D5 ISO comparison

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 100, ƒ/1.4, 1/30

This was shot for those pixel peepers. Shooting same photos side by side comparison of the D4 to the D5 at different ISOs.

I did a custom white balance using the ExpoDisc.

Click on the images to see them full resolution.

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 100, ƒ/1.4, 1/30

Now ISO 400

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 400, ƒ/1.4, 1/125

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 400, ƒ/1.4, 1/125

Now ISO 1600

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 1600, ƒ/1.4, 1/500

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 1600, ƒ/1.4, 1/500

Now ISO 5600

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 5600, ƒ/1.4, 1/2000

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 5600, ƒ/1.4, 1/2000

ISO 12800

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 12800, ƒ/1.4, 1/4000

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 12800, ƒ/1.4, 1/4000

ISO 25600

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 25600, ƒ/1.4, 1/8000

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 25600, ƒ/1.4, 1/8000

ISO 51200

Nikon D4, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 51200, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 51200, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000

ISO 102400

Nikon D5, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 102400, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

My opinion is that the D5 is giving you between 2 to 3 stops higher ISO with similar noise the the D4 at those lower ISO numbers. I would say that the D5 25600 to me is about the equivalent of the D4 ISO 6400. However you can make that call yourself from the photos above.

Nikon D5 with Candlelight Examples

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 65535, ƒ/4, 1/125

So here is the setup I tried with my new Nikon D5 tonight. One candle and small bobble head soldier.

I also left the White Balance on Auto just to see how well the camera handled the color.

You can click on the images to see them full size to compare yourself.

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 400, ƒ/4, 3 sec

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 1600, ƒ/4, 1/1.2

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/5

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 12800, ƒ/4, 1/10

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 25600, ƒ/4, 1/20

Nikon D5, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens, ISO 51200, ƒ/4, 1/60

Protecting Camera from the Rain

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 12800, ƒ/11, 1/15

Tonight I got caught across town in NYC with the rain coming down. Tried to get a Taxi and couldn't get one quick enough, so we took a Manhattan Rickshaw Taxi. It even had a plastic cover which really made for some cool pictures.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 8000, ƒ/11, 1/100

So riding in a Rickshaw through Times-Square was a lot of fun.

It was a bad weather moment and we were able to turn it into a fun moment. Our cameras all remained dry all the way to the hotel.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 1000, ƒ/4, 1/100

Now one thing I noticed was shooting a shallow depth-of-field wasn't as good as stopping down from ƒ/4 to ƒ/11 gave me a better result for my taste.

I was also impressed with the driver. He got us in pretty quick time to our hotel passing many of the cabs.