In Awe
I recently did a post about unpopular camera brands where I made the case for those that went under the radar of some photographers. The big beasts of camera technology these days are Sony, Canon and Nikon. They dominate the professional world, making gear that is used the world over to produce much of our photographic content. They have all focused their attentions on mirrorless camera systems and are gradually leaving the DSLR behind. It is amazing to see how technology has moved on in the 10 years since the camera I am focusing on was introduced.
The Nikon D750 is a 24.3mp full frame DSLR introduced in 2014. It was seen as the prosumer model below the flagship D4 and D810. A good friend of mine and professional photographer Andrew Fowler, is a long time Nikon user. He owns this model and always rated it.
I have used pretty much every major camera brand apart from Nikon over the years. In the last 2 years, I have grown to enjoy using the ‘older’ technology of the DSLR . The optical viewfinder, the better ergonomics, the lightning fast start up time and of course, what some are capable of. This camera however has blown me away. It is the most comfortable, reliable, rugged camera I’ve ever used. It produces some of the nicest files I’ve ever seen. The detail it retains is amazing. The battery life is the best of any camera I have owned. The native lenses are superb and not expensive. It isn’t overly big and bulky. The grip is deep and moulds to my hand.
I bet you think you’ve heard this from me before. In fairness , I do tend to say this sort of thing ; but ‘sort of’ is the operative phrase as I’m trying to convince myself a purchase has been worth it! This Nikon was comparatively inexpensive and isn’t all sparkling new.
I have heard and read that camera technology has in some ways, advanced dramatically in the last 15 years and in many ways it hasn’t. A top of the line camera in 2010 is still a great camera if it takes great pictures and is reliable. It is around the edges that cameras have advanced. They make your life slightly easier as a technician but don’t dismiss the older models as they have something to offer. If I had been with Nikon for the long haul , maybe I would have seen how newer models improved the shooting experience and image quality. I had a moment the other week whilst using the D750. I was taking a few sunset photos , last of the light shots up at a reservoir high up on the top of the moors. I finished and put my camera back in the bag and said to myself “I really love using this” . That is a first for me.
I’ve come to realise that camera body aesthetics don’t really count for much. I owned a Leica once and felt conscious that if I was out taking photos, people were looking at my camera rather than what I was looking at. That didn’t make my photography better, it just drew attention to the gear I was carrying. No one looks at a 10 year old DSLR because they think it’s yesterday’s technology. Taking thousands of images and learning from that experience, makes me a better photographer. Practice and time improves your photography. Having a camera that can realise my expectations is important but having one that exceeds them is a gift.
I am doing more photo shoots using my Panasonic S5II but I will also be using the Nikon as it may offer a little of the magic I’ve discovered in my general landscape and documentary work. I am told, combined with the 85mm f1.8 g lens, it is a great camera for portrait work. I know it’s excellent in low light and its colours are great. In conclusion, don’t write off older technology. They knew a thing or two about making professional equipment back in the day. Would I recommend a D750 ? Yes of course I would. Would I try the D780 or D850? Yes I would but do I need more bells and whistles ? Not really no. I am though, in a state of awe.
