D700 test shots: Cathedral of the Madeleine
Recessional, Cathedral of the Madeleine
Today I took my brand new Nikon D700 out of the box, slapped a lens on it and raced down to the 5:15 mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine to test it out in some real working conditions. (ISO 1600, 4.0 at 1/50 sec, 28-70mm 2.8 lens on D700). It is completely unlike me to do such a thing. Usually I would read the manual, push all the buttons, and baby the new machine. I forgot myself.
Note: I am working with the dioscesan archivist on a project for the centennial of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, and I had advance permission from the rector to photograph a weekday mass. Visitors are welcome in the Cathedral, but in general photography is frowned up during service.
Saint Paul
St. Peter and St. Paul frame the small altar alcoves on either side of the main altar space. I already have a photo of St. Peter, but hadn’t had good natural light on St. Paul before today. I have long been interested in hagiography, or symbolism in the saints. St. Paul symbol is the sword, the “Sword of the Spirit” and a reminder of is martyrdom. Peter, on the other hand, usually has a cross and the keys to heaven. (ISO 1600, 3.5 at 1/100 sec, 7-200mm 2.8 lens on D700. Hand-held, loving that VR.)
100% zoom view of pixels from St. Paul, above
I will do some post processing on this image later, but I wanted to show the noiseless factor of the sensor at ISO 1600. Wow. That’s my number 1 motivation for buying this camera. I’m still skeptical of the full-frame “benefits” that excited so many people, and I will miss the 1.5 multiplier on the 70-200. The reduction of noise at higher ISOs, however, is going to be well worth it.
Two frames masked together
to hold detail in the stained glass
Let us marvel at the fact that I shot this pair of images, hand-held, at ISO1600. (Main image is 3.5 at 1/100th, windows 3.5 at 1/400th). Not only did they align (a rapid burst of frames and steadied by leaning against a pillar), but they are sharp. The mixed and changing light of the interior makes finding a proper white balance a challenge. Right out of the box, the D700 is set for auto white balance. I will probably try it for a while, then put it in my preferred setting of daylight (after all, Velvia was balanced for daylight) unless I have a reason to change.
127 frames and my first impression is that this camera and I are going to make some pictures I had previously thought impossible. It’s going out on Highway 89 tomorrow for a real work-out.
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3 Comments
I just got the D700 as well. It really is impressive in impossible light. I don’t know how you feel about prime lenses but I love the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8 D on this body. You will love this camera, I can’t wait to see your work with it.
Congrats on the new puchase. That D700 belongs in capable hands such as yours. Look forward to seeing more of how it affects your work.
See you at the photocamp!
Nate
I am really impressed. Especially the close up of St. Peter. That shot looks fantastic. It’s barely pixelated or anything. Amazing! I was really looking forward to your shots from this mass and I absolutely was not disappointed. Fantastic!!! I look forward to seeing more of your D700 adventures!