I would not post this at DPR because I would probably be lambasted. I received my new D2h Friday, ordered from B&H. I went out and took a bunch of shots inside and out with and without flash and also with my D2h and with the D1x. I blew them up side by side and cropped them and blew up the crops using different interpolation schemes. I used a range of ISO settings. I did it with just out of the camera images and also with images from both cameras with post production to make them the best I could using PS CS and NC, individually and together. I also applied Noise Ninja in the process where needed.
My conclusion was that the side by side comparison between the D1x and the D2h ultimatley using the best post production tweaking that I know how to do produced images similar enough that I would not trade cameras just for the image result. (I have been using NC since the inception and Photoshop since version 5x). The D2h has obvious and well known advantages over the D1x and for that reason, I strongly suggest the upgrade from D1x to D2h if you are not going to need a larger end file.
BUT and this is a big but! Not Butt as in I am a big butt, and yes I am, (I figured I would save you the trouble). There is another part to the whole camera buying decision making process for a non pro, advanced hobby photographer. It is strictly emotional. I think most or all of you know exactly what I am talking about.
Do I need the bigger files? No, not really. My D1x has served me well all these years and you read what I said about the file difference. But people argue, I may have to crop severly to get just the right effect and A D2h will not go that deep. Yeah right! I am not buying that argument entirely, because I cropped severly and you can actually (if you know how) create a very nice cropped image at a very reasonable size from the D2h. But what about that once in a lifetime shot that you want to blow up to the size of Staples Center in Los Angeles? Well in about 5 years of serious amateur photography it hasn't happened yet. But what about all the reported incidents of meter failure? It's just a matter of time right? I sort of doubt that one since i have only really heard anectodal incident rates so far, not widespread (thousands) of known failures. But even so, Nikon has responded well and fixed them all free or pretty cheap. So, damn. There goes another argument. I know your all thinking well if he can do what he wants with a D2h and it has a much more managable file size and is faster than the D2x then what is this all about. Why spend the money for shipping and and going to all the trouble and expense of exchanging a perfectlhy good D2h for a much much much much more expensive D2x that does pretty much the same thing with just a larger file size?
Because, "If the picture matters, the camera matters!!!).
(actually I just want it and I have decided that I will do what ever I have to do to get it.) You only live once blah blah blah blah blah! That's my justification and that seems to be enough.
Don't know why I felt the need to unload, but it did feel good. I have my RMA number and have reboxed my D2h and will run not walk to UPS tommorow to send it back. Monday morning, I will start calling around and looking for anyone who will take my money for this new must have addiction.
Anyone know of any place that has one in stock?
Yes I am crazy, but my motto is the one who has the most toys at the end wins!
My conclusion was that the side by side comparison between the D1x and the D2h ultimatley using the best post production tweaking that I know how to do produced images similar enough that I would not trade cameras just for the image result. (I have been using NC since the inception and Photoshop since version 5x). The D2h has obvious and well known advantages over the D1x and for that reason, I strongly suggest the upgrade from D1x to D2h if you are not going to need a larger end file.
BUT and this is a big but! Not Butt as in I am a big butt, and yes I am, (I figured I would save you the trouble). There is another part to the whole camera buying decision making process for a non pro, advanced hobby photographer. It is strictly emotional. I think most or all of you know exactly what I am talking about.
Do I need the bigger files? No, not really. My D1x has served me well all these years and you read what I said about the file difference. But people argue, I may have to crop severly to get just the right effect and A D2h will not go that deep. Yeah right! I am not buying that argument entirely, because I cropped severly and you can actually (if you know how) create a very nice cropped image at a very reasonable size from the D2h. But what about that once in a lifetime shot that you want to blow up to the size of Staples Center in Los Angeles? Well in about 5 years of serious amateur photography it hasn't happened yet. But what about all the reported incidents of meter failure? It's just a matter of time right? I sort of doubt that one since i have only really heard anectodal incident rates so far, not widespread (thousands) of known failures. But even so, Nikon has responded well and fixed them all free or pretty cheap. So, damn. There goes another argument. I know your all thinking well if he can do what he wants with a D2h and it has a much more managable file size and is faster than the D2x then what is this all about. Why spend the money for shipping and and going to all the trouble and expense of exchanging a perfectlhy good D2h for a much much much much more expensive D2x that does pretty much the same thing with just a larger file size?
Because, "If the picture matters, the camera matters!!!).
(actually I just want it and I have decided that I will do what ever I have to do to get it.) You only live once blah blah blah blah blah! That's my justification and that seems to be enough.
Don't know why I felt the need to unload, but it did feel good. I have my RMA number and have reboxed my D2h and will run not walk to UPS tommorow to send it back. Monday morning, I will start calling around and looking for anyone who will take my money for this new must have addiction.
Anyone know of any place that has one in stock?
Yes I am crazy, but my motto is the one who has the most toys at the end wins!
