I didn't know the D3x. WoW man, unbelievable image quality! very organic and film-like. The 58mm is just STUNNING and the bokeh (but most importantly the transition between the subject and the background is second to none). Thanks for this!
Bill Russell is wearing the Celtics uniform. But the very tall man sprinting on the left is Wilt Chamberlain. I’m keeping my 58 mm 1.4G. It is unique, and I love how it renders. This is from a guy who also has the Voigtlander 58 mm F1.4. I really appreciate that you discuss photography featuring old and new gear.
I met Wilt Chamberlain once back in the day after a game in LA. I was waiting in the parking lot waiting for my father and he walked up to me, shook my hand and talked to me briefly, the 19 year old kid. I was surprised how normal he looked. A tall normal looking person. A good looking well porpitioned man, not like a tall stick figure.
I don't often comment, just wanted to say I appreciate your content. It's great to see you make videos about older cameras and lenses that don't get as much love as some others. Keep up the great work!
Besides the top professionell shots (,beautiful pictures),... this lens showes a remarkable character and depth ....as longer you look into a picture, as more it moves toward 3 D impression. I never seen pictures from this lense before.. i am impressed ......
I love my D3X. It's got a magical quality. Especially photographing flowers, metal, and studio portraits. It's black tones are AMAZING, and it takes the BEST, most Acros like black and white shots. The noise is BEAUTIFUL. Hands down the most beautiful noise I've ever seen on a digital camera. I could go on and on. Blows me away they never used this sensor on any other camera. It's one of a kind.
Wow, you got great photos with the 58mm f/1.4G lens and Nikon D3x DSLR camera. The images look really good, great colors, dynamic range and details. Great video Vahagn, you rock.
forgot to mention.... this video was exciting from the beginning to the end.... and yes, you are right... performance is Leica like. Rock'n Roll my Friend 🤘
I have been shooting a bit recently with the 58mm and the Nikon Df, results have been pretty fantastic so far. Ever plan on doing a retro review of the Df one day?
Man, love the retro gear videos. D3x is still a true Metallica, 'heavy metal' rock and roll, M.F of a camera, even in 2022. I went out with a D700 with a 50mm f1.8 Ais manual focus lens the other day.....great fun, which is how it should be. It also encourages people who cannot afford the all bells and whistles of modern gear. Keep 'em coming, dude. Steve from the UK
Great video, I like when you show the examples that's the best way to illustrate the images. I have been thinking about this lense for awhile, you are convincing me. You have very nicely illustrated that you don't always need big sensors. Tha is again GREAT VIDEO. Love those classic cameras
Great video ! love that you took out the beast for some street work ! Great shots !!!! and Bro I bought that 58mm f1.4 based on your previous review of the lens a while ago.I've used it several times on the street in NY and wow...You were right its a great lens. It's addicting to use.... its probably my most used lens. Bokeh is great of course but stopped down it has amazing micro contrast and sharpness. Its my favorite 50 of all time. Some people do complain its soft wide open and yes it is but there is more to a lens than just sharpness. I have the Z 50mm f1.8s lens when i want sharpness and low aberrations... that is a great lens as well in its own way. There are times when i want that clean sharp look and that's what that lens gets me. i didn't want to drop that $2k on the z 50mm F1.2 so i got the adapter for the z body and use the 58 as my fast 50. Perfect compromise for me. i Wont be selling or trading it anytime soon. Oh and 24 megapixel files on full frame look fantastic. i have the Nikon z7 and z6...those Z6 files are special. I really think 24 megapixels on full frame is kind of the image quality sweet spot if you don't absolutely need high resolution.
One of the few positive reviews on the 58mm f 1.4. I'm pleased you drew out the positives in this lens which are ignored elsewhere. I shoot exclusively on black and white film and am looking for a lens that does the sort of things you mention here. As a result, this could well be my next acquisition. Thanks very much !
THank you. with this lens you have to compose your shot. take your time . this lens renders a certain type of look. The character of this is as much of relevance as 1.4 . I love it. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Vahagn! I love your videos, although my English is not good enough as well, to understand it all. I bought a used Nikon D3x in February 2023, and due to your videos, I ordered a used 58mm/1.4G lens too. And the lens is fantastic! The 58 mounted on the D3x is an impressive combination, and worth each Cent. Thank you for your videos and best regards from Austria/Europe...
THank you Hans. Glad you are enjoyed the videos and thank you for your amazing comment. That D3x is something else. Happy you are enjoying it and that 58 G. a keeper for sure. Rock n Roll!!!
Have you ever thought of shooting on slow Black and White film and selling your work as 'Fine Art' ? I think you're more than good enough to do so. I have seen a lot worse out there and if I wasn't still recovering from major heart surgey I would be gping out with my F5 to try and get something a tenth as good. I love this channel. .well presented and some great content. Unlike others you show actual photographs when reviewing equipment. Keep it up..thank you.
As usual, awesome video. If I had to sit for a portrait, I'd rather have it taken with a Nikon D3X and Nikon 58mm f/1.4 G lens than with any mirrorless camera system.
Amaizing job sir, and amazing camera ! I had D3, D3s and D4 , I am a big fan of old flagship cameras from Nikon ! I wander how is D3x autofocus on low light , and how is Iso 1600 in low light ? I was using D3s and D4 for wedding photography and for some sports...! At some weddings in the church is quite dark...ok, I can use a flash or 2, but how is the autofocus in low light ? How fast and accurate it is ? I would buy one as a second camera with a D4 for weddings...to keep an wide on one and a zoom on other , but if I have to take a quick shot will be fast enaugh (and I think about autofocus speed.not the number of fps) ! Should I buy one just because I am nostalgic ,or should I go for a D750 ? Thank you very much and once again, amazing video !
Im lookin at getting that lens and the 105mm 1.4 ED even though Im on the mirrorless I can say that the G lenses have better character and soul for photography
Ciao, awesome video, photos, cutest woman to photobomb ever haha, 58 1.4 looks incredible, D3X too. Wonder how it performs on a D810. Keep up your chill vibe amigo!
Thank you so much. Love reading comments like these. Motivates me to go out a produce more videos. Asher. this lens is a character gem. On the D810 it will rock.
I also have this lens. It makes me wonder why I should bother upgrading to mirrorless. I have a D810 and a D500. I can do everything I want with those 2 cameras. I have a dedicated video camera for video. Thanks for this.
I used to get great images from the D810. Upgrades are great for spec matches but the character shifts when they modernize some cameras, not always for the better.
Hey Vahagan, great video. Even kinda relaxing and inspiring! Be careful you might make people give up on their mirrorless cameras and go back to a DSLR! Fantastic images and sharp as a samari sword! It looks like you had a great time on the street and the beach sunset! Greg
i had the D3x also and just have good memorys, but i sold it years ago, so i will based on your video go and borrow the Nikon 58 mm/F 1.4 AF-S G to shot on the Z 9 and see how it works! i always have and eye to the look also and not only the details !
Nice video specially about the D3x. It's good to see that this DSLR still rock and roll in 2022. I used only DX bodies like D5300 and D3300. I just bought my first full frame and it is a D800. The vibration of the mirror concerns me but the image quality and the dynamic range are wonderful. Vahagraphy can you do please a video about your old D800 with some image samples like in this video ? That camera is a beast even in 2022. Thanks for everything. Rock & Roll 🤘
THank you and glad you enjoy the videos. When I use a tank of a dlsr like this one I feel like I have something in my hands thats so powerful yet so beautiful. Delicate yet so aggressive. Poetry in motion.
Very nice video, Vahagn - all valid and relevant. But I have a but. The question is if we can accomplish similar results with a Z 9 with, say, a native Z mount "S" fiddy. The dominant - silent - assumption in these interwebs is "no" you can't. But maybe that should be "yes, we can!" If we define the artistic value of an image as function from its composition, timing, and subject, then we imply that this write-up below has between no and little impact on the artistic value of your, our, images. But there's impact to gradation, contrast, tint, how out of focus as well as sharpness are rendered. Let me break my point down into some parts, here ("bear with me"). There's loads of detail and why would you bother? Well, trying to refute these hypotheses may lead you to applying them and thus remove the "need" for loads of hardware - thus removing clutter from the office and clutter from the brain. Trying to make images from camera A with lens a look like the images from camera B with lens b by figuring out how post processing of each differs from absolutely neutral and by trying to make the images look the same beyond that. (A=/=B, a=/=b) (1) With its 24.5 MP sensor, I presume the D3x has an AA-filter. The reason cameras received an AA filter was because of "raw processing" (wild-assed guessing of missing color in the raw image) as well as "sharpening" (how to deal with lines, shapes, curves, gradients that do not align with the rectangular sensor grid of "square" photosites and consequent square pixels in a display). In the old days with limited MP and limited compute power, the AA filter solved a serious processing problem in the image creation with a glass filter as prevention of needing to solve the problem in software. But when MP increase above 30, the AA filter becomes a problem in itself and that's why Nikon took it out of the D800E for the first time. In doing its good things, it at the same time reduces contour sharpness, reduces dynamic range, reduces low-light sensitivity, and reduces color space - a bit but noticeable. All that may contribute to the "cinematic" feeling we get from D3x images. Today's Z 6(ii) still has an AA filter, a Z 7(ii) and Z 9 don't. And, as this decision follows photosite-in-sensor-density, a D500 also doesn't have an AA filter. As raw processing and sharpening algorithms got developed in the AA-filter days, a party like the Mudbricks needed to develop a new algorithm for handling raw images from AA-less cameras - the question to me still today remains how well they did on that. When I am in doubt about the processing of an image in/by LrC, I process it in Nikon NX Studio for reference. This, by the way, only touches "default" settings of raw processing and sharpening (or detail handling, including texture, clarity and dehaze). So, (1) part of the D3x attraction may be from the AA filter giving nicer sharpening. The question is (2) if this effect can be mimicked in post. (2) While part of the D3x attraction may be from the alternative way it forces sharpening on us, in the camera and in post, the question is what result we get when we "down sample" our images. Here I must explain what I mean with "down sample" rather than "downsize". I define downsize as an approach where basic logic (math, algorithm) is used to reduce resolution and define "down sample" as a way that looks at image content - applying AI - and makes decisions in reducing pixels. When we compare upsizing in LrC or Ps to upsampling in Topaz's Gigapixel AI then we see the latter outperforming the former. So we may be able to mimic the AA filter effect in post with for example proper down-sampling. (3) Effects in tint and contrast that we think are different when we look at our images as displayed on our computer displays may be in the "raw" data as caused by the camera, but could equally well be caused by the Standard Profile (that would be "Adobe Color" in LrC & CR). In a Windows (10 with latest version Adobe) PC look in the folder C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Lightroom Classic\Resources\CameraProfiles\Adobe Standard\ and you'll see that the Mudbricks have created a profile for the D3X under filename "Nikon D3X Adobe Standard.dcp" with .dcp indicating Digital Color Profile - which is where the raw processing algorithms get their instructions from, which algorithms to use and how to apply them (in their parameter settings). If we create our own .ICC color profiles and apply those in post, then we probably iron out all the tiny differences between cameras, except for a few basic things like penultimate dynamic range that are really in the camera's territory. We could go as far as to create such profiles for each camera-lens combination and then have different "light" profiles that then result in camera-lens-light. (The question remains if different aperture values impact deviations from neutral, or even exposure times, or ISO settings. Likely they do.) Such ICC profiles all lead to extremely "neutral" rendition. That may seem deep or nerdy, but when we judge hardware through software, we cannot abstract the potential impact of software away. And be aware that it's all software version dependent. And camera/lens firmware too, maybe. If you are an old film fanatic with ability to judge "gradation" extremely well - think peeps like Ansel Adams - then note that gradation in digital also depends on software. This starts in the camera where the photosites in the sensor are measured when we the camera takes an image from the sensor. The photosites are analog and the analog values (these are like "real" type floating point values) must be converted into a digital integer number. This is where your "14 bits" are. (Aside: note that these 14 bit values are monochrome - mono=one, chrome=color - as they are either red, or green, or blue and so each photosite 14 bits value lacks two colors. Raw processing does the wild-assed guessing and comes up with RGB or so it invents pixels. In the result, all color channels are the result of this "guessing". DxO Mark says the best sensors give 27 bits color space but what they mean is that they cannot do better than 9 bits per channel given a specific camera and its firmware. You lost about all of the 14 bits and got 3*9=27 RGB in return that is 100% guessed.) How the photosites deal with different light levels depends on their design and this impacts the analog reals. It is in the low-level firmware in the "analog to digital" (AD) circuit that the camera decides how to convert these analog reals into digital integers. And in that the AD circuit applies a gradation correction or modification curve. This contributes to our perception of our images. And we can investigate this in a reference shot of a grey scale with camera 1 and compare that to the identical shot from camera 2. When completely black and completely white are the same between cameras, the intermediate grey blobs in the grey scale may differ and from that we can deduce that the cameras handle AD conversion differently. (Or that our raw processing software handles it differently between the cameras ... .) In LrC we have the "Tone Curve" to deal with this. And, if you really want a finicky approach to tint and gradation, take your raw-processed and corrected image from LrC into Ps and convert it to 32 bits per channel - you may be astonished by what you see in there, even when your high quality display is limited to 8 bits per channel (you ought to have static contrast only or switch dynamic contrast off as the latter is too coarse for photography work). The moment I can make images look as much the same as possible because of more neutral profiles, specific to lens, camera and potential other variables, and because of resizing and sharpening evening other differences out, I can then compare the deviation from camera or application defaults between profiles for cameras and lenses. With these differences applied to the defaults of a camera and lens under scrutiny, I may now be able to mimic the pleasant image rendition of an old camera (i.e. the raw processing for that old camera or lens). And then, when we went to great length to figure this all out, we convert our images to JPEG in some non-descript piece of software, maybe. Or publish images in movie format on RUclips. Most of what we attribute to "camera" or "sensor" or "lens" actually must be attributed to "raw processing" and sharpening. Most color noise and luminance noise we see in post actually follows from failed raw processing. And that's an axiom-like hypothesis as long as it has not been fundamentally refuted.
Hi Vahagaphy, Like the content and photos. I had a D3X come up locally to me but hesitated to buy as I have already got a D4 that I have to explore better. If possible and you have some spare time can you do a comparison between the D4 and D3X. I imagine the D4 might have better colour rendering/dynamic range and much better use ability overall. ie better live view. These older bodies seem to work great on top spec lenses.
Yes good choices. If I see a 28 E I will buy one at a good price. good condition. I have the 58 and 105 , never used the 28 E however Ive heard really great things about this lens.
Beautiful video man! I still rock my D4, and yes there is something special about these big old workhorses! I didn't have opportunity to tryout this lens, but it looks amazing! I usually walk around with basic 50mm f1.8g or 24mm f2.8 af (the first af model and its awesome!)
Maybe the most compelling argument for the Nikon’s z line are the new lenses, esp zooms that are definitely better/lighter than their f mount predecessors.
Hello Vahagraphy, Some supper images, Just some yon do not need the newest and greatest (Z9) to take great images. It is down to the 6" behind the camera that dose the work. Keep well, keep safe and rock on...
Why am i not using my Z6 and reminiscing about my D700 and not doing it justice before moving on without getting it good glass. 😌 older gear had character.
@@Vahagraphy cool, i guess it depends on what type of photography you’re doing as well, I’m an amateur just getting into it and I’m upgrading from a d3100 and still learning a bunch mostly doing this as a hobby but wouldn’t mind making some money on the side
Love the video! But the 50mm 1.4g is sharper and better for a 3rd of the price. The 1.8g is just as good for an 8th of the price 👌. Just walk a little closer for your shots and you can't tell the difference.
I would like to suggest a topic for your conversations on Wedding & Events: The insanely loud DJ who makes for a seriously dangerous situation for our hearing. I see this as the worst aspect of weddings and the like. I personally don't like rap & hiphop and that's another issue but speaking here only about the dangerous level of music volume at events, and older wedding guests, the elderly and venue staff have to sit through that.
Isn't it just a special camera. Mpixels ahead of its time, D range so awesome and the film look this camera produced. 100 ISO with this lens at a bar with nature light coming in. lol
I rather take the Voigtlander 58mm 1.4 Nokton. Manual focus but no problem for me. I don't know the IQ difference with the Nikon but the price difference is insane. 1800 vs 579 bucks. And my Voigt 58mm delivers fine on my D850.
That’s a lens that I have never had the chance to get my hands on.... seams nice, on a different note STOP making videos on the D3x, every time you painfully remind me that I have sold mine LOL 😂
I didn't know the D3x. WoW man, unbelievable image quality! very organic and film-like. The 58mm is just STUNNING and the bokeh (but most importantly the transition between the subject and the background is second to none). Thanks for this!
Bill Russell is wearing the Celtics uniform. But the very tall man sprinting on the left is Wilt Chamberlain. I’m keeping my 58 mm 1.4G. It is unique, and I love how it renders. This is from a guy who also has the Voigtlander 58 mm F1.4. I really appreciate that you discuss photography featuring old and new gear.
I met Wilt Chamberlain once back in the day after a game in LA. I was waiting in the parking lot waiting for my father and he walked up to me, shook my hand and talked to me briefly, the 19 year old kid. I was surprised how normal he looked. A tall normal looking person. A good looking well porpitioned man, not like a tall stick figure.
I'll never give up my D3X!
I don't often comment, just wanted to say I appreciate your content. It's great to see you make videos about older cameras and lenses that don't get as much love as some others. Keep up the great work!
Love my D3x, I'll never, ever part with it! Nice to see other photogs still using it in 2022. Thanks Vahagn...peace brother...love your channel.
Grande, Vahagn! Great lens and beautiful pics! A big hug from Italy! Dom
From Italy: bravo , good jobs
This lens is one of the few F mount lenses that I would purchase for the Z mount system.
Besides the top professionell shots (,beautiful pictures),... this lens showes a remarkable character and depth ....as longer you look into a picture, as more it moves toward 3 D impression. I never seen pictures from this lense before.. i am impressed ......
I love my D3X. It's got a magical quality. Especially photographing flowers, metal, and studio portraits. It's black tones are AMAZING, and it takes the BEST, most Acros like black and white shots. The noise is BEAUTIFUL. Hands down the most beautiful noise I've ever seen on a digital camera. I could go on and on. Blows me away they never used this sensor on any other camera. It's one of a kind.
Wow, you got great photos with the 58mm f/1.4G lens and Nikon D3x DSLR camera. The images look really good, great colors, dynamic range and details. Great video Vahagn, you rock.
forgot to mention.... this video was exciting from the beginning to the end.... and yes, you are right... performance is Leica like. Rock'n Roll my Friend 🤘
HI V, I have the Nikon 58mm f/1.4 G lens & D3, not the D3X..love it
I have been shooting a bit recently with the 58mm and the Nikon Df, results have been pretty fantastic so far. Ever plan on doing a retro review of the Df one day?
Yeah a video on the DF would be dope. Or the D4.
I would love to see a comparison of the 85 f1.4 D vs G series lens
Great review of the 58 f1.4 and D3x. Beautiful image files.
Many thanks! love the combo. Next up 105 E
Man, love the retro gear videos. D3x is still a true Metallica, 'heavy metal' rock and roll, M.F of a camera, even in 2022. I went out with a D700 with a 50mm f1.8 Ais manual focus lens the other day.....great fun, which is how it should be. It also encourages people who cannot afford the all bells and whistles of modern gear. Keep 'em coming, dude.
Steve from the UK
Yep...I also still shoot with a D700 and D2H and....D70s...they just won't die on me 🤪🤪🤪...otherwise I do shoot with Olympus M43 systems...😂😂😂
Great video on this lens and camera body.
Great video, I like when you show the examples that's the best way to illustrate the images. I have been thinking about this lense for awhile, you are convincing me. You have very nicely illustrated that you don't always need big sensors. Tha is again GREAT VIDEO. Love those classic cameras
Great video ! love that you took out the beast for some street work ! Great shots !!!! and Bro I bought that 58mm f1.4 based on your previous review of the lens a while ago.I've used it several times on the street in NY and wow...You were right its a great lens. It's addicting to use.... its probably my most used lens. Bokeh is great of course but stopped down it has amazing micro contrast and sharpness. Its my favorite 50 of all time. Some people do complain its soft wide open and yes it is but there is more to a lens than just sharpness. I have the Z 50mm f1.8s lens when i want sharpness and low aberrations... that is a great lens as well in its own way. There are times when i want that clean sharp look and that's what that lens gets me. i didn't want to drop that $2k on the z 50mm F1.2 so i got the adapter for the z body and use the 58 as my fast 50. Perfect compromise for me. i Wont be selling or trading it anytime soon. Oh and 24 megapixel files on full frame look fantastic. i have the Nikon z7 and z6...those Z6 files are special. I really think 24 megapixels on full frame is kind of the image quality sweet spot if you don't absolutely need high resolution.
Beautiful images!
One of the few positive reviews on the 58mm f 1.4. I'm pleased you drew out the positives in this lens which are ignored elsewhere. I shoot exclusively on black and white film and am looking for a lens that does the sort of things you mention here. As a result, this could well be my next acquisition. Thanks very much !
THank you. with this lens you have to compose your shot. take your time . this lens renders a certain type of look. The character of this is as much of relevance as 1.4 . I love it. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I have a d3x and always seem to think about a 58 for that camera!! The weight for that package should be just about right
It was nice to watch you having a enjoyable time out and meeting people with some cool street photography in the mix 😎😃
Fine video Vahagin and a lot of lovely photos.
Keep it up and rock n roll 👌
Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed.
Hi Vahagn! I love your videos, although my English is not good enough as well, to understand it all. I bought a used Nikon D3x in February 2023, and due to your videos, I ordered a used 58mm/1.4G lens too. And the lens is fantastic! The 58 mounted on the D3x is an impressive combination, and worth each Cent. Thank you for your videos and best regards from Austria/Europe...
THank you Hans. Glad you are enjoyed the videos and thank you for your amazing comment. That D3x is something else. Happy you are enjoying it and that 58 G. a keeper for sure. Rock n Roll!!!
Have you ever thought of shooting on slow Black and White film and selling your work as 'Fine Art' ? I think you're more than good enough to do so. I have seen a lot worse out there and if I wasn't still recovering from major heart surgey I would be gping out with my F5 to try and get something a tenth as good. I love this channel. .well presented and some great content. Unlike others you show actual photographs when reviewing equipment. Keep it up..thank you.
Another great video confirming my choice of a used D3X. Now looking at lenses and the 58mm might be my first choice.
As usual, awesome video. If I had to sit for a portrait, I'd rather have it taken with a Nikon D3X and Nikon 58mm f/1.4 G lens than with any mirrorless camera system.
I bet this lens would work wonders on the Nikon D4s and D700. I may have to find a used one and try it out. Cool video.
Funny thing is the used price of this lens went up. before you could find one for 6-700 now some are listed used for arounfd 1K.
Amaizing job sir, and amazing camera ! I had D3, D3s and D4 , I am a big fan of old flagship cameras from Nikon ! I wander how is D3x autofocus on low light , and how is Iso 1600 in low light ? I was using D3s and D4 for wedding photography and for some sports...! At some weddings in the church is quite dark...ok, I can use a flash or 2, but how is the autofocus in low light ? How fast and accurate it is ? I would buy one as a second camera with a D4 for weddings...to keep an wide on one and a zoom on other , but if I have to take a quick shot will be fast enaugh (and I think about autofocus speed.not the number of fps) ! Should I buy one just because I am nostalgic ,or should I go for a D750 ? Thank you very much and once again, amazing video !
I just bought this one. ❤
Yo Vahagan, I appreciate the video of the 58mm lens; I purchased one myself. Would you ever consider making a video adapting your 58mm to your Z9?
Im lookin at getting that lens and the 105mm 1.4 ED even though Im on the mirrorless I can say that the G lenses have better character and soul for photography
That 105mm 1.4E is outstanding and it will shine on the Z cameras.
100%
I was just talking to a buddy of mine about the D3X, and how we love the color. Must be the CCD sensor.
Ciao, awesome video, photos, cutest woman to photobomb ever haha, 58 1.4 looks incredible, D3X too. Wonder how it performs on a D810. Keep up your chill vibe amigo!
Thank you so much. Love reading comments like these. Motivates me to go out a produce more videos. Asher. this lens is a character gem. On the D810 it will rock.
@@Vahagraphy thanks for the reply! Have a nice one.
Very nice review !!! Love that details!
Thanks so much! love this camera and lens.
I never tried this combination and now I'm tempted :) Great shots, Vahagan!
Thank you Yamen.
The nikon 850 with that lens is unbelievable
yup. This lens is one of a kind.
That detail really is impressive 👍
Thank you very much! I love it and will continue to use it. DSLRs still rock. specially this one.
I also have this lens. It makes me wonder why I should bother upgrading to mirrorless. I have a D810 and a D500. I can do everything I want with those 2 cameras. I have a dedicated video camera for video. Thanks for this.
I used to get great images from the D810. Upgrades are great for spec matches but the character shifts when they modernize some cameras, not always for the better.
Hey Vahagan, great video. Even kinda relaxing and inspiring! Be careful you might make people give up on their mirrorless cameras and go back to a DSLR! Fantastic images and sharp as a samari sword! It looks like you had a great time on the street and the beach sunset! Greg
i had the D3x also and just have good memorys, but i sold it years ago, so i will based on your video go and borrow the Nikon 58 mm/F 1.4 AF-S G to shot on the Z 9 and see how it works!
i always have and eye to the look also and not only the details !
Nice video specially about the D3x. It's good to see that this DSLR still rock and roll in 2022.
I used only DX bodies like D5300 and D3300. I just bought my first full frame and it is a D800. The vibration of the mirror concerns me but the image quality and the dynamic range are wonderful. Vahagraphy can you do please a video about your old D800 with some image samples like in this video ? That camera is a beast even in 2022.
Thanks for everything. Rock & Roll 🤘
THank you and glad you enjoy the videos. When I use a tank of a dlsr like this one I feel like I have something in my hands thats so powerful yet so beautiful. Delicate yet so aggressive. Poetry in motion.
Very nice video, Vahagn - all valid and relevant. But I have a but. The question is if we can accomplish similar results with a Z 9 with, say, a native Z mount "S" fiddy.
The dominant - silent - assumption in these interwebs is "no" you can't. But maybe that should be "yes, we can!" If we define the artistic value of an image as function from its composition, timing, and subject, then we imply that this write-up below has between no and little impact on the artistic value of your, our, images.
But there's impact to gradation, contrast, tint, how out of focus as well as sharpness are rendered.
Let me break my point down into some parts, here ("bear with me"). There's loads of detail and why would you bother? Well, trying to refute these hypotheses may lead you to applying them and thus remove the "need" for loads of hardware - thus removing clutter from the office and clutter from the brain.
Trying to make images from camera A with lens a look like the images from camera B with lens b by figuring out how post processing of each differs from absolutely neutral and by trying to make the images look the same beyond that. (A=/=B, a=/=b)
(1) With its 24.5 MP sensor, I presume the D3x has an AA-filter. The reason cameras received an AA filter was because of "raw processing" (wild-assed guessing of missing color in the raw image) as well as "sharpening" (how to deal with lines, shapes, curves, gradients that do not align with the rectangular sensor grid of "square" photosites and consequent square pixels in a display). In the old days with limited MP and limited compute power, the AA filter solved a serious processing problem in the image creation with a glass filter as prevention of needing to solve the problem in software. But when MP increase above 30, the AA filter becomes a problem in itself and that's why Nikon took it out of the D800E for the first time. In doing its good things, it at the same time reduces contour sharpness, reduces dynamic range, reduces low-light sensitivity, and reduces color space - a bit but noticeable. All that may contribute to the "cinematic" feeling we get from D3x images. Today's Z 6(ii) still has an AA filter, a Z 7(ii) and Z 9 don't. And, as this decision follows photosite-in-sensor-density, a D500 also doesn't have an AA filter. As raw processing and sharpening algorithms got developed in the AA-filter days, a party like the Mudbricks needed to develop a new algorithm for handling raw images from AA-less cameras - the question to me still today remains how well they did on that. When I am in doubt about the processing of an image in/by LrC, I process it in Nikon NX Studio for reference. This, by the way, only touches "default" settings of raw processing and sharpening (or detail handling, including texture, clarity and dehaze).
So, (1) part of the D3x attraction may be from the AA filter giving nicer sharpening. The question is (2) if this effect can be mimicked in post.
(2) While part of the D3x attraction may be from the alternative way it forces sharpening on us, in the camera and in post, the question is what result we get when we "down sample" our images. Here I must explain what I mean with "down sample" rather than "downsize". I define downsize as an approach where basic logic (math, algorithm) is used to reduce resolution and define "down sample" as a way that looks at image content - applying AI - and makes decisions in reducing pixels. When we compare upsizing in LrC or Ps to upsampling in Topaz's Gigapixel AI then we see the latter outperforming the former.
So we may be able to mimic the AA filter effect in post with for example proper down-sampling.
(3) Effects in tint and contrast that we think are different when we look at our images as displayed on our computer displays may be in the "raw" data as caused by the camera, but could equally well be caused by the Standard Profile (that would be "Adobe Color" in LrC & CR). In a Windows (10 with latest version Adobe) PC look in the folder C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Lightroom Classic\Resources\CameraProfiles\Adobe Standard\ and you'll see that the Mudbricks have created a profile for the D3X under filename "Nikon D3X Adobe Standard.dcp" with .dcp indicating Digital Color Profile - which is where the raw processing algorithms get their instructions from, which algorithms to use and how to apply them (in their parameter settings).
If we create our own .ICC color profiles and apply those in post, then we probably iron out all the tiny differences between cameras, except for a few basic things like penultimate dynamic range that are really in the camera's territory. We could go as far as to create such profiles for each camera-lens combination and then have different "light" profiles that then result in camera-lens-light. (The question remains if different aperture values impact deviations from neutral, or even exposure times, or ISO settings. Likely they do.)
Such ICC profiles all lead to extremely "neutral" rendition.
That may seem deep or nerdy, but when we judge hardware through software, we cannot abstract the potential impact of software away. And be aware that it's all software version dependent. And camera/lens firmware too, maybe.
If you are an old film fanatic with ability to judge "gradation" extremely well - think peeps like Ansel Adams - then note that gradation in digital also depends on software. This starts in the camera where the photosites in the sensor are measured when we the camera takes an image from the sensor. The photosites are analog and the analog values (these are like "real" type floating point values) must be converted into a digital integer number. This is where your "14 bits" are. (Aside: note that these 14 bit values are monochrome - mono=one, chrome=color - as they are either red, or green, or blue and so each photosite 14 bits value lacks two colors. Raw processing does the wild-assed guessing and comes up with RGB or so it invents pixels. In the result, all color channels are the result of this "guessing". DxO Mark says the best sensors give 27 bits color space but what they mean is that they cannot do better than 9 bits per channel given a specific camera and its firmware. You lost about all of the 14 bits and got 3*9=27 RGB in return that is 100% guessed.)
How the photosites deal with different light levels depends on their design and this impacts the analog reals. It is in the low-level firmware in the "analog to digital" (AD) circuit that the camera decides how to convert these analog reals into digital integers. And in that the AD circuit applies a gradation correction or modification curve. This contributes to our perception of our images. And we can investigate this in a reference shot of a grey scale with camera 1 and compare that to the identical shot from camera 2. When completely black and completely white are the same between cameras, the intermediate grey blobs in the grey scale may differ and from that we can deduce that the cameras handle AD conversion differently. (Or that our raw processing software handles it differently between the cameras ... .) In LrC we have the "Tone Curve" to deal with this. And, if you really want a finicky approach to tint and gradation, take your raw-processed and corrected image from LrC into Ps and convert it to 32 bits per channel - you may be astonished by what you see in there, even when your high quality display is limited to 8 bits per channel (you ought to have static contrast only or switch dynamic contrast off as the latter is too coarse for photography work).
The moment I can make images look as much the same as possible because of more neutral profiles, specific to lens, camera and potential other variables, and because of resizing and sharpening evening other differences out, I can then compare the deviation from camera or application defaults between profiles for cameras and lenses. With these differences applied to the defaults of a camera and lens under scrutiny, I may now be able to mimic the pleasant image rendition of an old camera (i.e. the raw processing for that old camera or lens).
And then, when we went to great length to figure this all out, we convert our images to JPEG in some non-descript piece of software, maybe. Or publish images in movie format on RUclips.
Most of what we attribute to "camera" or "sensor" or "lens" actually must be attributed to "raw processing" and sharpening. Most color noise and luminance noise we see in post actually follows from failed raw processing. And that's an axiom-like hypothesis as long as it has not been fundamentally refuted.
Hi Vahagaphy, Like the content and photos. I had a D3X come up locally to me but hesitated to buy as I have already got a D4 that I have to explore better. If possible and you have some spare time can you do a comparison between the D4 and D3X. I imagine the D4 might have better colour rendering/dynamic range and much better use ability overall. ie better live view. These older bodies seem to work great on top spec lenses.
Awesome video Thanks ❤️🙌🏻
Golden trio: 28 1.4, 58 1.4, 105 1.4 Nikon onelove
Yes good choices. If I see a 28 E I will buy one at a good price. good condition. I have the 58 and 105 , never used the 28 E however Ive heard really great things about this lens.
What about 85g or 85d f1.4?
@@Vahagraphy?
Beautiful video man!
I still rock my D4, and yes there is something special about these big old workhorses! I didn't have opportunity to tryout this lens, but it looks amazing! I usually walk around with basic 50mm f1.8g or 24mm f2.8 af (the first af model and its awesome!)
Thank you Arsenije. The 58mm is a special lens. On my D4 specially. Yes those 2 lenses are superb.
Maybe the most compelling argument for the Nikon’s z line are the new lenses, esp zooms that are definitely better/lighter than their f mount predecessors.
Hello Vahagraphy, Some supper images, Just some yon do not need the newest and greatest (Z9) to take great images. It is down to the 6" behind the camera that dose the work. Keep well, keep safe and rock on...
Yeah cool brotha, your on fire 🔥. I’ve always wanted that lens too…
Great color not bad
Why am i not using my Z6 and reminiscing about my D700 and not doing it justice before moving on without getting it good glass. 😌 older gear had character.
How would the this 58mm be on film?
Did you try shooting at f8?
If you had to choose, d3x or d700?
D3X :)
@@Vahagraphy cool, i guess it depends on what type of photography you’re doing as well, I’m an amateur just getting into it and I’m upgrading from a d3100 and still learning a bunch mostly doing this as a hobby but wouldn’t mind making some money on the side
Use it with Z6ii
Amazing. And fast enough
This lens is very different than an 50 1.4 or 1.8. It has a special character and nice warm colors.
Love the video! But the 50mm 1.4g is sharper and better for a 3rd of the price. The 1.8g is just as good for an 8th of the price 👌. Just walk a little closer for your shots and you can't tell the difference.
Yea that’s what I don’t like about modern lenses too much sharpness but less character. The ZMount Lenses I bought are so crunchy.
I would like to suggest a topic for your conversations on Wedding & Events: The insanely loud DJ who makes for a seriously dangerous situation for our hearing. I see this as the worst aspect of weddings and the like. I personally don't like rap & hiphop and that's another issue but speaking here only about the dangerous level of music volume at events, and older wedding guests, the elderly and venue staff have to sit through that.
i can never get the orange colors out of my d810
V thank you so much for D3x my most favourite body.😅🤘👍🙏
Isn't it just a special camera. Mpixels ahead of its time, D range so awesome and the film look this camera produced. 100 ISO with this lens at a bar with nature light coming in. lol
@@Vahagraphy
Your ch is going higher V
A lot of knowledge for nikon lovers. Highly appreciated😅🤘👍
Strange how the 55 & 58mm images from the Nikkors always seem to look better than the 50mm lenses.
At least until now with the 50mm f1.2 Z lens...🦘
I rather take the Voigtlander 58mm 1.4 Nokton. Manual focus but no problem for me. I don't know the IQ difference with the Nikon but the price difference is insane. 1800 vs 579 bucks. And my Voigt 58mm delivers fine on my D850.
Bill Russell
I prefer my Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
Had it, sold it. Have you tried the D version?
That’s a lens that I have never had the chance to get my hands on.... seams nice, on a different note STOP making videos on the D3x, every time you painfully remind me that I have sold mine LOL 😂
Weird lens mm I like my 105mm 2.5