Yup – I’m doing podcasts now!
In this first episode, I’ll share a secret I use for better shadow pulling, plus we have our first Q&A session! This episode’s questions will tackle my feelings on used gear, how aspect ratios work, and what I currently think of the Nikon Z cameras for wildlife photography (brace yourself).
Also, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment section below 😀
Please Note – we’ve had a few questions already about the audio-only nature of the podcast – that’s how they work. Podcasts are typically an audio-only format.
TOC:
00.01 – Intro and podcast plans
02.35 – Better Shadow Management
06.15 – Used Gear
07.48 – Understating Aspect Ratios
14.00 – Z Cameras For Wildlife
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
NOTE -You can also get this podcast on iTunes – just search Backcountry Gallery or click here. We are also on Spotify, just search for Backcountry Gallery and please make sure to follow 😀
Show Notes
In this episode, I mention two recommendations for used gear – here are the links: UsedPhotoPro.com & KEH.com
PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
Nikon made so many compromises with its mirrorless they must’ve been thinking it was 2014.
I love my D500 and was expecting to stay with Nikon for mirrorless but the Sony A9 was generally superior and became my choice.
Great podcast. Love them and love the tip about keep shooting when something is happening in your view finder. I use a number of cameras, Nikon D800e, D500 for most of my landscape and wildlife and a D1X and D200 infrared. I stepped into the mirrorless a few years ago the Olympus OMD EM 10. Great little camera for wildlife on hikes and travel (small and light). One point to think about is glass. I have a lot of Nikon glass I have collected over the years which work with my Nikon DSLR and Film (F5 and FE2) cameras so… Read more »
Steve , Great information ! I am 72 and use a D750 and D850 love both of them. if younger maybe would look into mirror less and just starting. thanks again Steve
Hi. I don’t know if you noticed it, but to get a good follow-up with the Z6 you must configure it as follows: Image RAW 12 bit lossless compression burst 12 images per second This is mandatory, because what you see during the burst is not the standar video at 60fps, it is only the last photo you captured, so it is a video at 12 fps in the best case, and 5fps in the worst case. This is why you should set the burst to 12i/s. And you must set the RAW to 12 bits in order to give… Read more »
From your perspective and looking at your needs, I can understand your views of the Z cameras. Shooting with big glass with wildlife as your breadwinner, the issues you cite are highly relevant. As a shooter using a D750 for most work to date and having just added the Z6 plus my D600 IR conversion and Nikon1 J3s for underwater work, I live in 14-24 MP land with the 200-500 f/5.6 as my long wildlife lens. With this equipment, I have accepted that I will get lower hit rates than with a D5, D500 or D850 and faster glass. So… Read more »
Steve, You have talked about used gear from time to time. Used gear can be a roll of the dice so i wont get into that specifically. I have been wanting to ask you a question. This is directed towards the long glass. Unless you make your living from photography, as you do. The average working man is hard pressed to afford 5-10K for a new…say 500 F/4. No matter how seriously you take photography. So that means some shots/clarity are just unattainable to those that cant pay to play, so to speak. You buy new and I would too… Read more »
Great podcast Steve. Really enjoyed it
Steve
Great job on the podcast. Just left you a review on apple podcasts (5*). Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. The next one is already almost done 🙂
What happens when working with a D800, D800E, D810 or D850 FX, in the internal settings of the camera you put the camera to work in crop or DX mode
https://backcountrygallery.com/bcg-podcast-1/#comment-24623
I (amateur) have all your books. Learning a lot. Re. Your ‘shadow management’ tip, isn’t minimizing the ISO a normal goal anyway? Are there situations where you would ‘not’ try to shoot with the lowest ISO? …or do you mean that sometimes you rather not take the time to fine tune ISO, and your tip recommends ‘taking’ the time, if shadows are a concern.
I enjoy your lessons.
It all depends on what I think I can get away with 🙂 For example, maybe I’m shooting 1/500th of a second at ISO 3200 – this means I’ll likely have next to zero problems with motion blur with a relatively stationary subject and shooting from a loose gimbal. However, if I KNOW I’m going to need to pull shadows, I’ll take the risker route of 1/250th or 1/125th of a second to drop the ISO – however – this increases the risk of motion blur on my part of the subject’s, but it helps keep the shadows in check.… Read more »
Hi Steve, a few months ago there was a lot of discussion on the web about cameras being “ISO invariant”. As I understand it, this was about whether with a particular camera (sensor?) it is better to raise the iso or instead use a low iso and push the exposure or shadow sliders. At least some of the commentators concluded that modern sensors and software are so good that using a low iso works well. It sounds like you do not agree with that conclusion?
Using the lowest ISO possible for a given situation is always the best idea – and in fact it’s what I’m advocating in the first part of the podcast – keep the ISO as low as possible since it allows for better shadow pulling. However, I don’t agree with those that think you should simply shoot everything at base ISO and then pull up in post. Even modern cameras can benefit from in-camera analog amplification and that will continue to hold until / unless we get a truly ISO invariant sensor. We have some that are close, but none are… Read more »
I don’t understand comparing a Z6/Z7 with the Sony models you mentioned. The price difference is incredible so I can’t understand why you would expect the cameras to perform the same. You get what you pay for just like you wouldn’t put cheap glass in front of either of them and expect to get the same shots you would with top end glass. I do have a question for you – how much of the problem you are finding issue with auto focus is possibly due to using lenses not designed specifically for the body you are shooting with? Are… Read more »
A few thoughts… 1. The Z7 has a retail price of $3400, the A7r4 is $3500. not an incredible price difference, but from a performance standpoint, the a7R4 is way ahead. In addition, I wasn’t comparing them on price, I was answering a question about Sony mirrorless vs Nikon mirrorless. 2. I’ve not seen any significant difference between the AF performance with the Z glass (24-70) and adapted lenses. Only real way to tell though, for wildlife photography, is for Nikon to come out with equivalent lenses. Still, I don’t think that’s the issue. I think it’s more of a… Read more »
Sorry Steve I can’t help but laugh every time you say or write A7R4. All i think of is “A 700R4 transmission” ! My gear head is showing isn’t it……..
I love your site, videos, but mainly all your books, i have them all and re read the wildlife book, they are awesome. I don’t think the podcasts are for me. Obviously some people like the format, but its not for me. Photography is a visual medium, the sound only falls short, not your content, just the format.
Thanks for this great podcast! I have been waiting to hear your view on Sony. And since you mentioned the subjects of Sony cameras and noise level control here, can you comment about noise levels of the Sony vs. Nikon cameras? Last I checked (and if I am interpreting correctly), DXOMark seems to have rated the low light capability of the Sony cameras (A7iii and A9) significantly better than the D850 and D5, and a full stop and a half better than the D500. For low-light wildlife photography, that would seem to be a major advantage of Sony. What do… Read more »
Excellent podcast and commentary Steve — I like the podcast format ‘cus I can do other things at the same time as listen to your sage advice! BTW, completely agree with your Z’ comments…looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences with Sony. Cheers!
Steve I want to thank you for this informative podcast and look forward to others in the future. A few personal observations regarding “Better Shadow Management” and that is I did the bad thing to get shadows in LR and sometimes I liked the results but other times it was an effort. When I lowered my ISO and lowered by shutter speed and did much more continuous shooting the results got significantly better. I of course had more shots that showed movement but I also got a lot more keepers with no movement and no noise issues in post. It… Read more »
Steve – I really like the podcast. Thank you and please keep them coming! Regarding the Z cameras, I have a Z6 and D500 and completely agree with your assessment. I shoot some wildlife, but mostly I shoot mountain sports. I like the Z6 for still or slow moving subjects, but it is nowhere near as good as the D500 at acquiring and holding focus for fast moving athletes — I use continuous focus usually with single point AF. I hope Nikon can improve with firmware updates like they did for eye tracking, but for now, my D500 is my… Read more »
Thanks for the podcast. I liked the ISO discussion as I just faced that issue when photographing a cormorant and the black bottom has issues with noise. Please keep this going. It’s very useful.
Thanks for including the minute markers for the topics. Very helpful!
Thanks Steve. Just shot a practice series of a foraging armadillo in late afternoon shadow and your “quick tip” regards pulling shadows and ISO and SS settings in low light, shadow conditions absolutely spot on. Thanks for clarifying what I was trying to figure out. Great podcast and Nice music intro too.
Great job on podcast numero uno, Steve! I’ve been enjoying your videos, books, e-mails and all the other info you put ‘out there’ for consumption. I’ve learned a lot of highly useful techniques, settings and processes that I’ve applied successfully to my D7500 shooting. The podcasts should be one more avenue of information that helps folks in their wildlife photographic journey. Keep ’em coming and shoot straight!
Hi Steve, the podcast is difficult for me to follow. I lose concentration totally when I can’t look at an image at the same time. So I hope you’ll go back to the videos which I love!
I’ll keep doing videos as well – one doesn’t replace the other. The podcasts will be used more for topics that don’t require illustration, and I’ll use articles and videos for the stuff that does.
Enjoyed the podcast, keep em coming. I find it’s always better to get a few usable tips explained rather than a complex explanation of a whole subject like autofocus or lightroom. It’s very easy to “glaze over” when getting too much detail. Love your videos too.
Say, do you have any configuration advance for using a z6 or z7 for wildlife shooting anyway? I just got a z6 and the thing that bugs me the most is the time it takes to resume from stand by. But, I worry that if I disable the suspend or stand by state then the battery life will suffer too much. Have you played with that and have any advice?
I extended the standby time to something like 10 minutes or so and I disable the back LCD screen so it’s only powering the EVF.
Love it Steve – more please…
Stick with the videos ..its like a blind person listening to a television
No worries, I’ll continue with both the articles and videos – this just gives me another avenue to use.
Thanks for the straight forward thoughts, tips and points of view. Keep ’em coming.
Steve,
Thank you for this new and usefull method, it is a great idea and I really appreciate it. The only suggestion I can provide to expand the usabillity of this tool to the several not native American speakers would be to try to speak a bit slower.
Waiting for the next podcast, thank you
Great information as always Steve. You have a presentation style that is easy to understand and follow. Very nicely done. I hope you continue with your podcast series – I enjoy all your content.
Pounding a nail with a wrench – love it! Great info as always – thanks Steve. Looking forward to your next episode.
Excellent podcast, thank you. Keep it up. Looking forward to the next one
Hey Steve, I like the podcast. It gives me information options. I prefer the videos…guess I’m more a visual guy. If I get fidgety listening to podcasts I can always listen at 2x or .5x for a :}
No worries, I’ll continue both videos and articles – podcasts are just another tool.
Appreciate the new format and hope to hear from you more often with it. I’ve been shooting wildlife with Nikon for years and recently picked up the Sony A7R2 to try out their system. Sounds to me like maybe you’ve done the same, perhaps through your wife. Do you see yourself sticking with Nikon long term as they hopefully polish the Z series, or are you personally taking more of an interest in what Sony is doing? I’m considering investing in some Sony glass and respect your opinion, as well as your resources.
I have an A7R2 – can’t imagine using it for wildlife. When the viewfinder goes blank, how do you follow an animal? And I don’t think it focuses fast enough. I just use it for landscape, usually manual focus. I also find it finicky, changes settings for no apparent reason. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m much more natural with a Nikon 850.
I actually meant the A7R4. Haven’t used the previous iterations. The 4 is great for wildlife. Still prefer my D850, but I’m getting close to wanting mirrorless full time.
I don’t know about the A7rii, but the a7r4 works well for wildlife – very fast AF and easily on par with the D850.
I agree, Steve. To my original question, without trying to upset any brand fans here, are you personally looking at shooting Sony more often over Nikon going forward? Both systems? Or just using your wife’s Sony gear? I’m getting ready to invest in some expensive glass and undecided between the two myself. I value your opinion, thank you.
I would love to say for sure, but the truth is I just haven’t used the Sony gear enough to say. Since I’ve been back from Africa, I’ve mostly been working on a Lightroom project and haven’t had but a couple of time shooting with the a9ii. I did rent a 600mm F/4 (thinking of getting one) and can say the Sony 600 is really nice. Very nicely balanced and I can definitely feel the difference in weight as I carry it and hand-hold. Performance-wise, it seems on par with the Nikon 600 E.
Steve,
Love the podcast format. You came through loud and clear. Thanks for doing it. I picked up a tip or two.
Great information as always Steve. Honest no bull is appreciated. Podcast time around 30 mins is good idea.look forward to next one.
Hi Steve, I’ve owned the Z7 for the last 9 months and have shot over 20k frames with it. I must agree with all of your discussed deficiencies in the model as I’ve personally experienced all the same issues. I’ve really wanted to like but… I’ve been waiting for Nikon to release their macro lens for it but it’s looking it will be another 18 to 24 months yet. So I think I just might take the hit on selling it and am looking at the D850.
Steve – great information as always, in new format. I see the advantages of doing a podcast vs video, but don’t forget, your medium is highly visual and the time it takes to describe a photo is longer than just to show it. Anyways, looking forward to more. Have you ever thought about discussing your workflow with tips on storage, editing and archiving? I am still trying to find my ideal flow and am looking for any help I could find.
Not to worry – podcasts are just another tool. I’ll use the for topics that work in a podcast format and stick to articles and videos for topics that require a more visual touch. In fact, I have a new video planned for this Saturday. 😀
Hi Steve, I know the Z cameras are lacking in some areas as you have talked about but this is Nikons 1st generation and Sony wasn’t very good in their first generations either. So hopefully Nikon will address those issues with firm wear updates and the gen 2 cameras will rock, or at least be much improved. I own the Z50 and bought it for street, family and landscapes but haven’t tried it yet for wildlife other than the birds in backyard, but so far love the camera and the image quality I’m getting. Yes it does have some quirks… Read more »
I agree. I’m confident Nikon will get a higher performing model out there (and they’ve said so too). It’s just a matter of when. And I also agree about the image quality – it’s great, no complaints.
Are you doing this podcast on Apple podcast? Couldn’t find link or page when searched.
It’ll get there – we’ve submitted it, just waiting for approval. I guess it can take anywhere from hours to days…
This was a great debut, Steve. If putting a podcast together becomes easier than a video within your schedule, bring it on. Always welcome your content. Thanks.
Thanks! Yes, the podcasts are probably the easiest thing I can do, so you’ll be seeing more of them. Plus, I can work on them piecemeal (like this one), answering questions over the course of multiple days.
And you largely answered my question about a used D5 too. Thanks again
Thanks for the invite, Steve – I enjoyed the podcast. At first I thought, ‘where’s the video? ‘, but then remembered it’s a podcast, there is only audio! I’ve forwarded it to some friend, two of whom are thinking about buying a Z series Nikon to replace their Nikon DSLR’s. Your podcast will give them some great insight into the pros and cons of such a move. Have you used the adapter to fit your DSLR lenses to the Z’s? If so, what were the results? Is the IBIS in the Z’s an improvement over the VR that Nikon uses… Read more »
I do use the adapter and it works well IMO. I honestly can’t really tell if the IBIS and Len VR are any better than just the lens VR though. Of course, VR is notoriously tough to test.
I enjoyed the 1st podcast. Wish I had heard it before I bought the Z7. I do have a D500 which I’ll
Continue to use. Thanks
The Z7 can produce nice wildlife imagery – I have quite a few shots from it I really like. You just have to play within it’s limitations.
Congrats on the podcast Steve, excellent (as expected! :))
Totally agree on all points
Excellent explanation on the shadow problem, actually, even wider scope since your video on noise reduction!
………..Gary
Thanks!
Great content, Loved it.
Thank you!
Hi, Steve, One thing you forgot to mention about the Sony mirrorless cameras is how small they are. I know that is supposed to be an advantage, but i tried one out when Sony announced a 600mm prime. I could not fit my fingers between the grip and the lens. And the grip was way too shallow. Anyone thinking of Sony should be sure to test out the fit (I do have big hands) before purchasing. The grips on the Nikon Z series are a much better fit for me. Also, here’s a question I never thought that I would… Read more »
Hi Corey! The new one – the a9ii and a74r – are actually much better ergonomically. The grip is improved and I think you may find your fingers fit comfortably. As for the question on noise: Noise is what happens when we have a low signal to noise ratio – basically, noise is caused by low light, not high ISO. However, generally speaking, if you’re shooting lower ISO, it’s likely because you’re allowing more light to hit the sensor – so you don’t need as much amplification via ISO as when you don’t have as much light reaching the sensor.… Read more »
Nicely composed format; will be looking forward to many more episodes. I’m shooting a Nikon D750 and have just obtained a 200-500 f5.6 lens. Have all three of your ebooks — they’re great!
Thanks!
Neato Steve.
Liked your run-down on the Zs. The end of the line for Nikon? Near-enough cameras won’t cut it in today’s market.
Thanks – no I don’t think it’s the end. For most applications, the Z cameras are fine, they only fall short when you need higher performance.
Yes. But the Zs don’t even match what’s common among mirrorless like burst caching and genuine blackout freedom.
Glad to see that you have several methods to share your experience. Possible topic for future show – How do you sneak up on wild life? Clothing? Bird blinds? When hiking through the woods how do you successfully get close enough to capture a pic? Strategy over camera tech for wildlife….
Thanks -that would be a good topic!
I was very interested in your podcast about the Nikon Z cameras compared to the DSLRs as I recently purchased a Z7 and have been putting it through some trial shoots. I like to shoot using back button focus in Continuous focus mode; but noticed an issue with the Z7 that when releasing the AF-ON button to achieve a static focus on an animal that is not moving, the Z7 does not seem to show any kind of indicator symbol in the view finder or screen that confirms a good focus lock. On my D850, when I release the AF-ON… Read more »
As far as I know, it’s just how it is – mine doesn’t show a confirmation dot either. However, I actually had to look – I really don’t pay much attention to the dot – over the years I can just sort of tell if the camera has a lock.
Podcasts, ay? We miss your ugly mug!
🙂
Steve, thanks for making this podcast.
LOL – I have a face for radio and a voice for literature :O
Hi Steeve,
Sorry, but for a French, it’s very hard to follow what you say with only your voice.
On an other hand, it’s probably a way to improve both English and photography 😉