An observation

[Barney]

During a recent river outing which was primarily a film day, I took 3 cameras, F90x with my 28-105, F2 with 180mm f2.8 prime and 600mm Ed f 5.6 prime (was not sure how close I would be able to get) and D800 with 70-200 VR 2.

Reviewing images over the last couple of days the F90 combo nailed the focus more consistently than the D800 setup.

This has really surprised me how capable these older combinations can be.

The MF setup was virtually impossible (for me) to use, on the fly so to speak, so set up focus traps. They are away at the developers (C41)'

I will be interested to compare all three methods, but wow, no let downs with the F90x.

 

[realspeed]

I used to have the Nikon 800 and also the D810. First thing I noticed was the lack of sharpness with the D800 aginst the D810. This was comparing exact camera setting on both at the same subject.
The big shock for me was when I changed to the Panasonic G9 and the G9ii. Ok they are later releases the Nikons but what a difference. First of all no more problems with photographing anything red, I could never get that right with either Nikons. The camera menus now offer a far wider choice was the next eye opener. Don't even start me on MFT lenses with not only from Panasonic but ever other makes of MFT as all fit each other. That is apart from the weight difference.


Best move I have made so far

 

[Barney]

I used to have the Nikon 800 and also the D810. First thing I noticed was the lack of sharpness with the D800 aginst the D810. This was comparing exact camera setting on both at the same subject.
The big shock for me was when I changed to the Panasonic G9 and the G9ii. Ok they are later releases the Nikons but what a difference. First of all no more problems with photographing anything red, I could never get that right with either Nikons. The camera menus now offer a far wider choice was the next eye opener. Don't even start me on MFT lenses with not only from Panasonic but ever other makes of MFT as all fit each other. That is apart from the weight difference.


Best move I have made so far

I think that the 800 was an experiment with the anti aliasing filter, which everyone quickly identified as having a slight effect on pixel peeping sharpness, I have the 800E which doesn't have it, dont know if the 810 has it or not. The only other digital camera I would consider purchasing, at this stage, is the D850. In fact I very nearly pulled the trigger on it last year after promising my self no more megapixels.

I think the F90 would stand up well against that D 850 in focus acquisition and speed of lock.

 

[trypdal]

I think that the 800 was an experiment with the anti aliasing filter, which everyone quickly identified as having a slight effect on pixel peeping sharpness, I have the 800E which doesn't have it, dont know if the 810 has it or not. The only other digital camera I would consider purchasing, at this stage, is the D850. In fact I very nearly pulled the trigger on it last year after promising my self no more megapixels.

I think the F90 would stand up well against that D 850 in focus acquisition and speed of lock.

As another F90X user - I completely agree. I actually bought at some point an EOS 3 and a couple of USM lenses after hearing how superior Canon AF is to Nikon's.

Well you know what, I've put this to the test with a key use case - two toddlers playing around in the garden. Fast, unpredictable, lethal.

I found that the Nikon F90X, whilst having only one centre focus point, consistently nails 80% of the 36 frame roll done on AF-C. EOS 3 with a gazillion focus spots, ultrasonic AF and whatnot, and the hit rate is down to 50%. 85mm f/1.8 lens on both.

Those 90s Nikons and their matching screw-driven AF-D lenses were wonderful and AF was fast and precise.

 

[Barney]

As another F90X user - I completely agree. I actually bought at some point an EOS 3 and a couple of USM lenses after hearing how superior Canon AF is to Nikon's.

Well you know what, I've put this to the test with a key use case - two toddlers playing around in the garden. Fast, unpredictable, lethal.

I found that the Nikon F90X, whilst having only one centre focus point, consistently nails 80% of the 36 frame roll done on AF-C. EOS 3 with a gazillion focus spots, ultrasonic AF and whatnot, and the hit rate is down to 50%. 85mm f/1.8 lens on both.

Those 90s Nikons and their matching screw-driven AF-D lenses were wonderful and AF was fast and precise.

I bought a couple of F100's earlier in the year but ended up sending both back due to undisclosed LED screen issues, I thought it would be a better camera and help me improve my film photography but after a couple of recent outings with F90 I do not think I will bother. On the river it nailed focus and exposure in fast moving subjects and ever changing water and light conditions the whole roll came out nice, some poor compositions and missed chances but whatever the camera was pointed at it got it right. Are the F100 and F5 better in anyway besides weather proofing ?

I cant see how a film camera can get much better.