Lenses

Ten Years with the Canon 1D Mark IV

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A Farewell to a Workhorse That Never Asked for Praise

For a decade, the Canon 1D Mark IV was my companion. Not my tool. Not my gear. My companion.

It didn’t flatter. It didn’t fail. It simply showed up—day after day, shoot after shoot—with a kind of quiet reliability that modern cameras often forget in their race for relevance.

🧱 Built Like a Promise

The 1D Mark IV was never sleek. It was solid. Magnesium alloy, weather-sealed, unapologetically heavy. It felt like commitment in the hand.

  • 16MP APS-H sensor with a 1.3x crop—perfect for reach without sacrificing tone
  • Dual DIGIC 4 processors that never blinked, even at 10fps
  • Autofocus that tracked motion like instinct, not algorithm

I shot with one AF point. The center. Always. Because the camera didn’t need tricks—it needed trust.

📷 What It Gave Me

  • Color rendering that felt like memory, not measurement
  • Files that breathed—not just pixels, but presence
  • Low-light performance that surprised me, even in candlelit homes and monsoon dusk
  • Battery life that outlasted the day, and sometimes the doubt

It wasn’t perfect. But it was predictable. And in documentary work, that’s gold.

🧘 Why I Stayed So Long

Because it never asked me to rush. Because it never distracted me with features I didn’t need. Because it taught me to anticipate, to listen, to wait.

I shot weddings, markets, protests, and quiet portraits with it. I traveled with it across borders and into stories that didn’t need spectacle—just presence.

✍️ The Shift to Nikon

Eventually, I moved to Nikon. Not because the 1D failed me, but because my rhythm changed. I wanted different tonal nuance. Different ergonomics. A different conversation with the frame.

But I didn’t leave the 1D behind. I graduated from it. And like any good teacher, it still echoes in my practice.

🖼️ Closing Thought

The Canon 1D Mark IV wasn’t just a camera. It was a decade of trust. And in a world of constant upgrades, trust is the rarest feature of all.

GAS Management for the Ethically Curious Photographer

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GAS is practically a rite of passage in photography circles. And let’s be honest: when your work is built on rhythm, presence, and storytelling, it’s easy to convince yourself that just one more lens might unlock a new way of seeing.

But here’s the twist: GAS isn’t always about greed—it’s often about curiosity, possibility, and the thrill of rediscovery. Especially in your case, where older gear like the D300S and legacy primes aren’t just tools—they’re collaborators.

Still, if you’re feeling the gravitational pull of that next “must-have,” here are a few gentle antidotes:

🧠 GAS Management for the Ethically Curious Photographer

  • Walk with one lens for a week: Let limitation sharpen your vision.
  • Revisit your archive: You might find that your best work came from your “least impressive” gear.
  • Write before you buy: Draft a post about why you think you need it. If the story feels thin, maybe the gear isn’t the missing piece.
  • Shoot with intent, not inventory: The camera doesn’t see—you do.

And hey, if you do cave and pick up something new, just promise me you’ll walk with it slowly, listen to what it says, and let it earn its place in your rhythm.

Tuned, Not Trendy: Why Function Matters More Than Features

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In a world obsessed with specs, upgrades, and the latest releases, there’s a quiet rebellion happening—one that values function over flash, intuition over innovation, and tools that serve the moment rather than dominate it.

I call it “Tuned, Not Trendy.”

It’s the mindset that led me to pick up a Nikon D300S in Phnom Penh for $140—body, grip, and three batteries included. Not because it was new. Not because it was popular. But because it felt like it could do the job. And after a few walks with it, I realised: it’s not about what a camera can do. It’s about what it lets you do.

🛠️ Function Earns Trust

Modern gear is packed with features—eye-detect AF, 8K video, AI-driven exposure. But how many of those features actually serve the kind of photography I do? Street scenes, market rhythms, quiet gestures in harsh light. I don’t need a camera that thinks for me. I need one that responds to me.

The D300S doesn’t try to impress. It just works. Fast autofocus. Gritty rendering. Familiar controls. It’s tuned to the kind of shooting I do—not trendy, but trustworthy.

🎯 Features Don’t Make Meaning

Sharpness doesn’t equal story. Dynamic range doesn’t guarantee depth. I’ve seen images from $5,000 setups that feel sterile, and frames from a beat-up D2Hs that carry the weight of memory. The difference isn’t in the gear—it’s in the relationship between photographer and tool.

When a camera is tuned to your rhythm, it disappears. You stop thinking about settings and start responding to light, movement, and emotion. That’s where meaning lives.

💡 The Freedom of Simplicity

There’s also a kind of freedom in using older gear. No pressure to pixel-peep. No temptation to chase firmware updates. Just you, the camera, and the moment. It’s a slower, more deliberate way of working—and for me, it’s more honest.

Why spend thousands on features I’ll never use, when I can spend a fraction on a tool that fits my hand, my eye, and my purpose?

Tuned, Not Trendy isn’t just about gear. It’s about philosophy. It’s about choosing tools that serve your vision, not distract from it. It’s about trusting your instincts more than marketing. And it’s about remembering that the best images aren’t made by specs—they’re made by presence.

Why I Still Use the Nikon D3 and D3S in 2025

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In an age of mirrorless marvels and AI-enhanced everything, I still reach for two cameras released over a decade ago: the Nikon D3 and D3S. Not out of nostalgia, but because they still deliver—quietly, reliably, and with a kind of tactile honesty that newer gear often lacks.

Built Like Tools, Not Toys

The D3 and D3S were Nikon’s first full-frame DSLRs, and they were built like they meant it. Magnesium alloy bodies, weather sealing, and a shutter rated for 300,000 actuations. These cameras were made for war zones, not weddings. And yet, they’ve handled both with grace.

I’ve used them in the heat of Phnom Penh’s markets, on the water at Tonlé Sap, and in quiet moments with people whose stories deserve dignity. They’ve never flinched.

The Files Still Sing

Yes, they’re “only” 12.1 megapixels. But those pixels are rich, clean, and full of tone. The D3S in particular still surprises me with its low-light performance—ISO 6400 feels like ISO 800 on some modern sensors. And the color rendering? It’s got soul. Not sterile perfection, but something closer to memory.

Speed and Simplicity

9 fps on the D3, 11 fps on the D3S. Autofocus that locks on like a bloodhound. No menus buried in submenus. No touchscreen distractions. Just a camera that lets me stay present, anticipate, and respond.

Why I Still Carry Them

Because they don’t get in the way. Because they’ve become extensions of how I see. Because they remind me that photography isn’t about megapixels or marketing—it’s about presence, patience, and purpose.

And maybe most of all, because they’ve earned my trust.

The Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG

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The Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG lens is a wide-angle prime lens designed for full-frame and APS-C digital SLRs. It was announced on December 1, 2000, and remains popular for its combination of good build quality, a fast aperture of f/1.8, and decent optics.

Here are some key features of the lens:

  • Focal Length: 20mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 20cm (7.87 inches)
  • Weight: 520g (1.15 lbs)
  • Length: 90mm (3.52 inches)
  • Lens Mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF, Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony/Minolta Alpha.

The lens incorporates a Dual-Focus (DF) mechanism, which makes it easy to hold the lens since the focusing ring does not rotate during auto-focus. It also provides adequate focusing torque during manual focusing. The use of aspherical lens elements in both the front and rear lens groups effectively compensates for distortion, spherical aberration, and astigmatism.

However, the lens has some drawbacks. It is known for having strong vignetting, especially at f/1.8, and the corners can be quite soft at wider apertures. The lens is sharp in the center at f/4 and even sharper at f/5.6

Overall, the Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG lens is a good option for those looking for a wide-angle prime lens with a fast aperture, but it may not be the best choice for those who require edge-to-edge sharpness at wider apertures.

Nikkor D Lens Compatibility with Nikon D800

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The Nikon D800 is equipped with an impressive sensor that contributes to its renowned image quality. Here are some key details:

  1. Resolution: The D800 features a 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, providing exceptionally high resolution for detailed and large prints.
  2. Sensor Size: The sensor measures 35.9 x 24 mm, which is a standard full-frame size.
  3. Dynamic Range: The sensor offers a wide dynamic range, capturing a broad spectrum of tones from shadows to highlights.
  4. ISO Range: The native ISO range is 100-6400, expandable to 50-25600, allowing for good performance in various lighting conditions.
  5. Pixel Pitch: The pixel pitch is 4.87 µm, which helps in capturing more light and detail.
  6. Processor: The sensor is paired with the EXPEED 3 image processor, enhancing overall performance and image quality.

This sensor makes the Nikon D800 an excellent choice for photographers who need high resolution and exceptional image quality.

Nikkor D lenses are compatible with the Nikon D800. These lenses will work well with the D800’s autofocus system, as the camera has a built-in autofocus motor that can drive the autofocus mechanism in D lenses. Here are some key points:

  1. Autofocus: The D800’s built-in autofocus motor ensures that Nikkor D lenses can autofocus properly.
  2. Metering: The D800 supports full metering with Nikkor D lenses, allowing for accurate exposure settings.
  3. Aperture Control: You can control the aperture directly from the camera body, which is convenient for adjusting settings quickly.

Overall, Nikkor D lenses are a great match for the Nikon D800, providing excellent performance and compatibility.

The Nikon D700

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The Nikon D700 is a beloved camera among photography enthusiasts and professionals for several reasons:

  1. Full-Frame Sensor: It features a 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, which provides excellent image quality and low-light performance.
  2. Build Quality: The D700 is known for its robust and durable build, making it suitable for various shooting conditions.
  3. Autofocus System: It has a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, ensuring precise and fast focusing.
  4. High ISO Performance: The camera performs well at high ISO settings, allowing for great shots in low-light environments.
  5. Continuous Shooting: It offers a speed of up to 5 frames per second. An optional battery grip can increase this to 8 frames per second.
  6. Versatility: The D700 supports a wide range of Nikon F-mount lenses. Including older AI/AI-S lenses, making it a versatile choice for photographers.

Overall, the Nikon D700 is praised for its combination of image quality, build, and performance, making it a reliable choice for many photographers.

What is so good about its sensor ??

The Nikon D700’s sensor is highly regarded for several reasons:

  1. Full-Frame Sensor: The 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor provides excellent image quality with a wide dynamic range and rich colour depth.
  2. Low-Light Performance: The sensor performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions, producing clean images with minimal noise even at high ISO settings.
  3. Detail and Sharpness: The sensor captures fine details and sharpness, making it ideal for various types of photography, from landscapes to portraits.
  4. Versatility: The full-frame sensor allows for greater control over depth of field, enabling photographers to achieve beautiful background blur (bokeh) and more creative compositions.

Overall, the sensor in the Nikon D700 is a key factor in its reputation for delivering high-quality images in a variety of shooting conditions.

The Nikon D700’s autofocus (AF) system is highly praised for its performance and reliability. Here are some key features:

  1. 51-Point AF System: The D700 features a 51-point autofocus system, which includes 15 cross-type sensors. This ensures precise and fast focusing across a wide area of the frame.
  2. 3D Tracking: The camera’s 3D tracking feature allows it to follow moving subjects accurately, making it ideal for action and sports photography.
  3. Low-Light Performance: The AF system performs well in low-light conditions, maintaining accuracy and speed even in challenging lighting situations.
  4. Customizable Settings: The D700 offers various AF modes and settings, allowing photographers to customize the autofocus performance to suit their specific needs.

Overall, the AF system in the Nikon D700 is one of its standout features, providing reliable and accurate focusing for a wide range of photography scenarios.

The Nikon D700’s shutter is indeed rated for 150,000 actuations, which is a realistic estimate for its lifespan. However, it’s important to note that this is an average figure. Some shutters may fail earlier, while others can exceed this number significantly. Many users have reported their D700s lasting well beyond the 150,000 mark2. If the shutter does wear out, it can be replaced, allowing the camera to continue functioning.

So, while 150,000 actuations is a good benchmark, individual experiences may vary. If you’re a heavy shooter, it’s always good to keep an eye on the shutter count and be prepared for potential maintenance down the line.

The exposure triangle

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The exposure triangle is a fundamental concept in photography that helps photographers understand how to control the exposure of their images. It consists of three elements: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Here’s a breakdown of each component and how they interact:

1. Aperture

  • Definition: The aperture is the opening in a lens through which light passes to enter the camera.
  • Measured in: f-stops (e.g., f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6).
  • Effect on Exposure: A larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) allows more light to hit the sensor, resulting in a brighter image. A smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) allows less light, resulting in a darker image.
  • Effect on Depth of Field: A larger aperture creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and isolating the subject. A smaller aperture increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.

2. Shutter Speed

  • Definition: Shutter speed is the amount of time the camera’s shutter is open, allowing light to hit the sensor.
  • Measured in: Seconds or fractions of a second (e.g., 1/1000s, 1/250s, 1/30s).
  • Effect on Exposure: A faster shutter speed allows less light to hit the sensor, resulting in a darker image. A slower shutter speed allows more light, resulting in a brighter image.
  • Effect on Motion: A faster shutter speed freezes motion, making it ideal for action shots. A slower shutter speed can create motion blur, which can be used creatively to convey movement.

3. ISO

  • Definition: ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light.
  • Measured in: ISO values (e.g., ISO 100, ISO 400, ISO 1600).
  • Effect on Exposure: A lower ISO value makes the sensor less sensitive to light, resulting in a darker image. A higher ISO value increases sensitivity, resulting in a brighter image.
  • Effect on Image Quality: Higher ISO values can introduce noise or grain into the image, reducing overall quality. Lower ISO values produce cleaner images with less noise.

Balancing the Triangle

  • Interdependence: Changing one element of the exposure triangle affects the others. For example, if you increase the aperture size (lower f-stop), you might need to increase the shutter speed or lower the ISO to maintain the correct exposure.
  • Creative Control: Understanding the exposure triangle allows photographers to make creative decisions about how their images look. For instance, they can choose to blur the background with a wide aperture or capture motion with a slower shutter speed.

Mastering the exposure triangle is essential for achieving the desired exposure and creative effects in your photography.

Legality of STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

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Street photography can be a fascinating way to capture candid moments of everyday life, but it’s important to be aware of the legal considerations involved. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  1. Public Spaces: Generally, you can take photos in public spaces without needing permission. This includes streets, parks, and other public areas where people do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
  2. Privacy Concerns: While you can photograph people in public, you should avoid taking photos in situations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as inside their homes or in private spaces visible from public areas.
  3. Commercial Use: If you plan to use your photos commercially, you may need to obtain a model release from the individuals in your photos. This is especially important if the images will be used in advertising or sold as stock photos.
  4. Respect and Ethics: Always be respectful and considerate. If someone asks you not to photograph them, it’s best to honour their request to avoid potential conflicts.
  5. Country-Specific Laws: Laws can vary significantly from one country to another. For example, some countries have stricter privacy laws that may require consent for street photography, while others are more lenient.

In the UK, street photography is generally allowed in public spaces, but it’s always good practice to be mindful of people’s privacy and to use common sense when photographing strangers.