Which should I get?

[k3v1nxyz]

Hi all, seeking all your expert opinion. I am quite new to photography with a D90 and a M8 with 35 summilux asph ver 1.

I was thinking of getting a D700 with the coming 35mm f1.4g but with the fund and if i sold the M8, i could get a M9 body. Reason I thot of D700 is for the full frame, shorter min focal distance photography (not macro) and shooting my fast moving 1 year old daughter. But I mostly like the M8 for the way the 35mm summilux renders the photos and less post-processing needed. When my daughter grows up and "more cooperative" I would most likely use my M8.

I keep going in circles when i cannot take close up photography but prefer ff quality and shallow depth of field. Also, I saw photos taken by the M9 and was blown away. Though not sure if its due to the noctilux but the 100% crop shows amazing details!

Thot maybe someone might have been in the same situation before and I could hear your experience. Thanks for any comments.

 

[raytoei]

On the one hand, a SLR has autofocus and is great for capturing fast moving objects. An M9 is manual focus. If I have to capture a toddler with an M9, I would stop-down to use hyperfocal distance focusing to capture, at a sacrifice of shallow DOF.

On the other hand, it sounds like you are looking for a reason to buy a M9. You don't really need to justify why you need an M9. But if you do, here is a great one: Wives and girlfriends don't use a D700 but they really like the M9, it fits into the luxury brand image. Go for it!

raytoei

 

[ZoomP]

On the one hand, a SLR has autofocus and is great for capturing fast moving objects. An M9 is manual focus. If I have to capture a toddler with an M9, I would stop-down to use hyperfocal distance focusing to capture, at a sacrifice of shallow DOF.

On the other hand, it sounds like you are looking for a reason to buy a M9.

Go for it!

raytoei

Buy the M9. Can always use a PnS like the upcoming Fuji X100 to capture your kid on video and AF shots.

I sold my 5dm2 and uses my film M and M9 to shoot my daughter now.

 

[LowLights]

You have the M8 and the wonderful 35 lux V1 .. this combination is already a excellent choice .. give yourself a pad on the back

Your daughter is now faster then the 1/60 shutter speed .. so if I were you .. I will go for the D700 with the 35 f1.4 (again an excellent choice)... and capture those precious moments

Nice bokeh is useless if your subject is a blur .. but with that said .. it does not mean that using a RF you can not capture the moments of a fast moving subject .. you still can .. with practice.. point in hand, F1 .. some of the guys here have done it ..

If you think back .. how does those guys do in during the days of films and manual focus lenses .. anyway ..

As you mentioned that you are quite new to Photography .. so getting a little assistance from the DSLR is not a bad thing .. with it high ISO usability and auto focusing..

Once you have a stronger understanding of the technical aspect of Photography .. you will come to appreciate the M more .. for it simplicity

When you get extra cash you can always then sell the M8 and get the M9 .. prices keeps falling for the M9 .. so either way .. the wait for the M9 will be shorten

Hope this helps
Cheers

PS : The rendering of the D3 is better than the D700 .. with the 2nd resale price of the D3 you might want to have a think

 

[k3v1nxyz]

Thank you for all the valuable comments which enlightens me to explore angles I have not thot of. Thank you once again!

 

[newghost]

Buy the M9. Can always use a PnS like the upcoming Fuji X100 to capture your kid on video and AF shots.

I sold my 5dm2 and uses my film M and M9 to shoot my daughter now.

same same... i sold away my 5D2 but as yet, still cannot justify buying a M9. I'm using film Zeiss Ikon / Bessa and sharing my M mount lenses on a GF1 to shoot my kids. Most cost efficient... haha :bsmilie:

 

[artspraken]

M9 is more fun to shoot, coz manual / zone focus need more skill. Got alot more fiddle factor.

D700 Autofocus is easier, but not as fun to shoot. Dun bother lah.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

get a canon S95 compact to shoot the kids?

Cheaper option

 

[Hacker]

Using the M8 was not difficult to use chasing fast children and uncooperative subjects (I was using cameras before AF). The only thing that bugged me was the use of UV/IR lenses, and the fact that I was paying for edge to edge sharpness but using it on a cropped sensor. With the M9, it is ideal, and the difference was carrying the camera and not taking the DSLR with me (too bulky). It was really photo vs no photos.

 

[ZoomP]

same same... i sold away my 5D2 but as yet, still cannot justify buying a M9. I'm using film Zeiss Ikon / Bessa and sharing my M mount lenses on a GF1 to shoot my kids. Most cost efficient... haha :bsmilie:

It's only a matter of time bro... Trust me. U didn't bother with RF when I tried to poison u last time right? Look what you are now.

 

[ZoomP]

Using the M8 was not difficult to use chasing fast children and uncooperative subjects (I was using cameras before AF). The only thing that bugged me was the use of UV/IR lenses, and the fact that I was paying for edge to edge sharpness but using it on a cropped sensor. With the M9, it is ideal, and the difference was carrying the camera and not taking the DSLR with me (too bulky). It was really photo vs no photos.

Frankly I have no problem shooting my active daughter so far. U just need to learnt to pre-focus and wait for the moment.

 

[Canonised]

Dont trust anyone here ....
if money is not an issue, forget about the M8 .... M9 is the answer

 

[ZoomP]

Dont trust anyone here ....
if money is not an issue, forget about the M8 .... M9 is the answer

Including this guy.... Seriously, M9 is not the answer. M9 and a MP, M2, M3, M4, IIIG the answer. Of course, u need a Medium Format camera too.

 

[dtohs]

Hi all, seeking all your expert opinion. I am quite new to photography with a D90 and a M8 with 35 summilux asph ver 1.

I was thinking of getting a D700 with the coming 35mm f1.4g but with the fund and if i sold the M8, i could get a M9 body. Reason I thot of D700 is for the full frame, shorter min focal distance photography (not macro) and shooting my fast moving 1 year old daughter. But I mostly like the M8 for the way the 35mm summilux renders the photos and less post-processing needed. When my daughter grows up and "more cooperative" I would most likely use my M8.

I keep going in circles when i cannot take close up photography but prefer ff quality and shallow depth of field. Also, I saw photos taken by the M9 and was blown away. Though not sure if its due to the noctilux but the 100% crop shows amazing details!

Thot maybe someone might have been in the same situation before and I could hear your experience. Thanks for any comments.

Your M8 & 35lux is a great combi, I hope you can make the best out of em', also u may wanna try a wider lens with your M8 to counter your speedy daughter. ofcoz if money is no concern just buy the M9, but the camera is only half the battle.

myflickr

 

[schmuak]

Ya your M8 with 35 lux is already good. Check LFI 4/2010

For kids you need 1Dmk4 haha

 

[moon]

Just to share my personal experience i had when shooting my kids. The DSLR + Lens will look like a huge black beast to my kids. My film setup Nikon F3HP+MD4+85mmF1.4. They get intimated and hide or shy away. Never listen to your instructions on posing. But then every kid is different. Yours might be more brave and co-operative.

I myself prefer a pro-consumer digital cam for kids. It's light weight and compact to bring around and shoot candid shots as and when i like. Imagine you need to bring baby stroller, pampers and milk power etc etc for your outings. Unless you got a helper. For better quality, i use MinoltaCLE and R'flex occassionally and tell my kids these are the OldSchool stuffs...meaning they cannot view the LCD screen. ha.

Then again, it's your money and your choice. you decide which is best for yourself. Hope it helps.

 

[newghost]

It's only a matter of time bro... Trust me. U didn't bother with RF when I tried to poison u last time right? Look what you are now.

you're absolutely right bro... and the time is now! :bsmilie:

Unless you got a helper. For better quality, i use MinoltaCLE and R'flex occassionally and tell my kids these are the OldSchool stuffs...meaning they cannot view the LCD screen. ha.

oh yes, i really like the feel of the compact M!