The Image Doctors Talk Photography

How We Use Autofocus

This week, Jason & Rick discuss some of the recent advances in digital camera autofocus systems, and how they’ve changed (or not) the way we shoot. We’ll talk drive modes, AF-area patterns, and the recent implementation of AI-based subject-detection in higher-end mirrorless cameras. In the end, we’ll share the settings we use most frequently in our own photography.

Raw formats: Compression, bit depth, & more

This week, we are happy to announce a travel photography workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Oct. 20-23, 2022. It’s limited to 6 participants, so be sure to check it out!

There’s been renewed interest in compressed RAW formats lately, specifically with both Canon & Nikon offering smaller, “lossy” RAW formats. We’ll discuss the pros & cons of the various RAW compression formats so you can decide on the best settings for your own photography.

Nikon Z9 Hands-On Review

Jason recently received a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, and we both had a chance to use it in the field. This week, we’ll discuss the major new features it offers Nikon users, and discuss how those features can change your approach to photography in the field.

When to use HDR in your photos

10 years ago, it was commonplace to see extreme HDR tone-mapped images all over the photographic community. Between cameras with better sensors and a change in tastes, HDR isn’t all that noticeable anymore. This week, we look at the role HDR plays in our own photography and the techniques we use when processing our images.

Hands-on with the Nikon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 S Z Nikkor zoom lens

This week, we were able to get out and do some test shooting with the new Nikon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S Nikkor Z lens. We found this lens to deliver excellent performance and sharpness even when paired with the Nikon 1.4x Z teleconverter. But is this lens for you? We’ll give our thoughts and comparisons with similar lenses in the Nikon lineup.

Check prices on Nikon lenses and help support this podcast:

* NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Lens* Nikon Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x

The Nikon 100-400mm on a Z 7II had no problem locking onto birds in flight, even with the 1.4x teleconverter attached.

American Coot, Nikon Z 7Ii with Nikon 100-400 with TC-1.4x teleconverter.

The 100-400mm S Nikkor Z handled backlit subjects extremely well.

Hands-on with the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S

This week, we just got evaluation copies of the two newest Z-mount Nikon lenses. Since we haven’t had a lot of time to put the lenses through their paces yet, we’ll give our first impressions. This week, we’re primarily discussing the 24-120mm f/4S lens, including build and handling, features, and how it compares to other similar Nikon lenses.

* Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S check prices* Nikon 100-400 f/4/5-5.6 VR S check prices

Special thanks to our site sponsor B&H Photo for getting us test copies of these new lenses! Shopping from this link will help support this podcast.

Photographing Holiday Lights

‘T is the season for festive holiday light displays! This week, we’ll offer our tips and tricks for getting impactful shots of holiday lights, including the best times, places, and equipment to use.

Nikon Announces Two New Z-Mount Lenses

Earlier this week, Nikon announced two new Z-mount lenses.

The Nikon 28-75mm f/2.8 is a fast, midrange zoom intended to offer a lower-cost option for available light shooting as compared to the 24-70mm f/2.8S lens.

The Nikon 800mm f/6.3 Z Nikkor was announced as “in development.” We don’t know much other than it will incorporate Nikons Phase-Fresnel (PF) design elements to reduce size and weight.

Customizing Your Camera Functions & Controls

Today’s digital cameras, especially mirrorless ones, offer a tremendous amount of customization. This week, we’ll take a look at why you should customize your camera functions & buttons, and share our most frequently used settings.

Join us for a virtual holiday party!

We’ll be live online December 26th for a virtual holiday party. Free tickets are available here. Join us to share some holiday cheer!

The Importance of Ergonomics When Choosing a Camera

This week, we go beyond megapixels and autofocus to look at the importance of ergonomics in choosing a camera. Whether it’s the control layout, button size, or customization options, there’s a lot more to camera design than just the sensor alone.

Interview with Jessica Odell: Thoughts on the Nikon Z50

It’s thanksgiving week here in the USA, and with the focus on family this week, what better way to celebrate than to bring some family on the podcast. Jason’s sister, Jessica, visits us today to share her experiences using her Nikon Z50, which she got at the end of 2019 right before the lockdowns hit. Now that restrictions have eased up, she’s been able to get out and do some of the travel photography she’d hoped to do in 2020.

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