Nikon D750 / SHOOTING REPORT

Since digital cameras replaced film cameras, a variety of formats have been introduced for different needs. And, even though they are smaller than full frame, we now can get great results thanks to the advanced sensors and imaging processors. Plus, the small size realized by smaller sensor is an advantage. However, the desire to use the full frame sensor never goes away and it may be because we want to use bokeh, more powerful sensor, higher sensitivity, or wider dynamic range. And, another important factor is that the full frame is the final destination defined by the history of 35mm format since the film age. Cameras with large sensor are becoming more affordable than in the past and there must be many users who want the full frame next time. And, here comes the D750, a new comer in Nikon's FX-format lineup and it fills the gap between the D810 and the D610.

( Photography : Z II / Text : Naz )

24.32-Megapixel CMOS sensor ensures rich depiction and high sensitivity performance

The D750's imaging sensor is a new one which is different from the D610, even though it has the same number of pixels. And, it has the EXPEED 4 imaging processor (used for the D4S and the D810 as well), so the high sensitivity performance is guaranteed. And, the highest sensitivity is ISO12800, which is the double of D610 (the D750's extended ISO sensitivity is 51200). Even though you don't need such high sensitivity regularly, but the higher is always better even if it's just by one step. By the way, the first shot of the aquarium was shot at ISO12800, which may sound special to many people. But, the result looks good and usable. And, this shot from inside the Japanese house has a luminance difference big enough for many people to feel like giving up shooting with a digital camera. I shot way under not to lose the highlight tonality of the green in the garden, but it realized the details and shadow tonality of the wood poles and frames as well. And, this depiction under the adverse condition demonstrates the absolute power of the large sensor.

The sizes of the sensor matters when you want rich bokeh. And, the large sensor gives you more aperture choices or the amount of bokeh even if the subject is few meters away.

I used the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 G ED VR for this review. Even though I shot wide open with this standard zoom lens, I could get the rich bokeh at the minimum focus distance.

You may feel the D750's number of pixels is smaller than the D810's, but 24 Megapixels are enough to capture from corner to corner minutely. Plus, you don't need to be as nervous as when you do with the D810. And, smaller data is easier to handle.

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The D750 is Nikon's first FX-format DSLR camera with a tilting LCD screen. The screen is aligned with the optical axis and it tilts up by 90 degrees and down by 75 degrees. This not only facilitates low angle shooting for landscapes and macro photography using a tripod, but also lets you try new angle that you once had to give up.

The D750 has a new monocock body made of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber. So, even though it has a tilting LCD screen, the weight is almost the same as the D610. Plus, the upgraded motherboard and construction realized the thinner body. The shape of the grip has been modified, too. It rather lets you grip than catch, so handling has become lighter and easier, and it's a good news for people with smaller hands.

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The AF area is as wide as the D810 and the AF sensor can focus even if it's as dark as -3EV. This by all means ensures secure focusing in adverse conditions.

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A casual DSLR camera with a full frame sensor

The Df, D4S, D810... Nikon has been renewing FX cameras rapidly since the D610 was released. And, this new comer D750 fills the gap between the D810 and the D610. Some people may not be able to figure out the character of this model, but by testing it, I realized that it's an extremely complete camera with a great balance between the essential elements. Yet, it's easy to handle the high image quality even in JPEG mode thanks to the some imaging processor used for advanced models. The 100% viewfinder coverage, weather resistant construction, and the fast and accurate AF/AE realize serious shooting regardless of conditions. In addition, it has the Wi-Fi function that lets you transfer data to your smartphone and shoot remotely. The effect function, which has been omitted in other FX cameras, is now supported, too. And, thanks to the high quality lowpass filter, you don't have to worry about moire and false colors. After all, by launching the D750, Nikon has made the full frame world casual and approachable.

( 26.09.2014 )