What to buy an experienced
photographer or video shooter? There is some strong gear on the market from
Nikon, GoPro and Domke.
Nikon D750 camera ($2,300 body only;
$3,000 kit with 24-120mm lens):
I couldn't find anything to complain
about the D750 after spending a few weeks with it. The handsome digital
single-lens reflex camera, or DSLR, deserves the accolades it has received so
far.
Under the hood is a full-frame, 24.3
megapixel sensor capable of capturing sharp images rich with a solid range of
accurate color and tonal quality. The D750 can shoot full high-definition video
at 60 frames per second -- crucial for any kind of slow-motion work.
I was most impressed with the color
purity of the still images. I had to do very little tweaking during editing to
reveal the full vibrance of the scene I had captured. When paired with the
24-120mm lens sold as part of a kit, the camera captured video that was well
stabilized, with little jitter or shake from my hands.
The D750 has built-in Wi-Fi for
direct communication with tablets and smartphones running Nikon's free app. I
can use the app to trigger the shutter or transfer images from the camera,
allowing me to share them on social media more easily. The D750 has slots for
two SD memory cards for extra storage. It also has a tilting LCD screen --
which came in handy when I wanted to hold the camera high or low without
finding a ladder or crouching.
The camera is one of the best
full-frame cameras available for seasoned photography enthusiasts. It feels and
looks professional in the hand, and it delivers with quality images.
GoPro Hero 4 Black ($500):
GoPro continues to excel in action
cameras. The company's latest model, the Hero 4 Black, shown above, shoots
video in full 4k resolution, which is also known as ultra-high-definition.
That's a lot of crystal-clear imagery in a camera not much bigger than three
matchboxes stacked on top of each other.
The 4k resolution is at the standard
30 frames per second, though. For the more impressive 120 frames per second,
resolution is limited to the standard high-definition 1920 x 1080.
Nonetheless, the 4k footage doesn't
disappoint. I shot some children's soccer matches and hiked to a creek. On a 4k
display, small details pop into view, like blades of nearby grass and dust on
smooth surfaces. It really is the next level of video imagery, and many pros
are already upgrading to 4k video gear in anticipation of a future when
everyday consumers have the capability to view it. Many higher-end TV sets and
monitors are being sold with 4k capability.
GoPro sells a variety of add-ons,
such as waterproof cases. I particularly recommend the $80 touch-screen LCD
back because it makes it easier to adjust the camera setting, and preview and
review footage and shot composition. Otherwise, you're shooting without a
display or viewfinder.
Make sure you're going to buy a
4k-capable television or add a hot new 4k-capable graphics card to your
computer. Otherwise, you won't be enjoying the full resolution the GoPro Hero 4
Black has to offer.
Don't confuse the Black edition with
the Hero 4 Silver, which is black in color but doesn't have 4k.
Domke Next Generation Director
($330):
No hot shot photographer or indie
filmmaker is going to be happy without a sharp bag to toe their gear around in.
Domke has long been the go-to brand for photojournalists, and its Director bag
is a smart choice for light travel with a DSLR camera and a couple of small to
medium lenses.
I was able to do some nice
walk-around photo sessions with the Director slung over my shoulder. In it were
the Nikon D750 and the 24-120mm kit lens, as well as an additional 20mm
wide-angle lens, a Google Nexus 7 tablet, my smartphone and a small pouch for
extra memory cards.
The bag has customizable divider
inserts, expandable zippered pockets and a tough-as-nails luggage strap. This
is much better than tossing all of your precious photo gear into a flimsy
backpack.
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