Camera
I currently use a stable of Nikon DSLR camera bodies. My principle camera is the Nikon D7100, with a 24 megapixel APS sensor, that records on two SD cards. I have a second D7100 and D5100 as backup bodies. The capabilities of the D7100, coupled with the power of the software available for processing digital photography have provided me with an inspiring set of creative tools.
The D7100 is the flagship of the Nikon DX (digital) camera line. DX designates a 'cropped format' camera, meaning that the sensor inside is smaller than the film size of traditional 35mm film cameras and other "full-frame" professional-quality digital cameras. While physically smaller in size, the D7100 sensor offers plenty of resolution (24.6 megapixels), remarkable sensitivity (ISO from 100 to 6400), and superb rendering of color, tone and detail.
Motivated by stiff competition from its arch-rival Canon, Nikon revolutionized the upper end of the cropped-format DSLR camera market with the D7100, bringing its latest technology to the hands advanced amateurs and 'pro-sumers.' In the process, the D7100 trumps the feature set and capabilities of several of Nikon's full-frame professional cameras.
The technological battle between Nikon and Canon has brought stunning advances to the market, and the D7100 was proclaimed 'winner' of the most recent skirmish, being named Camera of the Year by authorities at several photography publications.
Lenses
Standard Lens: Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
- This lens is comparable to a traditional 50mm lens; fast, and razor-sharp. It is ideal for photography indoors where a flash would be intrusive, hand-held casual or candid shots, portrait work, or where its shallow depth of field can be used for creative effect.
Wide-Angle Zoom: Nikkor 10mm to 24mm f/3.5 - 5.6
- The extreme wide angle of this lens when fully zoomed out opens up interiors like magic. It also swallows huge expanses of landscapes, providing dramatic perspective. I use this lens professionally on a daily basis for RV interiors.
Workhorse Mid Zoom: Nikkor 28mm to 70mm f/2.8
- The default lens that's on the camera most of the time, the 28-70 is FAST, SHARP and built like a tank. The flagship of the Nikkor line has been replaced by the newer (but not necessarily better) 21-70. It's a big, heavy lens that does everything surpassingly well.
Zoom: Nikkor 80 - 200 mm f/2.8
- Big, heavy and nearly perfect, with fast, accurate auto-focus and razor-sharp resolution.
High-Power Zoom: Nikkor 80 to 400 mm f/4
- Remarkably sharp zoom with Nikon VR vibration reduction that can be used on a tripod or hand-held. Ideal for bird and wildlife photography.
Macro Lens: Nikkor Micro 105mm f/2.8
- This beauty provides stunning sharpness, professional-level speed, and the ability to focus down to a few centimeters for outrageous macro-images and gorgeous "bokeh." In practice, I usually opt for the flexibility of one of my zoom lenses, unless I'm planning a macro outing.
Tripod
Vanguard Alta Pro Tripod with Vanguard SBH Series Ball Head
- My camera is on a tripod virtually all the time for my commercial work, where exposures of interiors often run to several seconds each. I like the firm foundation the tripod provides in many other situations, too, and have learned that there is no good reason not to use it for most landscapes, rural views, etc. regardless of focal length, or shutter speed.
- The center post on the Vanguard Alta Pro can be removed and used horizontally, allowing me to put the camera in otherwise unreachable positions, a real advantage when shooting in cramped RV interiors.
- The Vanguard ball head provides remarkable flexibility, allowing me to tighten down the camera at virtually any angle.
Other stuff
- Nikon Wireless Remote Release - Essential for long exposures to minimize camera shake.
- Youngnuo YN568EX Speedlites - This is a remarkably high-quality Chinese flash comparable to the Nikon 580 Speedlite.
- Yongnuo 622 Electronic Flash Tranceivers - An excellent system to synchronize, control, and trigger all remote flashes
- 5-Way Bounce Reflector
- 24" Soft Box with Tripod, for soft lighting, portraits, and feature shots
- Rocketfish UV Filters - These live on my lenses to protect the optical glass from injury.
- Nikon (and other) Camera Batteries with Charger
- Rechargeable AA Batteries with Charger (for flash)
- Hard-sided foam-lined Camera Case to carry lenses and other camera gear. Airtight, waterproof, dustproof and shock resistant.
- Lens fluid, brush, tissues, microfiber cloth, camera body caps, LED flashlight, multitool (for tripod) , duct tape (for keeping doors open, cords hidden, etc. when shooting interiors)
Questions or comments? Contact me.
Paul Campbell
paulcampbell321@gmail.com