On Friday, I was able to get my new Nikon D800 camera body, which was on preorder after Nikon announced it about two months ago. Nikon released the D800 for sale on Thursday. It has been one of Nikon’s most anticipated cameras, which was delayed by the natural disasters last year in Japan and Thailand. Based on recent test reports, the D800 “out classes” all other DSLRs (Digital Single-lens Reflex) cameras.
I put my D800 to the test this weekend by photographing the spring Bluebell flowers at Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and testing the video capabilities on some birds, and I cannot agree more with the test results, the camera is amazing. I have not processed the Bluebell images yet, but did view them on my iMac, and they look fantastic. I will posting a blog article containing them this week. However, I did process videos of three different birds: Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, and Tufted Titmouse, and uploaded them to Youtube. Each of the videos can be seen by clicking on the below images. Be sure to have your sound turned up, put the video in the full screen mode, and change the resolution to 1080p/HD. The goldfinch is molting, that is why he is not entirely yellow and has the white spots in the black patch on his head.
I am very excited about adding video to my Nature photography with this new camera body, as well as being able to capitalize on its many other new features, like having a 36 mega pixel sensor. Be sure to check back later in the week to see the Bluebell images. It was an overcast morning that provided even, filtered light, which was perfect for photographing them along the Cedar Run creek at Merrimac Farm WMA.
Early this afternoon, I am heading to the Washington DC Convention Center to explore the Photoshop World Conference expositions, where I learned from the owner of Image Wizards that they have one of my Blue Heron images printed large on aluminum and on display at the Expo. Image Wizards specializes in printing on aluminum, and their work is stunning. Last year, I used Image Wizards on a large photography project for a medical building. When I return this evening, I will continue to select images for printing and matting for a festival on April 15, where I was invited to exhibit my photography–more on that later.
Stephen L Tabone Nature Photography 
Hi Stephen,
Nice videos taken on Nikon D800 camera. Can we feature it in our site? Email me at florante@gearbundles.com for details. Thanks!
Excellent videos, Stephen! We see and hear these birds around us, too, but I seldom see them, especially the tufted titmouse, calling as they are here. They don’t sing much in winter, of course, and already they are moving away from our house. It’s wonderful too see so close.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. The birds are enjoying our early spring and I am enjoying watching, listening and photographing them.
STEVE http://www.stabone.com http://www.stevetaboneblog.com Sent from iPad (typos included)
Having trouble posting comments … hope this doesn’t come up 2x. Love the bird videos … always hear them and never can find them. Amazing equipment but you are the talent behind the lens creating entertaining and beautiful works of art. Hope you enjoy your conference, sounds wonderful and hope that Image Wizards compensated you for use of your heron.
Hi Steve An e-mail friend sent me some of your site and I’m going to go and look at more; your work is breathtaking, Thanks for sharing.
WOW……! Phil got his D4 last week and it is also super….
Greg
I really enjoyed these videos. I have yet to attempt to take video with my D5100, but this is encouraging!
Donnie, You need to put that D5100 to work, making videos. I had been looking forward to having that capability for a long time.
Excellent video with surprisingly good sound quality, thanks! Two sound-related questions: How far were you from the subjects and what is the background noise I hear?
Thank you for positive feedback. The sound quality is surprisingly good for the built-in microphone on the camera body, but that is what I have come to expect from Nikon. I was approximately 30 to 40 feet away from the Goldfinch and Titmouse. The background sound was the VR in the tripod mode on my 600mm lens, which I now turn off when shooting video–a lesson learned.
Hi Steve,
My friend James McKearney put me onto your blog. Very nice work!
While I own and love a D700, I have decided to focus mostly on Micro 4/3, specifically Panasonic cameras for 2012. I have a blog at
DMC-365.blogspot.com
With your permission, I may feature some of your work once in a while.
Thanks for sharing your exciting work!
Reed
email: rgeorge911@hotmail.com
blog: DMC-365.blogspot.com
Thank you on the “nice work.” I too own a D700 and also love mine, and intend to keep it and my D300. Each will serve other purposes/uses. Although I have only owned the D800 for a short time, I already love it too. It is an amazing camera! Regarding featuring my blog, yes, please do.
Just to let you know … I wrote the Anonymous comments. Having trouble posting. Love the videos!
Well your new camera is definitely rocking it :-). I loved the vidoes, such excellent quality!
Amazing stuff. Love the video and sound. Adds another dimension to your already great photography!
Thank you Joe. The video and sound capabilities definitely add another significant dimension to still photography.