I was looking through the camera offerings on the internet and came across a Nikon D90 with Full spectum conversion. The price seemed ok and I decided to ask the AI search about how it compares to a Sony A7ii full spectrum converted, for IR photography.
The search sang the praises of the D90 and said it is highly regarded in terms of IR.
Ah…the catch, I thought as I noted its not Full frame…but here’s what puzzles me.
While the Ai could apparently find little evidence of Sony A7ii performance when converted to full spectrum, I myself have read reviews from qualified conversion specialists saying that the a7ii gives “Stunning results” as well as having received recommendations based on high quality in terms of a full frame sensor.
I’m wondering if anyone with experience in these matters can offer opinions and clarify facts. Although I find ai search very useful I’m feeling I should be cautious in relying on its search results on this occasion as I cant afford a mistake with this possible purchase.
While being presently outside my budget, saving for a quality full frame with high px count would be worth saving for because I need the detail etc for large (600mm x 400mm) engraving size at (0.03x0.03mm) pixel size minimum.
It was also the fact that I could get away with only the body purchase that interested me as Im using a Nikon 50mm 1.8G at present.
Maybe I am too cynical, but if this is true than perhaps you should be looking much further down market for now? At least until you work out a process and get a good feel for what kind of detail is actually able to transfer in what circumstances.
You have a very small “dynamic range” on those materials, and the details you see in images may or may not translate in the finished piece. Not because the laser can’t create a line that small, but because the differentiation of that line from its neighbors might be too small to be noticeable…not to mention that there will be natural blowout, chipping, and scratching over time unless you put some sort of layer over top; which might wind up obscuring those wonderful details.
Not trying to dissuade you from the project! I actually love what you are trying to do!! Just saying maybe it pays to experiment a little before making larger purchases. Thats just me though.
That’s a legitimate and cautious aproach that I have taken into consideration. I have seen the results and I’m convinced enough to move forward with the idea.
I have also experienced the result of not investing to scale and its nearly worse than failure or not trying at all…thats my own opinion relating to my situation only.
I can offer no valid comparison but the the D90 is a 2008 camera and the Sony is 2014. That might be relevant to making a decision. The Pentax cameras from the same era used the same sensor as the D90. I still own the Pentax and preferred its functions compared to the D90. Pentax has IS built into body while Nikon doesn’t.
I’ve been scanning the offerings for days and cross comparing the options. Its actually more of an exercise in familiarity so the dust is settling a bit and I’m starting to see whats what.
Pentax has a good rep in this regard and the K1 certainly has the requirements but there’s a Cannon RF option that seems yery budget friendly…although a bit less in the resolution department.
I brought my Nikon to show to a friends son who is recently out of movie-school and they asked if I’d consider selling, so that would add a chunk to the funds…if it occurs.
Thanks for the input.