A flying chance
Iwasn’t sure what to think or say when I was first approached to review the Nikon D6 for Amateur Photographer. I’d already had the camera a few days and was starting to realise its potential, but this is primarily a sports/ news camera and I specialise in sport. It’s my day job for Reuters/ Action Images. But how to test and review it properly in these strange times, when all sport is cancelled or postponed.
After a few days I suggested that I should shoot nature, and specifically birds in flight. I’ve snapped quite a lot of fast-flying birds with the D5 and so knew this would be a good test of the D6, and a great comparison to its predecessor. The magazine agreed, so off I went approaching reserves and finding good sites that I knew would at least give me a ‘flying’ chance.
Visually, there’s not much change from the D5 to the D6. So the handling will be the same, which is ideal for professionals using these cameras side-by-side. The top function dial is larger, there is a GPS antenna built into the head in front of the hot shoe, and a Kensington lock slot at the bottom of the grip covered by a rubber cover, that’s designed to be used for security when using the camera remotely. Nikon’s long lenses have this feature and I feel it’s a nice idea to have this option on the body as well. For example it’s a great idea for cricket, as snappers often have a remote camera high up in the stands. It’s something
