Silent Photography

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Hi, Just wondered if anyone out there has had any experience with silent photography. I am lucky enough to own both a D5 and D850 and whilst out recently had an encounter with someone who thought they owned the hide i.e. they weren't impressed by the shutter noise of 12 fps, in fact the person concerned got very angry, which was upsetting. I also intend to visit other hides and the instructions for use are to have the camera in silent or very quite mode. So the question is peeps - does anyone have any tips on this or should I just resort to Live View?
 
Th Quite mode is a bit better. I've looked at waveforms with the shutter sounds and Quite mode is the same decibel level as normal mode but it's done more slowly to the noise isn't as jarring. Obviously, Live View is completely silent, but tricky to use in some scenarios (although, you'd be surprised what you can do with a little practice). If it's something you need on a regular basis, you might want to consider a Z7. You can shoot it silently and it has on-sensor PDAF. (LOL, I'm costing you money on your first post!)
 
Th Quite mode is a bit better. I've looked at waveforms with the shutter sounds and Quite mode is the same decibel level as normal mode but it's done more slowly to the noise isn't as jarring. Obviously, Live View is completely silent, but tricky to use in some scenarios (although, you'd be surprised what you can do with a little practice). If it's something you need on a regular basis, you might want to consider a Z7. You can shoot it silently and it has on-sensor PDAF. (LOL, I'm costing you money on your first post!)
Thanks Steve, I did consider Quiet mode however the shutter speed would (I think) be too slow for some wildlife photography. Your reply has helped me make up my mind and I think I'll take a trip to my camera supplier and have a play with the Z7 or Z6 and if favourable buy one of these bodies. As I'm all Nikon I really don't want to change manufacturer at this stage.
 
Appreciate the predicament you might be in. A bit as Steve indicates above, I've had considerable experience shooting my D850/600mm f4 in Silent/Live View mode using a remote trigger. Have done this a lot with owls, in very low light conditions when exposure is particularly difficult. It necessitates very slow shutter speeds which, when the subject is still, can produce spectacular results. Not good if there's any movement. Use AF-F/Pin mode and continuous high. I do this with a Vello Freewave.
 
Thanks Marcus, I did have play with a remote trigger as Yes, it does work, however it just feels I'm not fully in control if the camera isn't in my hands. Plus Steve's suggestion does give me an opportunity to try and possibly buy another Nikon body to add to my collection.
 
Appreciate the predicament you might be in. A bit as Steve indicates above, I've had considerable experience shooting my D850/600mm f4 in Silent/Live View mode using a remote trigger. Have done this a lot with owls, in very low light conditions when exposure is particularly difficult. It necessitates very slow shutter speeds which, when the subject is still, can produce spectacular results. Not good if there's any movement. Use AF-F/Pin mode and continuous high. I do this with a Vello Freewave.
Thanks Marcus, I did have play with a remote trigger as Yes, it does work, however it just feels I'm not fully in control if the camera isn't in my hands. Plus Steve's suggestion does give me an opportunity to try and possibly buy another Nikon body to add to my collection.
 
Thanks Marcus, I did have play with a remote trigger as Yes, it does work, however it just feels I'm not fully in control if the camera isn't in my hands. Plus Steve's suggestion does give me an opportunity to try and possibly buy another Nikon body to add to my collection.
Ha, adding another body is always fun. Completely agree that when my eye is in the viewfinder I too feel in more control. This image was taken using that technique. Am finding the upload protocol is blurring the images from Lightroom. This image is razor sharp (D850/600mm f4, ISO 1600,1/5, f5.6) but seems less so here.
20200506-850_0883.jpg
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Ha, adding another body is always fun. Completely agree that when my eye is in the viewfinder I too feel in more control. This image was taken using that technique. Am finding the upload protocol is blurring the images from Lightroom. This image is razor sharp (D850/600mm f4, ISO 1600,1/5, f5.6) but seems less so here.View attachment 496
Lovely shot Marcus and it does prove the point that using live view and a trigger can work........ think I'll still have a play with a "Z" just to make sure of course!
 
Was the sound of the shutter disturbing the subjects? If so, then IMO you should have probably switched to Qc mode. If it wasn't bothering the subjects, then I don't think your hide companion had any reason to be upset. And by disturbing I mean something more than just having the subject look up. I find that many subjects will initially show a response to shutter sounds but soon get used to it, especially if you ease into it by taking a few single shots and short bursts before laying the hammer down.
Of course, if the location rules or guidelines specify silent or quiet mode, then that is what you should use.

erkesphoto.com
 
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Hi, Just wondered if anyone out there has had any experience with silent photography. I am lucky enough to own both a D5 and D850 and whilst out recently had an encounter with someone who thought they owned the hide i.e. they weren't impressed by the shutter noise of 12 fps, in fact the person concerned got very angry, which was upsetting. I also intend to visit other hides and the instructions for use are to have the camera in silent or very quite mode. So the question is peeps - does anyone have any tips on this or should I just resort to Live View?
I've used silent mode on my Z6 extensively, so much so that it's my preferred mode now. Works like a charm.
 
Was the sound of the shutter disturbing the subjects? If so, then IMO you should have probably switched to Qc mode. If it wasn't bothering the subjects, then I don't think your hide companion had any reason to be upset. And by disturbing I mean something more than just having the subject look up. I find that many subjects will initially show a response to shutter sounds but soon get used to it, especially if you ease into it by taking a few single shots and short bursts before laying the hammer down.
Of course, if the location rules or guidelines specify silent or quiet mode, then that is what you should use.

erkesphoto.com
Agree. In addition, I've often found the rattling of my D5 or D6 - if used carefully - can briefly get an animals attention.
 
Very nice capture Marcus! The quite modes of my D7500 do not make much difference as I have practiced. Rather I would try my luck with live view shooting though I am not a pro shooter like Steeve.
 
Was the sound of the shutter disturbing the subjects? If so, then IMO you should have probably switched to Qc mode. If it wasn't bothering the subjects, then I don't think your hide companion had any reason to be upset. And by disturbing I mean something more than just having the subject look up. I find that many subjects will initially show a response to shutter sounds but soon get used to it, especially if you ease into it by taking a few single shots and short bursts before laying the hammer down.
Of course, if the location rules or guidelines specify silent or quiet mode, then that is what you should use.

erkesphoto.com
The short answer Ed is "No" the shutter did not disturb the subjects. As you can no doubt tell from the lateness of my reply I'm not in the USA but across the puddle in UK. Over here there is an organisation (for birds/nature etc) and at their sites they have a few hides. On the occasion where I upset this person (a lady) she was (apparently) listening to the birds and trying to identify the sound made as it was mating time (I was unaware of this). Needless to say she became angry and got up and left. As it happens I also upset another lady that day as well for the same reason - I wasn't trying to upset anyone. There are no rules about camera noise. However, when I came to leave the place I had a word with the management and they informed me that there are a few people who consider the hides to be just for watching and listening and not for photographers - In fact they would prefer 2 different hides, one for watching and listening and one for photographers - there's just no pleasing some people. As for taking a few shots to attract the subject, I did have a two wonderful experiences once when an Otter appeared in front of me and because the shutter was making a slight noise it turned and stared at me for quite a long time. I also had the same experience last year in Canada when a Black Bear passed a few feet from me - obviously I was pleased to see the bear however as I started to take photos of the bear it looked up at me and froze - couldn't have asked for more.
 
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