Power grip question

[Loa]

Hello,

I've read about those power-grips but I'm not sure what, exactly, they are.

I know, at the very least, that they allow you to have extra batteries. That's nice.

But they seem to have a lot of extra features. AF-on buton is often one of those. Unfortunately, even though I've tried reading up on that, I can't find a clear and concise explanation.

Also, why would it allow for a better fps on certain cameras?

Lastly: they make one for the D70s. Has anyone tried one on that body?

Thanks to anyone who can clear things up for me.

Loa

[captlen]

One thing I can say about the grip is that my Canon has better when I have a flash on it with the grip than without.

The rest I will leave for others

[nyschulte]

Hi,

I can only speak for the Nikon D200 grip (MB-D200)

It adds a second battery, a second AF-button, a second shutter release button, more balance if you use an on-camera flash and/or a long and heavy lens.

So adavantages (for me) are in the ergonomics i.e. better grip for portrait orientation, better balance.

BUT
The MB-D200 has a very 'plastic' feel, makes the camera heavier and bulkier. You can hardly pass unnoticed
When using a tripod for longer exposures i would recommend to remove the grip.
The battery retention mechanism is fragile (i.e. the platic clip retaining batteries can break off)

With all this written, i would still buy it again but then again i do mainly (studio) portraits with an 70-200/2.8 AF-S VR lens.


Nicolas

[Loa]

Thanks for the input guys... Think I'm gonna start to save for a D300 instead of thinking of buying a grip ! :-D

Loa

[generic]

I ordered two optika battery base's for a friend and I for the D70/s's. I like them fine, although I've found that an extra battery is just as useful (for me) and easily swapped. Like I say, I like them but dont really need one and havent used mine for quite a while.

I would probably use one for the D200 more because it actuallys use's more power quicker.

I think though the truth would be that because the camera would no longer fit in the pouch/case shoulder case thingy I fell into the habit of not using it. I think I would've used it more for it's balance and feel had I had a shoulder pouch for it.

gene

[Tusker]

Well I have one on my D 80- One of the first things I got after getting the camera-- I was used to a motor drive on both my film cameras so the exrta weight was no problem. It give me a more solid grip on things as well. I just would not be with out it. I do not think Wal-Mart tripods are up to the task here though. JMHO

[Tom Swaman]

One of the biggest and best features offered by many power grips or handles is a second shutter release, most often designed for use in taking vertical photos.

Many cameras offer the option of using remote battery packs if all you want is more power than offered internally in your camera.

Many power grips or handles that only offer battery power and little else may prove to be a detriment to camera photography as these can add considerable weight and change the balance of the camera system.

The bottom line is that not all battery backs are created equal and some may offer a net impediment rather than a net benefit. One must buy what one needs and buy smart!!!!!

Tom

P.S. Caveat emptor.....a power grip may or may not include a motor drive and a motor drive does not have much use in a digital camera! Times change when you are having fun.

[Tom Swaman]

Correction to: "One must buy what one needs and buy smart!!!!!

" One ought best buy what one wants or needs and then but smart!!!!!

Is this international gear-hound week?
Tom

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Tom Swaman

Caveat emptor.....a power grip may or may not include a motor drive and a motor drive does not have much use in a digital camera! Times change when you are having fun.

A "power grip" for digital cameras does not have a motor drive. (that's strictly film).
The multi image burst feature is set in your camera's menu.

[trentchau]

the only camera that has something right now that represents a motor drive is the D300 (or is it D3) coming out. IT will increase your fps with the extra battery.

[Tom Swaman]

Trentchau,

The D300 is said to be rated, I believe at 5fps w/o the grip and at 8fps with the grip.

I guess the shape of the grip lets you squeeze harder and you get more fps out of the camera......What Ya think?

Tom

[trentchau]

Nah, I think the fact the grip does the camera in the butt causes extra excitment out of the d300 to make it perfom faster.

/maybe that was meant for KMC