D800 vs Medium Format with Roth and Ramberg
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ต.ค. 2024
- With its groundbreaking image quality for a 35mm digital camera, the Nikon D800 has been compared to digital medium format camera systems. To look into these comparisons The Camera Store's Chris Niccolls went out with Michelle Ramberg and Dale Roth or Roth and Ramberg to compare the D800 to a Hasselblad, widely considered the best digital cameras ever produced.
See how the D800 stacks up against the Hasselblad H4D-40 in this extensive test.
Special Thanks to Dale Roth, Michelle Ramberg, London Barbers, Mark Langridge and the talented crew that made this shoot possible.
Please note that TH-cam compression may make it difficult to see small differences in image quality. Trust Dale and Michelle.
Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Filmed on a Panasonic AF100 - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Yeah, really interesting review. It´s interesting to see that there are "experts" who really try to tell you that they can look at an iMac which has an sRGB screen with an 8bit graphics card and tell you they can actually see the difference between a 14 and a 16 bit raw. They compare a 16000 shades raw against a 65000 shades raw on a 256 shade monitor/gaphics card and try to tell us they can see the difference. Impressive
that photographer was really pissed whenever the d800 was better at something :D
The fact that they state that they need to "one up" other photographers who show up at their locations with their gear means they are not "photographers" in the first place. Good photography is based on light manipulation and composition.
This☝🏻
In any business, regardless if it's photography or not, perceived impressions by your clients are -EXTREMELY- important. If someone is paying you thousands of dollars for a photo shoot and then one of their employees happens to drop by with the exact same gear, that client is going to think to themselves "wtf? did I just hire some amateur?" I know that the final product is important to the photographer, but to the client, first impressions and professionalism are just as important if not moreso.
Yeah the thing is no clients even know the difference between a d800 and a Hass
"A lot of times we'll go on location with our Canon or our Nikon and someone will have the exact same camera. And that's something we can't have as professionals."
That has to be one of the most ridiculous statements. Afraid that someone can get a better shot with the same camera?
Even in 2017, post-D850, this video is still a fascinating test
D850 stupid
You can tell the photographer is grasping at straws as to why the Hassleblad is better. Like they are defending their Hasselblad like no other. Then again, if I dumped $12,000 on a camera body only to realize that a $3,000 body came along and could get away with the same results, I'd be defensive too.
"Because somebody else might have the same camera, and we can't have that." Oh my god what? I think that's the definition of kit snob.
I thinks it's a lot about differentiating oneself from amateurs with expensive gear in the eyes of costumers. Costumers often judge photographers by their gear. Sad but true.
Someone needs to tell the photographer that "showing off" a better camera does not make him a better photographer.
But in this way clients perceive him as a better photographer
Dale explained it to me this way:
"If we show up to shoot an executive with a D800, there's a good chance he'll own one or a similar camera. When he sees us with the same camera, he will wonder why he's paying so much money for us to take his picture, as opposed to any other cheaper photographer.
Perception is very important for high-end photography. Dale and Michelle can afford to shoot with the best gear, so why wouldn't they?
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
You guys didn't mention which camera calibration you were using for the two cameras in LR which makes a huge difference in how you interpret skin tones, shadow and highlight detail. Dale Roth said that he needs to keep shooting medium format so that he can keep those skin tones. But none of you seemed to explore the capabilities of the D800 in that area. Who shoots raw and doesn't edit their images?
But probably the most telling comment at the end was by Dale Roth who said that the client can't have the same camera that we are shooting with. To me, that kind of dedication to an illusion is what brought down Kodak. And rightfully so.
I really don't understand that statement. Several successful photographers have a D5000 but they take better pictures than many people with the same camera. It's all about the photographer, not about the camera. If you're that worried about having a camera that nobody else can get, you should probably give up photography.
*****
On the other hand if you show up to shoot a wedding with a T3i and kit lens I would be irritated lol of course this comparison is the value of a car difference though which is goofy in the first place
Sam Ballard I agree. I wouldn't place the D800 on the level of the T3i, but I get your meaning. I've shot two-page magazine ads with the D800 and have had great success. But I was fully prepared to defend the quality of the camera since it looks so small. I wouldn't mind Nikon coming out with a D4X with the sensor of the D810 but which shoots 11 fps and 4k video.
+ totally agree, and I def. understand the size compromise thoughts people have. We should petition Nikon for that =p
***** You're not wrong, but it's often entirely dependent on what it is that you're doing. I use a number of arguably unnecessary specialty items in my work because it makes the job go faster, smoother and increases the number of good images I can make in an hour. Can I produce good work without any extras? Of course, but if I am making good money and a piece of equipment is going to make things easier, why would I avoid it like it's a badge of honour?
Take architecture/interiors for instance. Can you shoot them without a geared head? Yes. Can you shoot them without a TS lens? Yes. But if that's your specialty and it's in the budget, why would you want to and for what reason? The faster and smoother a shoot goes the better it is for everyone.
I don't think anyone should shit on the guy using a D5000 if it works for him, but it's not going to be the best tool for everyone. That's why there is and has always been such a wide variety of options available.
If the Hasselblad owners weren't so arrogant the guy with the mic would have behaved too.
best mic guy ever
TROOPER
If skin tones are that important to them, why don´t they profile the cameras first? The whole video is sn insult to the intelligence of the viewer. "It does´t compare at all" of course, because this is no real comparism. Please get the right people for the job, think a lot and do the whole thing correctly and if you want to compare sharpness, use an OTUS or Sigma Art instead of a 400$ Standard lens.
Well, that was uncomfortable...
this was the BEST review I've seen on internet, not just about the D800, but overall. Congratulations! And from now on, just subscribed!!! :)
This video should discourage NO ONE I have sold prints from my iPhone! And my main camera is a t3i I actually switched from a 7d because I didn't need all it has to offer and Im able to pull beautiful images out of this camera.:)
I love their attitude... We can't have the same camera as someone else on site?! We need to be better?! (Arrogant much?) I'm pretty sure I could easily find someone a lot better shooting canon or Nikon
It seems arrogant , but you've also got to account for the perceptions of their customers . At the end of the day it's economical for these types of studio photographers to present a professional image , even if it's purely superficial . Presenting a particular image is important for a business . It doesnt hurt to look professional . I'm not saying he's not arrogant though .
If your raw file is flat that means the sensor was able to capture the entire dynamic range of the scene and you can add the precise amount of contrast you want in post. If your RAW is contrasty that means it only almost, or did not capture the entire dynamic range, and if you try to pull back the contrast you will notice clipped highlights.
I have been in this business since the 80's and all my old film RZ's and 4x5 sit in my closet. I shoot with the 5D Mark ll and lll. Most of my work is editorial. I did get more respect at a shoot with bigger film cameras than in today's time but in the end it is the image you deliver that gets the recognition, respect and further work.
Hats off for this video, well setup, tests were done really carefully, I'm really impressed with how close the D800 can get to MF legendary camera...
Technically speaking the results were so close that its really hard to distinguish the difference, keeping into consideration that the amount of skin tones will not really matter when you start printing, as you loose allot in colors and resolution in that process.
Having said that as professional you cant carry same gear like anyone else, and i do agree that professionals needs to have their own gear.
Thanks for the video its really amazing.
Thank you for this video, I am now a proud owner of a Hassy H5D40. Matched that with Broncolor lighting for truly awesome Tones and color reproduction made my money back in 4months of ownership. Sweetest part I am shooting less, and reprinting and licensing more.
TheBabyBobot good for you, n00b
What with the guy that keeps passing out? Is that from the Hasselblad's price tag?
TNX Guys for these FANTASTIC and no ordinary comparison ! Keep up the fantastic work! I'm glad I'm one of your subscribers :)
A lot depends on the respective lenses - as you get different level of detail. There is huge difference between using a lens like CZ Outs and a kit lens.
I'd be curious to see the results when compared to the D810.
no difference I have both
Can't say I agree with the comment about having to have the best gear possible because someone on the shoot might have the same camera you do. You can have all the best gear but still take a worse photo than Chase Jarvis with an Iphone.
+Robert Houseman Right, but the clients are paying a very high premium for the best commercial photographers in the region, they don't want those people showing up with the same camera they own. Perception is a huge part of the commercial photography business, and Roth and Ramberg have done so well because they create stunning images AND bring gear to a shoot that other companies can't provide. Check out their website if you doubt their abilities:
www.rothandramberg.com/
Jordan @ TCSTV
+TheCameraStoreTV I am not doubting their ability. I just caution others that view this and think they have to get the best of the best to make great images.
The only reason I say this is because I perceived that specific comment as saying if you want to be taken seriously you need the highest end gear.
It's a sad fact that exists in this world.
+Robert Houseman Yes. Sadly so true. My work is hardly the most glamorous or demanding. I shoot new & used vehicles for the 2nd largest car dealer group in York Co. (Pa.). My "competition" isn't another photographer but a dealer who's content handing an iPod Touch or a Point & Shoot from Wal-Mart to their Detail/Clean-up guys. My Nikon D5300 isn't the most impressive camera out there but, wearing a DSLR around my neck with the bright yellow "Nikon" on the neck strap gives me a degree of credibility....and, hopefully, some job security. I still hope they'll hire me as a full-time employee, complete with a modest camera budget. I'm well over 100k on the shutter count in less than 2 years.
The Lens of Hasselblad H4D-40 is POOR. So, the Result is POOR.
Hasselblad H4D-40, itself is excellent.
The Lens of the Nikon D800 and the Nikon D800 , both are excellent
I couldn't agree more! Dale and Michelle have every reason to be arrogant, with their portfolio, but they are some of the most down to Earth, fun photographers I've met. They may have been a bit more stiff when a camcorder is pointed at them, but the impressions of many people on here are off the mark.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
I want to know how the D800 stacks up against different film formats like 4X5 or 8X10 sheet film.
At 16:18 the guy sums it all up in one sentence, we must have something better than amateurs when we appear for shooting. I don't understand how companies like Hasselblad survive these days when you can have outstanding image quality from cameras costing less than a $1000. Even crop sensors today are stellar stuff with a good prime lens on.
The D800E had not yet started shipping when we filmed this video. You can see our comparison of the D800E with the Pentax 645D on our channel. The Pentax has very similar image quality to the Hasselblad H4D-40.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Wow! This was a lot of work! Thank you so much for doing this, your results were fantastic.
Great job on an VERY interesting and informative video. Thanks again
so medium format is better than full-frame?
Very interesting comparision. Judging by what I saw, rather than what they said, I'd go for the D800 over the Hasselblad even if they were the same price.
What seems to be true, based on lots of reviews like this, is just how closely you have to look to see any significant difference between decent cameras these days. I rather suspect most of us just don't need - and wouldn't really notice - the slight difference you'd get in everyday shooting.
I'd be more interested in seeing your work, please do post a link, because I am assuming you must be amazing.
We would have, however we still have not received a D800E. We will be doing some testing with the D800E very soon, however.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Hope you can make the same D800 versus the new Fujifilm medium format.
Yeah, that happen to me before, I was shooting an event with my D90, and one of the guest asked what it was and she said she have a D700. The D700 and D300 type of camera and below isn't uncommon among amateur or people who just can simply afford it. It doesn't mean that they will take better photo but it does avoid arkward moments. Btw, I do pro-grade gears as far as lenses and such but it's just that I use the D90 with it. Time to get a grip :)
This poor presenter had to tip-toe through this comparison just in case he offended these rich freaks. And anyway, the D800 looks super cool, the medium format something from 1975
I agree with you 100% Ridiculous...
Like watching into a a clothing store full of snobs...awkward lol
And it didn't matter, I totally believe that they talked shit about him when he left.
Interestingly, our friends at Luminous Landscape have started testing the D800 and D800e, and the e version's resolution is noticeable. Also, moire doesn't seem to be a concern with the e. I wonder how the 800e would do against the Hassy - the difference in resolution would definitely diminish.
Yes, it's still coming.
No doubt the Hasselblad H4D-40 is superior from a professional standpoint regardless of the Nikon D800's outstanding image quality & overall performance. Professionals like the one's in this video need that extra range in color & detail. In the end, however, it all boils down to the subject & the clientele that it's for. The majority of professional, high-end full frame DSLR users don't need all that extra information in their images because the audience/clientele won't be able to tell if the shot was with a DSLR or a Medium Format. At the end of the day, that insane price difference for such a minimal image improvement is hardly worth it in my honest opinion. I do understand that the more information stored on the image in the first place warrants less post processing in the end but for that amount of money just hire someone to photoshop/lightroom the hell out those images lol. In all seriousness, there are those that demand the highest image detail with a deadline so I guess in that case, the medium format cameras would be the best way to go. Most likely in other cases though ... if a professional photographer took 100 pictures with both cameras, put the raw files into the computer, then shuffled them all up ... without looking at the EXIF data, I bet most people professional or not would have a difficult time matching picture to the camera it was taken on.
Awesome review, and the feinting at the finale was laugh out loud hilarious because you guys looked....frankly amused. I just hope that poor guy is ok. Niceeeee.
Sure it is your personal opinion but what is it based on? Looking at the images from a technical aspect it is rather easy to push the hassie's image to the D800 look whereas it is hard or impossible to do the opposite.
THIS is how a useful comparative test is done!! Thanks guys!
I can see small differences. It is really hard to tell. Is there anyway we could view the RAWs?
Depends on the format, but between 75 & 85mm.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
We're doing a D800e shoot with Nick Devlin of Luminous Landscapes in a couple weeks. I think we may have to bring out another medium format camera...
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Only when you have a direct comparison (like 9:12), you can see, what an amazing job the Hasselblad really does when it comes to skin tones and range of tones. This is absulutely stunning! The D800 pictures look like the pictures I usually take and the ones from the Hasselblad look like the pictures, I always WANTED to take.
This might be a stupid question, but is there absolutely no way to get Hasselblad skin tones and range of tones out of an enthusiast-level DSLR like a Nikon D7100?
Try the Hasselblad lenses on the D7100
I've just discovered TheCameraStoreTV, what an amazing channel. I LOVE watching these videos!
Have you tried the retina displays?
I'm not sure what you're talking about cause I think apple display monitors are comfortable to work with.
Are u guys still planning to do the video comparison of the 5d mark iii and the nikon D800? Cheers.
Pinkish ready tones...hard to correct??? is she HIGH!!! She just doesn't want to admit the 800 was pretty damn close for nowhere Near the cost. Spend 20, 30, 40 grand on a bassi and there Will be some advantages but seriously get over it.... the d800 was almost as good. and nothing that can't be cleaned up very easily. For certain applications the gassy is better but most...... na oh btw calm down ian basset!!!!
Are you really comparing on an Imac shinny screen? By the way, I use Hasselblad for work, I just tried the D800E huge player, you should try it.
dudes and dudettes, there's hardly a minute difference in skin tones, and especially resolution between the cameras in question here, seems like the commercial photographers weren't ever buying into the fact that the Nikon could be ANYWHERE near in comparison to the medium format, but in reality they will always post product anyway, seems like for them it was the tethering that was holding them back, d800 all day long for me anyways, loving it especially at the price point it is for the full frame Nikon
Throw a D800 file in Capture One. That made a huge difference for me.
Yes, but we're looking at RAW files. You want your raw file to have as much information as possible, and in this case the Hassie has way more colour information and a better flat image for post processing. When they are looking at the photos of the hair on the ground for sharpness, notice how much flatter the blad photo is. That's a good thing because it gives you more tonal information to play with in processing.
I think that the comment suggesting that as pro-photographers it was expected that they had better kit was spot on for the reasons for not liking the D800. The Hasselblad tones were stunning.
See the D800 field test with Nick Devlin. We go landscape shooting with Pentax 645D & D800E.
Someday if programmers develop a piece of software called "Photoshop" it won't matter if photographers shoot medium format or DSLR. But until Photoshop is created professionals will have to choose medium format to get the best results. So the only question is if/when will this "Photoshop" program get released?
+Three One Hahaha. So true.
+Three One
You save time and money with perfect skin tones straight out of the camera.
You do not "save money" using a Hassleblad. That is a straight up luxury.
I saw the video, great one btw. Really love what u guys are doing, thanks for the great videos.
I would pay to see this exercise repeated with the new Canon 5Ds against the newest Hasselblad. Or just a review of the new Canon by trusted reviewers of TheCameraStoreTV.
Rick Mentore yeah but now that hassy sensor is outdated + you have the larger sensor so you get a more shallow DoF so it has a look to it, you get a faster flash sync ........ for what it is 5Ds is good, buuuuuut its not a hassy killer
just checked that hassy still has better color depth than the 5Ds
+Rick Mentore It's no contest. The 5Ds is great, but can't compare to the newer medium format CMOS sensors which offer much better high iso results and more detail in shadows and doesn't blow highlights nearly as fast. Hassy, Pentax and Phase ultimately offer the best results due in part to the newer CMOS sensors.
+Rick Mentore The 5DS R is all resolution, entry level nikons have better color depth and dynamic range ( cold hard truth, look it up) so there's really no point, it would be an even bigger difference than the D800.
Interesting video but I do have just one question ...
... Is your sound guy ok? That looked (and sounded) like a pretty nasty fall right at the end there
Love the sound man falling over again at the end. Very funny indeed. My D800 is arriving on Monday. I'm a very happy camper right now.
The lady had the nerve to say that the D800 looked washed out when it was the other way around to me. The Hassey looked flat and washed out. I think the skin looked good too.
I didn't catch it in the beginning but I do hope both cameras were shooting Zeiss. It makes a difference. One of the reasons I switched from Canon to Zeiss was because of the micro contrast and color rendering. The Hassy doesn't have an AA so in fact resolution is quite impressive for the d800. I wonder what Zeiss looks like on the d800. In fact the Hassy Zeiss could be mounted on the Nikon and would have provided a better camera test.
nice video, but on the ISO comparison portion of the video that part you picked as a reference on the motorcycle was NOT an exhaust pipe.... it was a water pump hose.
At the end, in the conclusions, the photographer states that he needs the Hasselblad's software to send images to the art director's iPad as a big plus for the Hassy.
I'm not sure if it can be done with the D800 tethered but it can be done untethered with a CF and an SD-WiFi, just send the RAW's to the CF and the JPEG's to the SD and automatically the iPad would pick up the pics, using the EyeFi's software, for the Art Director to enjoy.
Why is the Hasselblad getting beaten at high ISOs when the Blad has much bigger pixels, it is just the Blad is not designed with low light shooting in mind?
The best you can say is that he is, at least, honest about the need to game the client in order to justify their fees. I'm sure there are plenty of art directors out there dumb enough to believe that you need a $30k camera to take decent photos, and that's the market to which they have to cater.
I thought Roth and Ramberg were very honest and diplomatic. They were so open to the new possibilities that the D800 brings to the photography world.
The D800 is a very versatile machine.
Great and sufficient enough comparison. I always say Nikon rocks with its wide dynamic range and in the range of 35mm & APS-c size sensor category nobody can beat Nikon. That is the reason i love Nikon for its Image Quality and shooting in ambient light is fun with Nikon.
Shut up
Abhishek Chatterjee Those who do not have words and competence to prove use such PHRASES which are nothing else but silly, grow up moron
Ravindra Gajjar
Shut up
Traingineer Yep, basically he's saying that nobody beats Sony.
I actually prefer the warmer temps out of the camera of the D800, plus the fact if you not only do commercial, but do weddings, landscape, portrait as well i’d say the Nikon is better for an all rounder.
If you listened with understanding you'd recall that what he said regarding having the same camera as another photographer (meaning someone using a typical DSLR for work that would benefit using a more capable rig) is "... in a way that's more important".
Which is something most commercial shooters know EXACTLY what he meant.
Really cool video comparison, and nice the video quality was high enough to note the differences. I wonder how the Leica would compare.
High raw saturation/vibrance is usually a bad sign since it means one or more color channel is overexposed which also causes color shift since the red green and blue channel don't have the proper ratios anymore since if one is blown during exposure the other two will catch up to it during exposure causing wrong color balance. The H4D shot while maybe not looking as striking to the laymen still looks to have a lot more data to work with in post-processing.
cmos sensor is better known for amazing shadow details, while could not easily restore the blown highlight, unlike films, thats why we need to watch highlight more carefully when shooting.
On the other hand, ccd sensor is the other way around, so im not surprise to see nikon has better shadow and hassle has better highlights
Thank you for explaining that, I didn't know what created that difference.
I completely agree. I was talking about when a company hires me. If they understand photography then the gear makes a difference in their hiring decision.
What about the picture controls set right to like what their shooting. That can make some difference also. I think the medium format is great. but not good enough for the price., unless the commercial clients are pay the decent prices.. Both cameras are nice.
True, no one has any reason or right to be. I think Jordan is saying they could be based on how awesome their work is, but they are actually really sincere people.
It's coming, we're just looking for a suitable shooting scenario.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Informative, interesting and an all round pleasant video!
Top stuff guys!
And the more shallow depth of field the better the picture right? Have you ever shot with a 85mm 1.4? It can make the nose out of focus while keeping eyes in focus. What more do you want? I could care less if the dof is shallower. Are you trying to shoot people's nose hairs and blur out the rest of their face?
Mark fainted while holding the boom and landed on his face. He spent the night in the hospital, broke his nose and messed up his mouth. He's doing OK now.
by the way if you want shallow depth of field, why didn't you mention the Leica ( noctolux , which has an aperture of 0.95; other than some older Nikon rangefinders, it's the fastest lens ever made!!)- and has one of the smoothest bokeh renditions out there.
For the average user who knows very little about raw files processing a cheap APS-C SLR with 14bit raw files or an expensive medium format camera with 16bit raw files deliver the same results. However 16bit raw files deliver greater adjustment of the dynamic range with Lightroom and that is very obvious with files. Medium format cameras with 16bit raw files aren't cheap. Even the quite affordable Fujifilm GFX 40S or the smaller GFX 40R deliver only 14bit raw files.
From the new cameras the cheapest option for 16bit raw files is the small Hasselblad X1D II 50C and afterwards the Fujifilm GFX 100 with the impressive 100MP and sensor stabilization.
The much older but relatively cheap Pentax 645Z or Pentax 645D deliver only 14bit raw files too.
Working professionally with both acr raw and Lightroom 4 I would like to add that my experience with this software Has shown Nikon files are processed too clean and this would affect your results. Both camera files would have to be closely matched to make decisions on dynamic range etc.
Let's not forget that aspect ratio plays apart in the final resolution and framing. The HB square-ish will have higher resolution when the D800 is cropped on the side to bring it to the same square-ish format. Same thing applies to the HB when cropped top & bottom to bring it closer to the D800's native format. on a different note, maybe The Camera Store should have some catering at their production, I'd say the boom operator had the case of the 12hr shoot fatigue syndrome :P
You're right, to an extent. But in that segment (fashion, beauty) the Hasselblad user's argument is perfectly valid. There is a number of things that distinguish the high-end photography; this is one of them.
That said, the fact is that under controlled lighting (and enough of it) the Medium Format cameras will produce better images with reduced colour shifts (a hassle to even out in post- sometimes), greater colour depth and dynamic range.
sure you can! i did made profiles for all my cameras and make them at the beginning of shootings. it works great and is quite "cheap". if you use fujifilm cameras you get at least the same skintones, i would say even better AND really great dynamik range with details in the lights and shadows.
with profiles even the RAW files of some compactcameras are great! (without profiles too ;) )
It would have been interesting to see you using Hasselblad lenses on the D800, I am using my old Mamiya lenses on my D800 as portrait lenses and I am completely blown away by the results from these lenses.
Dude, I have both Nikon and Phase One gear and just one Canon body and lens. You truly have no idea what you're talking about. Plus, can you please link us some of you amazing shots?
You could have tried different lenses because lenses used with the D800 can have quite an influence on the tones.
Maybe the guys face was a bit red with the lens you used but there are lenses which give a cooler tone and less reddish skin times
WOW!!! seven years ago and this was painful to watch as a professional creative today...
The Hasselblad 200MS megapixel is actually a Multishot camera. The sensor is only 50megapixels but the camera takes 6 shots to create a full photo. It's aimed at luxury product photography for billboards.
This is a very intelligent comparative exercise. Good work.
If you pull down the saturation, sharpness, contrast on the D800 you can get a closer skin colour to the hasselblad. Standard picture control is a little bit "tuned up"..
I tend to get weak in the knees in close proximity to Hassleblads. :)
I saw a huge difference in an image that was just ignored. If you look at the gas cap on the motorcycle you can easily see the ribs on the cap on the Hasselblad whereas on the D800 the details were blown away in the highlights. In a lot of cases that's a make or break situation.