JFK 12-26-11 (now with photos!)

[gonzalu]

Manny...........the question now is, do you go with the D4 or the D800 when it comes out? Do I want more pixels or ISO? I'll take both if I can.

Mark,

I may be going with Sony for my spotting needs :-( Sadly but it may be so... unless Nikon can put out a high MP DX sensor camera with decent specs, the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 is a BEST... the specs are amazing and picture quality is not as bad as some had predicted. Given in-camera stabilization, the 70-400mm from Sony is a bit cheaper and has very nice features that Nikon has yet to offer on the 80-400mm

The D800 pixel pitch, if indeed they go with the rumored 36MP FX sensor, is less than that of the D7000 (14MP vs 16MP) and so I can't see myself going that route if it means I still won't get enough pixels on target. The FX sensors are best suited for larger fewer pixels unless they have various versions. No need to make a DX / FX models... combine the two. Make a sensor wit hthe same pixel pitch as the DX ones and be done with it... best of both worlds.

The only thing that worries me about the Sony is the EVF which does tend to lag a bit behind real time so when tracking airplanes, especially at airshows, I will definitely clip more noses/tails than with a true optical reflex mirror and Pentaprism!

[Zee71]

Well...........let's see what this year Nikon brings to the table. I am still waiting as well. I may rent the 500mm lens one of these days, to see if it's worth it.

[gonzalu]

Mark, DO NOT rent the 500mm f/4 if you have money in the bank... You have been warned. Same thing happened to me with the 200-400mm f/4. You will cheat, lie and steal to buy one.

[Zee71]

You are probably right my friend.

[chrisparypa]

hahahaha you guys are funny :)

[Cary]

A VERY late Copa... I have never seen one land so this was a treat for me.

The Copa is actually a regularly scheduled noon arrival now. It's either an additional flight or they changed the time:
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/CMP830

Nice pics everyone. When I heard Roman and Jan were going, I tried to ditch all my obligations for the day, but alas, I couldn't join in.

[flyguy1]

The Copa was not late, it is actually a new afternoon rotation they have added as of 2 weeks ago. Copa now operate 2x per day.

[Iberia A340-600]

Nice shots, all! I'm really hoping I have a chance to get out to JFK before I head back to DC.

Here is the blogpost with the additional Copa flight:

http://airlineroute.net/2011/09/06/cm-w11update2/

[gonzalu]

Thanks for the note on the Copa... I am glad because all I ever had were departures ... nice to have it landing. Now,where is that late Arik Air?

[eric8669]

Thanks for the note on the Copa... I am glad because all I ever had were departures ... nice to have it landing. Now,where is that late Arik Air?

You just have to keep checking on the Arik Air I got it on a 9:30AM arrival.

[gonzalu]

You just have to keep checking on the Arik Air I got it on a 9:30AM arrival.

and that was rare... I can tell you from experience going after a ghost arrival on Flightaware... I get to Bayswater and I see the tail sitting on a hardstand... happened twice... enough to make me not sacrifice the trip in vane

[eric8669]

and that was rare... I can tell you from experience going after a ghost arrival on Flightaware... I get to Bayswater and I see the tail sitting on a hardstand... happened twice... enough to make me not sacrifice the trip in vane

It can be done.

[gonzalu]

Yeah, but, take a look at their recent track record for ARA107/108... midnight and basically darkness all around

Which gate(s) do they use? maybe a night shot at a gate or hardstand... lol

[Zee71]

I've been after the Arik Air as well! Thus far no success, but I don't plan on giving up..........mission impossible, will become mission possible! Right Sir Manny?

[steve1840]

Which gate(s) do they use? maybe a night shot at a gate or hardstand... lol

I like this idea. Would be great if it parked at a gate on the north side of T-4