Nikon
March 3rd, 2010 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier trials a camera that doubles as a projector
Miniature LED-based projectors have appeared in recent years. Nikon has applied that technology to the Coolpix S1000pj, bringing photography and projection together in a camera body.
At a glance the S1000pj looks like an average midrange digital compact camera. The layout and controls are relatively standard and although the camera is a little heavier than its contemporaries, that may just be a product of its solid construction. The only thing that really stands out is the extra lens for the projector, located on the centre-front of the camera.
The camera’s imaging lens is the non-extending type, zooming and focusing entirely within the body. When the camera is off the 
lens is well protected by an external shutter. This makes for a particularly robust lens: you’ll never suffer motor damage when the lens extends in your pocket. That’s great for parties and travel but the flattened optics have a cost in terms of image quality.
Overall, image quality is reasonable – exactly what you’d expect of a midrange compact camera. Dynamic range is good and can be improved further with Nikon’s D-Lighting feature. However, noise can be a problem, even under good lighting conditions. If you’re shooting for the web (Facebook, Flickr and the like), this is fine. The noise disappears when you resize the image to more screen-friendly dimensions, leaving you with rich, well-contrasted photographs. If you’re hoping to use all 12 megapixels for extensive cropping or detail work, expect to be disappointed.
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February 16th, 2010 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier trials the latest DX format Nikon
The D300s is Nikon’s latest digital SLR, replacing the D300 at the top of the company’s DX format range. Packing a comprehensive feature set behind its 12.3 megapixel crop sensor, the D300s is likely to appeal to serious amateurs and upstart professionals who can’t quite afford to go full-frame.
Image Quality
The D300s produces images of near-professional quality. The level of detail captured by the sensor is excellent, but I did find slightly 
more image noise than I would have expected. The noise is present across the ISO range when shooting with either automatic or manual settings in a variety of lighting conditions.
Image quality is otherwise very high. Dynamic range is good, assisted by Nikon’s ‘D-Lighting’ feature. It helps even out tones in highly contrasted images and can be applied automatically as shots are taken. This does tend to amplify any noise already present in the image, relative to the level of D-Lighting applied. I had some issues with dynamic range when shooting in extremely bright sunlight, but all digital cameras on the market suffer this problem to some degree.
Low-light performance is excellent, especially with a good wide-aperture lens. The low level of noise found in daytime shots is still present, but this doesn’t appear to increase as the light level goes down. Black remains black, without a hint of visible noise in darkened skies.
Performance
Start-up time is great; there’s no discernable delay between powering on the camera and taking the first shot. Shooting speed is high at up to seven frames per second using the camera’s battery, or up to 8fps with the optional MB-D10 battery grip. The image buffer is a reasonable size, allowing sustained shooting for several seconds depending on image quality and format.
Battery life is rated at approximately 950 shots on a full charge. This is completely believable — I managed to take more than 700 images while keeping the battery just over 50 per cent full. Liberal use of the built-in flash would bring the numbers down, but battery life is definitely impressive.
Useability
The D300s provides dedicated buttons and dials to control most of the critical functions without having to dredge through the menu system. This is great when you’re rushing to set up a crucial shot and don’t want to take your eye off the viewfinder.
The menu system itself is customisable, as are many of the camera’s controls. Four sets of custom settings can be saved, letting you define the best settings for the studio, landscapes, nightscapes or whatever else you care to shoot.
Some may find minor annoyance in the camera’s grip design. The thumb space on the D300s is noticeably reduced from that of the D300: with a weighty lens attached, I found it difficult to get a comfortable grip on the camera body. With smaller and lighter lenses, this isn’t so much of an issue.
Live View
Live View is well implemented on the D300s, making use of the camera’s 920,000-dot (VGA) monitor. Two modes are provided: Handheld and Tripod.
In Handheld mode the camera’s fast phase-detect autofocus is used. The mirror comes down to allow focusing when the shutter is half depressed, temporarily interrupting Live View. While this isn’t ideal, it beats the extremely slow autofocus found in many Live View implementations.
In Tripod mode, slower contrast-detect autofocus is used. This maintains Live View during focusing but doesn’t work across such a wide range of scenes as normal phase-detect autofocus. Manual focus can be used in either mode, but in Tripod mode you can zoom in considerably tighter on-screen to check the focus before shooting.
HD Video
The D300s records high-definition video up to 720p. The results are good, in line with the video performance of other HD-capable 
digital still cameras.
In Tripod mode, contrast-detect autofocus can be used. However, the process is slow and the sound is clearly captured by the camera’s on-board microphone. An optional stereo microphone may be used, and capturing audio away from the camera body would help avoid the noise of autofocus, though it wouldn’t make the process appear any smoother on-screen.
You can always pull focus manually when moving around or zooming, though this does take a fair amount of practice. Really, the D300s’s video mode is best suited to fixed-focus recording from a tripod. For truly mobile recording, a dedicated video camera is going to give far better performance in terms of autofocus if nothing else.
Some basic on-camera editing of videos is supported — namely, cutting off the start or end. While it may seem trivial, this can remove those awkward “is it on yet?” moments without the need for video editing software. If you’re going to have any video editing options at all, these are certainly the most useful.
Storage
Like Nikon’s professional D3 and D3X models, the D300s features dual card slots. The primary slot accepts Compact Flash (CF) cards, while the secondary slot accepts SD and SDHC cards. When shooting with two cards, various storage options are available: all shots can be backed up across both, the secondary card can take any overflow once the first card is full, or the primary (CF) card can store RAW files while the secondary (SD) card stores JPEGs. The latter option is great if you want to combine the convenience of immediately useable JPEG images with the post-processing potential of RAW files without compromising on storage space or speed.
The camera’s top LCD shows the images remaining and the status of both card slots, even while the camera is switched off. This is great when you want to check the capacity of several cards in the field: just pop each one into the camera and see the space remaining, without even touching the power switch.
Conclusion
As Nikon’s most powerful crop-sensor digital SLR, the D300s is a fine upgrade for anyone with a stock of Nikon DX format lenses. It’s also an excellent starting point for serious amateurs entering the dSLR market and looking for high-end features but not ready to shell out for a full-frame sensor.
Nikon D300S – Specifications
Manufacturer: Nikon
Model: D300s
RRP: $3659 Inc. Lexar 4GB SD card
Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
Image Sensor: 23.6 x 15.8mm CMOS (Nikon DX format)
Viewfinder: ~100% frame coverage
LCD Monitor: 3-inch, 920,000 dot (VGA) TFT LCD, 100% frame coverage
Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 seconds, bulb ISO: 200-3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV (also supports ISO100 and ISO6400 equivalent)
Exposure Metering: 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses), Colour Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses), centre-weighted, spot
Media: Compact Flash (Type I), SD/SDHC
File Format: NEF (RAW) 12- or 14-bit, TIFF (RGB), JPEG, AVI
Interface: USB 2.0, composite video out, HDMI video out
Batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion, approx 950 images
Dimensions: 147 x 114 x 74mm
Weight: 840g (without battery or memory card)
Reviewed with Lenses:
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED VR (21-36mm equivalent on the DX format D300s)
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
PROS
- Great image quality
- Powerful feature set
- HD video recording
CONS
- Not the most comfortable grip
- Slight image noise
Design 18
Performance 18
Features 19
Image Quality 17
Value for money 18
TOTAL 90/100
This article is from D-Photo 33.
February 10th, 2010 by D-Photo
Nikon’s D3000 offers a great stepping stone to the world of dSLRs, says Harley Ogier
Nikon’s new entry-level dSLR, the D3000 aims to make dSLR photography accessible to the beginner in terms of both useability and price.
The D3000 is a Nikon DX format (crop-sensor) camera, compatible with a huge range of existing Nikkor lenses. The camera is available bundled with a nice 18-55mm zoom lens (equivalent to 27-82.5mm in 35mm film terms). This is a pretty good all-rounder that beginners 
will find sufficient for a wide range of photography.
If you’re looking for an entry-level dSLR as a stepping stone to a more serious model, any Nikon DX format lens you purchase will be compatible with the full range of Nikon’s DX format cameras.
You can go wider, longer, whatever you need without tying yourself to an entry-level camera forever.
Though entry level, the D3000 performs brilliantly alongside Nikon’s existing DX format range. The image sensor is a 10.2 megapixel CCD, as opposed to the 12-plus megapixel CMOS sensors used in higher end models. CCD sensors tend to produce less image noise than their CMOS equivalents but operate more slowly. The D3000 does in fact produce beautifully low-noise images, though the maximum ISO speed is lower than its higher end siblings.
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December 15th, 2009 by D-Photo
Nikon has brought a serious wide-angle lens to its amateur dSLR range, framing NEW opportunities for DX-FORMAT owners, says Harley Ogier
Wide Angle
The NIKKOR 10-24mm lens is equivalent to 15-36mm in 35mm film terms. This is real-estate wide; not a distorted fish-eye perspective, but sufficiently wide to make the smallest of rooms appear spacious. With a focusing distance of down to 0.24cm across the zoom range, the lens can also be used for close-ups of large subjects. This is great for product photography — home theatre or stereo setups, trade show booths and so forth. I wish I’d had the NIKKOR 10-24mm lens the last time I photographed a craft fair setup, where the aisles are narrow and you have to be halfway inside of one booth to photograph another in its entirety.
Together with an 18-200mm zoom lens and any Nikon DX-format dSLR back, the amateur photographer could have an impressive three-piece kit that would cover almost any situation.
Construction
The lens comprises 14 elements in nine groups, including two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses. This results in a relatively compact lens with extremely low distortion. I found no colour or perspective aberrations in any of my test shots, even right out in the periphery of images taken at the widest angle.
The lens looks and feels well constructed and is ergonomically designed. The zoom ring is large and rubberised, providing good grip. The focus ring is simply ridged plastic, which is still easy to turn.
There’s also a standard distance display in both feet and metres, which is omitted from some of the smaller and cheaper lenses out there. Like all of Nikon’s G series lenses, the NIKKOR 10-24mm has no aperture ring.
One thing notably missing is Nikon’s powerful vibration reduction feature, although given the focal length of the lens this is unlikely to be a major problem. I only had to toss away a few shots (out of several hundred) because of camera shake, and perhaps I was moving too fast for VR to have saved those images anyway.
Manual/Auto Focus
Instead of the usual choice of automatic or manual focus, the lens features either M/A (manual/automatic) or regular manual focus. The M/A mode allows a seamless transition from automatic to manual just by turning the focus ring. Doing so immediately overrides autofocus, even while focusing is in progress. This can be particularly helpful if you’ve just lined up a shot and have your eye to the viewfinder, only to find that the camera won’t focus. The M/A switch requires quite a bit of force to move, and could easily disrupt your careful framing. Being able to manually focus without the switch is surprisingly convenient.
Conclusion
The NIKKOR 10-24mm lens is an essential accessory if you’re looking to shoot wide, whether it’s real estate, scenery, products or portraits. While relatively pricey for the cash-strapped amateur, it’s a worthwhile investment that will add major functionality to a DX-format Nikon dSLR.
NIKON
AF-S DX Zoom-
NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – Specs
Manufacturer: Nikon
Model: AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 10-24mm f3.5-4.5G ED
RRP: TBA
Lens Construction: 14 elements in 9 groups (2 ED glass, 3 aspherical lenses)
Focal Length Range: 10-24mm
Compatible Formats: Nikon DX, Nikon FX (in DX Crop Mode)
Zoom Ratio: 2.4x
Maximum Aperture: 3.5
Minimum Aperture: 22
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.24mm (across entire zoom range)
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.2x
Filter Attachment Size: 77mm
Supplied Accessories: Front lens cap, rear lens cap, bayonet hood, flexible lens pouch
Dimensions: 82.5 x 87mm
Weight: 460g
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
PROS
- Wide angle
- Low distortion
- Manual/automatic focus mode
CONS
Design 18
Performance 20
Features 17
Image Quality 18
Value for money 15
TOTAL 87/100
This article if from D-Photo issue 31.
December 8th, 2009 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier gets to grips with Nikon’s latest amateur dSLR
The D5000 is Nikon’s latest amateur dSLR, featuring a variable-angle LCD monitor to make the most of Live View. It offers functionality between Nikon’s entry-level D60 and D90 models, without being a direct successor to either.
Form
Some serious amateurs seem to be turned off by the D5000’s plastic construction. My advice: get over it. The D5000’s body feels extremely durable and the plastic cuts down on weight. At 560g without battery or memory card, it’s one of the lighter dSLRs I’ve tested.
The D5000 fits comfortably in the hand and can be shot one-handed if you’re using autofocus and don’t have to adjust any settings. A traditional two-handed grip works equally well; the controls are well placed. All buttons are accessible without taking your hands away from the shutter release and the zoom ring, which makes for fast and easy shooting.
Monitor
The D5000’s most novel feature is its variable-angle LCD monitor, which can be rotated through a variety of horizontal and vertical positions. This is an uncommon feature for Nikon, but has been implemented to the company’s usual high standards. Many devices with twist-screens have positions in which they ‘black out’. The D5000 has no such issues, and the screen works in any position you can rotate it into. The monitor can even be rotated closed, facing into the camera. This provides great protection against scratches or fingerprints in transit, or if you feel like pretending you have a non-digital SLR. I found it particularly useful when shooting at night, as the screen kept turning on and blinding me. Rotate 90 degrees, problem solved.
I had hoped that the D5000 would feature the Nikon D90’s gorgeously sharp 920,000 pixel LCD monitor. Unfortunately, it sports the 230,000 pixels of the D60 instead, which is average for both compact and dSLR cameras. Image previews still look sharp, but the reduced detail means it’s not quite as easy to check your manual focusing.
Image Quality
The D5000 uses a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor in a crop format (‘DX format’ in Nikon parlance). This means the sensor is physically smaller than 35mm film, designed for use specifically with Nikon DX format lenses.
Images are clear and crisp with minimal noise. Nikon’s Active D-Lighting feature provides good dynamic range; even when shooting a highly contrasted sky, I found the resulting images to be colour-rich and detailed in both shadow and light.
The D5000’s low-light imagery is some of the best I’ve seen from an amateur dSLR. Using just the built-in Night Landscape shooting mode, I was able to get beautiful detail out of the clouds and skyline on a pitch-black evening.
I do most of my personal shooting in JPEG format to avoid the extra step of RAW conversion. For those who don’t wish to shoot in RAW and perform careful conversion later, the D5000 provides perfectly adequate JPEG compression on-camera. Alternatively, the D5000 can record each image in both RAW and JPEG format to the same card; this does slow your continuous shooting rate somewhat, but means that you have a set of JPEGs ready for immediate printing or emailing and a set of RAW files for editing.
Live View
Like most dSLRs on the market today, the D5000 provides a Live View feature. I was quite excited about this, given the variable-angle LCD. Personally, I’m a lifelong fan of the viewfinder, and the only time I get excited about Live View is when awkward shots make the viewfinder a non-option.
Live View certainly works well with the monitor; I even managed to take a few snapshots of the back of my PC without getting my head stuck behind the desk again (this is a very real risk). However, the D5000 suffers from the same grindingly slow autofocus in Live View as the Nikon D90. Contrast-detect autofocus, the type used in compact cameras, is slower than the phase-detect method used by dSLRs. This is a simple fact. However, the D5000 can take up to five seconds to focus in Live View; a good compact camera can focus on the same subjects, in the same light, in a second or less. My solution to this was simple: turn off autofocus.
The D5000 allows you to zoom in on the LCD monitor, so you can see down to the pixel level whether your image is in focus. Focusing manually is quick and gives good results after just a few minutes’ practise. However, having to focus manually defeats the primary purpose of Live View, which is to turn a dSLR into a point-and-shoot.
Not everyone who purchases a dSLR wants to be a photographer; many people just want to take higher quality photos than a compact camera can provide. If you’re one of these people, the D5000’s Live View functionality just isn’t going to cut it.
Kit Lens
I reviewed the D5000 with a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens. This is available packaged with the D5000, or individually for use with any Nikon DX-format camera.
The 18-55mm NIKKOR is a reasonably compact lens with external focusing. The fore end of the lens acts as a focus ring, and there’s no display of focal length. Like all Nikon G series lenses, it doesn’t feature an aperture ring. Despite the compact size, the lens includes Nikon’s vibration reduction system, which makes a noticeable difference in images shot freehand or in low light.
An 18 to 55mm range (27 to 82.5mm equivalent in 35mm film terms) is fine for basic home photography. Personally, however, I would recommend one of Nikon’s 18-105mm or 18-200mm lenses to get the most out of the D5000. They’re not significantly larger or heavier, and the additional zoom is invaluable if you like to go outside.
Conclusion
The D5000 is a strong amateur dSLR providing a great range of functionality for the amateur photographer. However, its dreadfully slow autofocus in Live View fails to cater for the point-and-shoot user. Even so, it’s an excellent choice for the amateur photographer whose budget won’t quite stretch to Nikon’s top entry-level offering, the D90.
NIKON D5000 – Specs
Manufacturer: Nikon
Model: D5000
RRP: TBA
Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
Image Sensor: 23.6 x 15.8mm CMOS (Nikon DX format)
Viewfinder: ~95% frame coverage
LCD Monitor: 2.7-inch, 230,000 dot, variable angle TFT LCD
Shutter: 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
ISO: 200-3200 in steps of 1/3 EV (also supports ISO100 and
ISO6400 equivalent)
Exposure Metering: 3D colour matrix metering II (type G and D lenses), colour matrix metering II (other CPU lenses), centre-weighted, spot
Media: SD/SDHC
File Format: NEF (RAW)
12-bit, JPEG, AVI
Interface: USB 2.0, composite video out, HDMI video out
Batteries: Rechargeable lithium-ion, approx 510 images
Dimensions: 127 x 104 x 80mm
Weight: 560g (without battery or memory card)
Reviewed with Lenses
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
PROS
- High image quality
- Variable-angle LCD monitor
CONS
- Slow autofocus in live view
Design 17
Performance 18
Features 19
Image Quality 18
Value for money 18
TOTAL 90/100
This article if from D-Photo issue 31.
October 29th, 2009 by D-Photo
Harley Ogier gets to grips with a new hybrid camera from Nikon that blends dSLR looks with the ease of use of a compact
A renowned manufacturer of professional and amateur dSLR cameras, Nikon also produces a respectable range of digital compacts. The P90 is a mix of the two, packing a digital compact camera into a lightweight dSLR-style body.
Construction
The P90 has a solid look and feel reminiscent of Nikon’s high-end dSLR family. The construction is good, with metal screen hinges, strap loops and a metal tripod socket. Rubber finger and thumb pads make the grip particularly comfortable, and the controls are smooth and responsive.
The lens is protected by a solid cap with a good locking mechanism to prevent it falling off in transit. The camera will refuse to power on if the lens cap is in place — an annoyance if you just want to view images, but a power saver if something hits the start button inside your bag.
Image quality
Image quality is good for a digital compact, with sharp edges and vivid colours. In high-contrast situations the colour depth can be amazing, and the P90 is the best compact camera with which I’ve ever shot a sunset.
Despite a large, quality Nikon lens, the P90 has a tiny 1/2.33-inch 12 megapixel image sensor. That many pixels in a small sensor is going to result in noise, especially when the lights dim. The P90’s lens does provide great zoom, but it’s not going to give you dSLR performance.
Modes
The P90 offers a wide range of shooting modes, including the full range of manual modes not found on lower
end compacts (aperture priority, shutter priority, program and full manual). The preset shooting modes
are definitely useful, and the manual modes provide access to a number of optional settings that aren’t usually visible.
Choosing the right mode for your scene can make a huge difference, more so than on many digital compacts where the auto mode can handle pretty much anything.
Viewfinder
The P90 features a variable-angle LCD monitor. It doesn’t swing around horizontally and nor can it be flipped closed as seen on several Canon models, but it does provide a good range of vertical adjustment. This is a real help when shooting from above or below eye level. The LCD’s resolution isn’t great, but images do appear sharp and colours are true.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is equal in quality to the monitor, though you can make out individual pixels when it’s right up against your eye. The EVF does provide dioptre adjustment, which some compact cameras such as the Pentax X70 do not. The bespectacled may find this a major advantage, as the EVF certainly has its uses.
Conclusion
Nikon’s Coolpix P90 offers a wide range of features and a zoom level uncommon among digital compact cameras. It’s not ideal for those who never leave the auto mode but makes a great choice for photographers who love to delve into manual settings yet don’t want to stretch to dSLR hardware.
NIKON COOLPIX P90 – Specifications
- Effective Pixels: 12.1 million
- Lens: 4.6-110.4mm (35mm equivalent 26-624mm)
- Viewfinder: 0.24-inch TFT LCD, 230,000 dots, dioptre adjustment
- Monitor: 3.0-inch variable angle TFT LCD, 230,000 dots
- Shutter: 1/2000 to 8 seconds
- Shooting Modes: Auto, scene, scene auto selector, P, S, A, and M exposure modes, best shot selector, optimize image, flash exposure compensation, noise reduction, distortion control, date imprint, black border, movie mode, sport continuous mode, voice memo, voice recording
- Exposure Metering: 256-segment matrix, centre-weighted, spot, spot AF area
- Focus Modes: Auto (9-area automatic selection), centre, manual, face priority
- File Format: JPEG, AVI, WAV
- Interface: USB, composite
video out
- Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-ion, approx 200 images
- Dimensions: 114 x 83 x 99mm
- Weight: 490g with battery
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
PROS
CONS
Design 19
Performance 17
Features 18
Image Quality 17
Value for money 17
TOTAL 88/100
This article if from D-Photo issue 30.
October 13th, 2009 by D-Photo
Nikon’s D3x is an exciting proposition for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons, writes professional photographer Gary Baildon
At around $18,000, interest in a D3x will be academic for most, perhaps something to buy when that elusive Lotto win finally happens. Yet there is a small but passionate group of professional and well-heeled amateur photographers to whom it represents good value.
But really, why fork out that sort of money for a camera that is going to fit half as many RAW files on your CompactFlash cards and double the strain on your computing power and storage systems?
The number one reason is glaringly obvious: the D3x produces absolutely stunning big files. Recent pro dSLRs have had plenty of file size for editorial and basic magazine advertising purposes, as had 35mm transparency film before it.
So if recent pro dSLRs were the new 35mm film, then the D3x is the new medium format, with the handling and convenience of 35mm.
SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
The benefits of having a new camera that fits seamlessly into your system are immeasurable. When the battery on D-Photo’s demo unit unexpectedly ran low (my fault), I discovered I was able to use the battery from my aging (in digital camera terms) D2xs and carry right on shooting.
Likewise, all of my lenses, speedlights and other accessories just hooked right up. Handling and functionality, while not identical, was so similar to my other Nikons that I never once reached for the manual. There will be a need for more (and bigger) CF cards in the very near future though.
HORSES FOR COURSES
There are many situations in my work where the 12 megapixel Nikons are more than up to the job, and there is nothing to be gained by doubling the data size of a job if you don’t need to.
Where the D3x would fit is in situations where the images will be produced as posters, billboards and so on. It is quicker and easier to use on location than a bulky, power-hungry digital back system, too.
A not so obvious benefit is in situations where the subject does not fill the frame well or you have a scissor-happy art director, and after a zealous cropping session far too many of your 12 megapixels end up in the desktop trash basket. This is where the D3x comes into its own; you are starting out with double the data so there is still plenty of resolution, even after significant cropping.
CONCLUSION
Do you or I really need a D3x? I can put my hand on my heart and say yes on totally defensible business grounds. However, if my primary income weren’t generated from photography I would be spending every waking hour thinking up a reason.
The camera is an exciting proposition for a lot of different people, for a lot of different reasons. In my view, the D3x can be likened to a desirable performance car, and many people are still buying those as they allow their hearts to rule their heads.
NIKON D3X – SPECS
Price: $18,229 (body only)
Manufacturer: Nikon
Model: D3x
Effective Pixels: 24.5 million
Sensitivity: ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Storage Media: CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
Monitor: 3-inch LCD, approx 920,000 dots (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100 per cent frame coverage
Interface: USB
Dimensions: 159.5 x 157 x 87.5mm (H/W/D)
Weight: 1220g
CONTACT
www.nikon.co.nz
Pros
- Stunning 24.5 megapixel images
- Easy to use and compatible with vast Nikon system
- Rugged and reliable Nikon quality
Cons
- If only money grew on trees…
Design 18
Performance 20
Features 18
Image Quality 20
Value for money 16
TOTAL 92/100
This article if from D-Photo issue 29.
August 18th, 2009 by D-Photo
Nikon has gone supernova with the new D300, producing a camera that incorporates all the things we enjoy from competitors’ cameras but making this model better than anything else on the market today
Advanced metering
Nikon’s latest dSLR uses a CMOS sensor — like Canon — instead of the CCDs used in the past. This alone is a turning point for Nikon. But the company has gone further than the competition with the D300 including a 3-inch screen with VGA quality (920,000 pixels) that is light years ahead of anyone else.
The 51-point focus system is superior thanks to the EXPEED processing motor and advanced 3D Matrix Metering II system with scene recognition. This results in an advanced focusing system that will recognise a moving subject by colour and notice faces in a scene.
Nikon users who have relied on the matrix metering of the past will happily switch to the 3D function as it works so well. There is still the option to select for yourself if you want to choose the focus point.
Live and let Live
Nikon has taken the Live View function that step further, giving you the choice of ‘Handheld’ or ‘Tripod’ options. In ‘Handheld’ it suffers the same frustrations as every other camera with Live View in that it has to lower the mirror to focus, but use the ‘Tripod’ setting and suddenly Live View almost seems a viable option.
Here you can move the focus point to wherever you want it on the screen, and when you get the camera to focus it uses contrast like a compact to focus. However, to get the camera to focus you must press the AF-ON button. It’s not as frustrating as having the mirror lower but it is still slower than using the viewfinder and pressing the shutter release.
Know your place
Nikon introduced GPS support on the D2x and this has filtered down to the D300. Plug in your Garmin GPS and each time you take a picture the longitude and latitude information is added to the EXIF data the camera gathers.
It also has a built-in intervalometer so you can set the camera to take a picture every two minutes or two hours. Combine this with the WT-4 wireless transmitter and you can join a network and send images to any computer on that network or control the camera remotely. You’ll need an MB-D10 battery pack too, but this gives you the joy of a second battery (EN-EL3e).
Flash ’em
The built-in flash is useful and with a little ISO fiddling you can happily extend its range (the D300 can go as high as ISO3200 and extend to 6400) but an SB-600 or ultimately a SB800 will offer better images at lower ISO. Balancing daylight and flash is automatic with Nikon’s 3D Matrix Metering II system.
Conclusion
The Nikon D300 is a tool any keen Nikon user will happily embrace but it also has wide appeal. Anyone passionate about photography will love the 3-inch VGA screen complete with protective cover and impressive battery life. The Live View function with handheld or tripod options as well as the ability to focus by contrast is amazing, although slower than just picking up the camera and shooting. It does come at a price but the D300 is a workhorse that will happily provide years of service.
specs
- Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
- Lens: AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8G ED
- Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism, built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-
- LCD Monitor: 3-inch, 920,000 pixels (VGA), 170-degree viewing angle, 100 per cent frame coverage
- Shutter: 1/8,000 to 30 sec in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb
- Exposure Metering: Matrix, center-weighted, spot
- Media: CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives
- File Format: NEF 12-bit or 14-bit, RAW, JPEG, TIFF
- Flash: TTL, built-in speedlight
- Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Dimensions: 147 x 114 x 74mm
contact
www.nikon.co.nz
Pros
- Impressive 3-inch LCD screen (920,000 pixels, VGA quality)
- Added features include GPS compatibility and wireless control
Cons
Design 17
Performance 16
Features 17
Image Quality 16
Value for money 15
TOTAL 90/100
This review is from D-Photo issue #023.
July 3rd, 2009 by D-Photo
Nikon’s D90 is the successor to the popular D80, but it incorporates features found in the top end D3 and D700 models. The result, says Harley Ogier, is a dSLR that’s ideal for the serious amateur photographer.
Close up
I reviewed the D90 with Nikon’s latest 18-105mm, f3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor zoom lens ($549). Image quality was excellent, thanks in part to the 12.3 megapixel sensor. With the lens out at 105mm I was able to take good, clear shots of Auckland’s Sky Tower hand-held from my doorstep 10 kilometres away.
When shooting in low light, the Nikkor lens’s vibration reduction feature makes a significant difference — more than I expected. Still, the D90 doesn’t offer nearly the low light performance of the D3 or D700 that support well above ISO 6400.
Live action
The D90 incorporates live view, and does it extremely well. It’s the first dSLR I’ve used where live view feels and responds just like a point-and-shoot, which is exactly what it’s meant to do. Nikon has got the feature nailed down in the D90.
However, it is still not without its issues. The problem I found with live view was the uncomfortably slow auto-focus — it can take more than five seconds to focus on some subjects, compared to a second or two otherwise.
That said, you can always focus manually; the D90 lets you zoom in on-screen before you take the picture, guaranteeing that your subject is sharp on the beautiful 3-inch monitor.
This is the first Nikon dSLR to support high-definition video (up to 1280 x 720 pixels, five minutes continuous recording). The quality is exceptional, boasting better sound than I’ve heard on some video cameras. However, don’t trade in the camcorder just yet: the D90 won’t continue to autofocus while recording, so if you want to zoom you’ll have to take care of that yourself. Still, it’s a great feature to record moments without switching cameras, and one that’s been missing on amateur dSLRs for too long.
Extras
Like some of the niftier compact cameras out there, the D90 supports face detection (in live view mode only). While somewhat gimmicky, it’s surprisingly fast and accurate — perhaps useful if you can’t see the viewfinder or monitor.
A wide range of on-camera retouching tools is also provided. Certainly the option to crop to different aspect ratios and pixel sizes is great for transferring images straight to digital photo frames; it could also be used to prepare high-definition TV slideshows straight from the camera — handy after a day of holiday shooting.
Conclusion
Overall the D90 is a feature-packed amateur dSLR that also offers point-and-shoot convenience. For those looking to step up to a dSLR the D90 is an excellent option.
Specs
- Manufacturer: Nikon
- Model: D90
- RRP: $2449 (body only)
- Effective Pixels: 12.3 million
- Image Sensor: 23.6 x 15.8mm CMOS (Nikon DX format)
- Viewfinder: 96% frame coverage
- Monitor: 3-inch LCD, 921,600 pixels (VGA), 170-degree
viewing angle
- Shutter: 30 sec to 1/4000 sec in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb
- ISO: 200-3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV (also supports ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent)
- Exposure Metering: Matrix, centre-weighted, spot
- Media: SD/SDHC
- File Format: NEF (RAW)
12-bit, JPEG
- Interface: USB 2.0, composite video out, HDMI video out
- Batteries: Lithium-ion rechargeable
- Dimensions: 132 x 103 x 77mm
- Weight: 620g
- Reviewed With Lens: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G
ED VR zoom, $549
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
PROS
- High image quality
- HD video recording
CONS
- Slow autofocus in live view
- No autofocus in video mode
-
| Design |
18 |
| Performance |
17 |
| Features |
20 |
| Image Quality |
18 |
| Value for money |
19 |
|
|
| Total |
92/100 |
June 18th, 2009 by D-Photo
If ever there was an entry-level dSLR that epitomises the title ‘best starting camera’, then the Nikon D60 is it. It is a delight to hold and incredibly easy to use
In a world obsessed with making us hold a dSLR out from our bodies and thus increasing the chance of camera shake, Nikon has thankfully ignored the need for Live View in an entry-level camera, so you won’t find it on the D60.
What it does have
The best feature any newbie could ever want is a handbook embedded in the menu and that is exactly what you’ll find. If you ever get confused about what a function does, a touch of the question mark button will reveal a description to help out.
Control yourself
The controls are easy to follow and you can always fall back on the help function to read what something does. The main dial on the top of the camera is like most modern dSLRs, with a series of picture modes and four advanced settings.
Just behind the shutter release button are possibly the two most useful controls in the Nikon arsenal: active D-Lighting and exposure compensation. Active D-lighting will help preserve highlight and shadow detail. This is very helpful when shooting towards windows or doors — backlit situations — or in bright sunshine. While this is a great trick, you may want to be more creative and use the exposure compensation button to subtly make adjustments. If you use the rear information menu to access this control it will even show you what the effect will be like when you over or under expose.
Steady Eddie
Nikon really did us a favour by including a VR lens as standard. The VR stands for vibration reduction and is Nikon’s image stabiliser. If you have the spare bucks, buy this camera as a twin lens kit and get a VR 55-200mm lens too.
The standard lens is simple to use, with a switch to turn the VR control on or off and another switch for auto or manual focus. The main gripped part is the zoom area and there is a small grip section at the very front of the lens for manual focus. Best of all, these lenses help you to get sharp photos at slow shutter speeds.
Conclusion
This camera is not only easy to use, it’s also helpful when you get stuck. It uses SD memory so you can flip the card from your compact to your dSLR. There is a huge range of lenses to choose from and the best flash system offered by any manufacturer. You’ll fall in love with Nikon’s matrix metering and the flash exposure is always perfect, giving great skin tones and an excellent balance of ambient light with flash. Thankfully there is no Live View — you can just get on with the job while everyone else is dithering with focus buttons.
SPECS:
- Manufacturer: Nikon
- Model: Nikon D60
- Price: $1499
- Effective Pixels: 10.2 million
- Lens: AF-S 18-55mm G VR
- Viewfinder: Eye-level penta-dach mirror single sens reflex
- Monitor: 2.5-inch TFT LCD (230,000 pixels)
- Shutter: 30sec-1/4000sec
- Aperture: f3.5-f 5.6
- ISO: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
- Shooting Modes: Auto, Aperture & Shutter Priority, Manual, Night Portrait, Close Up, Sports, Child, Landscape, Portrait, Flash Off
- Exposure Metering: Matrix, centre-weighted, spot
- Focus Modes: Single servo AF, continuous servo AF, auto servo AF, manual
- Media: SD, SDHC
- File Format: RAW, JPEG
- Flash: Built-in, front curtain sync, rear curtain, fill flash, slow sync, red-eye reduction
- Interface: USB2.0
- Batteries: Lithium-ion rechargeable
- Dimensions: 126 x 94 x 64mm
- Weight: 495g
Contact
www.nikon.co.nz
Pros:
- Brilliant D-Lighting
- Wonderful VR lens
- Perfect flash photography
- Grunty battery
- Sensor cleaning
Cons:
| Design |
18 |
| Performance |
18 |
| Features |
18 |
| Image Quality |
18 |
| Value for Money |
18 |
|
|
Total
|
90/100
|
This review is from D-Photo issue #026.
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