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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon D300s Review

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Nikon D300s

The Nikon D300s is a 12.3-megapixel DSLR that can also capture video at 720p resolution and 24 frames per second.  The D300s is a follow up to the D300 and serves as more of a refreshed version of the D300 as opposed to a totally new product.  It has most of same components and features as the D300 with a few new bells and whistles thrown in for good measure.

Since the recent announcement of the D3s, Nikon appears content in offering video capture at 720p for this generation of cameras.  All of the Nikon DSLRs that offer video only allow a maximum resolution capture of 720p at 24 fps.  Canon has stepped out of the box from its initial video limitations in the 5D Mark II by offering serious firmware updates to it (and promising more to come) and additional video options to its other new DSLRs like the Canon 7D, which offers 1080p HD video capture at 30fps, 25fps, and 24fps, as well as 720p HD video at 60fps and 50fps.  While Nikon has received much criticism on the video limitations of its recent DSLRs, it has shown no signs of stepping up the game in this generation of cameras.

That said, the Nikon D300s (and every other DSLR for that matter) is first and foremost a still image capture device.  Sure, video is relevant nowadays; however, performance for still image capture and quality is still our golden measuring stick.  With this in mind, let’s take a brief look at the key features and jump into the rest of this review. [Read more…]

 

Nikon D800 Before Christmas?

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A tipster has sent in some info on the rumored Nikon D800 that he purports originates with a “very reliable source.”  According to the tipster, Nikon will not be revising the D700 for a “S” model, as was the case with the D300 and D3.

Instead, Nikon will release a completely new model to replace the D700 – the D800.

Rumored Nikon D800 features from the tipster include the following:

1) Video mode 1080p video recording (full HD)
2) High resolution 24.5 MP.
3) High frame rate: 7 fps without battery grip (similar to D300s)
4) 51-area Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX (same technology as D3X)

He also tells me that the D800 will launch before Christmas.

I can’t confirm the veracity of this info or the reliability of the tipster yet.  I am reaching out to him for further details in hopes to substantiate these rumors. Keep in mind that these D700x/D800 rumors have been rattling around for over a year now.

Stay tuned for updates on the D800 or whatever else Nikon decides to throw at us.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Announced

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Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR is a new lens for Nikon DX-sensor cameras like the D300s, D5000 and D3000.  The new 85mm lens should be available in December 2009 at an initial retail price of $529.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon D3s Rumor Update

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Poorly Photoshopped Nikon D3s

The Nikon D3s may be announced on October 14.  Apparently, there is a Nikon press event set for that date and all signs point to a D3s, which is consistent with previous rumors.  The Nikon D3 is out of stock just about everywhere.  Rumored specs include a frame rate of 14 fps and 1080p HD video capture, as well as a sensitivity range of ISO 200-12800 (expandable up to ISO 102,400 equivalent) on a tweaked 12.1 mp FX sensor.

The rumored release date is next Wednesday folks.  Stay tuned to see what, if anything, Nikon has in store for us.

[Zoom via Neutral Day]

Nikon D3s – A Sure Thing for October?

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Poorly Photoshopped Nikon D3s

Consistent with the previous rumors that a Nikon D3 replacement, the Nikon D3s, is coming in October, Nikon Rumors is calling the D3s a sure thing for roughly October 15, 2009.

The rumored spec list continues to call for 14 frames per second and 1080p video capture.  Additional rumored specs surfacing from Nikon Rumors today include a sensitivity range of ISO 200-12800 (expandable up to ISO 102,400 equivalent) on a tweaked 12.1 mp FX sensor.

Let us know what you’ve seen or heard through the contact form.

Nikon D5000 Recall – First Hand Report [Featured Reader Comment]

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Nikon D5000

Photography Bay reader, John, is a Nikon D5000 owner who had a unit affected by the official Nikon D5000 recall.  John took the time to put together a thorough account of his experience with the recall process into a comment here on Photography Bay.  I think his first hand report of his experience should be reassuring to those of you who own a D5000 or a looking to buy one. [Read more…]

Nikon D300s ISO Test and Sample Images

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Nikon D300s

The Nikon D300s is a 12.3-megapixel DSLR with an equivalent sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400.  I have had the pleasure of testing the D300s for a few weeks now and wanted to share some sample images that demonstrate the image quality and low light potential from this camera.  The following images were captured at night using the Nikon D300s and AF-S 50mm f/1.4 lens.

Below you’ll find several handheld shots at ISO 3200 and ISO 6400, followed by a series of shots from a tripod capturing the same scene from ISO 100 to ISO 6400 with one series using noise reduction and one series without noise reduction.  Additionally, you will find several charts showing a comparison of the sensitivity range at a variety of Noise Reduction settings. [Read more…]