Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Rumors of a replacement for the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 G VR have been around for a while now. About a year ago, Graham Watson (the cycling photographer) appeared to have inside details on the updated lens and that it would be announced September 2008. That came and went with no new lens. [Read more…]
Above is a possible leaked picture of the Nikon D300s, which we pretty much know is a sure thing. Whether the image is real or not, however, is still up in the air. [Read more…]
The Nikon D3000 is a 10.2-megapixel DSLR and replaces the Nikon D60 at the low end of Nikon’s lineup. Improvements over the D60 include a larger 3-inch LCD, improved interface and 11-point autofocus system.
The Nikon D3000 should be available in August 2009 at an initial retail price of $599.95 that will also cover the included AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens.
International Availability:
It offers the complete gamut of usability from point-and-shoot simplification right through to more advanced manual control and image design expected of a DSLR and produces a standard of image that far outperforms anything a digital compact could produce.
During extensive action, travel and wedding photography, the D3000 proved to be very responsive in most situations.
Very good printed results in terms of detail, capable of producing good 13×19-inch prints from ISO 100 to 800
In terms of user-friendliness, the Nikon D3000 reaches a high rating, and the integration of innovative imaging editing and processing technologies even increase the user’s ease.
The Nikon D3000 is an excellent option for new DSLR owners. It is a well-built camera with very good image quality and excellent speed of operation.
Though this DSLR offers a top resolution of “just” 10 megapixels, we found very little difference comparing results with that of a 12MP model.
It’s a solid model in every sense of the word that should see the amateur photographer through years of happy service.
This is a great first SLR and a genuine pleasure to use. It’s fast and intelligent, with a good quality kit lens, and comes with all the advantages of Nikon’s optical heritage.
Like the D40 before it, the D3000 is a great “no-brainer” digital SLR with a responsive and quiet shutter that begs to be pressed.
For beginners or prosumers who want a compact digital SLR to complement their existing set up, Nikon has made a very nice camera for a good price.
A little pricey at the moment, but it makes an ideal first camera for DSLR newbies
British Journal of Photography
Yet another entry-level DSLR camera arrives this week with the introduction of Nikon D3000. But look beyond some of the more idiosyncratic features aimed at novices, says David Kilpatrick, and you’ll find its versatility also makes it extremely pro-worthy
For consumers who into family, travel and children sports photography, this is an excellent camera at a very reasonable price.
MELVILLE, N.Y. (JULY 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D3000 digital SLR camera, an affordable answer for users looking to experience the superiority of digital SLR photography or enthusiasts seeking a capable, compact D-SLR. The 10.2-megapixel D3000 has features that make it easier than ever to take great pictures, including the new Guide Mode, which lends a smart helping hand to new D-SLR users, and an extensive Retouch Menu, enabling consumers to edit photos, even without a computer. The D3000, which offers an 11-point autofocus system, also leverages proven Nikon D-SLR technologies, including the exclusive EXPEEDTM image processing, Active D-Lighting system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, enabling entry-level D-SLR shooters to take stunning pictures.
“The D3000 combines the best of both worlds, providing picture takers with the ease-of-use currently offered in point-and-shoot cameras alongside the speed, precision and exceptional results that have made Nikon D-SLRs so popular,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “The D3000 offers everyone the ability to discover the superiority of D-SLR photography at an affordable price point. We look forward to enabling more consumers to explore the possibilities of D-SLR picture taking and, more importantly, capture life’s memories faithfully.”
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images.
Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000’s Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.
With elegant ergonomics, softly rounded corners, and a comfortable grip, the D3000 packs powerful technology into a compact form factor. Though the D3000 is tiny when compared to professional D-SLR cameras, it boasts a large, bright three-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen, and now features an easier-to-read font size, 20 percent larger than in previous Nikon D-SLRs.
Quick performance and response are at the core of the D3000’s design and its 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus system makes it easy to find and focus on a subject. Also, the D3000 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag, as well as the ability to capture images up to three frames per second, allowing users capture every moment. Users can enjoy the benefits of Nikon’s advanced 3D Subject Tracking, which continuously focuses on a fast moving subject throughout the frame.
The D3000 provides multiple ways for users to engage with their pictures, post capture. It uses Nikon’s extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which allows users to easily apply a variety of fun and dramatic effects to their images even when away from a computer. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models. The D3000 also inherits the Soft Filter and Color Outline Retouch options from the D5000, allowing users to express their photography in a new and artistic way. As with all Nikon D-SLRs, the camera creates the new retouched image, while preserving the original.
For users who want to take their creativity to the next level, the D3000 also includes the ability to capture images in the NEF (RAW) format, in addition to traditional JPEG. Images captured with D3000 in the NEF (RAW) format include a greater amount of image data, which in turn, affords finer image control and higher uncompressed lossless image quality. With NEF (RAW) images, users can fine-tune the appearance of an image with simple adjustments to things like exposure, color saturation, brightness, and overall tone – especially in the post-production process. Users can use Capture NX 2, Nikon’s powerful image editing software, to achieve these desired effects.
Nikon extends the creativity with Stop-Motion Movie Mode. With this mode, users can choose a collection of images within the D3000’s Retouch Menu, and the camera then compiles and stitches them into a fun and creative video file.
The D3000 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture taking experience for consumers. The D3000 delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range, due to its 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing system. The D3000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 1600, allowing for low light versatility. Additionally, the D3000’s ISO range can expand to a Hi-1 setting of ISO 3200, furthering the opportunities for shots that other cameras miss.
The D3000 also makes use of Nikon’s Active D-Lighting system, which automatically compensates to reveal veiled details in shadows and highlights in high-contrast situations. For instance, when selected, Nikon’s Active D-Lighting can improve the appearance of fine detail in a person’s face that was previously hidden in dark shadows or bring out the highlights in a beautifully backlit landscape.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D3000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D3000 to ensure beautiful exposures-even when conditions are extreme.
The D3000 also incorporates Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera’s image sensor. The system not only utilizes an active sensor cleaning function that activates whenever the camera is turned on or off, but also the Airflow Control System to redirect dust particles, limiting their ability to reach the sensor.
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D3000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories, including a broad assortment of legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.
The D3000’s design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D3000 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.
The D3000 outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $599.95.
Several tips and rumors have been flowing in over at Nikon Rumors concerning an update to the D700, which tipsters are calling the D700x. This camera has been in the rumor mill since before the D3x was announced and many Nikonians have lusted after the thought of a D700-like camera body packed with a D3x-type sensor.
“I was at *** 2009 show earlier this year in ***, and was asking a staff member on the Nikon stand about the D700 replacement/upgrade. I was told whatever replaces it will be released in October/November 2009, but they would say no more than that.”
“My D300 is in for service at Nikon (bad aperture control module) and I asked the tech when a new dslr was being released and which one. He responded with the D700x this fall. A 24mp replacement for the D700.”
While such a camera might make sense when looking at the Nikon D700’s biggest competitor (Canon 5D Mark II), it doesn’t really fit into Nikon’s lineup very well. As posited by Nikon Rumors, a Nikon D700x with a 12.3 megapixel sensor that also captures video and can do a few new tricks seems to be the most likely D700 replacement for this fall anyway. As such, it would fit nicely with the all-but-official Nikon D300s, which we expect around the first of August.
[via Nikon Rumors]
PhotographyBLOG has posted a review of the Nikon D5000.
Those who require dual control wheels, more dedicated buttons, a large viewfinder and greater compatibility with older AF lenses will still be better served by a D90 and are therefore advised to save up for the higher specified model. For everybody else, the Nikon D5000 provides much the same functionality and image quality in a smaller, lighter and quieter edition.
For more news and reviews on the D5000, visit Photography Bay’s Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources.
Cnet has posted a review of the Nikon Coolpix P90.
While the Nikon Coolpix P90 brings its performance up to speed with the rest of its class, it now falls behind in photo quality.
Kamera & Bild passed along that Nikon has a couple of press conferences set for July 30 and August 4. K&B further alludes to the announcements of, not one, but two new DSLRs from Nikon.
We know that rumors of a Nikon D300s have been running rampant lately, so there’s one. What’s the other?
Some say a Nikon D4000 is in the works to replace the D60, as a non-video DSLR. Other rumors suggest a D4 or D3s (or some other refreshed version of the D3). Both rumors make a little sense.
Another possible explanation for the two dates would be a release of a plethora of point and shoot cameras, which seems to happen twice a year, at the first press conference. All the while, the second press conference is for the Nikon D300s and maybe a handful of lenses.
One thing’s for sure . . . expect plenty of leaks and more rumors between now and July 30.
Anyone else have word on what, when and where?
This video shows off some possible press material of the Nikon D300s, which is expected to be the successor to the Nikon D300. If this is legit, it means that the D300s is likely right around the corner…
[Flickr via Nikon Rumors]
Granted, this would be rather odd timing to release a replacement for the Nikon D3 professional grade DSLR; however, Photo Rumors has info they’re calling reliable that such a replacement will be announced this Fall. The tipster says that the D3 replacement will maintain the 12.3 megapixel sensor found in the current D3, but points to the addition of a dust removal system. I would hope that any replacement to this $4k camera would have more upgrades than a dust removal system.
If there is credence to this rumor, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a feature set matched to the Nikon D300s, which purportedly will feature HD video capture. A refresh of the feature set would make more sense than the full replacement of a pro-level camera that’s 2 years into its product cycle.
Nikon D3s anyone?
[via Photo Rumors]
B&H Photo has posted a hands-on review of the Nikon D5000.
In practice, image files held up quite well through ISO 1600 before noise and breakdowns of tonal gradations started becoming noticeable.
For more news and reviews on the D5000, visit Photography Bay’s Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources.