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Nikon D2Xs Reviews and Resources

January 17, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Nikon D2Xs is a professional grade 12.2 MP DX format DSLR. It is Nikon’s flagship DSLR and was announced on June 1, 2006 as the successor to the Nikon D2X. The D2Xs was more of an incremental upgrade to the D2X, which includes the following upgrades:

  • Automatic viewfinder masking in High-Speed Crop mode
  • Increased buffer capacity to 60 frames in continuous shooting
  • Additional ISO steps between 800 and 1600
  • Improved metering for High Speed Crop
  • More Autofocus options
  • An AF system that can now detect focus at lower contrast and in lower light, higher capacity
  • Battery rated to 3,800 exposures per charge
  • Improved Auto-ISO features
  • Image verification
  • Ability to save and load camera settings from a memory card
  • 2.5 inch (64 mm) 230,000 pixel LCD with 170 degree viewing angle (same as D200)
  • Menu look ported from the D200
  • Black and White mode
  • Additional color mode selections
  • Locking USB connector
  • Support for multiple custom curves
  • A lockable recent settings menu
  • Improved GPS data recording
  • AF and VR mode recording in shooting data
  • In-camera cropping

The D2Xs is the predecessor to the Nikon D3, which was announced on August 23, 2007.


Reviews

Shutterbug

For the working professional who can use its many attributes and who is tapped into the Nikon system of lenses and accessories it is state of the art, and should remain so for some time to come.

Thom Hogan

12mp is a lot of data, and puts us into the realm of “that might be all we need.” Acuity is good, color is excellent, and noise performance is excellent at low ISO values and acceptable at higher ISO values. With the right settings and discipline, this camera performs at the state-of-the-art.

Let’s Go Digital

The introduction of the Nikon D2xs gives professional photographers yet again the choice of upgrading their digital workflow with the latest Nikon technology. The Nikon D2x already proved itself as a professional tool for the Pro and was awarded with diverse Award recognizing the importance of the top model of Nikon’s assortment of digital SLR cameras.

Cnet

Nikon’s flagship dSLR ranks among the best 35mm-format cameras currently made, but some pros may take umbrage with its less-than-full-frame sensor.

Imaging Resource

The Nikon D2Xs’ performance was impressive overall, starting with a startup time that was really faster than our human reflexes. Shutter lag was excellent regardless of lens position or “prefocus” (halfway pressing and holding the Shutter button before firing the shutter) status. Shot-to-shot cycle times were very good, at about 0.2 seconds for large/fine JPEGs, and the camera captured as many as 18 frames at this rate before it needs to slow down and clear the buffer.

Popular Photography

The D2Xs is a minor upgrade to Nikon’s D2X. Among the D2Xs’s notable features are 11 selectable autofocus points, nine of which are cross-type sensors; excellent tracking autofocus modes; interchangeable focusing screens; both TIFF and RAW capture; an advanced battery meter; a time lapse mode; an advanced multiple exposure mode; voice annotation; numerous color options; and 40 custom settings.

Ken Rockwell

If you earn your living with your camera you’ll want one of these. If you want a camera to take with you for fun, relaxation and vacation this isn’t it: it’s a huge, hulking beast of a pro camera.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]nikon, d2xs, review, dslr, digital camera[/tags]

Filed Under: Gear, Nikon, Reviews

 

Nikon D200 Reviews and Resources

January 17, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Nikon D200 is a DX format 10.2 megapixel DSLR and is the predecessor to the Nikon D300. Both are slated as Nikon’s “advanced amateur” models and have a number of pro-level features while still keeping the price in the reach of serious amateur or semi-pro photographers. The D200 incorporates a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, an 11-point AF system and 5 frames per second shooting capability, among others. With features such as these, it is often found in professionals’ camera bags as a backup to the likes of the Nikon D2Xs.

Reviews

DPReview.com

It’s one of those cameras which you look forward to picking up, I really got on with its design and ergonomics, it’s small enough not to break your back yet sturdy enough to feel absolutely purposeful, solid and reliable. It fills the photographer with an air of confidence that each time they need it the camera is going to perform.

Thom Hogan

Was the wait for the D200 worth it? Absolutely yes. D100 owners especially should be very happy with their upgrade. Better-than-35mm resolution? Check. Better color? Check. Better metering, AF, and white balance? Check. Improved handling? Check. More pro features? Check. Anything broken in the process? No.

Ken Rockwell

Having used both pro and amateur cameras for many decades, the professional élan with which the D200 dispatches its duties is something I appreciate compared to the D70s. It just feels better. These finesse issues never come across on paper, but are obvious when you pick up the camera and start working.

Let’s Go Digital

For the semi-pro or pro photographer the D200 D-SLR could be the perfect solution and they can have it functioning as a second camera, an all-round backup. The built-in features and technique, inherited from the professional D2x, are just great. The technique is high-level and for its price you will get just about everything you could wish for.

Steve’s Digicams

With a host of features typically reserved for professional cameras, 10.2-megapixels of resolution and excellent image quality, Nikon has not only surpassed Canon in the enthusiast market, they have blurred the distinction with their own professional D2X.

Digital Camera Resource Page

As you might expect, camera performance is first rate. The D200 starts up instantly, focuses quickly, and there’s no shutter lag or delay between shots. The continuous shooting mode was amazing, especially with a high speed memory card.

Cnet

Aggressively priced and stuffed with pro-quality features, the rugged Nikon D200 digital SLR offers the best of the D2X at about one-third the price.

Digital Camera Info

The Nikon D200 delivers excellent 10 megapixel images, and it’s easy for the experienced photographer to operate. It’s an excellent step-up camera for photographers buying a second Nikon DSLR, or for experienced film users who are finally jumping to digital (do such people still exist?).

Imaging Resource

A great part of the appeal of the D200 is its combination of 10.2 megapixel resolution and 5 frame/second continuous shooting speed. It also has a very deep buffer memory, and is no slouch when it comes to offloading images to a host computer either. All in all, an impressive performer by almost any measure.

Where to Buy

If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.

Filed Under: Nikon, Reviews Tagged With: digital camera reviews, nikon d200

Nikon D80 Reviews and Resources

January 16, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Nikon D80 is a 10.2 MP DX format DSLR which was introduced in August 2006. It is slotted above the Nikon D40/D40x and below the D200/D300 in Nikon’s lineup. The D80 uses an SD memory card, rather than the CF card storage used in the D70, D70s and D200. The higher storage capacity SDHC standard is also supported by the D80. The D80 body retails at $1000 and is available in a kit with the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens at a retail price of $1300. The D80 can be found at a significant discount, however, on the street.

Reviews

DPReview.com

It’s one of those cameras which just feels ‘right and sorted’ from the moment you pick it up. Things just get better the more you use the camera, you will begin to discover the usefulness of major features like the customizable automatic ISO and the subtle touches like being able to tap the DELETE button twice to delete an image (sounds insignificant, but in use things like this make the D80 far more usable than other cameras).

Thom Hogan

10mp is a lot of data, and the D80 in some ways does it better than the D200 (at least for JPEGs). Acuity is very good with careful sharpening, color is excellent, and noise performance is excellent at low ISO values and more than acceptable at higher ISO values. With the right settings and discipline, this camera performs near the state-of-the-art.

Digital Camera Resource Page

This is a heck of a camera, and one that should be at the top of your list if you’re buying your first D-SLR. If you have a D50 or D70 then I’d strongly consider upgrading. And, unless you need a faster burst rate and even more custom functions, then you can save hundreds by skipping the D200 and getting the D80 instead.

Ken Rockwell

My D80 has the same great image sensor, LCD and viewfinder of my D200 jammed inside a smaller, lighter body like a D50. It’s the same price as the D70 was in 2004: $999. This makes the D80 a screaming deal if you want the most pixels.

Imaging Resource

Shooting with the Nikon D80, we found it to be a very responsive camera in all respects. Startup was quick enough that you’re never likely to notice, shutter lag was low, and shot to shot cycle times in both single-shot and continuous mode were very good. It falls short of its big brother the D200 in several areas, but that’s to be expected, given the substantial price difference between the two models.

Photography Blog

Existing Nikon users won’t be disappointed with this new model as the company have more than met the challenge of producing a camera with suitable features coupled with fantastic image quality for the enthusiast and beginner DSLR user. The Nikon D80 is now part of a crowded market place and there is even plenty of crossover between this model and Nikon’s own 10 megapixel D200 model.

Cnet

With the D80, Nikon has proven that it is very much still pushing ahead strongly. With 10.2 megapixels, lightning-fast performance, high-quality images with very low noise, and a heaping pile of convenience features, Nikon’s D80 will not disappoint.

Nikonians

In short – it’s a mixed bag of goodies. A lot will appeal to the prosumer, and a lot will also appeal to the first-time DSLR buyer or upsell customer.

Camera Labs

The Nikon D80 is without a doubt a very classy camera. It feels great, handles well, performs superbly and has one of the best viewfinders around. At times when rivals struggled with various lighting conditions, the D80’s metering remained unfazed and quite simply delivered great-looking images every time.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]nikon, d80, review, dslr, digital, camera[/tags]

Filed Under: Gear, Nikon, Reviews

Nikon D50 Reviews and Resources

January 15, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Nikon D50 is a 6.1MP DX format DSLR. When introduced, the camera carried a retail price of $799 for the body only or $899 with a new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S DX lens. The D50 was also available in a kit containing both the 18–55mm and a 55–200mm f/4-5.6 G AF-S DX lens. The D50 was replaced by the Nikon D40 in 2006. You can still find this camera in used and refurbished condition at a variety of photo equipment sellers.

Reviews

DPReview.com

The nicest thing about the D50 however is that it just feels right, build wise it’s a step above the Canon EOS 350D and Pentax *ist DS, it’s also not too small, I’m all for making cameras lighter but there’s a limit as to how small you can make an SLR before the hand grip feels cramped and controls begin to get in the way. The D50 feels as responsive as any film camera and is a pleasure to shoot with. The only change I would make would probably be a larger viewfinder view (like that of the Pentax *ist DS).

Ken Rockwell

Back in 2006, the Nikon D50 was a great camera for basic photographers, non-photographers or backup. Image quality is identical to the D70 and D70s, which means brilliant 12 x 18″ prints that many people confuse with prints from a medium format film camera.

Digital Camera Resource Page

Camera performance is superb: just flip the power switch and the D50 is ready to go. The camera focuses quickly and takes pictures without any noticeable shutter lag. Autofocus speeds were impressive, even in low light. While battery life isn’t as good as the D70s, it’s still excellent (and you can buy a higher capacity battery if you need to). Transferring photos is actually faster on the “cheap model” because it supports USB 2.0 High Speed, unlike the D70s.

DC Views

If you are serious about expanding your hobby though but are in doubt about which one to go for, take a good look at which functions you would really need, as the differences between the D50 and D70s are fairly minimal. The D50 may be lighter and more compact but some more advanced functions are less accessible. The D70s is definitely more bulky but feels more professional, while offering instant access to functions like metering or bracketing. It has white balance and ISO fine-tuning, a top shutter speed of 1/8000, DOF preview and the option for wireless flash control. If you feel that you would never use these functions anyway, go for the D50 and you will live happily ever after.

Steve’s Digicams

The D50’s image quality was excellent. Its exposure and autofocus system complemented each other, producing sharp, well-exposed images. The 5-point AF system is fast and accurate, and its predictive focus tracking is able to keep up with moving subjects. Image noise was not an issue with the D50. At ISO 200 and 400 noise was essentially absent. Shadow noise is detectable in images captured at ISO 800, and noticeable at ISO 1600, but highlight noise is remarkably low even at ISO 1600.

Thom Hogan

The drawbacks are all minor compared to the pluses. The D50 takes beautiful photos when used well, and can give almost any low-cost digital SLR on the market a run for the money in image quality. In short, expect to produce darn good results out of this camera.

Imaging Resource

The latest result of this process is the new Nikon D50 digital SLR, delivering most of the features that made the D70 such an exceptional product, but at a lower price point and with the camera’s size and user interface retooled somewhat to better match the needs of the “family photographer.” – Or anyone else who wants a feature-rich, easy-to-use, compact (but not too much so) digital SLR for a bargain price. What was most surprising to me about the D50 though, was that its image sensor and some aspects of its image quality (notably noise levels) are actually superior to those of the higher-priced D70S.

Let’s Go Digital

All in all the Nikon D50 is an excellent digital SLR camera. Ideal for those who have outgrown their compact camera or for those who want to take their first steps into digital photography. The Nikon D50 may be a so-called entry level model; nevertheless it offers the user almost everything.

Nikonians

This is a great little camera and a fine choice for a new photographer. It has a very agreeable personality that makes photography a pleasure. More advanced photographers might want to step up to the Nikon D70s for some of the additional features and greater media compatibility that camera offers, but many might be satisfied with the Nikon D50.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]nikon, d50, review, dslr, digital, camera[/tags]

Filed Under: Gear, Nikon, Reviews

Night Photography

January 7, 2007 By Eric Reagan

Here’s one of my more recent Knoxville photography night shots. A shot of the Henley Street Bridge with Christmas lights all lit up. I’ve really been enjoying night exposures over the past several months. You can see a few more here.

So what do you need to take photos at night? A good tripod is a must have, along with a remote shutter release (or set the timer). Most of all, you need patience. Night shots are different. Exposures are much longer. The shot above was a 30 second exposure at f/20. Also consider reading a bit of the Night Photography Blog and some recent recommendations of books on the subject.

Most importantly . . . have fun:

Filed Under: Learn Tagged With: digital cameras, knoxville photography, low light, Night Photography, photography, remote shutter release, tripod

Canon 1D Mark II Reviews

January 1, 2007 By Eric Reagan

The Canon EOS 1D Mark II is an 8.2 megapixel pro-level DSLR. Introduced in early 2004, the Mark II is the successor to the Canon EOS 1D, which was Canon’s first pro DSLR introduced in 2001.

________________________________

The 1D Mark II uses a 1.3x crop-factor sensor and also includes the following features:

  • DIGIC II image processor
  • Canon EF lens mount (excludes EF-S)
  • 45-point TTL-AREA-SIR autofocus with a CMOS sensor
  • TTL full aperture metering with 21 zone SPC
  • 100–1600 ISO speed equivalent (ISO can be expanded to L: 50 or H: 3200 with custom function)
  • 30–1/8000 sec. shutter speed and bulb
  • Auto white balance
  • Eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage
  • 230,000 pixel, 2.0″ color TFT liquid-crystal monitor with approx. 100% coverage (for JPEG images)
  • E-TTL II flash mode
  • 8.5 frames per second continuous shooting (JPEG: max. 40 frames, RAW: max. 20 frames)

Reviews

DPReview.com

The Mark II is a perfect example of evolution of technology (eight megapixel, CMOS, 40 frame buffer) and also correction of function and usage.

Luminous Landscape

Canon’s accomplishment in producing a camera that can shoot such large files at such fast speeds is nothing short of remarkable.

Steve’s Digicams

With its 8-megapixel imager, accurate autofocus system, precise metering system and robust performance the Canon EOS-1D Mark II is photographic tool that is unrivaled in the industry at the time of this test (May 2004).

The Digital Picture

Is the Canon EOS 1D Mark II for professionals only? Definitely not. Having excellent quality in-focus images appeals to a large number of non-professional enthusiasts as well. Keep in mind – all of us are capable of taking bad pictures with the best camera available. The Canon EOS 1D Mark II has the ability take your photography to a very high quality level.

Photography on the Net

I think it is no surprise to hear me say Mark II is absolutely the best camera I have used. It feels great, it is accurate, versatile, reliable and fast, images look great and print great. What more could you ask?

Imaging Resource

The new EOS-1D Mark II raises the bar while maintaining all that made the 1D such a successful and formidable SLR, offering the same great exposure control, but with a much higher resolution, 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor.

ZDNet

In a league by itself, the Mark II offers professional photographers extensive customization, excellent photo quality, and market-leading speed.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

[tags]canon, eos, 1d, mark, ii, review[/tags]

Filed Under: Canon, Gear, Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

December 17, 2006 By Eric Reagan

Panasonic LX2
Popular Photography has a nice review of the new Point and Shoot from Panasonic, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. Overall, they seem pretty impressed with it. From the article:

This is a compact for control freaks. Besides aperture- and shutter-priority modes, it offers full manual, with shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 60 sec and a very useful screen graph showing over- or underexposure. It can bracket exposures, too. Scene modes include Night Portrait, Starry Sky, Soft Skin, and even Food. And in autoexposure mode, there’s a backlight compensation feature that works even without the flash popped up.

Even more impressive to me is the capability of capturing in RAW format on a point and shoot. At just over 400 bones, you get quite the package for the price of admission.

Filed Under: Panasonic, Reviews

Photoshop CS3 Beta Release

December 14, 2006 By Eric Reagan


If you haven’t gotten your beta release of the new free Photoshop CS3 public beta yet, get it now (for Windows or Mac).  Wired has the scoop on the release.  Adobe has been more than generous with the Lightroom public betas.  However, I should warn you that I think Adobe is stringing us along like a crack dealer by giving us a free peek at the goods only to cut us off when we get addicted.  If you shoot RAW and haven’t tried Lightroom yet, you should.  It’s all I use for my RAW workflow and I know I’ll be shelling out the two or three hundred bones for the final release after the beta has expired.

Filed Under: Gear, Software Tagged With: cs3, Photoshop, Software

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

December 13, 2006 By Eric Reagan


This is a must have lens for Canon DSLR owners.

It must be expensive, right? Does it have IS and USM? Is it an “L” lens?

The answer to all three of these question is a resounding “NO”!

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II can be had at a pittance of about $70 or so, street.  So now, the “why”?

First off, as you can see, it’s cheap. Not only is it cheap by it’s great glass for the pennies you pay. This is probably the best “bang for the buck” lens that Canon offers and the first lens you should buy for your new DSLR.

Furthermore, this lens is a great portrait lens for APS-C sensor cameras like the Digital Rebel XT, 20D, and 30D. It is the equivalent to what an 80mm lens would be on a full-frame camera.

I won’t rehash what others more knowledgeable than me have said about this lens. Below are some links for your reading pleasure which reinforce the points I’ve made.

Bob Atkins’ Review

Individual User Reviews from FredMiranda.com

The Digital Picture’s Review

Individual User Reviews at PhotographyReview.com

Filed Under: Deals, Gear, Reviews Tagged With: Canon, lens, review

Cameras for Christmas

December 13, 2006 By Eric Reagan


You or someone you know has a digital camera on their Christmas Wish List. Which one do you really want or which one should you get for that special someone. I’m picking what I think are the top three cameras in a variety of categories below. I’ll try to give you some kind of sense of what kinds of people fit with which cameras below.

Camera on a Budget – Under $200

The growth of technology has really prompted this catagory of cameras. Four years ago, finding a digital camera under $200 was practically impossible. Sure, you might have seen a few on ebay, but how well did they work – or better yet, did they work at all?

There are several great cameras in this price range now. The Canon Powershot A430 is just one example. At about $135, it’s well within the budget-minded giver’s range. It’s a 4 megapixel cameral with a 4x optical zoom. This is a great zoom for such an inexpensive and small camera. The A430 also comes in several different color schemes, including gold, red and blue.

Another great camera is the Canon Powershot A530. It’s a 5 megapixel and has a 4x optical zoom and runs in the neighborhood of $130. While it’s got more megapixels, it’s also physically a larger camera. Still, on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this camera. You get a lot more than what you pay for here.

Small Camera, Big Picture

On the high side of the technology wave, there are tons of features and specs to consider. A lot of these considerations are making it into smaller and smaller packages. You can get a lot out of a camera that will fit in your pocket comfortably. That’s what this category is all about. Folks who want to have high technology accessible (in their purse or pants) – but not in the way.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Deals, Gear, Photographers, Reviews

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