Review The Nikon D300s is the successor to the original D300 that appeared in the UK almost two years ago. Sharing the same 51-point autofocus and 12.3Mp sensor, it’s the cheaper DX format alternative to the top of the range Nikon D3 DSLR, and sits neatly next to the full frame D700.
Nikon’s D300s: still for stills, but with video if you need it
The differences from the original D300 are quite subtle from the outside. The Live View Control and Info Buttons have moved, and the Multi control pad on the back has been tinkered with. The previous version was flatter and encouraged more ‘OK’ confirmations than with the D300s panel, which sticks out more and needs fewer actions for the various prompts.
Unsurprisingly, HD video is the headline grabber with this model, which is recorded as a Motion JPEG AVI file with a resolution of 1280 x 720p at 24fps. The recording time is five minutes at the maximum resolution or 20 minutes at 640 x 424. It might not seem much but is a perfect amount of time for the short events that occur in front of us, while giving the nod to filmmakers with the frame rate choice. Read the rest of this entry »
Review The D3000 is the new entry-level DSLR from Nikon and it’s aimed at the complete beginner with high-performance ambitions. It replaces the best selling D60 and marks a much needed and anticipated upgrade. The basic kit includes an 18-55mm lens and comes in at £429, stirring up competition for its main rivals the Canon EOS 450D, the Sony A330 and the Olympus E520.
Flash kit: Nikon’s D3000
At 126 x 97 x 64mm and weighing 485g, the D3000 retains the design and overall build of the D60. While keeping the 10.2Mp DX-format CCD sensor of previous entry-level models, Nikon has also introduced some handy new features and raised the specs to match some of its higher-end models. A case in point is the inclusion of Nikon’s flagship EXPEED image processing technology and the very useful on-board auto sensor cleaning system.
Among the shooting options available is an intelligent Guide Mode. This is an ideal function for newcomers, this is substantially different from a typical auto exposure mode. By selecting Guide Mode, you access a menu that prompts you to make decisions on the image composition and then makes the right settings for the results you had in mind. Quicker than reading a manual, it offers a much simpler way for the novice to familiarise themselves with the Camera’s capabilities as well as time-honoured photographic techniques for pics just like a pro, sort of. Read the rest of this entry »
Review You’ve got to hand it to those marketing bods who are constantly on the lookout for a gap in the market. Not so long ago, digital SLRs were neatly divided into high-end/entry-level models, but now, consumer DSLRs come in a variety of specifications aimed at specific groups of users. Nikon’s D5000 is a good example. It’s described as an “upper entry level” DSLR, which means that it offers more than a budget DSLR, but just a little less than a mid-range model. So does the D5000 fill a gap or fall between two stools?
Nikon’s D5000 DSLR
Despite its model number, the D5000 sits firmly between Nikon’s D60 and D90 models, and Nikon clearly hopes that potential D60 buyers might be tempted to trade up to the D5000. However, the company also clearly desires that potential D90 purchasers will not be persuaded to trade down to the D5000 – hence, the carefully selected features and specifications.
The D5000 offers HD recording and Liveview operation and it uses the same 12.3Mp (effective) 23.6 x 15.8mm DX Format CMOS sensor as the D90, as well as the same 11-point AF system. Naturally, the D90 has a few cards up its sleeves, including a Pentaprism-based viewfinder, a 3in LCD screen composed of 920,000 dots, slighter faster continuous shooting speed (4.5fps compared with 4fps) and a built-in autofocus motor. Read the rest of this entry »
Review Some products remind you of certain things, and in the case of the Nikon Coolpix S630, it’s a banana. You can’t help but notice the curvature of the Camera body, which sweeps gently towards the right. But although the Coolpix S630 comes in a variety of colours, yellow isn’t one of them.
Nikon’s Coolpix S630
This is a Camera designed for the point-and-shoot photographer. Yet having a 7x optical zoom means it offers more than the average compact when it comes to focusing on your subject. Despite its respectable zoom, the Coolpix S630 remains a compact Camera, measuring 96.5 x 57.5 x 25.5mm and weighing around 160g with battery and card. On top, is a small power button, shutter button and zoom rocker. The back is dominated by a 2.7in LCD screen composed of 230,000 dots.
On the right, is a tiny flash indicator light, a small Camera mode button and playback button. Below is a multi-controller which has a central OK button and can be used for selecting macro, drive move, flash mode and exposure compensation. For some reason, Nikon has hidden the exposure compensation logo on the right hand side of the body, so it’s very easy to miss this function. Read the rest of this entry »
Review You know, there’s a lot to be said for superzoom cameras. Instead of lugging around a DSLR Camera and a stack of lenses, you can stick a massive zoom onto a Camera that’s a little smaller than your average DSLR and simply carry that around. Nikon’s Coolpix P90 is a superzoom bridge Camera with a whopping 24x zoom. It’s aimed at users who want more than a compact and a little less than a DSLR, but the question is: does the P90 offer enough to satisfy this type of user?
Nikon’s Coolpix P90: get up close and personal with this superzoom lens
The P90’s design is definitely more DSLR-inspired than compact-influenced. It’s a chunky Camera with a plastic body and cradles nicely in the hands. It’s rather large for coat pocket though, so it’s not so convenient for carrying around than say, a travel-Camera like Canon’s PowerShot SX200, which to be fair, ‘only’ offers a 12x zoom. The P90 measures 114 x 83 x 99mm and weighs 500g with battery and card. Read the rest of this entry »
