Nikon Digital Camera Review

Nikon D100 Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

Nikon D100 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera

The Nikon D100 is a high-performance yet affordable digital SLR camera with a 6.1 effective megapixel CCD imager. The D100 provides high-end amateurs and professionals with a compact and lightweight camera that is compatible with the majority of Nikon's 35mm lenses. Its advanced SLR functionality and digital capabilities deliver high-quality images that rival its more expensive D1X SLR counterpart.

Incorporated within the compact body is a high-resolution CCD that produces up to 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images. The D100's improved image processing algorithm ensures superior image quality with increased detail, while its enhanced auto white balance system assures accurate color rendition. Integrated features including the 3D Matrix metering system and D-TTL flash control capability work with the camera's advanced image-processing abilities to ensure well- balanced exposures and rich, true colors. The one-chip system LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) provides super-fast image processing while keeping power consumption to a minimum

The D100 features a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, a high-performance built-in speedlight with D-TTL flash control and a flash sync speed of up to 1/180 second offer convenience with impressive results. Three-color mode options customize the camera for different color gamut environments. Additionally, on-demand grid lines and a five area autofocus with dynamic AF operation make composition, autofocusing and manual focusing with the D100 fast and accurate. A plug-and-play USB 1.1 interface enables images to be downloaded quickly onto the computer. It also offers system-wide compatibility with more than 50 AF Nikkor Lenses, advanced speedlights, including the new SB-80DX, and other accessories.

Nikon D100 Features:

6.1-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
Nikon F-mount lenses (1.5x multiplier same as D1 series)
Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and full Manual
Auto Bracketing of exposure, white balance or flash
Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix metering
TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set
Shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
Continuous drive at 2.5fps up to 5 frames (usually more!)
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
Three color spaces (two sRGB and Adobe sRGB)
1.8-inch color LCD with 118,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
SO sensitivity 200 to 1600 plus two ISO Boost settings and Auto
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposure images
In-camera finished JPEG in three quality levels and sizes
Uncompressed TIFF and raw NEF (compressed and uncompressed) formats
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-28DX, SB-50DX, SB-80DX
NikonView 5 and PhotoShop plugin (supplied) supports raw NEF
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB 1.1 data and control interface
High capacity EN-EL3 Battery Pack and MH-18 charger

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

Nikon D70 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/500

The D70 is an affordable digital SLR that delivers a combination of innovative features, robust performance and excellent image quality. Built from the ground up to be a digital SLR, the D70 incorporates a DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor that is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness and clarity, and a new advanced system Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI) processor ensures images with vivid color, accurate white balance and minimized noise.

The D70 offers AUTO, Program AE, Shutter speed AE, Aperture priority AE and Manual exposure modes plus seven pre-programmed Digital Vari-Program selections. The Digital Vari-Program modes produce great results with smooth gradations and rich tones even in the most complex shooting conditions. Nikon's new Dynamic Buffer technology allows the D70 to continuously capture up to 144 pictures at three pictures per second (when using JPEG NORMAL – Large image settings, and a SanDisk 256 MB Ultra II CompactFlash card). Additional features such as simultaneous compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG writing capabilities, and new i-TTL flash compatibility with sync speed of 1/500 second puts the D70 in the lead in its class of cameras.

Nikon D70 Features:

6.1-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
Nikon F-mount lenses (1.5x multiplier same as D1 series)
Digital Vari-Program, Program w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual
Exclusive Nikon 3D-Color Matrix metering
Compressed RAW and JPEG formats in three quality levels and sizes
TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set
Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/500
Continuous drive at 3fps with dynamic buffer
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
Three color spaces (two sRGB and Adobe sRGB)
1.8-inch color LCD with 118,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
ISO sensitivity from 200 to 1600 in 1/3 steps
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-50DX, SB-80DX, SB-600, SB-800
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive and FAT-32 compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB data and control interface
High capacity EN-EL3 Battery Pack and MH-18 charger

NIKON D70S Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:31:00.000-08:00

NIKON D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm Nikkor Lens

The D70s offers AUTO, Program AE, Shutter speed AE, Aperture priority AE and Manual exposure modes plus seven pre-programmed Digital Vari-Program selections. The Digital Vari-Program modes produce great results with smooth gradations and rich tones even in the most complex shooting conditions. Nikon's Dynamic Buffer technology allows you to continuously capture up to 144 pictures at three pictures per second. Additional features such as simultaneous compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG writing capabilities, and i-TTL flash compatibility with a sync speed of up to 1/500 second.

The menus have been designed to offer quick access to the most often used features of the camera. Users will have a choice of customizing their menu to display simple or advanced options depending on their skill level. A unique help button on the camera temporarily displays a short description for each of the 25 different custom settings, offering users immediate help when changing the camera settings.

The built-in speedlight automatically pops up and fires when natural lighting is inadequate or to add balanced Fill-Flash when there is strong backlighting. In addition, i-TTL technology improves the accuracy of fill-flash exposure and white balance in a picture, by seamlessly integrating color information gathered from the speedlight’s monitor pre-flash with information from the camera's 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. The built-in speedlight can also be used in Commander Mode to remotely control a group of multiple wireless SB-600 and/or SB-800 Speedlights.

Software is a key component of Nikon's Total Imaging System. The included Nikon PictureProject 1.5 boasts powerful features wrapped into a brand new interface that navigates quickly and is easy to master. While PictureProject 1.5 is already a dynamic new addition to Nikon photography, the software also supports plug-ins, allowing users to add new features, as technology and the digital camera market evolve. The software allows users to easily transfer images to PC’s or MAC’s and browse, organize, and share them. With support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files, PictureProject 1.5 works in close unison with Nikon Capture 4.2 as the ideal companion to its powerful feature set.

Nikon D70s Features:

6.1-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x FOV multiplier)
Digital Vari-Program, Program w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual
Exclusive Nikon 3D-Color Matrix metering
Compressed RAW and JPEG formats in three quality levels and sizes
TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set
Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/500
Continuous drive at 3fps with dynamic buffer (up to 144 frames)
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
Three color spaces (two sRGB and Adobe sRGB)
2.0-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
ISO sensitivity from 200 to 1600 in 1/3 steps
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-600, SB-800 flashes
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive and FAT-32 compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB data and control interface
High-capacity EN-EL3a battery and compact MH-18a rapid charger

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:19:00.000-08:00

Nikon D70 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 1.8-inch color LCD with 118,000 pixels and white LED backlight

The D70 is an affordable digital SLR that delivers a combination of innovative features, robust performance and excellent image quality. Built from the ground up to be a digital SLR, the D70 incorporates a DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor that is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness and clarity, and a new advanced system Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI) processor ensures images with vivid color, accurate white balance and minimized noise.

The D70 offers AUTO, Program AE, Shutter speed AE, Aperture priority AE and Manual exposure modes plus seven pre-programmed Digital Vari-Program selections. The Digital Vari-Program modes produce great results with smooth gradations and rich tones even in the most complex shooting conditions. Nikon's new Dynamic Buffer technology allows the D70 to continuously capture up to 144 pictures at three pictures per second (when using JPEG NORMAL – Large image settings, and a SanDisk 256 MB Ultra II CompactFlash card). Additional features such as simultaneous compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG writing capabilities, and new i-TTL flash compatibility with sync speed of 1/500 second puts the D70 in the lead in its class of cameras.

Nikon D70 Features:

6.1-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
Nikon F-mount lenses (1.5x multiplier same as D1 series)
Digital Vari-Program, Program w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual
Exclusive Nikon 3D-Color Matrix metering
Compressed RAW and JPEG formats in three quality levels and sizes
TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set
Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/500
Continuous drive at 3fps with dynamic buffer
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
Three color spaces (two sRGB and Adobe sRGB)
1.8-inch color LCD with 118,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
ISO sensitivity from 200 to 1600 in 1/3 steps
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-50DX, SB-80DX, SB-600, SB-800
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive and FAT-32 compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB data and control interface
High capacity EN-EL3 Battery Pack and MH-18 charger

Nikon D50 Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lens

The D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use Nikon digital SLR camera to date, and is designed for the broadest range of consumers including family memory-keepers looking to take advantage of the image quality, speed and responsiveness Nikon digital SLR’s offer, as well as photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers who want to capture brilliant digital pictures with vibrant color and immaculate sharpness. The affordably priced D50 makes exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone.

The D50 is the perfect combination of intelligent, easy-to-use features and impeccable image quality. The seven Digital Vari-Program modes make capturing the moment easier than ever, and the new “Child” mode, for example, assures that moms and dads don’t have to be photography experts to capture the most vivid color and contrast when taking pictures of their children. The D50 also includes a full range of manual controls and custom settings, so users can grow with the camera, and advanced photo enthusiasts can find themselves right at home with a D50 in their hands.

The D50 incorporates a new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced image processing engine. 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control in all types of lighting situations by automatically comparing input from its frame-wide metering sensor to a large onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Newly developed exposure evaluation methods detect highlights and shadows in the frame, and compensate for them to help prevent inaccurate exposure. Shutter speed choices extend from 30 seconds to an action-stopping 1/4,000 second. High-speed flash sync speeds up to 1/500 second makes great fill flash photography possible and the i-TTL flash technology makes it automatic.

Nikon D50 Features:

6.1-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
Compact and lightweight digital SLR camera
Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x FOV multiplier)
Choice of three color modes ensures the best match for the shot
Simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG image files
Seven Digital Vari-Program selections (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, and Night Portrait)
Program w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release lag (response) time
Continuous shooting at 2.5fps for a continuous burst of up to 137 pictures (using JPEG
ORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk Ultra II 256MB SD Card)
Fast 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™
Shutter speed range from 30 to 1/4,000 seconds
Flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. for great fill-effects under brighter light and back lighted conditions.
Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation or hue
Auto ISO sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600; can also be set manually.
Three TTL exposure modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted, or Spot Metering
Large 2.0-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menus for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
Review with zoomed-playback & pan, histogram and highlights
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-600, SB-800 flashes
Secure Digital memory card removable storage
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB 2.0 high speed data and control interface
Long-life rechargeable battery with power to shoot up to 2,000 images
Custom Settings for personalizing camera operation
Wireless remote control with the optional ML-L3 remote control

NIKON D2X SLR Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

NIKON D2X SLR 12.4 Megapixel Digital Camera

The D2X is built to take the daily abuse of today's "working pro" photographers and isn't afraid of a little weather. The lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy body features enhanced sealing to prevent the intrusion of rain drops and dust and the shutter and mirror box assemblies have been field proven to be very reliable. The camera’s large controls and buttons are positioned for intuitive control that frees the photographer to concentrate on composition. Regardless of camera orientation, operation remains consistently comfortable with virtually the same access to primary controls.

Nikon’s new generation system LSI greatly improves the precision of processing over previous schemes. With optimized distribution of analog and digital white balance gain, another first, the new engine produces smoother gradations with consistent and smooth transitions, all with exceptionally pure color rendition. Two new Adobe RGB color modes further expand professional color space options with the new engine achieves beautiful reproductions of skin tones. Support for sYCC color space produces JPEG files with a gamut wider than sRGB to fully exploit the output capabilities of the latest color printers.

An improved Matrix Metering system allows Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering Sensor to better determine the position and size of shadow or highlight areas and achieve optimum exposure for each shot. Instant power-up with an almost imperceptible 37ms shutter lag matches the class-leading response of the Nikon D2H, an astounding achievement at this resolution level. Nikon’s acclaimed Mutli-CAM2000 AF Sensor features nine cross point sensors placed in the rule of thirds layout with an additional two at each side of the frame. Dynamic AF options are added when using the Group Dynamic AF mode as well.

A new 2.5-inch color LCD monitor features an all-digital interface for clear, flicker-free display of preview images and logically organized Shooting and Custom Settings menus. On-demand information includes an improved histogram and new RGB Histogram displays, as well as a chronological Recent Settings list. The new Multiple Exposure function creates a single image from up to 10 exposures. The Image Overlay function merges selected NEF files already stored on the CF memory card to create a new image file within the camera.

The D2X is the first to support a secure interface between the CompactFlash card and the camera. Once configured, the stored content on the card can only be accessed by the designated D2X camera with the matching encryption keys or via password access on a PC. This provides the highest level of security for those who need to document confidential or classified information. This function is available only when using Lexar’s new LockTight memory cards. The D2X can access CompactFlash (CF) cards to read and write data faster than any of its predecessors. The transfer rate of the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface is also improved. Simultaneous recording of NEF and JPEG files helps maximize workflow efficiency.

D2X Major Features:

Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body with enhanced sealing that protects against drops of water and dust
High resolution 12.4-Megapixel effective Sony CMOS imager
Instant power up and same 37ms shutter release time as the D2H
12.4 megapixel High Resolution @ 5fps up to 21 JPEG/15 NEF
6.8 megapixel High-Speed Cropped mode @ 8fps up to 35 JPEG/26 NEF
Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x/2x FOV multiplier)
Compressed RAW, JPEG and TIFF file formats
Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual exposure modes
Creative in-camera effects, Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure
Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II prevents highlight blowouts and loss of detail in shadow areas
White balance: hybrid with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, CMOS image sensor and external Ambience Light Sensor. WB Bracketing of 2-9 frames
Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/250
11 area AF (9 area AF in High-Speed crop) with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo modes
Adobe sRGB and 2 sRGB color spaces with support for sYCC color range
2.5-inch color LCD with 235,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
A total of 41 Custom settings available
Four banks to store frequently used camera settings
ISO sensitivity from 100 to 800 plus 1600 and 3200 options
Noise Reduction for long exposures, High ISO Noise Reduction for ISO 400 and above
i-TTL with the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights for Nikon’s Creative Lighting System compatibility
CompactFlash Type I or II storage, Microdrive and FAT-32 compatible
Faster CF read/write speeds than any previous Nikon dSLR
Secure interface with memory card via Lexar LockTight CF cards
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB 2.0 hi-speed data and control interface
Compact, high-capacity EN-EL4 Li-ion battery for up to 2000 shots per charge
GPS support for the recording of location information with shooting data
Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-1A and the new WT-2A

Nikon D2H Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:50:00.000-08:00

Nikon D2H 4.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon's new D2H professional digital SLR camera was designed for photojournalists and sports/action photographers. The D2H sets a new standard in speed and accuracy while achieving exceptional image quality. Virtually every aspect of the camera's performance has been designed from the ground up to facilitate high-speed photography under demanding conditions. The D2H is capable of continuously shooting 8 frames per second and buffers up to 40 JPEG images. It incorporates an all new 11-sensor autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors and versatile performance, a revolutionary new 4.1 effective megapixel imaging sensor and Wi-Fi capabilities for 802.11b wireless transmission of images.

The D2H boasts an extensive new feature set that is designed for extreme performance at every level. The camera is central to a complete new imaging system for photojournalism and sports/action photography that includes Nikon Capture 4.0 software, new NikonView 6.1 software, new i-TTL speedlight technology, new WT-1 Wi-Fi transmitter accessory, and three exciting new lenses including the world's first extreme wide-angle AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens and the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens, both designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras, and the world's first super-telephoto AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens with Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction technology designed for Nikon's 35mm and Digital SLR models.

The new 4.1 effective megapixel (2484 x 1636) DX format JFET imaging sensor was designed to meet the challenging needs of photojournalists and sports/action photographers, and provides the foundation for the D2H system's advanced performance. The new sensor is capable of producing high quality images and high-speed performance. Its JFET technology, combined with a host of new innovations, enables this sensor to render extremely low noise performance with extraordinary color accuracy, detail, sharpness and overall quality. Auto white balance, auto tone control and auto color correction ensures optimal accuracy for each scene. A new color-processing engine minimizes false colors, while maintaining superior color rendition, accuracy and consistency. A high signal-to-noise ratio combined with high-level image processing offers enhanced performance at high ISO settings.

The D2H is the world's most responsive digital SLR camera. It has virtually no start-up lag time, and is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on. Its shutter lag time is a mere 37ms - the lowest among all digital cameras, and comparable to Nikon's F5 35mm film SLR camera. The D2H is capable of a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 frames per second at full resolution and all file formats and ISO settings. The frame rate remains consistent when any combination of the D2H's focus points is selected, or even when older, non-CPU based Nikkor lenses are used. The D2H's enormous buffer allows photographers to shoot up to 40 continuous images in JPEG mode and 25 in NEF (RAW) mode, rendering buffer-stall virtually a non-issue.

The D2H features the new Multi-Cam 2000 next generation autofocus system that is not only fast enough to keep up with the camera's rapid continuous frame rate, but it is remarkably accurate in detecting focus even in challenging situations, including dim lighting conditions as low as EV -1. This new autofocus system consists of 11 AF sensors, 9 of which are cross-type sensors laid out consistently with the rule of thirds for composition, and an additional two sensors placed at the horizontal ends of the frame. The D2H also features enhanced Dynamic AF and a new Group Dynamic AF detection option, as well as Focus Tracking with Lock-On technology to ensure razor sharp pictures.

Nikon D2H Features:

Continuous 8fps capture up to 40 frames/JPEG, 25 frames/RAW
Very short 37ms shutter lag time
Interchangeable lenses, Nikon F-mount (1.5x focal multiplier)
4.1-Megapixel JFET imager yields 2464 x 1632 pixel images
JPEG, TIFF and NEF raw file formats
11 area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
New 3-way hybrid white balance metering
Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and AE Bracketing
Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and interchangeable screens
Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
2.5-inch color LCD with 211,200 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Record, Playback and Custom functions
Review functions now include zoomed-playback with pan
ISO 200 to 1600 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps), 3200 and 6400 available
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures (1/2 sec or greater)
Supports sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
i-TTL 5-Segment Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-800 Speedlight
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
USB 2.0 data and control interface
High capacity EN-EL4 Li-ion Battery Pack and MH-21 charger
Battery status monitored and displayed on LCD screen
Optional WT-1 FTP wireless transmitter, IEEE 802.11b

Nikon D1X Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:40:00.000-08:00

Nikon D1X 5.47MP Digital SLR Camera

The D1X is the second generation of Nikon digital SLR cameras and incorporates all of the D1's advanced features such as 3D color matrix metering, multi-zone autofocus system, auto-TTL flash operation with 3D color matrix metering, Compact Flash Type II storage and IEEE 1394 FireWire connectivity. The D1X is equipped with a new, high resolution 5.47-megapixel imager and features improved color management capability for super-high color fidelity in a wide variety of applications and locations. Nikon listened to the users and vastly improved the menu interface as well as the color LCD display and the playback functions. The D1X is useable with the vast majority of Nikon F-mount lenses out there, however it performs best with the newer D or G type Nikkor lenses.

The D1X is capable of capturing up to 9 full resolution images at 3 frames per second. Photographers can choose one of two finished image sizes (3,008 x 1,960 pixels or 2,000 x 1,312 pixels), three levels of JPEG compression, uncompressed TIFF or Nikon's proprietary raw NEF format which allows you to post-process the actual 16-bit CCD data later in the Nikon Capture 2 software. The D1H due later this summer, retains the D1's 2.74-megapixel resolution but its huge RAM buffer and faster processing circuitry gives it the ability to capture up to 40 frames at a blazing 5fps.

Nikon D1X Features:

5.47-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 1960 pixel images
Digital SLR camera based on Nikon F5 body
Interchangeable lenses, Nikon F-mount (1.5x multiplier)
Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and Auto Bracketing exposure modes
Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
Shutter speeds from 1/16,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
2-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Record, Playback and Custom functions
Review functions now include zoomed-playback with pan
ISO sensitivity 125 to 800 plus ISO Boost (1600, 3200)
Improved color rendition with faster processing hardware
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposure images
Supports sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
3fps burst to a maximum of nine full resolution images
In-camera finished JPEG in three quality levels
Uncompressed TIFF and raw NEF (compressed and uncompressed)
3008x1960 (Large) or 2000x1312 (Medium) image sizes
White balance options have +/-3 fine tuning as well as 3 manual presets
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-28DX and SB-50DX
NikonView 4 and PhotoShop plugin (supplied) supports raw NEF
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) data and control interface
Serial port for connection to optional GPS units
High capacity EN-4 Battery Pack and MH-17 charger

Nikon D1H Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

Nikon D1H 2.66MP Digital SLR Camera

The second generation Nikon D1X and D1H offer the most advanced image quality, speed, operation and functionality available in affordable, professional digital SLR cameras. Both models include advanced capabilities for color reproduction, white balance and precision exposure control. The D1X is optimized for superior image quality, and the D1H is optimized for action photography, with continuous shooting up to five (5) frames per second. It's the ideal choice for today's action-oriented pro sports photographers.

The D1H incorporates all of the D1's advanced features such as 3D color matrix metering, multi-zone autofocus system, auto-TTL flash operation with 3D color matrix metering, Compact Flash Type II storage and IEEE 1394 FireWire connectivity. The D1H is equipped with a new 2.7-megapixel imager and features improved color management capability for super-high color fidelity in a wide variety of applications and locations. Nikon listened to the users and vastly improved the menu interface as well as the color LCD display and playback functions. The D1H is useable with the vast majority of Nikon F-mount lenses out there, however it performs best with the newer D or G type Nikkor lenses.

Thanks to high speed processing and a large RAM buffer, the D1H can capture up to 40 full resolution frames at 5 frames per second. Photographers can choose to save their pictures as finished JPEG with one of three levels of compression, uncompressed TIFF (8-bit YCbCr or RGB type) or Nikon's proprietary raw NEF format which allows you to post-process the actual 16-bit CCD data later in the Nikon Capture 2 software.

Nikon D1H Features:

2.74-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 2000 x 1312 pixel images
High-speed 5fps capture up to 40 frames per burst
Digital SLR camera based on Nikon F5 body
Interchangeable lenses, Nikon F-mount (1.5x focal multiplier)
Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and Auto Bracketing exposure modes
Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
Shutter speeds from 1/16,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
2-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels and white LED backlight
Onscreen menu for Record, Playback and Custom functions
Review functions now include zoomed-playback with pan
ISO sensitivity 200 to 1600 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps)
Improved color rendition with faster processing hardware
Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposure images
Supports sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
In-camera finished JPEG in three quality levels
Uncompressed TIFF and raw NEF file formats
White balance options have +/-3 fine tuning and 3 manual presets
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-28DX and SB-50DX
NikonView 4 and PhotoShop plugin (supplied) supports raw NEF
CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) data and control interface
Serial port for connection to optional GPS or cellphone
High capacity EN-4 Battery Pack and MH-17 charger

Nikon D1 Digital SLR Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:25:00.000-08:00

Nikon D1
When we first saw the Nikon D1 in prototype we were impressed and eager to test the camera, but had to wait three long months to get one for a proper review, such was the demand on the few cameras in the country. We all have high expectations from Nikon but were still surprised by the D1. This is some camera! The D1 is already making quite an impact in the professional photographic community. Anyone who has used Nikon Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras will find this camera quite familiar since it is the digital brother of the F100 film camera and has the look and feel of a film camera.

Coming some 18 months after the advent first of the Kodak/Canon DCS digital cameras, Nikon has been slow to meet the challenge with a top end professional digital camera, but by setting the price of the D1 very low in comparison to the competition, and by producing such a remarkable product, Nikon has signalled war as it battles to regain market share in the professional digital camera market.

Big Burst
Nikon has achieved a remarkable burst rate of 4.5 frames per second in the D1 with a large buffer to hold 21 compressed frames before refresh is necessary. This feature will be very attractive to editorial and sport photographers who need to shoot very fast sequences and can't wait around for a camera to get its act together. Add this to excellent image quality, advanced auto focus, sophisticated metering, accurate automatic white balance and superb Nikon optics and you have a formidable camera.

Remove the lens and raise the mirror to reveal the CCD sensor behind the cyan coloured lithium niobate (LiNB) low-pass filter which blocks infrared wavelengths.

Perhaps the most important thing about any digital camera is image quality and it's in this area that D1 really shines. The D1s 23.7 x 15.6 mm CCD sensor with an effective pixel count of 2012 x 1324 produces an RGB image with 2000 x 1312 pixels, capable of excellent reproduction in the A4 to A3 range. Nikon has achieved very good quality at quite high sensitivity ratings. The camera can be set at ISO 200, 400, 800 and 1,600 plus custom settings at 3,200 and 6,400. As one would expect, noise appears with speed increases but there is very little evidence of noise even at ISO 800 and certainly not the noise one would see on film at the same rating. We shot mostly at ISO 400 which gave great results.
Just in front of the CCD is an ultra-thin lithium niobate (LiNB) low-pass filter which acts as an anti-aliasing device and also cuts infrared rays. This makes for a smooth tonal range and almost no moiré detectable in the captured images

Nikon Coolpix 2500 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:16:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 2500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Coolpix 2500 employs a unique, inner-swiveling 3x 37-111mm (35mm equivalent) Zoom- Nikkor lens that can even be turned around 180° for self-portraits. The stylish and ultra-compact body measures a mere 4.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches and weighs only six ounces. The Coolpix 2500 is perfect for capturing digital photos anywhere, anytime, quickly and easily. Sharing digital photos, emailing friends and family, printing digital photos and creating online photo albums has never been easier. After pictures are taken you connect the camera to a computer with the included USB cable, press the "One-Touch" upload button and your photos are automatically moved to the desktop or transferred to NikonNet.

The Coolpix 2500's QuickReview function allows you to view images captured on 1/4 of the BriteView color LCD monitor while simultaneously viewing the live action. Get the best photo in a variety of situations by choosing from one of twelve Scene Modes including Portrait, Landscape, Fireworks Show, Sunset, Close-Up, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Copy, Beach/Snow, Museum, or the Backlight. Image quality is assured with the use of 256-element Matrix Metering, advanced digital image-processing and a high resolution 2-megapixel CCD that produces sharp and clean 8 x 10-inch pictures. The camera also offers a Movie Mode that allows users to create 320x240 QuickTime movies at 15fps for up to 15 seconds.

The Coolpix 2500 uses Nikon's new, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (EN-EL2) that has been exclusively designed for the ultra-slim camera. It provides extended battery life and the camera outfit also includes the charger.

Coolpix 2500 Features at a Glance:

Ultra-compact (4.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 in.) and lightweight (5.9 oz)
Nikkor 3x optical zoom (37-111mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF as close as 1.6 in. (4cm)
2.0-megapixel (effective) CCD imager
Image sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 or 640 x 480
1.5-inch TFT color monitor
built in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
CompactFlash Type I card slot
EN-EL2 rechargeable battery and rapid charger included
QuickReview feature from the Coolpix 995
Programmed Auto plus twelve Scene exposure modes
Drive modes: Single, Movie
QuickTime movie clips QVGA 320x240 @ 15fps
256-segment Matrix Metering
ISO sensitivity of 100 with auto Gain Up
One-Touch upload to computer or Internet
High speed USB port

Nikon Coolpix 2100 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 2100 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Coolpix 2100 is a compact, lightweight digital still camera with 2.1-megapixel effective image resolution and a Nikkor 3x zoom lens. It's an easy-to-use mid-range model with superior image quality that will satisfy the needs of beginners to advanced amateurs.

Superb optical performance is delivered by a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range equivalent to 38-115mm in 35mm format). The Coolpix 2100's 2.1-megapixel imager provides ultrahigh definition and, combined with Nikon's advanced image processing technology, ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity. Shooting is simplified by the general-use AUTO mode and supplemented by 10 different Scene modes, 6 Portrait modes, 5 Landscape modes, 3 Sports modes and 6 Night Portrait modes that allow you to capture great pictures in a variety of common situations.

The Coolpix 2100's compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable and its ergonomic, easy-grip design ensures easy operation. Managing pictures has never been easier, thanks to features like one-button data transfer and a Small Picture function that configures photos specifically for e-mail and Internet applications. The camera comes equipped with all the accessories necessary to immediately start taking better digital photographs.

Coolpix 2100 Features at a Glance:

2.1-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 1600x1200 pixels
Nikkor 3x optical zoom (38-115mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF down to 1.6 inches
1.5-inch TFT color monitor
Program AE and pre-programmed Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait exposure modes
Single, Continuous, 16-Shot Multi and QuickTime Movie modes
Automatic shutter speeds from 1/3000 sec. to 4 sec's
Built-in flash with auto, fill, and red-eye reduction
256-segment Matrix exposure metering
TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
Exif 2.2 and Epson PRINT Image Matching compatible
CompactFlash Type I card slot, 16MB card included
Plug-n-Play USB 1.1 connectivity, mass storage compliant
One-Touch upload for easy image transfers
Powered by two AA type or one CRV3 battery.

Nikon Coolpix 2000 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 2000 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Nikon Coolpix 2000 is a 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x (38-114mm 35mm equivalent) Zoom-Nikkor lens, it was designed for those looking for an entry-level camera. Complete with five automatic Scene modes, One-Touch Upload button and a built- in Speedlight featuring Red-eye reduction, Automatic, Anytime Flash, Flash Cancel and Slow Sync modes. Its Movie mode allows you to capture up to 20 seconds of motion video. The multi-function controls let you set the Image Quality, Image Size, White Balance, Exposure Metering, Continuous Shooting, Best Shot Selector, Exposure Compensation and Image Sharpening when you're ready to take more control over the photographic process.

Common Nikon features are included in the Coolpix 2000 like the Quick Review button that allows you to zoom in on the photo just taken to be sure you caught that special moment without having to switch to play mode. The One-Touch Upload button transfers images to a computer desktop or the Internet, when it is connected to a computer with the included USB cable. The Coolpix 2000 can also save the image in a reduced size with the Small Picture button for emailing to family and friends.

Once the photos are stored on the computer, the included NikonView 5 image browser software offers an image editing and processing package to organize, retrieve and print images, create a slideshow and share pictures via email, the Web or PDAs. Also included in the package are ArcSoft programs: PhotoImpression, a manipulation package that allows users to edit, retouch or apply special effects to photos and VideoImpression, which lets users edit and share QuickTime movies. The package also offers ArcSoft's Panorama Maker to stitch together a number of images to create panoramic photographs and PhotoBase for PDAs. Also packed with the camera is a video cable to display a slide show from the camera directly onto a TV screen.

Coolpix 2000 Features at a Glance:

Nikkor 3x optical zoom (38-114mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF as close as 1.6 inch
2.0-megapixel CCD imager
Image sizes: 1632 x 1224, 1024 x 768 or 640 x 480 pixels
1.5-inch TFT color monitor
Built-in flash with auto, fill, flash off, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
CompactFlash Type I card slot
Four "AA" battery power supply
QuickReview feature
Programmed Auto Exposure plus five Scene modes
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Movie
QuickTime movie clips QVGA 320x240 @ 15fps up to 20 secs.
Coolpix-exclusive Best Shot Selector exposure mode
60-segment Matrix Metering
One-Touch upload to computer or Internet
Video Output with NTSC or PAL format
USB 1.1 connectivity

Nikon Coolpix 950 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 950 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The new CoolPix 950 has proven itself to be a worthy successor to the most popular digital camera ever built, the Nikon CoolPix 900. The enhancements in picture quality, features, and construction make the 950 even better than its excellent predecessor. It's hard to believe the camera has all these 'bells & whistles', and I can still slip it into my pocket!

The first thing I noticed when I turned the camera on was the actual (real time) f-stop and shutter speed values displayed in the lower left hand corner of the LCD screen, much like what you'd see through the viewfinder of a high quality 35mm SLR camera... Yes!!!

The camera starts up fast, switches modes fast, and processes fast - all characteristics you need when time is of the essence for grabbing a candid shot opportunity.

The pictures are a bit sharper and the colors a bit more saturated than the CoolPix 900. Color tones appear to be "right on". Basically, nothing was lost in the already excellent picture quality with the new model, and significant gains were made in areas that often required some "tweaking" with the original CoolPix 900.

And for low light shooting, the easily adjustable ISO puts the shutter and aperture balance into a comfortable range.

Conclusion - Pros

Overall excellent image quality (detail, balance and colour saturation)
Higher resolution (1600 x 1200)
Great optics (bright and sharp)
Little or no need for post-processing correction / sharpening of images
Solid construction (metal case, improved controls, improved swivel)
Swivelling lens barrel
Excellent matrix metering
The continual focusing (4700+ focus points) makes for fast focus and fast shots
Much improved built-in flash
External flash sync connector
Fast processing, short delays, short lag times
Well thought-out onboard software (logical menus, quick navigation)
Amazing feature set (manual white balance, BSS, user settings etc.)
Custom settings (plus "remembering" settings after power-off)
Clear, smooth, sharp and fast updating LCD
Best macro ability in its price range
Variable sensitivity with little addition of noise
Excellent manual controls (aperture & shutter priority, manual focus)
Quick and easy to use menus (thanks to the new command wheel)
More "portable" than some of its competitors (this is a BIG plus)
Great value for money (compared to similarily priced digital cameras)

Conclusion - Cons

Barrel distortion
Colour fringing on high contrast areas
Zooming from wide to tele could be faster (3.5s)
Sometimes poor low light focusing (really could have done with an assist light)
Inability to use Shutter Priority in anything but ISO 80
Poorly positioned tripod mount (cannot access CF or batteries without removing the camera from the tripod)
No support for CF type II cards
Serial port (what's wrong with USB, Nikon?)
Small bundled CF card (8MB on a 2 megapixel camera??)
Bad choice of uncompressed TIFF (CCD RAW would have produced much smaller files)

Nikon Coolpix 800 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 800 2MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom

The Coolpix 800 is a very good digital camera, it takes pictures that equal the more costly Nikon 950. For those just getting into digital photography it offers a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy excellent quality images capable of generating photo-quality 8x10-inch prints with today's inkjet printers.

It is small enough and light enough to be easily carried all day in your hand or in your pocket. The engineers have managed to squeeze out 25-35% better battery life without sacrificing any major features, they just used a slightly smaller LCD.

Conclusion - Pros

Excellent image quality
Great colour and white balance
Solidly built despite plastic case
Matrix Metering
Fast processing, short cycle times
Logical menu system (as found on CP700, CP950, D1)
Easily Portable
Better "bright" LCD mode (as found in the new CP950 firmware)
Auto ISO mode
Ease of use (even my dad used it!)

Conclusion - Cons

What no USB?
No CF Type II support
Can't scroll in playback zoomed mode
Limited zoom (2x.. matches S10)

Nikon Coolpix 775 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 775 2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

The Coolpix 775's QuickReview function allows you to view images captured on 1/4 of the LCD monitor while simultaneously viewing the live action. Get the best photo in a variety of situations by choosing from one of seven Scene Modes including party/indoor, backlight, portrait, night portrait, landscape, beach/snow or sunset mode. Image quality is assured with the use of 256-element Matrix Metering, advanced image-processing and 2.14-megapixel CCD that produces sharp and clean 8 x 10-inch pictures. The camera also offers a Movie Mode that allows users to create QVGA movies for up to 40 seconds at approximately 15 frames per second.

The included NikonView 4 software, gives users ultimate control of how they save, view, store and use their digital images. For added image creativity, the camera features an easy-to-use suite of software from ArcSoft. The Coolpix 775 also offers ArcSoft Panorama Maker 2000, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images to automatically create beautiful panoramic photographs ready to print or e-mail.

Coolpix 775 Features at a Glance:

Ultra-compact and extremely lightweight
Nikkor 3x optical zoom (38-115mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF as close as 2cm
2.14-megapixel CCD imager
Image sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768 or 640 x 480
1.5-inch TFT color monitor
Builtin flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
CompactFlash Type I card slot
EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and rapid charger included
QuickReview feature from the Coolpix 995
Programmed Auto plus seven Scene exposure modes
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, 16-Shot Multi
QuickTime movie clips QVGA 320x240 @ 15fps
Coolpix-exclusive Best Shot Selector exposure mode
256-segment Matrix Metering
ISO sensitivity of 100 with auto Gain Up
One-Touch upload to computer or Internet
High speed USB port
Video Output with NTSC or PAL format

Nikon Coolpix SQ Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix SQ 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

The Coolpix SQ is Nikon's newest compact, lightweight digital still camera with a high resolution imager and a swiveling Nikkor 3x zoom lens. It features an entirely new body design, unlike anything ever seen before in the Coolpix family. The Coolpix SQ is truly "pocket size" and highly durable thanks to an all-metal body. It's an easy-to-use mid- range model with superior image quality that will satisfy the needs of beginners to advanced amateurs.

Superb optical performance is achieved by the 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range equivalent to 37-111mm in 35mm format. A highly accurate 5-point auto focus system keeps your subject in sharp focus from as close as 1.6 inches to infinity. To insure accurate focusing in all light conditions the SQ is the first Coolpix camera to be equipped with a focus assist illuminator. Following in the tradition of the Coolpix 9xx series and the Coolpix 4500, the Coolpix SQ's lens swivels 120° forward and can be turned 90° backwards for self-portraits.

The Coolpix SQ's 3.1-megapixel imager provides ultrahigh definition and, combined with Nikon's advanced image processing technology, ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity. Shooting is simplified by the general-use AUTO mode and supplemented by 15 different Scene modes that allow you to capture great pictures in a variety of common situations. The Manual mode can be used when you want more control of the photographic process. You can also record up to 40 seconds of 320 x 240 motion video with sound. Up to 15-second voice notes can also be added to still images.

Coolpix SQ Features at a Glance:

3.1-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2016x1512 pixels
Swiveling Nikkor 3x optical zoom (37-111mm in 35mm equivalent)
5-point auto focus with focus assist illuminator
Macro focus with full AF from 1.6 inches to infinity
1.5-inch TFT color monitor, transreflective with 117,600 pixels
Program AE and 15 Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Sunset and more)
Records 320x240 motion video with sound for up to 40 seconds
Single, Continuous and 16-Shot Multi shooting modes
Automatic shutter speeds from 1/2000 sec. to 2 sec's
Built-in flash with auto, fill, and red-eye reduction
1,005-segment Matrix, Center-weight and Spot exposure metering
TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
Exif 2.2 and Epson PRINT Image Matching compatible
CompactFlash Type I card slot, 16MB card included
Plug-n-Play USB 1.1 connectivity, mass storage compliant
One-Touch upload for easy image transfers
Lithium ion rechargeable EN-EL2 battery pack
COOL-STATION dock for image transfer and battery charging

Nikon Coolpix 5700 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom.

The Nikon Coolpix 5700 is the first 5.0 effective megapixel digital camera to incorporate an 8x optical zoom lens. The 9-72mm Zoom-Nikkor (equivalent to 35-280mm in 35mm photography) is an all glass optic that includes two glass-molded ED lens elements and Nikon Super Integrated Coating. The Coolpix 5700's advanced feature set combined with a solid, compact body made of durable Magnesium alloy and a fully articulating LCD screen, makes the Coolpix 5700 an excellent choice for the experienced photographer or for those that wish to be.

This is the first Coolpix to include an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), the ability to capture images in a RAW data recording mode for image control and manipulation after the picture is taken and Nikon's exclusive Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for superior image quality. The Coolpix 5700 also records up to one minute of full-motion video with sound, for a complete digital package.

The 5.0 effective megapixel CCD captures images with multiple image quality settings at a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,920 pixels, which is capable of producing 16 x 20- inch prints and larger with outstanding quality. The exclusive Best Shot Selector can automatically select the sharpest from a series of consecutive shots. The camera also has an overall improved response, with a 70-millisecond shutter release lag time. The camera features a Quick Review button to review images in one quarter or full screen, right after the shot is taken.

Coolpix 5700 Features:

5-Megapixel CCD for images up to 2560 x 1920 pixels
Nikkor 8x zoom (35-280mm in 35mm equivalent) with ED glass
Macro focus with AF as close as 1.2"
Fully articulating 270°, 1.5" color LCD monitor
Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 180,000 pixels
CompactFlash Type II card slot (Microdrive compatible)
Record images in TIFF-RGB (uncompressed), JPEG or NEF raw
EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger included
Quick Review feature for instant playback
Programmed Auto (with Shift), Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority and Full Manual
Drive modes: Single, Continuous H, Continuous L, Ultra High Speed Continuous, 16-Shot Multi and QVGA 320x240 Movie with audio @ 15fps up to 60 secs
Coolpix-exclusive Best Shot Selector exposure mode
Shutter speeds from 1/4000 sec. to 8 secs (Bulb to 5 minutes!)
Aperture settings from F2.8 to F10.3 in 10 steps
7-bladed lens diaphram for true depth of field control
Control of color saturation intensity
Five-area multifocus system, user-selectable and Spot-AF
256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted or Spot
Noise Reduction for long exposures
Clear Image Mode for highly accurate color, low noise, smooth edged and wide dynamic range images at resolutions of 1280 x 960 and below
ISO sensitivity of Auto, 100, 200, 400 or 800
Matrix Auto White Balance plus Fine, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Speedlight and Custom Preset.
AE Bracketing with white balance and exposure value
Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
Hotshoe for external Nikon Speedlights
Epson PRINT Image Matching Technology compatible
USB 1.1 port for image download
Compatible with Nikon MC-EU1 wired remote control

Nikon Coolpix 3200 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 3200 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

The Coolpix 3200 is a compact, lightweight digital still camera with 3.2 megapixel effective image resolution and a Nikkor 3x zoom lens. It's an easy-to-use mid-range model with superior image quality that will satisfy the needs of beginners to advanced amateurs.

Superb optical performance is delivered by a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range equivalent to 38-115mm in 35mm format). The Coolpix 3200's 3.2-megapixel imager provides ultrahigh definition and, combined with Nikon's advanced image processing technology, ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity. Shooting is simplified by the general-use AUTO mode and supplemented by 10 different Scene modes, 6 Portrait modes, 5 Landscape modes, 3 Sports modes and 6 Night Portrait modes that allow you to capture great pictures in a variety of common situations.

The Coolpix 3200's compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable and its ergonomic, easy-grip design ensures easy operation. Managing pictures has never been easier, thanks to features like one-button data transfer and a Small Picture function that configures photos specifically for e-mail and Internet applications. The camera comes equipped with all the accessories necessary to immediately start taking better digital photographs.

Coolpix 3200 Features at a Glance:

3.2-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2048x1536 pixels
Nikkor 3x optical zoom (38-115mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF down to 1.6 inches
1.6-inch TFT color monitor
Program AE and pre-programmed Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait exposure modes
Single, Continuous, Multi-Shot 16 and QuickTime Movie modes
Automatic shutter speeds from 1/3000 sec. to 4 sec's
Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction
256-segment Matrix exposure metering
TTL Auto White Balance, 5 presets and custom set
Exif 2.2 and PictBridge compatible
SD memory card slot, no card included, 14.5MB internal memory
Plug-n-Play USB 1.1 connectivity, mass storage compliant
One-Touch upload for easy image transfers
Powered by two AA type or one CRV3 battery.

Nikon Coolpix 995 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T20:37:00.001-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 995 3.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom.

The Coolpix 995 is Nikon's newest 3.34-megapixel digital camera and the flagship of the Coolpix line. It's available now for the incredible price of just $599. The price includes the camera, Lexar 8x 16MB CF card, Nikon EN-EL1 rechargeable lithium battery pack, MH-51 charger and a host of software titles; NikonView 4, Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE, ArcSoft PhotoStudio 2000, ArcSoft VideoImpression, ArcSoft PhotoPrinter Pro 2000 and ArcSoft Panorama Maker 2000. (Software and accessories may differ by country or area.)

Building on the feature set of its predecessor, the COOLPIX 990, the Coolpix 995 is packed with even more features such as a new 4x optical (38-152mm equiv 35mm) Zoom-Nikkor lens with a stepless 4x digital zoom, a built-in pop-up Speedlight that drastically minimizes red-eye effect, a real 7-bladed lens diaphram for true depth of field control, Nikon’s advanced image-processing algorithms provide exceptional color and a new Noise Reduction system for dramatically improved long exposure pictures. The Quick Review function (inhereted from the Coolpix 880) is convenient for confirming captured images at the press of a button.

The Coolpix 995’s unique swivel design allows for a wider range of shooting angles, enhancing creative leeway. The photographer can decide on the camera position while rotating the camera body, and view the LCD panel from virtually any angle. This swiveling lens feature makes the Coolpix 950, 990 and 995 cameras an excellent choice for attaching to microscopes, telescopes and other optical devices.

Coolpix 995 Features at a Glance:

Pop-up multimode flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
Swiveling Nikkor 4x optical zoom (38-152mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF as close as 2cm
1.8-inch TFT color monitor
CompactFlash Type II card slot (Microdrives work but use at own risk)
EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger included
Quick Review feature from the Coolpix 880
Programmed Auto (with Shift), Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority and Full Manual exposure modes
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, VGA Sequence, 16-Shot Multi and QVGA 320x240 Movie
Coolpix-exclusive Best Shot Selector exposure mode
Shutter speeds from 1/2300 sec. to 8 secs (Bulb to 60 secs)
Aperture settings from F2.6 to F10.3
7-bladed lens diaphram for true depth of field control
Control of color saturation intensity
Five-area multifocus system with 7,123-step AF and Spot-AF
256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted or Spot
Noise Reduction for long exposures
ISO sensitivity of 100, 200, 400 or 800 (even in Shutter speed priority mode)
Matrix Auto White Balance plus Fine, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Speedlight and preset.
AE Bracketing with white balance as well as exposure value
7,123-step autofocus with 50-step manual focus
Record images in TIFF-RGB (uncompressed) or JPEG Fine (1/4), Normal (1/8), or Basic 1/16).
Lens section lock prevents "drooping" when using heavy lenses
Epson PRINT Image Matching Technology compatible
External sync connector for Nikon Speedlights
High speed USB port for image download
User-upgradeable camera firmware
Compatible with all Nikkor-Coolpix auxilliary lenses

Nikon Coolpix 995 Digital Camera Review

2006-03-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

Pop-up multimode flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
Swiveling Nikkor 4x optical zoom (38-152mm in 35mm equivalent)
Macro focus with AF as close as 2cm
1.8-inch TFT color monitor
CompactFlash Type II card slot (Microdrives work but use at own risk)
EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger included
Quick Review feature from the Coolpix 880
Programmed Auto (with Shift), Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority and Full Manual exposure modes
Drive modes: Single, Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, VGA Sequence, 16-Shot Multi and QVGA 320x240 Movie
Coolpix-exclusive Best Shot Selector exposure mode
Shutter speeds from 1/2300 sec. to 8 secs (Bulb to 60 secs)
Aperture settings from F2.6 to F10.3
7-bladed lens diaphram for true depth of field control
Control of color saturation intensity
Five-area multifocus system with 7,123-step AF and Spot-AF
256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted or Spot
Noise Reduction for long exposures
ISO sensitivity of 100, 200, 400 or 800 (even in Shutter speed priority mode)
Matrix Auto White Balance plus Fine, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Speedlight and preset.
AE Bracketing with white balance as well as exposure value
7,123-step autofocus with 50-step manual focus
Record images in TIFF-RGB (uncompressed) or JPEG Fine (1/4), Normal (1/8), or Basic 1/16).
Lens section lock prevents "drooping" when using heavy lenses
Epson PRINT Image Matching Technology compatible
External sync connector for Nikon Speedlights
High speed USB port for image download
User-upgradeable camera firmware
Compatible with all Nikkor-Coolpix auxilliary lenses

Nikon Coolpix 990 Digital Camera Review

2006-02-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 990 3.34MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

The Nikon Coolpix 990 is the first of the new wave of 3.34-megapixel resolution digital cameras. It retains the best features of the Coolpix 950 like the razor sharp Nikkor 3x zoom lens, the closest macro capability of any digicam, the highly durable magnesium alloy body and the unique swiveling lens design.

It now includes many of the user-requested improvements (CF card slot on side, USB connectivity, improved battery life, better LCD) and adds powerful new features like multizone autofocus, autoexposure bracketing, Flexible Program mode and a 7-blade iris diaphragm for real depth of field control.

The 990's 3.34 megapixel CCD delivers a non-interpolated image resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels with an uncompressed TIFF image file of just under 10MB in size. Recording modes include still image capture at up to 2 frames per second in full resolution, 320 x 240 QVGA at 30 frames per second and a new movie mode that shoots 40 seconds of (silent) QVGA Motion-JPEG at 15 fps.

Nikon has finally answered the question of how to keep the lens cap with the camera. They now include a "lens string" that slips around the joint between the two sections of the camera.

The Coolpix 990 has an exclusive Multi-Area autofocus mode for quick composition without interruption. It searches the 5 zones for closest subject or sharpest subject. It is a direct descendant of Nikon pro film and D1 digital SLR cameras.

The 990 also features a 50-step manual focus, Nikon’s 256 element Matrix metering and new 256 element Matrix white balance system to insure the best possible exposure and color balance in every shot.

New is a 7-blade iris diaphragm for true depth of field control and versatile exposure control with four exposure modes:

Programmed Automatic (with Flexible Program)
Shutter Priority - (bulb [max 60 secs], 8s, 4s, 2s, 1s, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/750, 1/1000)
Aperture Priority - (in wideangle: F2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 3.5, 3.9, 4.4, 4.9, 5.5, 6.2 and 7.0 - in telephoto F4.0, 4.4, 5.0, 5.6, 6.3, 7.0, 7.9, 8.9, 9.9 and 11)
Full Manual control of both shutter and aperture.

In the "P"rogrammed automatic mode there are more options available via the Flexible Program mode. By rotating the command dial the "P" changes to a "P*" and each click brings up a different combination of shutter speed and aperture values that yield the same exposure.

The 990 has a USB 1.1 interface which makes downloading those large image files to a PC or Mac a snap. This is a dual I/O port supporting both USB and serial RS-232 connections. Nikon does not supply a serial port cable and the NikonView software is not capable of controlling the camera other than image downloads. The 990 now has user-selectable video output (NTSC or PAL). This eliminates the need to build two different camera models but the 990 will come in two different color schemes. The North American cameras will be charcoal grey with a purple colored finger grip (as shown here), the European models will be the black and red scheme used on the Coolpix 950's.

Nikon Coolpix 885 Digital Camera Review

2006-02-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 885 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Nikon COOLPIX 885 is a compact, lightweight (225g/7.9 oz) 3-megapixel digital still camera, it was developed as a successor to the highly acclaimed COOLPIX 880 . It is a mid-range model in the COOLPIX series featuring Nikon's newly developed 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm format). The 3.21-megapixel imager delivers ultrahigh-definition images up to 2,048 x 1,536-pixels. The Programmed AUTO and 12 Scene Mode settings will enable users to capture the essence of every picture in all sorts of lighting environments. One-button data transfer simplifies image data uploading. The new Small Picture function produces reduced-size pictures for e-mail and use on the internet.

The COOLPIX 885, available in metallic silver and charcoal black, comes with essential accessories including a disposable 2CR5 lithium battery (the EN-EL1 rechargeable battery and charger are an option in the U.S.), 16MB CompactFlash Card, USB cable and software. With a lens adaptor, it can accept various Nikkor converter lenses, such as Wideangle, Telephoto and Fisheye. An optional LCD hood increases LCD monitor visibility when shooting in daylight. With so many features and accessories, and a remarkably easy-to-use design the COOLPIX 885 promises to win over countless new users to the increasingly exciting field of digital photography.

Nikon COOLPIX 885 Major Features

3.21 million effective pixels for 2,048 x 1,536-pixel images
3x Zoom-Nikkor lens (38-114mm in 35mm format)
Digital zoom up to 4x magnification (12x when combined with optical zoom)
Bright, clear 1.5", 110,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD monitor
Nikon’s advanced image-processing algorithm ensures faithful color reproduction
Images can be saved as uncompressed TIFF-RGB or compressed JPEG (FINE: approx.
/4, NORMAL: approx. 1/8, BASIC: approx. 1/16)
Shutter speeds: 8 seconds to 1/1000 sec., Bulb up to 60 sec. in Manual
256-segment Matrix, Centre-Weighted, Spot or Spot AF Area metering
Matrix Auto White Balance, 5-mode manual with fine tuning, preset white balance and White Balance Bracketing
ISO equivalent 100, 200, 400 or Auto can be set in CSM mode
Macro shooting capability as close as 4cm (1.6 in.)
Best Shot Selector (BSS) function
Single, Continuous, Multi-Shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size), VGA Sequence and Ultra High Speed (70 QVGA images at approx. 30 fps) capture modes
AUTO Mode for point-and-shoot operation
5-Area Multi Autofocus for easier photo composition
Movie mode captures up to 40 sec. of QVGA frames at 15 fps
12 Scene Modes -- choose from 12 different “scenes” (Portrait, Party/Indoor, NightPortrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light)
Advanced, built-in 5-mode Speedlight
Quick Review button displays images during shooting for instant selection or deletion
TRANSFER Button lets users automatically upload image data to a computer
Small Picture function creates smaller size image data for e-mail attachment
Automatic Noise Reduction function for superior images at slow shutter speeds
USB interface for Plug-and-Play and compatible with devices that support USB Mass Storage class
Ergonomic design features intelligent button layout and directional Multi Selector for easy handling, superb operability
Compact and lightweight (225g/7.9 oz.) body with fully retractable zoom lens
Extended battery life of approx. 90 min. with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1*
Compatible with Nikon Telephoto, Wideangle and Fisheye Converter Lenses, and Slide
Copy Adaptor (requires optional Step Down Ring Lens Adaptor UR-E4)
Comes with Lens cap, Wrist strap, Video cable, 16MB CompactFlash™ Card, USB cable, Nikon View 4 (COOLPIX) CD-ROM, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1, Battery Charger MH-52
New dedicated LCD Hood HL-E885 is available as an option Supports EPSON "PRINT
Image Matching" technology

Nikon Coolpix 880 Digital Camera Review

2006-02-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 880 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 2.5x Optical Zoom

The Coolpix 880 is Nikon's most compact 3-megapixel digital camera. It shares the same high resolution CCD imager and processing hardware as the Coolpix 990 along with many of its advanced features like sophisticated multi-zone autofocusing, 4-mode TTL metering, exposure auto-bracketing, Best-shot selection, high speed USB connectivity and superb image quality. It's equipped with an all-glass Nikkor 2.5x optical zoom lens and is Nikon's first digicam to offer a rechargeable lithium battery option.

The Coolpix 880 produces 2048 x 1536-pixel images in standard JPEG format with three different quality levels or an uncompressed TIFF image file of just under 10MB in size. It can optionally save still images in 1024 x 768 or 640 x 480 size if desired. Recording modes include still images at up to 2fps in full resolution, Ultra High Speed 320 x 240 QVGA at 30 fps and a QuickTime movie mode that captures up to 40 seconds of QVGA Motion-JPEG at 15fps.

Nikon Coolpix 4800 Digital Camera Review

2006-02-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

Nikon Coolpix 4800 4MP Digital Camera w/ 8.3x Optical Zoom

Nikon's first entry-level "Super Zoom" camera (as of 9/2004), the Coolpix 4800 combines a 4.0-megapixel imager with a high-quality Nikkor ED 8.3x optical zoom, which covers 36-300mm (in 35mm equivalence.) This is a simple point-n-shoot camera that offers the ease of fully automatic operation, with the option for users to choose from 11 pre-programmed scene modes (Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks, Copy, Back light, Panorama assist), or use one of the 4 Scene assist modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait), which offer a selection of framing assist options to help users compose pictures with framing guides displayed.

The Coolpix 4800 features a 1.8-inch (118,000 pixel) TFT color LCD monitor, which can be used to frame pictures, review captured images, and navigate the Menu system. When bright light conditions make it difficult to use the LCD, you can switch to the camera's EVF (Electronic ViewFinder.) This is a tiny LCD (0.44 in.) with 235,000 pixels of resolution. It can also be used to review images, and navigate the Menu system.

Other features include 13.5MB of internal memory and a card slot for optional SD memory cards. Advanced 5-point auto focus system with AF-assist illuminator. Macro shooting capability as close as 0.4 inches (1cm), Best Shot Selector (BSS) takes a series of shots, then automatically picks and records the clearest one. Three Movie modes with sound, including TV movie (640x480 VGA), Small size (320x240), and Smaller size (160x120.) The length of a movie is limited only by the capacity of the internal or SD memory. The camera is powered by a proprietary EN-EL1 Li-ion rechargeable battery (supplied).

Coolpix 4800 Major Features:

4.0-megapixel effective CCD for images up to 2288x1712 pixels
Nikkor ED 8.3x optical zoom with 36-300mm coverage (35mm equivalent)
5-point auto focus with low-light AF-assist illuminator
Macro focus gets you as close as 0.4 in. (1cm)
1.8-inch (118,000 pixels) TFT color LCD
0.44 in. (235,000 pixels), TFT color EVF (Electronic ViewFinder)
Program AE, plus 15 Scene Modes including four with Scene Assist modes
Best Shot Selector (BSS), which helps users achieve better photos
Single, Continuous, 3 shot buffer, Multi-Shot 16 and QuickTime Movie modes
Automatic shutter speeds from 1/2000 sec. to 4 secs.
Built-in flash with auto, fill, cancel, slow sync, and auto with red-eye reduction
256-segment Matrix metering
Auto White Balance with 5 presets and custom
Exif 2.2 and PictBridge compatible
13.5MB internal memory and SD memory card slot
Plug-n-Play USB 2.0 Full Speed connectivity, mass storage compliant
Rechargeable EN-EL1 Li-ion battery and charger included.
Can use disposable 2CR5 lithium batteries