Nikon D5000: guide books, tutorial DVDs

December 30, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

Nikon D5000 is one of the best selling DSLRS.  The following is a list of best books and tutorial DVDs of Nikon D5000.  For Nikon D5000 best lenses and accessories, read here.

David Busch’s Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography

David-Busch-D5000Buy from amazon for $19.79 34% off

David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology. He has written the top-selling guidebooks for Nikon and Canon digital SLR models.  His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as “Popular Photography & Imaging,” “The Rangefinder,” “The Professional Photographer.”

David Busch’s Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography shows you how to maximize your camera’s robust feature set, including 12 megapixel resolution, 13 versatile new Scene modes, blazing-fast automatic focus, the real-time preview system Live View, and even HDTV movie-making capabilities. Introductory chapters will help you get comfortable with the basics of your camera before you dive right into exploring creative ways to apply the Nikon D5000’s exposure modes, focus controls, and electronic flash options.

Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots

Buy from amazon for $16.49 save 34%

About the Author

D5000-guide-bookJeff Revell has been shooting professionally for more than 25 years, and has a wide range of expertise in everything from landscape to travel to urban photography. He is widely known behind the popular Photowalk Pro blog (revellphotography.com/blog).

With Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots, you get the perfect blend of photography instruction and camera reference that will take your images to the next level! Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book teaches you how to take control of your photography to get the image you want every time you pick up the camera. Follow along with your friendly and knowledgeable guide, photographer and author Jeff Revell, and you will:

  • Learn the top ten things you need to know about shooting with the D5000
  • Use the D5000’s automatic scene modes to get better shots right away
  • Move on to the professional modes, where you have full control over the look and feel of your images
  • Master the photographic basics of composition, focus, depth of field, and much more
  • Learn all the best tricks and techniques for getting great action shots, landscapes, and portraits
  • Find out how to get great shots in low light
  • Fully grasp all the concepts and techniques as you go, with assignments at the end of every chapter

Nikon D5000 Digital Field Guide (Paperback)

D5000-Digital-Field-GuideBuy from amazon for $13.59 save 32%

About the Author
J. Dennis Thomas is a professional photographer and author based in Austin, TX. He owns Dead Sailor Productions, a photography and graphic design business, and has worked with many notable clients. He has authored eight previous Digital Field Guides and has published articles in national photography magazines.

With this book, you can

  • Learn to use exposure, metering, auto-focus, and AF-area modes
  • Work with menus for setup, shooting, playback, quick settings, and custom settings
  • Review lighting, exposure, depth of field, and composition essentials
  • Explore different lenses and understand Nikon’s lens codes
  • Discover the secrets of great action, nighttime, and macro photography, product and nature shots, and more.

Nikon D5000 For Dummies Buy for $19.79 save 34%

D5000-dummies_

  • Walks you through the new Nikon D5000’s features, including a 12.3 megapixel sensor, 19 auto-exposure modes, and a swivel viewfinder
  • Shows beginners who may be new to DSLR cameras how to take good digital photographs-from using the right settings for things like sunsets, candelight, or portraits-to downloading to your computer and printing
  • Demonstrates beginning to advanced techniques with over 200 full-color photos, giving you plenty of great ideas of what you can accomplish
  • Offers practical tips and ideas from two expert digital photographers and authors
Nikon D5000: Introduction to the Nikon D5000 Volume 1: Basic Controls (Tutorial DVD) Buy for $19.95

Topics include: – Shutter-priority auto – Aperture-priority auto – Focus alternatives – Metering – White balance/Color temperature – Live View shooting – Shooting video – Exposure compensation – Flash basics – Custom settings introduction – Shooting settings screen – Information display – Composition – Self timer – Picture Styles – Menu functions – Scene modes – My Menu

Nikon D5000: Introduction to the Nikon D5000 Volume 2: Advanced Topics (Tutorial DVD) Buy for $21.95

This guide takes you through Nikon’s advanced features, and explains what they are, how they work, and how they can perform in real-world situations. Custom Settings: The D5000 is endlessly configurable. DVD goes into detail about the settings that can have the most impact on your shooting. It also address the topics of Live View, and the D5000s video exposure control. Nikon Speedlites and flash photography: The DVD discusses choices and settings you can use to manipulate the ambient light or added light with external flash units. Color properties and settings: You will learn how to control color properties, and how to build new Picture Controls for your camera. In the color management section, it address the issue of maintaining authentic color throughout the digital image workflow, from choosing a color space, through post processing on a computer monitor, all the way to the printed output. Your ritual and custom menus: Shows you how to set up the camera to match your personal approach to photography. Lays out a method for preparing you and the camera to get great, consistent results every time.

Nikon D3000 best price, reviews, sample images, best lenses and accessories

July 30, 2009 · Filed Under camera · 1 Comment 

NIkon D3000Nikon D3000 is Nikon’s entry level digital SLR featuring a 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor, 3-inch LCD, 11 points autofocus system with 3D tracking and a continuous shoot speed of 3 frames per second. Nikon D3000 is the successor of the popular Nikon D40.

Best deal: $469.99

Nikon D3000 reviews

Dpreview Just posted the in-depth review of NikonD3000. Highly recommended!

The D3000 is an excellent camera, and great value at its current street price. What the D3000 conspicuously lacks however, compared to competitive cameras like the Canon EOS 1000D and the recently announced Pentax K-X, is a Live View mode.

DCRP review of Nikon D3000

“Very good photo quality; good high ISO performance
Compact body (by D-SLR standards)”

Nikon D3000 review at photographyblog

Highly recommended!

Cnet Australia review of Nikon D3000

Good: Excellent image quality at low ISO levels, Speedy performance for an entry-level digital SLR

Bad: No live view, ISO only up to 1600

Nikon D3000 hands-on preview from dpreview

NikonD3000 review at Imaging resource
Nikon D3000 did well enough that it would serve a consumer who would usually confine his printed output to 8×10, as they’ll likely like the brightly saturated color and seldom encounter the more pronounced noise at higher ISOs. Ultimately, the Nikon D3000 is a good digital SLR, but doesn’t rise to the level of a Dave’s Pick.

Nikon D3000 sample images

Nikon D3000 sample images

Nikon D3000 sample images at photographyblog

Nikon D3000 brochure

Nikon D3000 and Nikon D40, D60, Nikon D5000, Nikon D90 comparisons

Buy Now at the best price


Best lenses for Nikon D3000

Beginners may want to read this post to understand the terms: How to understand Nikon lenses. The most affordable lenses are the kit lens Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and telephoto lens Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens ($216.87 at amazon). Both lenses are light and sharp with very useful VR (vibration reduction).


If you prefer one lens, Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens is a very popular lens. If you want a better walk around lens, Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is the best choice. this lens is sharp and has a large aperture f/2.8 throughout the focus range.


A new version of this Tamron 17-50mm with VC (vibration compensation) is now available:


More on the best Nikon lenses: Best Nikon lenses

Nikon D3000 accessories:

The most essential accessories are

Lowepro Slingshot 200 all weather backpack is a very good back pack.


  • SD cards: you need at least two 4G to 8G cards. The best brands are San Disk, Kingston and Lexar.

Nikon press release

Digital SLR Camera Nikon D3000 July 30, 2009

New, intuitive Guide mode and extraordinary 10.2-megapixel image quality provide first-time users with an ideal way to experience the world of digital SLR photography.

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the newest addition to its family of quality DX-format digital SLRs, the D3000. Combining in-camera assistance and supreme ease-of-use with Nikon’s renowned technology, the D3000 is the ideal choice for people looking to upgrade from their point-and-shoot camera to a digital SLR.

The D3000 features a new Guide mode — a hassle-free way for less-experienced picture-takers to master the capabilities of digital SLR cameras. Through its intuitive user-friendly interface, Guide mode assists users in choosing shooting modes for a variety of situations and, if they choose, in exploring advanced photographic techniques. From close-ups and landscapes to portraits with soft backgrounds and picture-taking opportunities of fast-moving action, Guide mode eases users into the world of digital SLR photography. In addition, settings made with Guide mode can even be fine-tuned before the shot in order to achieve the best possible photos.

Despite its simple interface, the D3000 delivers exceptional picture quality. Thanks to 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon’s DX-format CCD sensor, exclusive EXPEED image processing system, and compatibility with an extensive selection of legendary NIKKOR lenses, the D3000 produces finely detailed images that can be freely cropped and enlarged while retaining sharpness.

Extending the D3000’s excellent performance is Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting up to 3 frames-per-second, advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and 11-point selectable autofocus.

For comfortable viewing when playing back images and retouching photos, the D3000 features a bright 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also improves readability of menus thanks to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60.

Extensive in-camera image control is available using Nikon’s Picture Control System, which allows users to customize key digital image characteristics to suit personal preferences. For additional creative control, the D3000 includes comprehensive in-camera editing functions via its Retouch Menu that enhance photos with a variety of effects — without the need for a computer.

Whether it’s grabbing point-and-shoot snapshots or exploiting techniques commonly used by more advanced photographers, the D3000 offers an easy, inviting way to experience the world of digital SLR photography and obtain beautiful pictures.

Nikon D3000 Feature Highlights

New Guide mode

In-camera guidance is provided by new Guide mode, which employs an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for first-time users to select shooting modes. Additionally, after selecting an item in Guide mode, camera settings can be further adjusted in order to obtain optimal results.

Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels

At 10.2 effective megapixels, the D3000 produces high-resolution images that enable beautiful enlargements without loss of sharpness. Normal ISO sensitivity is ISO 100 to 1600. For added shooting versatility, a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200.

EXPEED image processing system

The D3000 is equipped with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system. EXPEED realizes excellent resolution, long tonal scale, and superb color while also making possible fast processing of the D3000’s advanced imaging functions such as Scene Recognition and Active D-Lighting.

Scene Recognition System

This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus by analyzing color and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting. It then adjusts the D3000 accordingly for optimal picture quality.

Active D-Lighting

The D3000 incorporates Nikon’s Active D-Lighting function to vastly improve details in the shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Like the Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting utilizes the 420-pixel RGB sensor to analyze a scene then adjust exposure to achieve images that closely resemble what the human eye sees. During processing, this function also restores details in the highlight and shadow areas of the image that may have been lost.

11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module

Employing 11-point autofocus driven by Nikon’s Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module, the D3000 delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame. Four versatile AF modes are available: single-point AF for stationary subjects, especially ones that are off-center; dynamic-area AF for moving subjects; auto-area AF when you want the D3000 to automatically determine the proper focus method; and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for maintaining focus on subjects even if the composition changes

3.0-in. LCD monitor

Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever thanks to the 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also results in text size that is 20% larger than on previous Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Picture Control System

The Picture Control System of the D3000 gives users the ability to customize key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences. Six settings are available: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape.

In-camera photo editing

After shooting, the D3000’s photo editing functions allow for in-camera retouching, lessening the need for a computer to enhance or modify images. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect under its Retouch Menu that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models. Each editing function is applied to a copy of the image, with the original left unmodified.

Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System

Dust reduction is handled by the Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System. This is a comprehensive solution that reduces generation and accumulation of dust and also provides measures to remove dust. A key element of the solution is the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the image sensor. The system also includes an image sensor cleaning function that activates automatically when the D3000 is powered on or off. This vibrates the low-pass filter (located in front of the sensor) to free it from dust.

Superb NIKKOR lenses

The D3000 opens up a wide range of possibilities for dramatic expression thanks to full compatibility with the extensive lineup of NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses. From ultra wide-angle and micro to super telephoto, NIKKOR lenses give users the means to explore their creativity to the fullest.

Nikon D3000 Other Features

  • Extensive playback options that allow viewing of images one at a time or in batches of 4, 9, and 72 as well as Calendar view that organizes images by shooting date and time. A histogram display is also available that shows exposure data for a magnified area of the image.
  • Highly durable shutter unit tested to 100,000 cycles.
  • Long-lasting Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a that provides up to 550 shots per charge. (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and flash fired at full power once every other shot.)
  • Built-in flash with a guide number of approx. 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft., 20°C/68°F) and support for Nikon’s i-TTL flash control.
  • Support for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using SB-900, SB-600, or SB-400 Speedlights, or the SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander.
  • Compatible with all NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that have an autofocus motor.
  • Compatible with the optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3. There are two shutter release modes available when using the control: Quick Response mode for immediate triggering of the shutter release and Delayed Remote mode, which delays triggering for two seconds.
  • Viewfinder grid lines that aid in picture composition.
  • Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
  • Includes Nikon ViewNX image browsing and editing software, which lets you organize, label, and select images as well as perform NEF (RAW) image editing adjustments and conversions.
  • Photos captured with the D3000 can be used with optional Nikon Capture NX 2 photo-editing software, which features patented U Point® technology and powerful tools for quick and easy photo editing, including enhanced NEF (RAW) Editing.

NIkon D300s hands-on preview, sample images and videos

July 30, 2009 · Filed Under camera · 1 Comment 

NikonD300SD300s, a new 12.3 megapixel CMOS digital SLR with 51 points autofocus,  is the successor of the popular Nikon D300 with new features such as 720p HD video recording (24 fps, auto focus while recording and input for external microphone), live view,  faster continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second vs. 6 frames per second and have both CF card and SD card slots. Nikon D300s will be available at Aug 2009 at a price of $1800 body only.

Hands-on preview at dpreview

For the comparisons with other Nikon Digital SLRs such as Nikon D700, Nikon D300, Nikon D90, Nikon D5000, read here.

Nikon D300s sample images and sample videos

Nikon D300s press release

NIKON D300s REVITALIZES THE STANDARD AND MEASURE OF AGILE, PRO-LEVEL DX-FORMAT D-SLR DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.

The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.

“Today’s photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “It’s no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s’ HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility.”

The Benchmark of Speed, Performance and Reliability

Whether on the front lines of spot news or behind the scenes at a spring wedding, users of the D300s can record HD video clips at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. In addition, the D300s also records high fidelity audio—either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Photographers can trim video length on the fly and apply Picture Controls to video, modifying the tone and color. Additionally, users can autofocus while recording video, using contrast detect AF, and do so while composing on the D300s’ bright three-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen.

Nikon’s applauded AF system, with 51 high density focus points, performs even faster and more accurately on the new D300s. The Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module uses 15 cross type sensors to provide unparalleled focus performance across the frame. The D300s offers multiple focus modes, including single-point AF mode, and a dynamic-area AF mode, where users can select from nine, 21 or 51 AF points with 3D tracking. Additionally, the added Face Detection System lets users instantly zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the high-resolution LCD monitor to check critical focus.

The Nikon exclusive and newly-accelerated Scene Recognition System (SRS) further refines Nikon’s AF performance and light metering. In conjunction with the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system, the SRS uses precise color and brightness information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to propel AF, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance to unprecedented accuracy.

The renowned 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor in the D300s delivers extraordinary image quality and low noise throughout the entire ISO sensitivity range from 200 to 3200 (Lo-1 at 100 and 6400 at Hi-1). The D300s captures image data using 14 bit A/D conversion, processed through a 16-bit pipeline for optimal performance, resulting in images with sharp details and smooth tonal gradations.

The D300s also incorporates Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing. EXPEED image processing uses an accumulation of sophisticated Nikon intelligence and technologies to ensure impeccable quality for both still images and movies, while also achieving high-speed processing and low power consumption. When using the included EN-EL3e Li-Ion rechargeable battery, photographers can achieve as many as 950 shots under normal shooting conditions. The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting comfort and supports three types of batteries: R6/AA-size batteries, along with Nikon’s Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e and the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. It combines added stability with extended shooting of up to 2,950 shots*1 per charge and enables faster high-speed continuous shooting at up to 8 fps*2.

The reinforced magnesium alloy body is lightweight, ruggedly constructed and comprehensively sealed and gasketed against the elements at key points, and the shutter has been proven to a demanding 150,000 cycles. Additionally, the D300s employs the Integrated Dust Reduction System countermeasures that combat the accumulation of image-degrading particles on the optical low-pass filter.

World Class Versatility

With the D300s, Nikon introduces the ability to bracket Active D-Lighting (ADL). By localizing tone control, ADL restores shadow and highlight detail typically lost in high contrast situations, such as backlit subjects or while outdoors with strong sunlight. ADL bracketing provides users with the ability to bracket up to five frames of ADL strength to help ensure perfect contrast throughout the frame, putting an end to the guesswork behind the shot with a bride’s intricate white dress and a groom’s tuxedo in the same frame, for example.

Additionally, the D300s features two memory card slots—one CF and one SD, used simultaneously in a variety of configurations to match users’ preferences. Among the many options available, stills and video can record to separate cards or slots can be assigned for JPEG and RAW recording. The D300s offers “overflow” or “backup” modes, and when shooting D-Movie clips, it allows you to select the slot containing the card with the most available capacity. Users can also copy and paste files between cards.

Also added to the D300s is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting “Q” on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive.

To further expand versatility, users have the ability to fine tune their images using Nikon’s Picture Controls to adjust sharpening, brightness, contrast and color hue. The D300s offers users four presets including Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome; while Landscape and Portrait settings can be downloaded from the Nikon website. While the D300s offers a versatile built-in flash with wider coverage for a 16mm lens, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and is capable of controlling up to two groups of remote units as a master / commander for Advanced Wireless Lighting.

System Expandability

In addition to compatibility with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses and a broad array of system accessories, the D300s will also perform well with the recently announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8G ED VR II and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lenses.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D300s camera body will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $1799.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon D5000 review at Imaging Resource

July 5, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

Nikon D5000 full review at Imaging Resource is now available. Nikon D5000, the successor of the Nikon D60, has the same 12.3 megapixel sensor as Nikon D90.
Pro:
Excellent high-ISO performance
Maximum frame rate of 4 fps is better than many competing model
Bright AF-assist lamp does not require flash to be deployed
Con: Cannot autofocus while recording video
For other reviews of Nikon D5000, read here.
For Nikon D5000 best lenses and accessories, read here.



Nikon D5000 review at DC resource

June 21, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

Nikon D5000 is the successor of Nikon entry level DSLR, Nikon D60. Nikon D5000 full review from DC resource was posted.

  • Very good photo quality; superb high ISO performance
  • Optional GPS unit
  • Flip-down, rotating 2.7″ LCD display


Read more

Nikon D5000 review from dpreview

June 18, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

Nikon-D5000-300x225Dpreview just posted the detailed review of Nikon D5000 along with the sample galleries.

Verdict: highly recommended!

  • Excellent image quality
  • Good tonal response and dynamic range
  • Very impressive high ISO performance
  • But the video mode is limited

For NIkon 5000 best lenses and accessories, read here.



Nikon D80 guide: reviews, manual, best lenses and accessories, books and DVDs

June 6, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

 

nikon_d80

Nikon D80 is one of the best selling digital SLRs.  Some good reviews, best lenses and accessories, tutorial books were collected here for you as an one stop place to know all about this great camera. Although Nikon D80 is not a new camera, there are still a lot of  Nikon D80s around. This post will serve as a guide for people who look for both new and  second hand Nikon D80s.  

Nikon D80 key features:

  • 10.3-megapixel DX-format CCD imaging sensor
  • Up to 2,700 images per battery charge
  • Continuous shooting as fast as 3 frames-per-second
  • Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II plus variable center-weighted and spot metering
  • New high-resolution Nikon image-processing engine
  • 11-area AF system with wide-area center segment and auto-area AF functions
  • 2.5″ LCD color monitor with 170-degree, wide-angle viewing

Nikon D80 user’s Manual can be found here.

Nikon D80 reviews

Nikon D80 Review by Phil Askey-dpreview.com

  • Auto-focus assist lamp rather than requiring flash to be raised
  • Excellent resolution, lots of detail, not a leap from eight megapixels, but certainly from six

Nikon D80 review by Jeff Keller-dcresource.com

  • Excellent photo quality, very low noise — though see issue below
  • Very solid for the most part; easy to hold
  • Super fast performance: fast autofocus + excellent continuous shooting mode 

Image Resource Review

Nikon D80 and other Nikon DSLRS: D40, D60, D5000, D90, D300, D700 comparisons

Best lenses for Nikon D80

Beginners  may want to read this post to understand the terms: How to understand Nikon lenses

For the most affordable lenses:  Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR  $150 and telephoto lens Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens ($216.87 at amazon). Both lenses are light, sharp lenses with very useful VR (vibration reduction). If you prefer one lens, Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens is a very popular lens.

More on the best Nikon lenses:  Best Nikon lenses

The lowest price of Nikon D80 is $595 (check price by Pricegrabber)

Nikon D80 accessories:

The most essential accessories are 

D80 DVD tutorial, books 

Nikon D90 is on sale on amazon for $886

May 25, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

Nikon D90 is on sale on amazon for $885.89 body only. In addition, you can save $50 Instantly when buy Nikon D90 or another qualifying Nikon digital SLR together with Tamron 18-200mm lens and Tiffen 62mm UV Protection filter. Simply add all three products to your Shopping Cart and you will get the discount at checkout. Offer good through July 15, 2009.

Nikon DSLR sales

Nikon D700 and D300 comparison

April 23, 2009 · Filed Under camera · 2 Comments 

In previous two posts, the key features and reviews of Nikon D700 and Nikon 300 were presented. Nikon D300 is one of the best APS-C format digital SLRs and Nikon D700 is a full frame camera with great image quality. Which one is better for you?

If you have sufficient fund to buy high quality lenses, Nikon D700 is the one to get: D700 has a wide angle of view, great image quality especially at high ISO. Therefore, D700 is much better for low light photography such as indoor portraits and wedding photography. If money is tight, get D300 which is also a great digital SLR.

Cameras depreciate very quickly. The new digital SLRs are almost always better and cheaper, with more advanced features. On the other hand, lenses will keep their value. You can always sell DX format lenses and upgrade to FX format later.

Estimated budget for a Nikon D700 system

Nikon D700 $2400 from amazon

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S $1750

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens $2000 on amazon

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR $1899 on amazon

Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash $450

Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack $260

Total $8759

If you don’t need Nikon 14-24mm, then at least $7000, not to see the camera bag, memeory cards, filters etc.

Estimated budget for Nikon D300:

Nikon D300 $1560

Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX $900

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens $1242

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR $1899 on amazon

Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash $450

Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack $260

Total $6311


Nikon D700 reviews, manual, best lenses and accessories

April 22, 2009 · Filed Under camera · Comment 

nikon-d700

Nikon D700 features (from Nikon USA)

Nikon’s original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Teamed with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED digital image processing, the D700 delivers breathtakingly rich image quality.

Broad ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and incredibly low noise: Super low-noise performance from 200-6400 ISO, with the added versatility of Lo-1 (100 ISO) Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).

Continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second: Shoot at up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack.

Three-Inch, super-density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: High resolution with

170-degree wide-angle viewing, calibrated color and tempered-glass protection assure confident image review.

Two Live View shooting modes: Choose from hand-held or tripod modes to suit shooting requirements.

Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with extensive dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, the D700 merges pro D-SLR performance with expanded agility.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking: Exacting autofocus precision, plus three Dynamic AF modes.

Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System: Effective quad-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning minimizes image degrading dust particles.

1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Legendary Nikon exposure accuracy aided by an onboard database of over 30,000 images.

Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System: SRS further extends auto-exposure intelligence while also advancing white-balance detection and autofocus performance.

Nikon Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 9 customizable settings and 4 preset options allow fine tuning of image appearance preferences.

Active D-Lighting with NEW Auto mode: Unique three-phase dynamic control to capture previously lost details in shadows and highlights while maintaining normalized contrast.

Nikon D700 user’s manual can be downloaded here.

Nikon D700 reviews:

Nikon D700 Review by Lars Rehm & Simon Joinson, dpreview.com

Nikon D700 is an excellent camera that is extremely versatile and performs well both in the studio and on location. No doubt it sets a benchmark in the ‘compact’ pro bracket of the market. Highly recommended.

Nikon D700 review at Nikonians.com

“The D700 isn’t an upgrade from the D300. It’s a whole new camera. Something that many D300 users will want to use along as a second body or for people who want FX but not in the size of the D3.”

Nikon D700 review by Scott Kelby

So, in short, if you’ve dreamed of a D3 without the D3 price tag, your dreams have finally come true in the Nikon D700

Review of D700 by Imaging Resource

Nikon has done it again, producing a market-leading digital SLR that sets a new standard for image quality and ISO performance.



Best Lenses for Nikon D700

The best wide angle lens: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens buy from amazon $1750

The best standard lens or walk around lens: Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S buy from amazon $1999.95

The best telephoto lens: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens buy from amazon $1899.95

Please read the following posts on Nikon lenses recommendations:

Best Nikon lenses

Best Nikon macro lenses.

Nikon sports lenses

Best wildlife lenses

Best Nikon wedding lenses

Best landscape lenses for Nikon

Best Nikon travel lens

You will also need filters:

The best polarizing filters

The best UV filters

For the reviews of Nikon lenses, read photozone.de

Nikon D700 accessories:

Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack (buy from amazon for $259.78)

Lowepro SlingShot 100 All-Weather Digital Camera Backpack (Black) buy from amazon for $69.95

Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash, buy from amazon for $449.99

Wireless Radio Shutter Release 300 ft range for Nikon D700, buy from amazon for $38.81

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