Nikon Digital SLR Cameras and Lenses

This website goes through every section of the Nikon system and concludes with some starter system recommendations.

The Nikon system of digital (SLR) bodies and lenses is a popular choice.

Every component manufactured by Nikon is covered, plus a few exceptionally good third-party components. If you are new to photography, you might want to start with our article

Wide-angle Prime Lenses

These let you get close to your subject while still showing a lot of background information. Wide angle lenses are good for “environmental portraits” in which the subject occupies ...

What is the best macro lens? Which one should you buy?

For photographers who use Nikon SLR camera's, there is: •Nikon 105mm f/2.8G •Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens

Travel and Landscape Lenses (26 D-SLR Camera Lenses)

Whether you want an extreme wide-angle lens for beautiful landscapes or all-in-one zoom for when you're constantly on the go, these NIKKON lenses will help you capture more of every adventure.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

NIKON ACCESSORIES review cheap prices Wireless Transmitters ~ Stereo Microphone ~ Power Cords and Cables

Discover the best sellers NIKON ACCESSORIES Wireless Transmitters ~ Stereo Microphone ~ Power Cords and Cables accessories and more here with special price!!! ACCESSORIES review cheap prices NIKON ACCESSORIES  best buy discount online


Power Accessories Cords and Cables /Other Cords, Stereo Microphone, Wireless Transmitters


Nikon D3100 Battery Charger
 AC Wall Charger + In-Car Charger Adapter Compatible with Nikon EN-EL14 Battery For D3100 SLR Camera

       Battery Charger Kit for Nikon MH-24 Charger - Fold-in Wall Plug (Car & EU Adapters Included)  Nikon DIGITAL CAMERA CHARGERS. Keep your Nikon battery fully charged with our line of car chargers, home chargers, and more.
Check out the review of the Nikon D3100 Camera Battery Charger




Nikon MC-DC2 Remote Nikon MC-DC2 Remote Release Cord for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 

       Useful for releasing shutter remotely to reduce camera shake. Shutter can also be locked in Long Time Exposure (Bulb).  It connects to the camera with a small plug, allowing you to fire the shutter without physically touching the camera, thereby reducing the risk of camera-shake on long exposures.  
If you would like to read more/purchase Nikon MC-DC2 Remote


Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable
 Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for Nikon D3100 DSLR 
       The high-capacity Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery works for D3100 digital cameras. It features Lithium technology which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. With the Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, you are confident that your D3100 digital camera is always in action. Get the Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery today! 
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Pro Battery Grip for Nikon D5100
 Pro Battery Grip for Nikon D5100 EN-EL14 DSLR Camera        This battery grip/holder is a Pro Battery Grip for the NIKON D5100. Vertical shutter release button on the Battery Grip makesshooting with the camera in a vertical position much easier, adding stability tothe camera. Beware that the batteries should be put into the magazine beforeinserting the magazine into the grip!Inthis professional edition, it also features a on/off button and tripod socket.. It will be much convenient while using. No Common Dial orAE/L button. 
Nikon MB-D11 Multi-Power Battery Pack for Nikon D7000 DSLR
❖ Nikon MB-D11 Multi-Power Battery Pack for Nikon D7000        The battery pack includes a MS-D11 EN rechargeable Li-ion and a MS-D11 AA battery holders (batteries not included). Up to 2,100 shots on a single charge can be achieved when using EN-EL15 battery grip. The MB-D11 has controls for AE-L/AF-L button, main/sub command dials, shutter-release button, shutter-release button lock and multi selector. The battery pack has the same magnesium alloy body and weather/dust resistance as the Nikon D7000.
Best Deal Nikon MB-D11 Multi-Power Battery Pack



Nikon D3100 USB Cable - USB Computer Cord for D3100
❖ Nikon D3100 USB Cable - USB Computer Cord for D3100
      USB Cable for the Nikon D3100 is used to download the pictures from your Nikon D3100 to your computer. It will work with both PC and Mac! Length: 6 feet,Color: Black 


Buy Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Now!!!




Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone for Digital SLR Cameras
❖ Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone for Digital SLR Cameras        Capture crystal clear stereo sound with the Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone. Designed to work with compatible Nikon cameras that record HD video. The ME-1 is meant for use with Nikon digital cameras that incorporate a stereo audio input jack, including the D3S, D300S, D7000, D5100 and P7000. The new microphone does not require a battery; instead, it draws power from the connected camera.
Cheap Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Sales


Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control
❖ Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control 
       This  ML-L3  wireless remote control acts as a wireless shutter release capable of instantly triggering the shutter without disturbing the camera. It is ideal for taking pictures of subjects that are difficult to approach, or to minimize vibration for close-up and time exposure


Buy now and review Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control




AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Nikon P7000, D3000, D40, D40x, D50, D5000, D5100, D60, D70, D7000, D70s, D80 and D90 DSLR
❖ AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Nikon P7000, D3000, D40, D40x, D50, D5000, D5100, D60, D70, D7000, D70s, D80 and D90 DSLR
      For this reduced price, the Amazonbasics Wireless Remote Control For Nikon P7000 D3000 D40 D40x D50 D5000 D60 D70 D7000 D70s D80 And D90 Digital Slr Cameras is widely respected and is a regular choice with lots of people. AmazonBasics have added some nice touches and this equals great value for money.
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Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
❖ Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
      The Nikon Micro-Fiber Lens Cleaning Cloth is made of soft micro-fibers and is the perfect way to safely maintain and clean your lenses, camera and binocular optics. The 6 x 6" cloth conveniently folds into its own attached stuff bag. This makes it ideal to always have in your camera bag.

Buy Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth Now!!!




Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large - Black
 Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large - Black
       Large black Rocket Air Blaster easily removes dust and debris from cameras, lenses and filters with a powerful blast of air. Made of rubber. Includes a one-way valve to prevent Blaster from breathing in dust and spreading it back to your equipment.

Cheap SanDisk Extreme 16GB Flash Memory Card Now! Sale




SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC Flash Memory Card SDSDX-016G-X46,Black
 SanDisk Extreme 16GB SDHC Flash Memory Card
      Get the perfect balance of speed and reliability for high definition video and faster shot-to-shot performance with SanDisk Extreme HD Video SDHC cards. Delivering Class 6 video performance with up to 45 MB/sec read/write speeds, you'll be ready to capture HD video on the latest digital point & shoot cameras and DSLRs that have high-definition video recording capabilities. 
Buy SanDisk Extreme 16GB Flash Memory Card Now!


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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Nikon launches free my Picturetown Pad app for iPhone/iPad


my Picturetown Pad app for iPhone/iPad
     "Nikon launches free my Picturetown Pad app for iPhone/iPadThis new free app allows the users to enjoy Nikon’s online image sharing and storage service- my Picturetown on their iPhones and iPads(for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to include iOS 5 support). Another smart feature in the app is the Motion Snapshot that comes with a new imaging expression for the users. You can see this feature in the Nikon 1, the company’s new advanced camera with interchangeable lens.

        The app gives users of the company’s my Picturetown image sharing and storage service a convenient way to access their photos and movies from any supported iOS device. Moreover, the ‘my Picturetown Pad’ app also allows Motion Snapshots generated with the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 cameras to be played back on the user’s iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. The app is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store.

      The app with the book view and map view gives the information from the camera supported byGPS.  You can also enjoy this app on the Facebook and Twitter.

      The my Picturetown Pad App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/my-picturetown-pad/id468284680?mt=8


App Nikon Sports App Nikon D5100 App my Picturetown Pad App Nikon Manual Viewer 

iPhone App from Nikon


     Nikon Manual Viewer is a viewer app for iPhones and iPads that allows user to download several of Nikon products manuals for DSLR, Nikon 1 and Speedlights within the app. This definitely is a welcome move to most users like me who tend to refer to their manual to find more technical information. Now that the complete manual is available at the tip of your hand, makes it more convenient.  The best thing is it’s free and easy to use, you can download as much product manual you like. To download the manual you need Internet connection, once downloaded the manual are placed in the app bookshelf for future offline use, you can also sort the manual as per your choice. Tap a manual in the bookcase to launch the viewer. The viewer supports Table of contents, Index and Quick search, has the ability to add notes in pages and to bookmark them. The viewer is currently available in English and Japanese language. Nikon Manual Viewer is available as of now on iPhone/iPad only. Nevertheless, you can still download the PDF version of the manual from Nikon website and view it on Android PDF viewer app.
Nikon Manual Viewer
The manuals are available for;
  • DSLRs: D3S, D3X, D7000, D5100, D3100, and F6
  • Compacts: 1V1 and 1J1
  • Speedlights: SB-910, SB700, R1C1, SB-900 and Sb-800
Nikon Manual Viewer [link]


App Nikon Sports App Nikon D5100 App my Picturetown Pad App Nikon Manual Viewer 

Monday, April 30, 2012

Nikon 85mm f/1.8D

Nikon 85mm f/1.8D
       The Nikon AF Nikon 85mm f/1.8D Lens is a medium telephoto lens that is ideal for all types of general photography. This fast lens boasts an aperture that can open up as far as f/1.8 so that sharp well-exposed images can be taken in almost all available light situations. With a focusing range between 2.8’ and infinity, this is the lens that anyone wanting a 85mm should get. It is ideal for shooting portraits because it allows the photographer a good deal of distance between the lens and subject for lights to be place.


       This is my first prime lens and I'm already in love with it. I put it on my D90 to replace my 18-105mm kit lens. It is very bright and a killer in indoor low light situation. I use it mostly for portrait. I'm warmly recommend it!
Specifications
Mount Type  Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length  85mm
Maximum Aperture  f/1.8
Minimum Aperture  f/16
Format  FX/35mm
Compatible Format(s)  FX
DX
FX in DX Crop Mode
35mm Film
Autofocus  Yes
Minimum Focus Distance  2.8 ft. (0.85m)
Focus Mode  Auto
Manual
Rear Focusing  Yes
Filter Size  62mm
Dimensions  (Approx.) 2.8x2.3 in. (Diameter x Length)
71.5x58.5mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight  (Approx.) 13.4 oz. (380g)
Supplied Accessories  HN-23 hood
62mm lens cap
Rear lens cap
      The only incompatibility is that it will not autofocus with the cheapest D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000 or D5100, but if you focus manually, everything else works great. These cameras have in-finder focus confirmation dots to help you. 

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

Nikon-50mm-f1.8G
       The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is a consumer-grade lens for enthusiasts and seasonal pros that need quality optics of a fixed portrait lens at an affordable price point. Its large aperture of f/1.8 is great for low-light photography and the shallow depth of field helps isolate subjects from the background, beautifully rendering the background highlights. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G replaces the older Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens (introduced in 2002). Compared to the AF-D version that has 6 optical elements in 5 groups, the new 50mm f/1.8G has a modified optical design with 7 optical elements in 6 groups, one out of which is an aspherical element (reduces coma and chromatic aberrations). The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is the first Nikon 50mm lens that comes with an aspherical element; even the more expensive and higher-end Nikon 50mm f/1.4G does not have one.

Specifications
Mount Type  Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length  50mm
Maximum Aperture  f/1.8
Minimum Aperture  f/16
Format  FX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)  31°30'
Compatible Format(s)  FX
DX
FX in DX Crop Mode
Diaphragm Blades  7
Distance Information  Yes
Aspherical Elements  1
Super Integrated Coating  Yes
Autofocus  Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)  Yes
Minimum Focus Distance  1.48 ft. (0.45m)
Focus Mode  Auto
Manual
Auto/Manual
G-type  Yes
Filter Size  58mm
Dimensions  (Approx.) 2.8x2.1 in. (Diameter x Length)
72.1x52.4mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight  (Approx.) 6.6 oz. (185g)
Supplied Accessories  58mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-58
Rear Lens Cap LF-4
Bayonet Hood HB-47
Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1013

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Nikon D90 12.3-megapixel Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D90
       Nikon D90 is a great camera. The Nikon D90 digital SLR camera brings together the most advanced technology from Nikon's range of digital SLRs, featuring a host of sophisticated functions that combined create outstanding results. The Nikon D90 is a powerful SLR with a 12.3 megapixel resolution which gives amazing clarity to your images and enables you to print your photos in large sizes. Featuring EXPEED image processing for optimum performance and maximum image quality, the Nikon D90 has an extendable 200-3200 ISO range, as well as D-Movie function, Live View, Scene Recognition System and Picture Adjustment Controls, putting you fully in the driving seat for taking fantastic photos with a camera that responds superbly to your every touch The Nikon D90 is a 12.3-megapixel DX-format camera. Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with ground breaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. 

       Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. 


       The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode. 

Specifications
Lens Mount  Nikon F bayonet mount
Picture Angle  Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)
Effective Pixels  12.3 million
Sensor Size  23.6mm x 15.8mm
Image Sensor Format  DX
Total Pixels  12.9 million
Storage Media  SD
SDHC
Card Slot  1 Secure Digital (SD)
Fastest Shutter Speed  1/4000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed  30 sec.
Flash Sync Speed  Up to 1/200 sec.
Continuous Shooting Options  DX-format
CH: Up to 4.5 frames per second
CL: Up to 4 frames per second
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution  4.5 frames per second
ISO Sensitivity  ISO 200 - 3200
Lo-1 (ISO 100)
Hi-1 (ISO 6400)
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity  200
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity  3200
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  HI-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Flash Bracketing  2 to 3 frames in steps of 1/3 to 2 EV
Built-in Flash Distance  56 ft. (ISO 200) 17 m (ISO 200)
Top FP High Speed Sync  Up to 1/4000
Monitor Size  3.0 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution  920,000 Dots
Monitor Type  Super Density
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Monitor Angle of View  170-degree wide-viewing angle
Battery  Rechargeable
Battery / Batteries  EN-EL3e Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life (shots per charge)  850 shots (CIPA)

Nikon D300S 12.3-megapixel Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D300s
      The Nikon D300s is a compact DX format professional SLR that extends the options for photographers who value creative flexibility. Incorporates Nikon’s D-movie with in-camera editing function into a discrete body, letting you switch quickly between capturing superior stills or movie clips in stereo* sound. It boasts a highly sensitive 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and supports a phenomenal 7fps continuous shooting. CF and SD card slots enhance workflow flexibility,  letting you capture stills on one card and movies on another. Nikon’s acclaimed 51-point AF system offers broad coverage and high sensitivity in low light. Selectable Picture Controls streamline post-production, and the high definition 3-inch LCD screen supports D-movie and two Live View modes. Protected by a tough, yet light, environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body, the D300S will change the way you approach the craft of photography.
*Compatible stereo microphone required.

      Nikon D300s is the new flagship in the company’s DX-format range. Announced in July 2009, it inherits a great deal from the earlier D300, including its 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor, tough body, large viewfinder, 3in VGA screen, powerful 51-point AF system, Live View and HDMI port. It remains a powerful feature-set a year-on from its launch, but the D300s further enhances it with 2009’s key features, along with a couple of surprises.

      Most notably, Nikon D300s now boasts an HD Movie mode (with some enhancements over existing models), a slight boost in continuous shooting speed to 7fps and dual Compact Flash / SD memory card slots. The D300s also now features a Quiet shooting mode and a virtual horizon in live view.

       It’s no surprise to find Nikon D300s D-Movie mode is strongly based on that of the existing D90 and D5000. Like those models, the D300s can capture progressive format video at 24fps in a choice of three resolutions: 320x216, 640x424 and a high definition 1280x720 mode. Video is stored in the Motion JPEG AVI format which may not be as efficient as H.264, but is much easier to edit.

Specifications
Lens Mount  Nikon F bayonet mount
Picture Angle  Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)
Effective Pixels  12.3 million
Sensor Size  23.6mm x 15.8mm
Image Sensor Format  DX
Total Pixels  13.1 million
Media  CompactFlash© (CF) (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA)
SD
SDHC
Card Slot  1 CompactFlash© (CF) card and 1 Secure Digital (SD) card
Fastest Shutter Speed  1/8000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed  30 sec.
ISO Sensitivity  ISO 200 - 3200
Lo-1 (ISO 100)
Hi-1 (ISO 6400)
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity  200
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity  3200
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  HI-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Autofocus System  51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
AF fine adjustment possible
Detection range: EV -1 to EV +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)
Focal-plane contrast [in LiveView (Tripod) mode]
Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module
TTL phase detection
Movie  VGA 640x424 / 24 fps
QVGA 320x216 / 24fps
Movie with sound
HD 1280x720 / 24 fps
Monitor Size  3.0 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution  921,000 Dots
Monitor Type  Super Density
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Monitor Angle of View  170-degree wide-viewing angle
Monitor Adjustments  Brightness, 7 levels
Battery  Rechargeable
Battery / Batteries  EN-EL3e Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Life (shots per charge)  950 shots (CIPA) 

Nikon D3200 24-megapixel Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D3200
24-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor
     Nikon endowed the D3200 with the 24-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor that had already created a buzz with the Sony NEX-7, SLT-A77, and SLT-A65. Thus Nikon has created an advanced if still entry-level reflex camera that puts a high-definition APS-C sensor into the hands of amateurs for family use (or perhaps into more expert hands on a tight budget).
According to Nikon, the D3200’s 24-Mpix sensor is not exactly the same as found in Sony cameras, but rather one that has been revised according to Nikon’s specifications. We know that Nikon has quite consistently obtained better signal results from Sony sensors than the sensor manufacturer has been able to achieve with its own Sony cameras (see the performance of the Nikon D7000 vs Sony Alpha 580, for example). We do wonder, however, if users will be able to take full advantage of the greater resolution because of the kit lens Nikon has chosen to supply (i.e., the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR). However, judging from the first images that Nikon has produced, the gain in resolution appears to be striking. We are anxious to measure the D3200 against its predecessor, yes, but we’re even more impatient to see how it performs against the famous 16-megapixel sensor of the Nikon D5100.
       Finally, with its sound modern design, the D3200’s sensor can be pushed from 200 to 6400 ISO (extendable to 12,800 ISO).
EXPEED 3 upgrade
      How can an amateur digital camera digest 24Mpix files? The answer is obvious: by integrating one of the latest generation processors found in professional cameras, the EXPEED 3 — the same processor that reigns supreme in the Nikon D800. The new processor boosts the D3200’s signal processing speed (noise reduction, demosaicing, application renderings, etc.), as well as improves the exposure metering, scene recognition (retaining the small 420-pixel RGB sensor), and the autofocus delay (same 11-collimator module as the D3100). One has every reason to expect a much better performance in real-time autofocus in video mode.
       And thanks to its EXPEED 3 processor, despite its 24Mpix sensor, the D3200’s burst shooting speed increases to 4 i/s (vs 3 i/s for its older sibling).

More advanced video mode
       The D3200’s video mode has been enhanced by the ability to turn off certain automatic functions: now it can be used in aperture priority mode or in completely manual mode. Even though it’s still not possible to change the aperture on the fly (being a mechanical shutter and all), clearly Nikon took videographers’ needs into account. Similarly, the D3200’s Full HD video rate can stay at 24p as with the D3100, but it also shoots at 25p and 30p. Finally, the D3200 moves into the ranks of the HDSLRs, thanks to the addition of a microphone jack.
Specifications
Type  Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens Mount  Nikon F bayonet mount
Picture Angle  Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)
Effective Pixels  24.2 million
Sensor Size  23.2mm x 15.4mm
Image Sensor Format  DX
Image Sensor Type  CMOS
Total Pixels  24.7 million
Dust-reduction system  Image sensor cleaning
Storage Media  SD
SDHC
SDXC
Card Slot  1 Secure Digital (SD)
Shutter type  Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Shutter Speed  1/4000 to 30 sec. 
Fastest Shutter Speed  1/4000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed  30 sec.
Flash Sync Speed  Up to 1/200 sec.
ISO Sensitivity


HD Video  
ISO 100 - 6400
Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)

1080p with stereo sound
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity  100
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity  6400
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  1 EV above ISO 6400 (ISO 12800 equivalent)
Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options  1 EV above ISO 6400 (ISO 12800 equivalent)
Auto ISO sensitivity control available
High ISO Noise Reduction  Low
Normal
High
Off
Monitor Size  3.0 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution  921,000 Dots
Monitor Type  Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Monitor Angle of View  160-degree wide-viewing angle
Battery / Batteries  EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Battery Life (shots per charge)  540 shots per charge (Battery Life) (CIPA)
AC Adapter  EH-5b AC Adapter; requires EP-5A Power Connector (available separately)
Battery Charger  MH-24 Quick Charger
     I thinks it's a GREAT camera considering the PRICE. Great resolution 24MP, 1080p (60fps in 720p), manual exposure movie, decent low light performance. I think the D3200 would be good choice for beginners and the kit 18-55 lens is pretty good for travel

Friday, April 27, 2012

Nikon D5100 16.2-megapixel Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D5100
       DSLRs are notoriously difficult to use, often making it impossible for lowly photographers to take the pictures they see adorned all over Flickr, fear not the Nikon D5100 is a versatile step-up DSLR for novices and enthusiasts

       Although DSLRs are becoming increasingly complex and feature-rich, manufacturers are trying to make them easier to use. Nikon has been at the forefront of this development, over the last six months we've seen the Nikon D3100 and now it's bigger brother the Nikon D5100. Nikon D5100 specs include a 16.2Mp Nikon D5100, which replaces the D5000, has straight-forward handling, easy to use Special Effects modes (Night Vision, Color Sketch, Miniature, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key), an image-merging HDR option, a host of scene modes and an articulated 3in LCD screen to help when shooting from unusual angles.


      In many ways the D5100 seems to offer everything the aspiring photographer could wish for as the more advanced Program, Aperturee Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual exposure modes are also on hand.
Specifications
Lens Mount  Nikon F bayonet mount
Picture Angle  Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)
Effective Pixels  16.2 million
Sensor Size  23.6mm x 15.6mm
Image Sensor Format  DX
Image Sensor Type  CMOS
Total Pixels  16.9 million
Dust-reduction system  Image sensor cleaning
Shutter type  Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Shutter Speed  1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV
Fastest Shutter Speed  1/4000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed  30 sec.
Flash Sync Speed  Up to 1/200 sec.
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity  100
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity  6400
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity  HI-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent)
Long Exposure Noise Reduction  Yes
Monitor Size  3.0 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution  921,000 Dots
Monitor Type  Wide Viewing Angle
Vari-angle TFT-LCD
Monitor Angle of View  170-degree wide-viewing angle
Monitor Adjustments  Brightness, 7 levels
Battery / Batteries  EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Battery Life (shots per charge)  660 shots (CIPA) 
AC Adapter  EH-5a AC Adapter
Battery Charger  MH-24 Quick Charger
Nikon D5100 Controls
     There isn’t much room for buttons on the rear of the D5100 so live view and movie recording (1080p) are activated by controls on the top-plate. This may seem odd given that using live view and shooting movies means looking at the screen, but as the D5100’s screen folds in and out users may view the camera from above more often than usual.

     Small niggles aside, the D5100 is easy to get to grips with, and while there might not be direct control for aspects such as sensitivity, white balance and metering, these and more can be accessed quickly via the on-screen Information Edit Display.

Nikon D5100 Screen
    With 920,000 dots the D5100’s 3in LCD shows plenty of detail, but reflections are an issue in bright sunlight and it may be necessary to shade it with a hand. However, the articulated joint on the screen’s left is a real bonus when shooting from unusual angles.

     Although the LCD image is clear and movement is usually smooth, when the Color Sketch or Miniature Special Effects modes are activated the live view image becomes very jerky, presumably because of the demand on the D5100’s processing power.

Nikon D5100 Speed and performance
     All the controls on the D5100 are responsive and it starts up quickly. When a class 6 SD card like a SanDisk Extreme III is installed, the D5100 can shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 4fps for around 100 highest quality JPEGs, or 20 raw images, or 12 simultaneous raw and JPEG files.

Nikon D5100 Picture and video quality
     The D5100 features the same 16.2 million pixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the Nikon D7000. These prove to be very capable and noise is controlled well throughout the D5100’s sensitivity range (ISO 100-6400 expandable to ISO 25,600). At low sensitivity settings the level of detail visible in images and video also impresses.

    We have seen the D5100’s white balance, metering and (11-point) AF systems before in the D5000 and they don’t disappoint. Grass can look a little too yellow in sunlight when the auto white balance setting is used though. This isn’t an issue for Raw shooters, but those wanting to get JPEGs right in-camera may wish to switch to the Direct Sunlight option or the Landscape Picture Control mode.

    The Special Effects are easy to use and generally work well, although a grainy monochrome mode might be more popular than the Color Sketch mode. It would also be nice to have control over exposure compensation when these modes are selected. Although there is some subtle haloing, the image combining HDR mode proves very useful for capturing high contrast scenes such as landscapes with deep shadows.

I recommend that you read the below my points before making any decision the D5100
  • On the whole the D5100's movies are look great, with smooth motion and impressively low noise in dim light.
  • Its body design is smaller and neater than its predecessor's and key controls fall easily to hand.
  • Image quality is definitely the D5100's trump card. It offers effectively the same image quality as the higher-end D7000, at a lower cost.