Many of us have been patiently awaiting the successor to the ever popular D200 from 2006. Now, almost two years later, Nikon has delivered with their latest enthusiast dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex) model, the 12.3 megapixel D300. Those of use who have been waiting for this next generation "enthusiast" dSLR, have been rewarded with a camera that betters the D200 in every respect, including resolution, image quality and responsiveness.
The D300's 12.3 megapixel images have more resolution than its predecessor, and this model uses a CMOS type DX format sensor compared to the D200's CCD type. But, the D300 is not only about resolution; it enjoys a host of features that have trickled down from Nikon's professional cameras like the new D3, including the use of a new 51 point autofocus sensor. In addition to theses, the D300 also offers a variety of new features over the D200, including a self cleaning sensor, Scene Recognition metering system, ISO speeds up to ISO 6400 with boost (in 1/3 stop increments), new image processing algorithms, sophisticated focus tracking using subject color, faster write speeds to memory cards, a much nicer 3-inch LCD and more.
Like its predecessor, the D300 is no lightweight, weighing in at just 5 grams lighter than the D200. Add the battery and the Nikkor 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR lens we used for testing, and we are up to about 3 - 3 1/2 pounds. The body construction is of professional quality, with a magnesium alloy chassis and body cover, and enhanced environmental sealing. The D300 is ergonomically designed and was very comfortable to hold, with the controls being positioned well over the body. This is a solid camera that offers a nice professional feel. Nikon upgraded the display used on this model to a new ultra-high resolution 3.0-inch (922,000 pixel) TFT LCD. A larger display also means a larger, more legible font size, making menu navigation a breeze (even for those with fading eyesight). The playback options include the ability to zoom in up to 27x and scroll to any desired location on an image, view multiple histograms (including RGB), detailed shooting info with a comment option, etc. Overall, we found this new display is a welcomed addition and was a joy to use.
more : steves-digicams
Friday, May 2, 2008
Nikon D300 Review
Many of us have been patiently awaiting the successor to the ever popular D200 from 2006. Now, almost two years later, Nikon has delivered with their latest enthusiast dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex) model, the 12.3 megapixel D300. Those of use who have been waiting for this next generation "enthusiast" dSLR, have been rewarded with a camera that betters the D200 in every respect, including resolution, image quality and responsiveness.
The D300's 12.3 megapixel images have more resolution than its predecessor, and this model uses a CMOS type DX format sensor compared to the D200's CCD type. But, the D300 is not only about resolution; it enjoys a host of features that have trickled down from Nikon's professional cameras like the new D3, including the use of a new 51 point autofocus sensor. In addition to theses, the D300 also offers a variety of new features over the D200, including a self cleaning sensor, Scene Recognition metering system, ISO speeds up to ISO 6400 with boost (in 1/3 stop increments), new image processing algorithms, sophisticated focus tracking using subject color, faster write speeds to memory cards, a much nicer 3-inch LCD and more.
Like its predecessor, the D300 is no lightweight, weighing in at just 5 grams lighter than the D200. Add the battery and the Nikkor 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR lens we used for testing, and we are up to about 3 - 3 1/2 pounds. The body construction is of professional quality, with a magnesium alloy chassis and body cover, and enhanced environmental sealing. The D300 is ergonomically designed and was very comfortable to hold, with the controls being positioned well over the body. This is a solid camera that offers a nice professional feel. Nikon upgraded the display used on this model to a new ultra-high resolution 3.0-inch (922,000 pixel) TFT LCD. A larger display also means a larger, more legible font size, making menu navigation a breeze (even for those with fading eyesight). The playback options include the ability to zoom in up to 27x and scroll to any desired location on an image, view multiple histograms (including RGB), detailed shooting info with a comment option, etc. Overall, we found this new display is a welcomed addition and was a joy to use.
more : steves-digicams
The D300's 12.3 megapixel images have more resolution than its predecessor, and this model uses a CMOS type DX format sensor compared to the D200's CCD type. But, the D300 is not only about resolution; it enjoys a host of features that have trickled down from Nikon's professional cameras like the new D3, including the use of a new 51 point autofocus sensor. In addition to theses, the D300 also offers a variety of new features over the D200, including a self cleaning sensor, Scene Recognition metering system, ISO speeds up to ISO 6400 with boost (in 1/3 stop increments), new image processing algorithms, sophisticated focus tracking using subject color, faster write speeds to memory cards, a much nicer 3-inch LCD and more.
Like its predecessor, the D300 is no lightweight, weighing in at just 5 grams lighter than the D200. Add the battery and the Nikkor 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR lens we used for testing, and we are up to about 3 - 3 1/2 pounds. The body construction is of professional quality, with a magnesium alloy chassis and body cover, and enhanced environmental sealing. The D300 is ergonomically designed and was very comfortable to hold, with the controls being positioned well over the body. This is a solid camera that offers a nice professional feel. Nikon upgraded the display used on this model to a new ultra-high resolution 3.0-inch (922,000 pixel) TFT LCD. A larger display also means a larger, more legible font size, making menu navigation a breeze (even for those with fading eyesight). The playback options include the ability to zoom in up to 27x and scroll to any desired location on an image, view multiple histograms (including RGB), detailed shooting info with a comment option, etc. Overall, we found this new display is a welcomed addition and was a joy to use.
more : steves-digicams
Nikon boosts cashback for May bank holiday
Nikon UK is celebrating the May bank holiday by increasing its spring cashback offer on the Nikon D60 by 50% on purchases made between 1st - 7th May 2008, inclusive.
Over the bank holiday weekend customers will be able to claim 50% more cashback on the existing spring promotion up to the following amounts:
D60 single lens kit
Spring cashback - �40/�50
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �60/�75
D60 twin lens kit
Spring cashback - �60/�75
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �90/�120
All claims are required by 31st July 08
Customers should look out for the promotional voucher which will be available in selected national newspapers over the bank holiday, as well as selected stores across the country and online at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
To claim the cashback customers should attach the voucher to the claim form which can also be obtained from
www.nikon.co.uk/cashback where more information about submitting claims can be found.
Terms and conditions are available at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback. Offer is subject to availability.
Notes to Editor
The promotional voucher will be available in the following newspapers over the bank holiday weekend:
Times
Telegraph
Guardian
Independent
Evening Standard
City AM
Irish Times
Irish Independent
Over the bank holiday weekend customers will be able to claim 50% more cashback on the existing spring promotion up to the following amounts:
D60 single lens kit
Spring cashback - �40/�50
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �60/�75
D60 twin lens kit
Spring cashback - �60/�75
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �90/�120
All claims are required by 31st July 08
Customers should look out for the promotional voucher which will be available in selected national newspapers over the bank holiday, as well as selected stores across the country and online at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
To claim the cashback customers should attach the voucher to the claim form which can also be obtained from
www.nikon.co.uk/cashback where more information about submitting claims can be found.
Terms and conditions are available at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback. Offer is subject to availability.
Notes to Editor
The promotional voucher will be available in the following newspapers over the bank holiday weekend:
Times
Telegraph
Guardian
Independent
Evening Standard
City AM
Irish Times
Irish Independent
Nikon boosts cashback for May bank holiday
Nikon UK is celebrating the May bank holiday by increasing its spring cashback offer on the Nikon D60 by 50% on purchases made between 1st - 7th May 2008, inclusive.
Over the bank holiday weekend customers will be able to claim 50% more cashback on the existing spring promotion up to the following amounts:
D60 single lens kit
Spring cashback - �40/�50
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �60/�75
D60 twin lens kit
Spring cashback - �60/�75
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �90/�120
All claims are required by 31st July 08
Customers should look out for the promotional voucher which will be available in selected national newspapers over the bank holiday, as well as selected stores across the country and online at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
To claim the cashback customers should attach the voucher to the claim form which can also be obtained from
www.nikon.co.uk/cashback where more information about submitting claims can be found.
Terms and conditions are available at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback. Offer is subject to availability.
Notes to Editor
The promotional voucher will be available in the following newspapers over the bank holiday weekend:
Times
Telegraph
Guardian
Independent
Evening Standard
City AM
Irish Times
Irish Independent
Over the bank holiday weekend customers will be able to claim 50% more cashback on the existing spring promotion up to the following amounts:
D60 single lens kit
Spring cashback - �40/�50
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �60/�75
D60 twin lens kit
Spring cashback - �60/�75
50% extra cashback (1st May � 7th May 08) - �90/�120
All claims are required by 31st July 08
Customers should look out for the promotional voucher which will be available in selected national newspapers over the bank holiday, as well as selected stores across the country and online at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
To claim the cashback customers should attach the voucher to the claim form which can also be obtained from
www.nikon.co.uk/cashback where more information about submitting claims can be found.
Terms and conditions are available at www.nikon.co.uk/cashback. Offer is subject to availability.
Notes to Editor
The promotional voucher will be available in the following newspapers over the bank holiday weekend:
Times
Telegraph
Guardian
Independent
Evening Standard
City AM
Irish Times
Irish Independent
Canon Rebel XSi Review
Expectations for the XSi were admittedly high, and hence the opportunities for Canon to come up short in the court of public opinion were numerous. In spite of this high bar, the XSi will unquestionably win converts to Canon with its (still) excellent AF system, super-smooth CMOS sensor with very impressive high ISO performance, and (for some users, at least) reasonably functional live view system. Default image processing is perhaps a little bland, though the opportunities to fine tune it are among the best found on an entry-level DSLR. Great lens and flash selections, an interface that works well for those who like dedicated controls for nearly every function, and plenty of opportunities for customization will further entice serious shooters looking for a lot of power on the cheap.
For more mainstream photographers, however, sub-par kit lenses, average build quality and ergonomics, and a total use experience that takes some getting used to may all be turn offs. As a general photographic tool in auto mode using only the default settings, the XSi is just fine, but so is most every DSLR out there: with kit lens sharpness that simply can't keep up with what the XSi is capable of and some harshness where highlights are concerned, users who never think to upgrade their lens and stay on the auto mode of the dial may (sadly) never move beyond shooting images that come up short of the XSi's impressive potential.
When given an opportunity � and the glass � to stretch its photographic legs, the XSi is a powerful tool that continues to iron out minor annoyances with previous-generation Rebels. Typical for Canon, it's a fairly conservative upgrade on the whole that carries over the vast majority of its technology from its predecessor. This, combined with strong competition, means that the XSi isn't the technologically dominant camera in its space, but the capabilities of its new sensor, especially, will likely be recognized as the standard by which all other sub-$1,000 DSLRs are judged.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
For more mainstream photographers, however, sub-par kit lenses, average build quality and ergonomics, and a total use experience that takes some getting used to may all be turn offs. As a general photographic tool in auto mode using only the default settings, the XSi is just fine, but so is most every DSLR out there: with kit lens sharpness that simply can't keep up with what the XSi is capable of and some harshness where highlights are concerned, users who never think to upgrade their lens and stay on the auto mode of the dial may (sadly) never move beyond shooting images that come up short of the XSi's impressive potential.
When given an opportunity � and the glass � to stretch its photographic legs, the XSi is a powerful tool that continues to iron out minor annoyances with previous-generation Rebels. Typical for Canon, it's a fairly conservative upgrade on the whole that carries over the vast majority of its technology from its predecessor. This, combined with strong competition, means that the XSi isn't the technologically dominant camera in its space, but the capabilities of its new sensor, especially, will likely be recognized as the standard by which all other sub-$1,000 DSLRs are judged.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
Canon Rebel XSi Review
Expectations for the XSi were admittedly high, and hence the opportunities for Canon to come up short in the court of public opinion were numerous. In spite of this high bar, the XSi will unquestionably win converts to Canon with its (still) excellent AF system, super-smooth CMOS sensor with very impressive high ISO performance, and (for some users, at least) reasonably functional live view system. Default image processing is perhaps a little bland, though the opportunities to fine tune it are among the best found on an entry-level DSLR. Great lens and flash selections, an interface that works well for those who like dedicated controls for nearly every function, and plenty of opportunities for customization will further entice serious shooters looking for a lot of power on the cheap.
For more mainstream photographers, however, sub-par kit lenses, average build quality and ergonomics, and a total use experience that takes some getting used to may all be turn offs. As a general photographic tool in auto mode using only the default settings, the XSi is just fine, but so is most every DSLR out there: with kit lens sharpness that simply can't keep up with what the XSi is capable of and some harshness where highlights are concerned, users who never think to upgrade their lens and stay on the auto mode of the dial may (sadly) never move beyond shooting images that come up short of the XSi's impressive potential.
When given an opportunity � and the glass � to stretch its photographic legs, the XSi is a powerful tool that continues to iron out minor annoyances with previous-generation Rebels. Typical for Canon, it's a fairly conservative upgrade on the whole that carries over the vast majority of its technology from its predecessor. This, combined with strong competition, means that the XSi isn't the technologically dominant camera in its space, but the capabilities of its new sensor, especially, will likely be recognized as the standard by which all other sub-$1,000 DSLRs are judged.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
For more mainstream photographers, however, sub-par kit lenses, average build quality and ergonomics, and a total use experience that takes some getting used to may all be turn offs. As a general photographic tool in auto mode using only the default settings, the XSi is just fine, but so is most every DSLR out there: with kit lens sharpness that simply can't keep up with what the XSi is capable of and some harshness where highlights are concerned, users who never think to upgrade their lens and stay on the auto mode of the dial may (sadly) never move beyond shooting images that come up short of the XSi's impressive potential.
When given an opportunity � and the glass � to stretch its photographic legs, the XSi is a powerful tool that continues to iron out minor annoyances with previous-generation Rebels. Typical for Canon, it's a fairly conservative upgrade on the whole that carries over the vast majority of its technology from its predecessor. This, combined with strong competition, means that the XSi isn't the technologically dominant camera in its space, but the capabilities of its new sensor, especially, will likely be recognized as the standard by which all other sub-$1,000 DSLRs are judged.
David Rasnake
more : digitalcamerareview
Today's archidose #205
Olympic Stadium in Beijing, China by Herzog & de Meuron (2008). Be sure to check out o d b's flickr set for more photos of the building.
To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:
:: Join and add photos to the archidose pool, and/or
:: Tag your photos archidose
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