Small Prosumer Camera's Advantage

There are just times when you want to remain inconspicuous when shooting, may it be in a museum or some sites where carrying a DSLR would only invite security personnel to approach you.

And that's when a smaller competent camera would fit ideally. But being one who has grown accustomed to the quality of shots produced by DSLR, its something I would have to live with, if such a camera is in my possession. Some say they only do decent shots with ISO 400 and below, and the amount of chroma noise just stays there even in an uncompressed RAW shot.

This evening was such a setting where I simply do not wish to carry the Nikon D90 into a dinner location filled with thousands of people to celebrate the National Day rally. O well, I lost a few good shots with the featured fifty limited edition Harley Davidson bikes tonight that I thought could be featured on this blog.

Maybe, I should just go get one...and am seriously waiting for a Nikon P7000.

What Nikon D90 Owners Are Missing Out from Nikon D300s

So, with the newly launched Nikon D300s ringing in the air, what exactly will Nikon D90 owners lack from the Nikon D300s? Here's a complete list

1. 1005-segment RGB sensor
2. Lens data input capability of non-CPU lens for color matrix metering
3. Up to 9 frames bracketing capabilities between -5/+5 EV
4. 51-point CAM 3500DX AF module
5. 1/8000 second shutter speed
6. 150,000 shuttle life
7. 100% frame coverage viewfinder
8. 14-bit file format
9. 7 to 8 FPS release mode
10. Tripod Live view Mode
11. Ten-pin remote terminal
12. Weather-sealing body
13. Magnesium Alloy construction
14. Quiet shutter release mode
15. Two memory bay slot with additional SD Card slo
16. Electronic Virtual horizon
17. Stereo movie recording option

Hmm...convincing enough to upgrade? Maybe, perhaps, will think about it? But, yes, the image quality will still be identical to the Nikon D300 and Nikon D90!

A Feasible Backup Camera - Nikon D3000

Moving to the next camera launched today, the "easy-peasy, lemon squeezy" Nikon D3000 seems to have a totally different appeal to Nikon D90 owners (at least to me) altogether. The 10.2 MP sensor seems to be derived from the Nikon D60, the friendly $599.95 price tag caters to the current doom-gloom economy, while its petite size appeals as a secondary backup body to carry along. Wait! For that, you still get the CAM1000 AF engine of the Nikon D90!

And if your dad choose to play with it, they will be pleasantly surprised to find the intuitive guide mode so fun to use in minutes. Even the shutter count matches Nikon D90's 100,000 cycles durability! The in-camera retouch is another bonus, plus the on-demand grid line display that's also found on the Nikon D90 is there too. How about the stop-motion movie mode to top off the whole deal? What more would you ask for?

I think I will be getting this one after all, as my backup camera!

The Nikon D300s Received Lukewarm Reception

From the Nikon D90 perspective, the Nikon D5000 is a stripped down Nikon D90 while the Nikon D300s offering a faster shoot rate and an excellent AF engine than the Nikon D90. The Nikon D90 camp is on the fence of both new launches. No clear winner, no clear advantage.

Spare me the anti dust and anti moisture sealing of the Nikon D3XX series as my Nikon D90 is turning out just fine in light drizzles and sandy beaches so far (it's also ice cream and blackberry tart proof - see previous articles). So, unless you are about to use your camera as a weapon or tool (hammer), the magnesium alloy body is but to me an insurance policy against a drop. Low noise performance is identical to the Nikon D90 too, seeing nothing has really changed on the Nikon D300s sensor or processor.

The silver lining? Quieter shooting mode, dual SD/CF memory bay and perhaps stereo sound recording (a turn off if you see what is required to achieve stereo sound recording!) Won't the priced-to-clear Nikon D300 suffice in this case?

My take - The Nikon D300 series cameras gotta to get up pretty darn early in the morning to get the hard-earned cash from Nikon D90 owners.

Holy Mackerel! The Nikon D300s is Here!

Or should I say, boring... what are the 12.3 MP and 720p HD 24fps video recording still doing here? Its basically a Nikon D90 on steroid!

For those who wants to start exploring this "new" camera, click [here].

Nothing on the Horizon - Nikon D300s / D3000

So, what's cooking? No smoke nor fire....yet.

The Day of Nikon D300s Draweth Nigh

For those of you who has been saving, you know its coming. For up-graders, this may be the DX camera to go for. For folks looking for backup, this may well become your primary camera to shoot with. For those staying put, don't sweat it. There won't be any expected ground breaking capabilities in this upcoming launch.

Let's all wait and see its unveiling story line next week...I am personally quite keen to see what this is all about.

Stop Teasing! Give Us the Nikon D300s

For those money-laden, restless souls out there, I agree its about time Nikon show us a new definition of imperialism. And I sure hope, in the bottom of my heart, that this new pro-sumer Nikon D300s will be set to break some new grounds (and not just rewrite them).

I am just clinging to that last speck of hope that the current 1005-pixel RGB sensor will be upgraded on the Nikon D300s, along with faster shutter speed, better noise performance (like those found in the D700/D3) and even stronger weather sealing. I am not exactly crazy on the pixel race but focus rather on low noise performance need.

As to whether video recording is made available, its secondary to me. I would rather have the new "L" firmware version incorporated into this new camera, in a more compact body (than the current D300 dimension). After all, isn't miniaturization part of most product development roadmap?

Keep wishing! Maybe, your dreams may just come true...

What Nikon D90 Owners Are Missing Out from Nikon D300

Thought of doing this trivial article for a long time but never got the chance to do it until today - compare Nikon D90 against the Nikon D300 from the functional perspective (not image quality perspective).

Here's a complete list of what we, Nikon D90 owners do not have on our camera

1. 1005-segment RGB sensor
2. Lens data input capability of non-CPU lens for color matrix metering
3. Up to 9 frames bracketing capabilities between -5/+5 EV
4. 51-point CAM 3500DX AF module
5. 1/8000 second shutter speed
6. 150,000 shuttle life
7. 100% frame coverage viewfinder
8. 14-bit file format
9. 6 to 8 FPS release mode
10. Tripod Live view Mode
11. Ten-pin remote terminal
12. Weather-sealing body
13. Magnesium Alloy construction

For all that, you will need to pay an additional $400 from a Nikon D90. Quite neat if you think about it...

Imminent Arrival of the Nikon D3000/D300s

As the Internet virally build up the excitement, hype and electricity of the arrival of the replacement model for the Nikon D40/D300, it is in my opinion and observation that the Nikon D300s is but a face-lifted remodel of the D300, with a story script similar to how the Nikon D40x was born. Boring HD video recording (again), 12.3 MP (again). Why did Nikon bother with this in the first place? According to folks like Thom Hogan, you can only expect something interesting on the Nikon D400 in 2010. More sighings...

The Nikon D3000 can, however, be quite a different story altogether! As before, nothing ground-breaking I foresee, only an increased value proposition from the feature-stripped Nikon D40 - a product that positively bears only the imaging essence of the Nikon D90.

Cheapest 35mm SLR Review - Nikon FM10

Speaking of film photography, the inexpensive Nikon FM10 is what come to my mind naturally. Though built with cheap light plastics and aluminum, its main draw of course, comes with continuous operation without the need of batteries. (Though 2 SR-44/LR44 powers her metering circuit). In certain dicey situations, this can be a life saver.

A credit to all film photographer - ability to use ISO 25 film! I have shot as low as ISO 100 professional film but never to 25. I wonder how cool is that? That aside, its just a very simple camera to carry and use. A more detailed brochure can be found [here].

Hey, at $350 and 200g, who's complaining? Let's move on to something close to our own size, like the Nikon FM5?

Side Track #5 - For the Engineer in All of Us!

Here's a rare image of what lies within the Nikon D300 body. It sure is a looker from the engineering point of view. Not unibody like the Nikon D3 but marvelous details to adore and examine in any way.

Maybe a Nikon D3000 Will be Nice

Inexpensive, inherited pedigree from the Nikon D90, minus the bells and whistles of her senior. Sounds like music to my ear if this one really comes through in August! I was contemplating, at one moment, the hard-to-get Nikon D40 but if Nikon would to replace that with the D3000, whose complaining?

Good to go for this one! As a backup that is...

A Small Dream Come True

As a routine to-do every quarter, I will visit the Nikon service center to have a chat with the engineer there while trying out new lenses and body functions. And this time round, I thought I would do a small favor to a dear friend of mine, knowing that his Nikon D200 is experiencing intermittent sensor failure lately.

Apparently, his PCB board is failing (Its a more than 3 years old machine). The SB strobe unit is suspected to have failed too and the diagnostic tool also revealed a problem with the sensor grid itself. Bad news for him...

So while waiting for him, I was suddenly approach by a Nikon Engineer who invited me to do what I also wanted - to try the Nikon D3x camera. I was rather excited to finally have a chance to get a feel of the camera the world has been drooling about. Yes, a Nikkor 24-70mm F/2.8 lens was used with the hands-on. Well, first, the shutter sound (key reason why I bought the Nikon DSLR instead). Unlike the snappy sound made by lesser camera like the Nikon D700, the Nikon D3x shutter sound can be described like a swift wave of gigantic wing flapping to a thunderous click at the end of each shutter cycle, decisively informing the user of her completed task in a very authoritative manner. No monkeys, no bulls. All work.

The rest are what the brochure attempts to describe. Its a super computer under the hood of this beast, begging to be tamed only by the best of the best. Man, I am blown away, ten fold! A beast for your taking at a whopping eight Gs!

A trip most rewarding thus far...

Rumors Are Boiling!

Just look at the number of speculative in the air on D300S, D400, D3000, D4000 and you know its getting a bit out of hand! Perhaps, its seriously time to reconsider a second body after all. Usually, we have two choices. A second body that would subsume the role of the primary machine or one that is a backup.

Now, if the highly anticipated D300s comes with a similar HD video capability (like in Nikon D90) on a 12.3MP platter, it will placed itself in a no-mans land for Nikon D90 owners - as it does almost the same thing! I wouldn't want to pay extra dollar for the same HD video or identical resolving power again. That implies that the venerable Nikon D300 may just well be a better choice as a second body.

Now, however, if the upcoming D3000/4000 provides an identical 12.3MP sensor and AF engine, I don't really mind getting it as a secondary body. I no longer need those videos, remote wireless commander, battery grip compatibility etc. found on my Nikon D90.

What's your take?

Official Price Drop of Nikon D300!

The handwritings are on the wall...so say we all. From where I live, its now already going for $1300! How much lower would you then pick one up? 

Basis (or Excuses?) for Upgrading from Nikon D90

So the rumor is true after all! The successor of the Nikon D300 DX is finally coming! Frankly, I am quite ready to upgrade my body, making the Nikon D90 as a backup camera of mine, but what exactly is the justification?

Here's what I believe warrants an upgrade (if you can convince yourself with a valid claim)

1. 51-point AF engine (for sports or fast action capture)
   
2. Weather sealing (not that you will dump it in the bathtub to proof a point)
   
3. Magnesium Alloy framework (are we doubling it as our home hammer?)
   
4. Heavier (for stable handling or a better workout?)
   
5. 1005 pixel RGB sensor (against 420 found in Nikon D90)
   
6. 1/8000 second second speed (for lightning chasers?)
   
7. 6-8fps (Hmm...sports photography anyone?)
   
8. Higher Pixel count - maybe around 15-18 MP (are we printing floor-standing posters?)
   
9. Pro-looking body size (Ego kicking in? Or a dose of inferiority complex?)
   
10. 14-bit A/D pixel conversion (good one! To give 16,384 color toning range per pixel)
    
11. Multi-stage 16-bit image processing (further cut noise distortion. Good one too)
    
12. More buttons to press (ease of setting camera functions)
    

This is also assumed that what's on Nikon D90 (especially video recording) is also brought into the new DX leader body (Nikon D400 if that's what it will be called)

Nikon D90 Upgrade - D400 Coming In August 2009?

Straight from the [oven] came a toasty rumor today, that the Nikon D400 will debut in a couple of months time, all armed to the teeth with a new Expeed II processor, 16-18 megapixel DX sensor grid, full HD video recording, stereo sound recording and a tilt swivel screen as per the Nikon D5000.

Sounds exciting? OK. Start saving guys.

Speaking of which, I saw a used mint condition 8-month old Nikon D700 at $2000 today Tempting too...

So Christmas Came Early This Year Huh?

Rumored to cost a hefty eleven Gs, these all-white limited edition Nikon D3 may well be the Christmas present some rich folks wish for as a pre-Christmas present.

Side Track #4 - Backup Camera Nikon D40

On the first pass, at simply $400, you get the whole nine yards with the Nikon D40 body and a Nikkor 18-55mm lens! Wow! That sounds like a deal cheaper than a Canon G10 prosumer compact. In fact, its cheaper than a Nikon Speedlight SB-900!

Sure, you might want to tone down your expectation on the Nikon D40 against her bigger sibling, but the numerous web reviews I have seen have shown positive results with this baby. Well, as fluid as water is, I am quickly resisting a Canon G10 versus Nikon D40 face-off! Mind you, the Nikon D40 readily accepts all my lens and it takes on an SD memory card format too.

Now, the definition of backup is quite fluid too. Sometimes, the opportunity demands an immediate use of a longer focal length. What do you do? Whip out the Nikon D40 with the premounted lens and fire away! That's what. Just make sure RAW is used for salvageable post processing later.

UPDATED - Nikon D40 is at the verge of being discontinued. I need to make a decision to get one or wait...