The Nikon D300 is a new digital SLR camera that is on the brink of once again transforming photography for professionals. This 12.3 megapixel Camera features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. The D300 with the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to 9 fps at full FX-format resolution is truly fits to be deemed as the world’s fastest Digital SLR camera in its class.
A host of new Nikon technologies have been implemented in the Nikon D300 which includes a new precision Multi-CAM 3500DX 51-point AF system, a large 3.0 inch high resolution 920,000 pixel LCD display with Live View Mode, Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and EXPEED image processing concept including picture control settings, support for the new WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter, an integrated self cleaning sensor unit, in camera Retouch Menu and HDMI Video output support.
Strengths:
• Excellent startup time
• Large 3.0 inch LCD screen with Live View shooting modes
• Built-in face detection technology
• First Nikon DSLR to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for dust removal
• Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction
• Very good battery life
Weaknesses:
• Noisy with the increase in resolution
• No movie mode
Specifications:
Megapixels – 12.3
Weight(oz) – 29.1
Optical Zoom – n/a
LCD Size – 3.0 inch
Flash range (ft) – Built-in
Image Stabilizer – No
Batter Type – Nikon Battery EN-EL3e and Custom Lithium Ion
Special features - RAW and JPEG file format support, ISO 100 – 6400, storage UDMA compact flash I/II , USB 2.0 support, Face recognition, Self-cleaning sensor unit, Active D-Lighting providing real-time highlight and shadow correction, Optional shooting info display on main LCD
Summary:
Nikon’s D300 with some very promising features like Live View, high resolution display, WiFi, and self-cleaning sensor unit is a superb camera with a sleek design. The D300’s new features will surely be welcomed by existing D200 owners and also by those looking to upgrade to a serious digital SLR. If noise is kept under control with the increase in resolution, the D300 should be a strong competitor against other models of the same class even at a higher price.
The Nikon D80 digital SLR is the successor of the D70s. It is positioned between the entry-level D50 and semi-professional high budget D200, directly targeting photographic enthusiasts or those who simply want an extra boost but within their budget. The D80 has a combination of many features from both the D50 and D200. The Nikon D80 has the same 10.20 Megapixel resolutions, 2.5 inch LCD screen with user interface as that of the D200. The Nikon D80 spots an 18 -135mm DX kit lens; this makes it a killer photographic tool for amateur and intermediate photographer.
Some very good features of the Nikon D80 are:
• The 0.94x viewfinder is unusually large for a DSLR and very bright due to the pentaprism optics used
• User can control high-ISO noise reduction
• LCD is large, bright and very clear
• Powerful in-camera color-filter capability
• Excellent range of custom settings
• Very good and attractive menu system with help screens
Drawbacks of the camera are:
• Maximum shutter speed is a low 1/4000 compared to 1/8000 of the D70’s
• Auto white balance mode provides poor handling of household incandescent lighting
• Contrast adjustment has limited range
• Kit lens is quite sharp but has more chromatic aberration on the images
Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.20
Weight (oz.) – 20.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – Lithium Ion
Special features - Image storage on SD and SDHC memory cards, USB 2.0 High speed support, User selectable White balance with 9 modes and manual fine tuning, bright viewfinder, NTSC video cable for playback on TV
Summary:
The Nikon D80 is solidly built and Nikon’s combination of build quality, image quality, extensive configurability, rich post-capture processing features, and excellent kit lens makes the D80 a genuine bargain camera. This is a camera that’s quite friendly for complete novices and also for the serious amateur with a range of creative control and sophisticated operating features.
The Coolpix S10 is a swivel-body digital camera from Nikon. The S10 is an update to the Nikon’s existing Coolpix S4 model, adding a couple of very useful features such as a 6 megapixel CCD, a big 10x optical zoom lens, a 2.5 inch LCD monitor, 800 ISO sensitivity and all latest technical gizmos which include face detection, image stabilization and vibration reduction. Nikon’s best shot selection mode which automatically chooses the sharpest from a series of images is also included in the S10.
Positives features of the CoolPix S10:
• 2.5 inch LCD with 170 degree viewing angle
• Vibration reduction technology
• Face detection auto-focus in Portrait mode
• Fix red-eye in-camera
• D-Lighting to lighten underexposed subjects
• View in-camera slide shows
• Sensitivity up to ISO 800
• Joystick for menu navigation
Negatives features of the S10 are:
• Not much space for the right hand to grip the camera due to the swivel design
• Vertical flash next to lens on swivel design
• Small zoom lever
• No Manual, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority mode
• Awkward lens cover
• EV adjustment hidden in menu system
• No USB 2.0 High Speed support
• No optical or electronic viewfinder
Specifications:
Megapixels - 6.0
Weight (oz.) - 7.7
Optical Zoom - 10x
LCD Size - 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) - 3.3 to 17.7
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type - Lithium Ion
Special features – Built-in flash strobe, macro mode with focus up to 1.6 inch, recording
movies at VGA resolution with sound, seven white balance modes, SD cards for storage,
Summary:
The S10 priced at $400 is quite expensive compared to other consumer oriented super-zoom cameras such as the Kodak Z650 or Fuji S5600 after taking into consideration the amount of drawbacks this camera has.
