Review of Nikon D40X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

The 10 Megapixel Nikon D40x is targeted for those who want a relatively compact and light camera yet having most of the important SLR features. The D40 is priced reasonably. In my opinion, if you are still considering whether to get a point and shoot camera or a DSLR, the D40x will be a better choice than any point and shoot camera. But if you are already deciding to get a DSLR or you want more control of the picture taking experience, then I would recommend you to also test the D50, D70s and/or D80 first before deciding to buy the D40x (or the D40). I want you to make sure that you know what you will get (and not get) with the D40x. Don’t get me wrong though, the D40x is an awesome camera, and I don’t think you will regret buying one. There are some limitation with the D40x which shouldn’t bother most people, for example, the D40x doesn’t have dedicated button to change picture quality, white balance or ISO settings (which generally only professional/enthusiast will care). Once you understand (and accept) its limitation, the D40x is a potent and exciting photography machine.

Just like all its (DSLR) siblings, the D40x powers on instantly and take pictures with almost no shutter lag which are the major advantages of a DSLR over a point and shoot camera. In addition to the P,S,A,M mode, the picture quality of the auto settings (auto, child mode, landscape etc) are also very good. With 3 frames per second you can capture movement progress in sports like football, basketball, baseball etc. Also great to photograph your family or child (child mode). The D40x is a great all around camera.

Some notable new features:
1. Auto (no flash) mode. Without this mode the flash will pop-up (on all other pre-programmed mode) even when you don’t want to use flash (which can be annoying). The internal flash will not pop up automatically with the P,S,A,M settings.
2. In camera editing capability such as black and white, sepia and some filter effects etc. While sounds gimmicky, these features are useful especially for those who doesn’t have Adobe Photoshop (or other image editing software).
3. 10.2 Megapixel sensor for 3782 X 2592 on large image size settings. This is enough to print larger than 13 X 19 Inch.
4. 3 frames per second (vs 2.5 for D40)

To date, D40 and D40x are the smallest and lightest among all the Nikon DSLR (even smaller than the Canon Rebel XT/XTi, however the D40 and D40x is more ergonomics). I believe that choosing a camera that fits comfortably with your hands is important. Therefore, I recommend people to test the camera before buying (even if you want to buy online, please do go to a physical store and test the camera first whenever possible).

The D40/D40x has only 3 (horizontal) autofocus point (5 for D50 and 11 for D80). If you know “The Rule of Thirds”, the additional AF points above and below the center focus point (available in D50 and D80) are handy to help create the horizontal third line. However, the 3 horizontal AF point in D40/D40x is still helpful to create the vertical third line. Also one can focus with the middle AF point and after the focus is lock then move the frame upwards/downwards to create the horizontal third line. Just make sure the exposure level is still accurate when you move the frame after you lock the focus.

About the 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens: A good lens producing sharp photos (though not a very fast lens). Also decent for close-up/macro photography. Lens uses internal focus technology and focusing operation is silent. A very decent kit lens.

Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40/D40x, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S/AF-I Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S and AF-I type lenses. I’m not sure why Nikon choose this route for the D40/D40x (whether to enable smaller size camera or from now on Nikon will only make AF-S lens compatible camera). There are a lot of good Nikon AF-S lenses (price range added: low, medium, high) that are fully compatible with the D40/D40x such as:

- Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S (M)
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S DX VR (M)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX (L)
- Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (L)
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR (M)
- Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF AF-S DX (M)
- Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX (H)
- Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S (H)
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR (H)
- Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro (M)
- And several other expensive prime tele/zoom lens like 200-400mm, 300m, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm.

High priced lens ($1000+) are usually pro level lens which usually have better construction, faster (f-stop), and produce better quality picture. However, often times, lower price lens will serve your needs just fine. I think it is important to know what you want to use the camera for before deciding which camera and lens to buy.

Image quality of the D40x is very good which is #1 factor that I look for in a digital camera.

Here are the pros and cons of the D40x in my opinion:

Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. 10.2 Megapixel sensor
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 3 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great battery life (500+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
10. Auto (flash off) mode available

Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses (such as the 70-300m G and 50mm f/1.8D lens)
5. No AF/MF switch (have to use the switch on the lens)
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7.
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. 1/200 flash sync (which is slower than D40′s 1/500)
10. No depth-of-field preview button

Comparing D40x with the D40.I personally prefer the D40 over the D40x due to only minor improvement on the D40x. If you will do a lot of cropping and print larger than 13 X 19 Inch then it might make sense to get the D40x, otherwise use that $200 (price difference) to invest in SB-400 flash or better/more versatile lens (such as upgrading the kit lens to 18-70mm AF-S or 18-200mm AF-S VR or add the 55-200mm AF-S VR zoom lens).If you shoot sports or fast action (in continuous/burst mode) and need more than 3 frames per second then get the D200 with 5 FPS. For enthusiast, 2.5 FPS (D40) or 3 FPS (D40x) is good enough in my opinion.

In conclusion, the D40x is perfect for those who want high quality pictures, more control (than a point and shoot camera), and have a DSLR experience (instant power on and no shutter lag), without having to carry a bulky camera. And unless you are shooting sports/actions professionaly (which faster focusing processor, faster frames per second and larger memory buffer might be needed), the D40x is pretty much all you will need.

Happy Photographing!

Sidarta Tanu

Product Description
The compact Nikon D40x — designed to deliver the picture-taking benefits of adigital SLR, yet is easy and fun to use. The D40x is ready to shoot when you are,thanks to split-second instant shutter response which eliminates annoying shutterlag. Exceptional image quality is made possible by a high resolution, 10.2-effectivemegapixel CCD image sensor and Nikon’s exclusive image processing engine.10.2-megapixel resolution invites creative picture cropping freedom without loss ofpicture quality and delivers the ability to make enlargements of extraordinary size.Additional features include built-in flash with innovative Nikon i-TTL control, In-Camera Editing features with Nikon D-Lighting, Red-Eye Correction, ImageTrimming, Image Overlay, Filter Effects and more. An ingenious HELP Menu with”Assist Images” helps you select the appropriate settings for many camerafeatures.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D40X 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX and 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Review of Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera Body + Two (2) Nikon EN-EL3e Batteries + Nikon SLR System Gadget Bag + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit

I recently purchased the Nikon D90 and an 18mm – 200mm lens, it’s a wonderful set-up.I purchased the instructional DVD to learn the subtleties of using the camera as I am not much of a manual reader, I’m a doer…Great Camera, great images & the battery seems to last forever.

Product Description

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body
♦ 2) Nikon EN-EL3e High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
♦ 3) Additional Nikon EN-EL3e High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
♦ 4) CTA EN-EL3e Mini Battery Charger
♦ 5) Nikon SLR System Gadget Bag
♦ 6) LCD Monitor Screen Protection Kit
♦ 7) Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System
♦ 8) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦ 9) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit

The Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera, with its 12.3-megapixel DX-format CCD, 3″ High resolution LCD display, Scene Recognition System, Picture Control, Active D-Lighting, and one-button Live View, provides photo enthusiasts with the image quality and performance they need to pursue their own vision while still being intuitive enough for use as an everyday camera.

Providing an extra 1500mAh of power, these Genuine Nikon Brand EN-EL3e battery packs will not put constraints on how you want to shoot.

This CTA Mini Rapid Multi-voltage Charger plugs into your wall outlet or your car’s cigarette lighter and charges the battery included with this kit in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Its unique flat pin, foldable design allows easy storage and makes it the most compact battery charger on the market!

This Nikon-brand multi-compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash and accessories.

Reduce glare, enhance your view, and prevent scratching with this set of LCD screen protectors.

The Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System has a soft retractable brush and a non-liquid compound on a natural chamois tip to remove fingerprints, dust and grit from any lens.

Keep multiple memory cards protected and organized with this durable storage wallet.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera Body + Two (2) Nikon EN-EL3e Batteries + Nikon SLR System Gadget Bag + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit

Review of Nikon Coolpix S5 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

I recently purchased the Nikon Coolpix S5 to replace my ailing Sony Cybershot P-8. The P-8 was my 3rd Cybershot and I’d never had a Nikon before.

While browsing for new cameras, I’d settled on the Canon IXY 700 as a replacement. However, my friend motioned me over to look at the S5. I’d looked at some of the other Coolpix models and didn’t like the menu setup. I figure the menu is something that is going to be used a lot, so I wasn’t going to consider any cameras with hard-to-use menus. I’d disqualified a Kodak EasyShare model earlier for that very reason; wanted to buy American, but alas, the menu was horrible. First impressions make or break a sale. And my first impression upon seeing the S5′s menu was that it was very easy to use. And it has been.

The camera takes fairly decent pictures. However, not much of a difference vs. my previous Sony P-8 (3.2mp). I was hoping for a bit of an improvement, but didn’t really see anything that impressed me overall that was “different.”

The root of my review, though, is the design flaw that I believe this camera has. I’d taken several pictures at a going-away partyrecently and noticed that it looked like there were water splotches on the lens as there were white stars in the pictures. I took the camera to a photo lab and they blew the lens off in the case of any dust being on it. No water marks were visible on the lens (and the white splotches/stars in the pictures were never in the same place twice). When that didn’t fix the problem, a photographer friend suggested that there might be dust on the sensor; although that doesn’t explain the spots being in different places in each picture. I should note that not every picture has these spots. The common element seems to be that they are all evening, low-light situations using the red-eye flash function.

I took the S5 back to the place of purchase and exchanged for an identical unit. However, the problem has not gone away. A fellow from work noticed that the majority of the spots appear on the right side of the photos. Rarely are any (or any significant number) on the left side. Also, we were speaking of distance to object regarding the different photos, but near (~3 ft.) and far (~15-20 ft.) both resulted in similar splotchy problems. At this point, I suggested that perhaps the flash was too close to the lens and the rapid multiple flashing of the red-eye flashes was causing the bursts/splotches. My co-worker also suggested the lens being small may have played a factor in that, too.

That’s where I’m at now. I believe my theory about the flash being too close to the lens is pretty close to the mark. I’ve never had this problem with any of my previous Sony Cybershots (and their lens to flash proximity was greater than the Nikon S5′s).

As a result, I believe I’m going to request a refund and go with my original choice- the Canon IXY 700.

I did have one more nitpick regarding the menu- it takes a little menu jogging to turn off the photo info details on the viewer (something that was a one-button deal on the P-8). But other than that, the S5 has been very pleasant to use. I’m disappointed to have found this flaw as the Canon’s a little heaver and little thicker than the S5.

So overall, it’s a very nice camera. If the red-eye flash + low-light problem was fixed, I’d have no problems recommending this to anyone. As it is, I’d suggest finding a different model in the meantime as this is definitely a deal-breaker to have splotches/bursts/spots in one’s photos. Simply not enough time in the day to digitally airbrush every single picture with these problems.

Product Description
Style meets performance with the Nikon Coolpix S5 Digital Camera. The sleek, stylish and compact design fits easily into your purse or pocket and still produces stunning pictures. 6 Megapixels and a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens combine to create stunning photographs. Create picture perfect portraits with the One-Touch Portrait Button to activate the Face Priority AF feature to automatically find and focus in on a subject’s face while the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically removes most occurances of red-eye. Use Pictmotion to create an in-camera slideshow with your own music! Finally, use the included COOL-STATION dock to sync your camera to your PC or Mac. With these features and more, the Nikon Coolpix S5 packs tons of features into a stylish package that anyone can enjoy!Rotary Multi Selector makes feature selection fast and easy Voice memos In Camera Red-Eye Fix Face Priority AF automatically finds and focuses in on the subjects face for stunning portraits 23MB Internal Memory; SD Memory Card Slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera’s high resolution abilities. PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computerUSB and A/V interface (A/V with COOL-STATION) Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) -3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches / Unit Weight -4.8 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon Coolpix S5 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

Review of Nikon Coolpix 3200 – Digital camera – 3.2 Mpix – optical zoom: 3 x – supported memory: SD

I bought mine new several years ago – takes great pictures, but is definitely an older design, e.g. 1.25 x 1″ LCD screen vs. the entire camera back of newer cameras.I often need to take extreme close-ups for illustrations, and this has macro capability to about 1/2″.My only real complaint is the ease in which the Mode wheel can be accidently nudged to an undesired setting.Before I shoot, I check the Mode to make sure it is in the detent of the proper setting.Also, the Nikon software is incredibly complex and counter-intuitive.Skip it and just use the Windows or Mac importing software you already have on your PC.

Product Description
Whether you are a newcomer to digital photography, or a more experienced user looking for a digital camera with operating ease combined with portability, the COOLPIX 3200 is designed for you to get your hands on the latest digital technology.The camera provides high image quality with 3.2 Effective Megapixels and 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens. 14.5MB internal memory offers always-ready picture-storage and fast image copying from camera to SD card or vice versa. 15 pre-set Scene Modes offer more flexibility and point-and-shoot simplicity, including four most commonly used Scene modes with Scene Assist in framing to achieve a perfect picture composition.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon Coolpix 3200 – Digital camera – 3.2 Mpix – optical zoom: 3 x – supported memory: SD

Review of Zeikos ZE-HLH58 58mm Hard Rubber Lens Hood

As advertised. It threads on with slight plastic threads which are destined to strip. For the price, I can live with that. The design does not allow you to flip it around to put in carrying case. I would not buy another one.

Product Description
Hard Rubber Lens Hood 58mm. Protects your lens and reduces flare.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zeikos ZE-HLH58 58mm Hard Rubber Lens Hood

Review of Harbor Digital Bounce Diffuser for the Nikon SB-600 Flash

It’s pretty decent.It doesn’t stay on the flash too well, however. I’ll need to rig up something (with velcro, probably) to keep it on.

Product Description
The Light Box Bounce Diffuser is a small two piece diffuser that slides securely over the front of the flash. The diffuser gives a soft light and reduces harsh shadows.The two piece, half dome design allows for a larger diffusion surface and spreads the light evenly and over a larger area, producing the effect of a much larger diffuser and light source.The Light Box Bounce Diffuser is compatible with all of the other components of the Ultimate Light Box diffuser system.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harbor Digital Bounce Diffuser for the Nikon SB-600 Flash

Review of NIKON Coolpix S2 5.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

This camera is small enough to put into your pocket, it takes great pictures and is easy to switch the shooting mode. the only down side is that it lacks a view finder, you have to use the LCD to compose the picture, when the lighing is bright it is difficult to see the image in the LCD.

Product Description
Nikon Coolpix S2 is a compact, super slim metal digital camera under an inch thick and small enough to carry in your pocket anywhere. Includes: Nikon Coolpix S2 camera, ANCP14 Strap, USB cable, Audio Video cable, EN-EL8 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, EH-63 AC Adapter, COOLSTATION MV-12 Cradle, PictureProject CD-ROMIn-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most typical instances of red-eye D-Lighting in playback automatically lightens the dark areas in an image 2.5 inch LCD for easy viewing and playback of pictures at 110,000 pixels USB (2.0 Full-speed) Audio Video output (NTSC/PAL) One rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL8 will take about 190 images between charges Camera dimension -Approx. Weight 3.6 x Height 2.3 x Depth 0.9 inch (91.9 x 59.0 x 22.0mm)Weight -4.9 ounces (140 gram) Resolution -5.36 Megapixel 640 x 480 – 2592 x 1944Wide-Zoom (mm) -f3-35 Tele-Zoom (mm) -f5.4-105 Focus range (cm) -30 Macro focus range (cm) -4Storage types -MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital (SD) Minimum shutter (sec) -1/350-2 Sequence (fps) -1.8 Exposure compensation –2EV – +2EV with 1/3EV stepsMaximum video resolution -160×120-640x480Frames per second (fps) -15 Voice recording Video out File format -JPEGEnergy Li-Ion

Click Here to see more reviews about: NIKON Coolpix S2 5.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

Review of Nikon Coolpix P3 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom (Wi-Fi Capable)

I have owned this camera for 3 weeks and I had a hard time choosing between this and the Casio ex-z850. So I did not choose. I tested and bought them both for different reasons. Nikon cameras have the best glass elements and it is obvious when you take pictures. I have owned 6 other point and shoots and I own the Nikon D70. I hope to soon own the D200 with the 18×200 kit, if Nikon ever releases it to merchants!

The P3 does not have a lot of features but the ones that are present are great!

„XGreat Picture Quality you can count on
„XThe VR feature is a miracle, and 99% of my pictures are not blurred
„XGreat Macro Feature that yields good pictures
„XBest point and shoot for night time shots with or without a flash
„XColor Quality of photos is wonderful
„XThe body of this camera is larger than most, but small enough to put in your purse or shirt pocket.I have small hands, yet I like that it is a little larger
„XThere are 5 flash options
„XThere are 3 choices for enhancement of9 of the 16 scene modes
„XThe camera is easy to use and intuitive
„XYou can control to a degree the aperture and program modes
„XMovies are clear and sharpwhen recorded
„X I love the D-lighting and red-eye features that can be used in the camera
„XI get great ISO results with this camera;
„XPortraits are easy to make and the results are beautiful
„X5 options for various Picture sizes
„X6 Continuous shooting modes
„X8 WB options and five image sharpening selections
„XBSS(Best Shot selector is great to have)
„XSeveral other in camera adjustments for photos
„XI have not used the Wifi- feature yet

Cons:
Only shoots in Jpeg
No viewfinder (I find I do not need it)
Difficulty installing camera’s WIFI program onto my computer – Nikon USA has additional instructions on their website that you may find helpful to assist with any difficult installs

So why did I buy both The Casio 850 and the P3? The Casio is a great Pro-photographer camera, and you have to understand how to work the many great features, which can be difficult if you do not know what you are doing. I love many of the features on the Casio camera and it shoots as well as my D70, but the ISO most often is noisy and must be corrected in Photoshop. You have to be careful that the photographs are not too sharp. It is a great landscape camera and yields incredible pictures for a point and shoot. Even though they market the camera as being very intuitive and an easy shoot, in my opinion, there is a lot of clean-up work to perform in Photoshop.

However, I can count on the P3 for perfect pictures for all other situations and almost no adjustments are required in Photoshop. It shoots better indoors and has better night time photos than the Casio 850 in my view. Also, you get great outdoor pictures too. All in all, Nikon did not add lots of new features to the P3; they made the existing ones better. I like that. I travel a lot in my work and it is not easy to carry the D70 and several lenses with me at all times; however, the P3 is a great stand-in camera and when I use the Casio 850 and P3 together to substitute for the D70 I have the best of both worlds. I realize that everyone can not afford two cameras nor are two needed…

The reviews for the P3 camera are either boring or missing in action. I think this is a great camera, if you want a camera that is simple to use, yields beautiful pictures, and is dependable.

There are some sample p3 photos at this website [...]

Product Description
For those looking for a feature-packed high-resolution digital camera comes the Coolpix P3! The 8.1 megapixels and 3.5x optical zoom allow you to get in close and catch every small detail while the vibration reduction feature keeps your shots crisp and blur-free. Use the bright 2.5″ LCD to preview and fix red-eye right in the camera. Finally, you can transfer or print your images wirelessly via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) with no effort! With these features and more, the Coolpix P3 is sure to satisfy anyone looking for impressive digital photographs in a small package!Shooting modes -Auto, Programmed Auto, Aperture Priority Auto Mode, 9 Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait [Face AF], Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Night landscape, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks show, Close up), 7 Scene Modes (Party/Indoor, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Back light, Museum, Copy, Sports), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Date imprint, Self-timer (3, 10 sec.)Attach up to a 20 second voice memo to your photo Built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and printing from up to 30 meters (depending on environment) via 802.11b/g speeds (PD-10 Wireless Printer Adapter Required for Wireless Printing) Also transfer images via included USB cable or an optional card reader (sold separately) 23MB internal memory; SD Memory Card Slot An SD Card is NOT included, therefore we suggest purchasing an Optional 512MB memory card. It will allow you to store a lot more Video and images, as well as take advantage of the camera’s high resolution abilities.PictBridge compatible for printing images without a computer Approximate Unit Dimensions (w x h x d) -3.6 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches / Unit Weight -5.9 ounces (without battery and SD memory card)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon Coolpix P3 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom (Wi-Fi Capable)

Review of Nikon MH-23 Quick Charger for EN-EL9 Li-ion Battery

This is the standard charger that Nikon sells for use with the D40′s EN-EL9 battery.The title incorrectly shows it is for charging the EN-EL5.That battery will NOT work with this charger — the contacts won’t line up.

If you do need it for the EN-EL9, it works very well.I’d appreciate a shorter power cord for travel use, but it is detachable so you can switch it out.

Product Description
Charger for EN-EL9 battery / LED charge status indicator / AC power cord included. For recharging the Nikon EN-EL9 Li-ion battery. Made from high grade durable material.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon MH-23 Quick Charger for EN-EL9 Li-ion Battery

Review of Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

[Following is a reprint of my body only review.I placed a review of the lens at the end.]

The Nikon D80, destined to replace the popular D70 series, is a great camera for Nikon fans who wish to upgrade from their D50s, 70s or 100s. It’s also attractive enough to maybe get a few people to jump ship!

Here’s the highlights:

1) 10.2 megapixel. A substantial upgrade from the 6mp of the older cameras, performance should be very comparable to the highly regarded D200 camera;

2) 11-point AF system. Similar again to the D200 in performance (though not as easy to change);

3) Large viewfinder (.94x magnification). Again, taken from the D200, this is a clear improvement over the previous cameras. Spec wise, this is also better than all the competition, even though other, personal preference factors need to be taken into consideration (such as layout of LCDs and focusing points).;

4) 2.5″ LCD. Not only is it larger, it can also be viewed at a much wider angle–particularly handy when locked to a tripod.

The camera is small for Nikon (about like the D50), but has a good, firm grip for those with medium to larger hands. Controls are well thought out–easy to get to and use. Dampening of mirror noise is better than its competition.

Nikon’s use of the SDHC format should be commended. These small cards will have no real disadvantage to the older CF hards once the HC versions start hitting the shelves, and should relieve the danger of “bent pins”.

Things you’ve liked about previous Nikons have been retained. The D80 uses inexpensive wireless & wired remotes, and it still allows the built-in flash to control other Nikon Speedlights remotely.

Compared to the competition, the Canon Rebel XTi & Sony Alpha 100, the Nikon starts a bit in the hole, considering it’s the most expensive camera (by $200 & $100, respectively). The XTi offers a nice “anti-dust” hardware & software solution; while the Sony offers in camera stablization. Both use the rear LCD for info status. While many may prefer the traditional LCD on top (like the D80), the rear LCD does have the advantage of being considerably larger text for older eyes (and on the Alpha, rotates when you rotate the camera for verticals). Too bad the D80 doesn’t give you this option as well.

The XTi is smaller and lighter, maybe too small for many people. The XTi also does not offer wireless capability with the built-in flash (like D80/A100). It’s battery (hence capacity) is a bit smaller.

The Alpha 100 being Sony’s first modern digital SLR means that getting lenses and accessories my be a bit more difficult (even though it uses a lot from the older Maxxum cameras). It’s also a bit noiser in its operations.

The D80 adds more AF selections than either of the above cameras, has nice enhancements like grid lines and double exposures. It also comes with a protective cover for the rear LCD.

Lens wise, they greatly outnumber those offered by Sony, particularly in any considered “Pro” grade. While Canon can compete in “Pro” grade with Nikon (particularly in longer length lenses), Nikon has a bit of advantage in wider angles for digital. Nikon only offers one size digital sensor, where as Canon must offer two series (for 3 different chip sizes).

Is the D80 worth the money? For anyone with Nikon lenses, undoubtedly. My recommendation for anyone with Canon EF or Minolta Maxxum lenses: look at those cameras first…but be sure to look at the D80 before you buy.

Lens review: Tremendous!The Nikkor 18-135 gives everybody what they want, an affordable lens with above average quality.

First, the 18-135 range is excellent for a kit lens, equivalent of a 27-200 in 35mm photography.It looks great, zooms smoothly, and balances well.The Silent Wave focusing motor is quiet, quick and smooth, and allows immediate manual focus (no hunting for switches).The internal focus is great for anyone using polarizing filters, and allows for a more efficient tulip shaped lens hood (supplied).

Second, the image quality is very good. The aperture is of average size, so don’t expect images to jump out like large aperture lenses, but quality is good throughout the range.

Third, Nikon always includes a better than average 5 year warranty in the US on their lenses.

The only negative is that I always prefer a metal lens mount to a plastic one, although the latter keeps both the weight and cost down.

Product Description
One of the key advances developed for the D80 is its high-resolution image-processing engine. At its heart is a dedicated high-performance processing chip that greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also consuming less power than its predecessors. It also inherits advantages developed exclusively for Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, combining color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved 12-bit digital image processing algorithms. The result is natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. The level of performance attained allows the engine to rapidly and efficiently process the 10.2-megapixel resolution images captured by the DX Format CCD image sensor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens