Nikon has not disappointed us when it comes to releasing new high end DSLR cameras. The new D3S is not an exception. The D3S redefines what is possible with a six-figure ISO sensitivity for stills and video capture while enhancing overall performance.
The D3S features a Nikon designed 12.1 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor with 8.45 micron pixels. For image sensors, the pixel size does matter. Larger pixel offers better signal-to-noise ratio and larger dynamic range. The D3S has a standard ISO range of 200 – 12800, expendable downward to 100 and upward to an eye-popping 100400. The high ISO enables the D3S to capture images in darkness that is beyond the capability of human vision.
The 1280×720 24fps HD movie capture seems to be inferior to Canon’s 1080P offering but it is sufficient for the targeted professional users. The D-Movie mode supports full aperture control, exposure control, and contrast detection auto focus. The motion JPEG codec makes it easy to extract JPEG frames.
The in-camera post processing capability is a great feature. It is not about the silly art filters you can find on point-and-shoot cameras. D3S allows RAW editing. You can change JPEG compression, Size, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Picture Control, Noise Reduction, Colour space and Vignette Control settings. Instead of downloading the images first then editing on the computer, the in-camera post processing capability allows the basic editing in the field before the images are transferred.
The D3S is speedy. It powers up in 12 ms with shutter lag 41 ms and mirror black-out 74 ms. It can shoot 9 fps in FX mode and 11 fps in DX crop mode. The buffer is expended to allow 48 frames in consecutive shooting.
The D3S offers great flexibility. D3S offers several different crop modes (up to 1.2x) for different lenses or for convenience so no useless pixels are recorded. Picture Control allows pre-defined picture styles. Coupled with Nikon’s RAW editing software such as Capture NX, the users can quickly get the desired output image without extensive post processing. Live View and Quiet Shutter modes make it easier or possible to shoot in certain situations. Dual card slots allows users many options in saving their images and videos. Users can record two full CF cards of data sequentially, record the same data onto two cards for backup, record RAW and JPEG simultaneously onto separate cards, transfer data from one card to another, and use one slot for stills and one slot for D-Movie recording. Read More…
Remember the video in which Hitler exploded over the news that Nikon D3X will cost him $8000 (check current price at Amazon, B&H, Adorama)? The video turned out to be very popular and many imitation mashups using the same movie clip have popped up on Youtube.
In the following video, Hitler is not happy about the Canon EOS 7D because it supports the native 24fps movie recording while the Canon EOS 5D Mark II he ordered from B&H does not.
The Internet is abuzz about an interesting iPhone (works on iPod Touch too) application developed by onOne Software, called (Canon) DSLR Remote. You can not only trigger the shutter on supported Canon DSLR cameras, but also change the camera settings, review images taken, and even take LiveView shots. It almost sounds like a magic.
Besides your Canon DSLR and either an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you will also need a laptop or desktop computer running the free companion DSLR Remote Server software, and a USB cable to connect your supported Canon EOS DSLR camera to the computer. The App communicates with the remote server software via Wi-Fi either through an access point or ad-hoc network. On the blog site of onOne Software, there is a video explaining how it works.
It might sound very clunky to lug all the hardware in the field, and the actual usefulness remains to be seen. The support of bulb mode does make long exposures especially light painting in the night easier, as pointed out by one of their potential users. For many, making their iPhone do one more cool thing is a great joy.
Based on the comments left by Mike Wong of onOne software, the shutter delay seems to be minimal. They also have heard from the Nikon camp loud and clear so if you are a fan of both Apple and Nikon, just stay tuned. Non-Apple fans are, however, out of luck.
When the Nikon started shipping the Nikon D5000 a while ago, it was only available as a body+lens kit. For people who don’t want the kit lens, Amazon is now shipping the Nikon D5000 body only for $730. The two lens kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR is also available for $1100.
The Nikon D5000 product pages have been available on Amazon since the day Nikon D5000 was announced, but now Amazon has apparently started to take pre-orders for the D5000 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens kit for $849.95. Strangely, the body only and two lens kit have no price shown and are not available for pre-order yet.
The new Nikon D5000 is an exciting new entry level DSLR camera. Every time an exciting new camera comes out many people will inevitably ask themselves this question. The question will be a lot easier to answer if you are rich enough to just get it and throw away if you don’t like it. The problem is, for most people, it will be something to think about hard even if it is not a brain cell killer due to inner conflict between gadget addiction and the cruel reality.
Well, to help with your thought process, here is Geek.Com’s attempt to answer this question. You should read it entirely but if you have no extra time to spend, the conclusion is short and simple:
Overall, if you’re just stepping into the DSLR category, go for the Nikon D5000. If you’ve got an investment in lenses, move on to the higher models. The soccer mom, drunken night paparazzi, artist, the dad who loves to travel, real estate agent (who mostly posts pictures online vs having a portfolio of prints), or college student would really love and appreciate this camera.
Running out model numbers to use after the very successful D40/D40x/D50/D60 product line, Nikon provided the entry level consumer market with the all new D5000 digital SLR camera. At the first glance this is a very exciting new product. Read More…
For body only price of $799 and kit (with 18-55 mm IS lens) price of $899, this Full HD capable entry level DSLR is destined to be very popular. It also puts some pressure on Nikon D90, which has less pixels (12.3 vs. 15.1 megapixels) and less capable video recording capability (720P vs. 1080P).
However, it seems the 1080P HD is a stretch for its underpowered hardware. At the full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 (1080P, 16:9), the EOS 500D / Rebel T1i can only shoot 20 frames per second (fps), which is kinda awkward. 720P video (1280 x 720) is capable of a good 30 fps (compared to Nikon D90’s 24fps at the same resolution). The new Canon DLSR can also shoot up to 30 minutes (or max file size of 4GB). Nikon D90 can only shoot 5 min at 720P resolution and 20minutes at other resolutions.
Please don’t get it wrong though. Video shooting is fun and maybe important for some people, still photo taking should still be the number one consideration for a DSLR camera. In that regard, I doubt Nikon D90 is any significantly inferior than the Canon 500D. The side-by-side comparison of spec sheets can provide you with some quick ideas. Read More…
for $849.95. Strangely, the 
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have no price shown and are not available for pre-order yet.
