Saturday, June 4, 2011

D3100 DSLR – Getting Start Your Hobbiest

Nikon D3100. Nikon recently introduced its new digital SLR, the Nikon D3100. Positioned as a mid layer DSLR, the Nikon D3100 is very affordable. but you will expect a high quality camera to buy.

Camera manufacturers always make sure that the voltage have no cameras is usually a digital mirror creating an entirely new market, rather than compete with DSLR entry-level model is relatively clear the increasing number of people preparing for the coup point-and-shoot compact boxes, two types of digital SLR cameras Pls bear the Decision.

Thus, while the D3100 digital SLR offers stability to a greater depth capability. more of a DSLR is very popular because it has always been, regardless of where these additives can be enough to see things differently and it is also carried out preliminary stages.

Digital SLR Guide D3100

Allow me a brief introduction to the topic of your digital SLR Nikon D3100. The D3100 is the successor of the popular entertainment and sporting events D3000 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of full HD video.

Very easy to use cameras suitable for people with no experience and workers in both sessions. The driving style is a better option for consumers and for the many components of the guide camera.

Photos in print quality - high quality images with a DSLR Nikon D3100 is beautifully produced, 800 in ISO Consumers can also better-looking pictures with a simple fine-tuning of ISO settings up to ISO 3200 The color is great vitality of Reproduction without prior notice.

Clarity - clarity of the picture depends largely on the excellent zoom. Unfortunately Nikon D3100 approaching the high degree of reliability as a 18-55mm VR kit. Specialist digital photography, with the kit 28-300mm VR, which focus on some realistic. However, styles, less professional, discover the will of the goal is really abundant.

The video recording is amazing. Permission to video in 1080p Full HD-24, and even record 30 fps (frames per second) is very unusual for a digital SLR camera D3100. In addition, individuals are able to use the camera (such as the elimination of the screen while retaining special glasses, etc.).

Friday, June 3, 2011

CANON T3i - as it should be a great camera?

Best Buy Canon T3iCanon T3i. As you probably know, a Canon Rebel camera available in February 2011, the Canon Rebel T3i, including the Canon 600D. Although many critics argue that there is no significant improvement in this area, then Rebel T2i above, there are many points on his overwhelming Canon T3i a digital camera.

I have to start sending your flip-out Vari-Angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD that \ 's attribute, identified to verify, but no T2i 60D, another would be more expensive than 600D. The retractable screen, in fact, fantastic, because it means that you draw boxes Angles sentence, the gain or less around the outside to the websites on the Internet. The choice Canon T3i and accelerate your choice of composition.

Another useful feature to consider by the desire for small video snapshot video numbers 2, 4 or 8 and in the creation of a single video need to start any new changes. I need immediately available during the day, most of the evening exchange with a new, full screen, ready with your friends.

T3i rebels also provides creative filters and boxes exactly the image you want. If you are white, black, fuzzy, miniatures, use toy house and fish-eye effect, you can now edit your photos directly from your camera without using a calculator. In addition, Intelligent Scene Recognition Auto calculates the scene looks, sounds, contrasts, and sunlight and improves your image to run on certain aspects, is no longer the production of useful Photoshop.

T3i interesting features with a Canon camera is ideal for beginners or for other employees. But the room looks like a lot of exciting things are, there is no need for anyone to manual inspection. Help function displays declaration T3i special configuration or advice. Therefore, attempts to images from many sources, the analysis of the conditions of experts or photography classes to consume. The border is very comfortable and innate and Quick Control screen displays to start a successful operation.

If you employed a person and simply decide not load photos onto your computer, do not worry that kind T3i Why do it for you. The camera uses SD Eye-Fi card, then you look at the camera connected to the computer and add your photos via a wireless connection.

As you have seen, is a new Canon Rebel is a sturdy material to use for the excellent pictures useful even if you're not an expert in photography.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Canon T3i Deal - What Makes The Best Canon T3i Deal

Even if we do not plan to be a professional photographer, there is a really great reason why we buy a new SLR digital camera (for instance, a Canon EOS Rebel T3i). We will discuss here what makes the canon t3i review.

The keyword for Canon EOS Rebel t3i in Detail View In that version, canon has added several features to an already great package making the great canon t3i deal especially if all your life you have never handled an SLR digital camera.

Certainly the twofold is the first place on why people should buy a DSLR. Superior picture quality is what you can expect when compared to most shoot and point cameras. Next, you will get the flexibility of interchangeable lenses in order to get the ideal equipment for each situation a reality.

When you are taking a look at the inner parts of the camera, your amazement will still carry on. This camera has used the most modern and sophisticated technology. Although you are a beginner in photography, you will be able to capture high quality pictures. All operations of this camera are very easy, simple, and fast.

The same technology including basic stuff such as image processor and sensor are available in both canon T2i and T3i. With the exception of the LCD screen, the basics have not been improved measurably. Rather than a fixed panel, the LCD of canon T3i is now a swivel-type panel one.

The LCD is also what makes great canon t3i deal. However, probably the real attraction coming from the new rebel is the creative possibilities like the green square. You can allow the canon T3i to make some hard decisions regarding with the ISO, shutter speed and exposure using this green square.

The new setting is called “scene intelligent auto” by Canon and actually at some shoot and point models it is equivalent to “intelligent auto”. The proposed image area analysis as well as camera setting decisions can be done automatically by scene intelligent auto. To get great shots right out of the box, this intelligent auto makes it easy for the DSLR owner.

Nikon D3000 Excellent entry level DSLR with room to grow

Nikon D3000 is a great camera for someone stepping up from even a sophisticated point and shoot camera. I moved up from a superzoom P&S camera primarily because it was too slow and awkward for action photos of my kids. The Nikon D3000 solves all those shortcomings by providing, no shutter lag, more accurate and faster autofocus, and oustanding light metering.

In one afternoon I took well over 300 pics of downhill ski racers and virtually all were well exposed and in focus. In post processing I heavily cropped the pics and they still looked fantastic. This would not have been something easy to do with my point and shoot, and many of the shots would have been impossible with a P&S camera. While the low light capability of Nikon D3000 is not best in class, it is superior to any point and shoot. Buy Nikon D3000
I also bought the 55-200 VR zoom lens as well.

What I really like:
* Optical viewfinder is large and bright
* 3" display is nice
* Menu system is user friendly and there are help prompts available for each menu item
* Auto focus & light metering are excellent
* Fast - no shutter lag
* 3 frame per second is virtually unlimited in jpeg mode. This is great for action shots.
* Like all DSLR's it's great to be able to zoom with your left hand and release the shutter with your right hand.
* Excellent image quality
* Great ergonomics and fits nicely in my hands

While there isn't anything I don't like, it's important to note:
* No Live View - you need to look through the viewfinder to take pics. Taking action pics through a viewfinder is superior to using an LCD, so I don't care about no live view.
* No video mode.
* Any DSLR is going to require commitment to learning

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Nikon D3000 Another great DSLR from Nikon

I've had my Nikon D3000 since it was first released about 4 weeks ago and I'm really pleased with it. I'm an amateur/hobbyist photographer and for a year or so I haven't really been sure what DSLR to get.

The Nikon D60 was a great camera, but I just didn't want to be stuck with it's basic 3-point AF system. Now that I've had my Nikon D3000 for a while I'm really glad I waited. The 11-point AF system (the same as what's in the D90 and D5000) was really worth the wait.

Also, while I wasn't really too sure about the CCD sensor I have no complaints about it and I'm really pleased with image quality. The only problem with the image quality is low light performance, which is not the greatest, but I can't really complain - for the price it's great.

The button layout is great (just like all the other Nikons), I really like the 3-inch display, and some of the in-camera editing features have proven to be really useful.

Also, though I don't really like compact DSLRs that much, I have to say that once again, Nikon has done a great job at it, and even though it's small, it's really comfortable to hold. If you're in the market for a DSLR, regardless of your level of photography, I'd highly recommend Nikon D3000.Buy Nikon D3000

Nikon D3000 I Love it!

this review is more for the amateurs like myself. The reviews from the obvious pros was great and very educating, but for someone who is DSLR illiterate, I was also looking for a no-nonsense, buy this product or don't, review. Here are my initial thoughts of the Nikon D3000 so far:

Out of the box Nikon D3000 was a snap to use. The quick start guide was just that. It got you up and running in no time. However, you have to be a finger contortionist just to get the strap properly affixed to the camera. No big deal; just took me about 10 minutes.

The accompanying lens is a cinch to attach to the body. This camera looks slick. It's more compact and a bit lighter than the other DSLR's I've test run at the brick and mortar stores. Buy Nikon D3000
Turn the camera on and the big 3" display lights up with all the camera data I hope to understand one day...f-stop, aperature, numbers, other numbers, dots and squares, and so on. I'm positive they all mean something. The included user manual says what all this stuff means, but not how a newbie like me can manipulate these settings to produce great pictures. But that's what this entry level camera is all about. Baby steps.

Set the camera to AUTO and shoot away. The camera does everything for you. AUTO is fine if you want immediate pictures. But start learning the camera's real capabilities (which only requires some light reading on-line or simple experimentation), and you're shooting your best photos ever. I'm not a big fan of flowers, but I messed with the settings, took a picture of some purpley flowers with a blurry background and, voila, I had myself a Finer Living Magazine cover.

Want pictures of the kiddos? Tired of using your point-and-shoot, pressing the button, and 3 seconds later it takes the picture? You missed the "golden frame". Guess what? This DSLR will take the picture as soon as you press the shutter button. And did you know this $450 camera will take the picture just as fast as the $5000 jobbers? Yes, you knew that. I just wanted to show that you don't need to spend loads of money on a camera to take great pictures.

Is this the camera to have for professional wedding photographs? Not unless it's 4AM at a wedding chapel on the Vegas Strip. At 10MP this camera wasn't designed for the professional to take professional photos. Use this camera for everyday pictures of the family, nature, vacations, your neighbor (kidding).

Some people don't like the fact that it doesn't have video. Who cares? Video cameras are for video. DSLR's are for taking pictures. Want video on a DSLR? Buy the D5000 or a new Canon, Mr. Moneybags.

Overall, this camera has the ability to take incredible photos. Just learn what it's capable of and you'll be very happy with it. You will not find a better price for the D3000 anywhere but Amazon. No sales tax (in most states, I think) saves you $60+.

Graduating from a point and shoot digital to a DSLR makes buying the Nikon D3000 the obvious choice.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Nikon D3000 Perfect SLR Anybody Can Use

This is probably not the right camera for someone who is an uber-photography hobyist. Nikon D3000 right camera for someone who enjoys photography and wants to step up from a quality point and shoot digital pocket camera.

I wanted an SLR because I wanted to improve the photos I was taking of my 18 month old daughter. My Canon SD750 pocket camera takes great photos, but not the same quality as an SLR would.

Nikon D3000 is great because it has an auto mode that essentially turns it into a point and shoot camera. There is no shutter lag and - with the right memory card - you can hit continuous shoot to take 3 shots per second. (This is ideal for shots of my daughter going down a slide or kicking a ball in the backyard.) Buy Nikon D3000

If you end up "getting into" photography and want to futz with the settings, this camera has everything you could need. 11 point multi-focus and fancy light metering will keep anyone busy. That said, you can also just leave it in auto and it will take phenominal photos.

One of the best Nikon D3000 features is the "?" button. On any screen, you can push the "?" button to get a quick description of what the different setting options will do. For example, when selecting a manual metering mode, it will tell you the difference between multimetering and spotmetering.

The Guide feature is another helpful option that guides you through questions about what you are shooting and adjusts the settings accordingly. To be frank, I find I don't use that very much.

The camera comes with an 18-55 lens which is perfectly adequate for 80% of shooting. I also purchased a 35mm f/1.8 lens so that I could take more shots indoors without flash. I might also consider a 70-300 or 55-200 at some point down the road. For now, I have not had a need to do much telephoto work. I find that I can take the photo with the lens I have and then just zoom and crop on the computer. The image sensor has enough quality that you can really do a significant crop and zoom without a noticable loss in image quality.

Here are some negatives:

1) Shooting above 800 ISO tends to yield grainy photos. I try to keep it at 800 or below. That is another reason I bought the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras lens.

2) You need a fast SD card to avoid shooting delays. The camera has an image buffer. I found that using a standard Sandisk 15mb/s card, I was able to shoot (on continuous shooting) about 6 or 8 photos before hitting the buffer. I bought a Sandisk Extreme III 30mb/s card, and I have not been able to hit the buffer. There are also some shooting effects that involve post shot processing, and these can slightly slow down the camera.

3) I sort of wish I could have bought this with only the body and then added the lenses I wanted. The 18-55 is a very good lens, but I probably would have just ended up buying an 18, a 35 and maybe a longer zoom.

Conclusion

This is a great camera. It is a very good value and is the natural step up from a pocket digital. In my opinion, all of the criticisms I have seen online are from people who expect an entry level camera to have all of the bells and whistles found on models 2-10x the price.

Nikon D3000 uper user friendly beginner camera with great AF system and image quality

Nikon D3000 is Nikon beginner / entry level camera. It replaces Nikon D60. There are three major upgrade of Nikon D3000 from D60. There are 11 Auto focus system with dynamic tracking and 3D tracking. This AF system is the same as Nikon mid-range/enthusiast camera, D90. Also, the LCD screen has been enlarged to 3 inches from 2.5 inches. However, the screen resolution remains the same at 230,000 dots. Also new is the Guide mode, this new mode is working as your tutor on basic photography. It helps you set up your camera, in the same time, it tells you about basic photography setting and concepts. Other than that, everything looks the same, buttons, placement, viewfinder and image quality/resolution.

It is an average size for beginner DSLR camera. But if you are coming from compact camera, you might a bit surprise of the size. On the other hand, if you are coming from advanced DSLR cameras, then you will feel this camera is compact and light.

Nikon D3000 has a thumb dial, which you will use most of the time to change shutter speed and aperture. There are mode dial on the top of the camera. Several basic buttons such as playback, delete, menu, magnifiy/zoom, and exposure compensation. There is also a function (Fn) button on the left side, near the flash that you can customize according to your need. Buy Nikon D3000
Coming from more advance Nikon camera like Nikon D90, what missing are the ISO button, Image Quality button, Release mode button, AF mode button and White Balance button. If you want to change above settings, you need to go to shooting menu (green camera icon). I recommend you to customize the Fn button so you can change you favorite button faster. I change my D3000 Fn button to ISO setting.

Build quality and Ergonomic
Nikon D3000 body is built by rugged plastic. There is texture in the grip area to ensure comfortable grip. The built quality of outer shell is the same or almost the same as Nikon D90. The difference is there are more textured finish in Nikon D90 body. Ergonomically, it is good to hold, but the space between lens mount and the grip is pretty tight. If you mount bigger lens or if you have big hands, then you might not feel it comfortable. Compare to Nikon D60, I noticed that the pistol grip is more curvy instead of pointy. This is a small improvement that you might appreciate.

LCD Screen
D3000 has 3 inches LCD screen with 230k resolution. This is considered basic, but the screen is clear, sharp. If you like to check on the details or pixel levels, it is best to check the images on your computer. In the bright light condition, this screen is relatively good. There is minimal glare/reflection.

Nikon D3000 has 95% coverage and 0.8x magnification viewfinder. It is considered small for DSLR size, but for people who moves from superzooms or advanced compact, this viewfinder are big and a lot clearer. Manual focusing is more challenging than the other Nikon's more advanced DSLRs.

Like Nikon D5000, Nikon D3000 does not have top LCD screen like D90 or more advanced camera. Unlike many of competitors entry level DSLR cameras, Nikon D3000 does not have any live view feature.

Lens and Compatibility
Nikon D3000 comes with Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. This lens has a plastic mount, but the image quality and the light is recommendable. It never get super sharp like pro grade lens, but pro grade lens might costs more than ten times, so 18-55mm VR is one of the best value lens out in the market.

The lens has image stabilization feature which is called Vibration Reduction (VR). It works well and quietly up to 3 stops. If you hold the camera tight and still, you can shoot up to a quarter second without motion blur.

Unfortunately, D3000 does not have built in focus motor in the camera, therefore, it can't auto focus older lenses such as the venerable Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or the legendary Nikon 85mm f/1.4D. Lenses that compatible with this camera are lenses that has built in motor (usually has AF-S code on it) and for third party lenses, look for HSM (Sigma lens).

Image Quality and ISO
Nikon D3000 employs 10 megapixel image sensor. This sensor is a bit inferior than sensors in the D90 and D300. But still this is more adequate for large print.

Image quality is excellent up to ISO 800. At 1600, a lot of noises start to creep in especially in shadow area. At 3200 (or Hi setting), the image is unacceptable only for very small print of web.

If you turn on Noise Reduction or NR (unfortunately no low-medium-strong option), the camera with smooth out the noises, but the image become softer and lose some details. If you concern about the lost of details, I suggest you to shoot with NR off, and then take care the images with image editing software to treat the noise.

Like other Nikon DSLR cameras, D3000 also has Auto ISO limiter. You can effectively limit the ISO and minimum shutter speed. The Auto ISO works very well and accurate most of the time. My favorite way to use this is to set the camera to Auto ISO, and then use Aperture mode and let the camera adjust the rest for me.

D3000 does not have 1/3 stops ISO increments, so you only can set ISO to the regular base level or 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 (HI). But to be fair, most of the entry level DSLR cameras does not have that too.

Auto Focus and Continuous burst
The new 11 AF points are miles better than old 3 points AF system. It helps a lot in composition and fortunately, it also comes with dynamic tracking and 3D tracking which is great for moving objects and sports. The auto focus is very fast and responsive. However, D3000 has only 3 frame per second, so you might miss some shots when shooting sports or fast moving objects.

Guide Mode
Nikon's Guide mode is a tutor for absolute beginner. It does a good job on helping you to set up the camera and also help you to get the best setting for particular kind of photography. For example, when you choose sports mode, it suggest you to set high shutter speed to eliminate motion blur.

Guide mode is basically a super duper friendly menu that consists of three major options: Shooting, playback and camera setup. Shooting menu (the most important of all), divided into two, easy operation and advanced operation.

Easy operation consists of Auto, no flash, distant subjects, sleeping faces (children), moving subjects, landscapes, portrait, and night portrait.

Advanced operation consists of soften background, freeze motion (people) and freeze motion (vehicle). Unlike the usual mode, Guide mode explains to you what kind of setting is important for particular kind of photography, so you can gain insight and knowledge of basic photography concept.

However, keep in mind that although his guide menu is very helpful, but it does not replace basic photography course or seminar.

Photo Retouch
D3000 offers some basic camera processing such as quick retouch (camera automatically enhance or optimize the image). Miniature effect which is fun to play with. Basically you will need to choose a point in the image, and then the rest of the image will be blurred, giving a depth of field illusion.

Other basic retouches are also available such as crop/trim, filter effects, color balance, BW, sepia, etc. The downside is the processing time of one image could take up to 10 seconds.

Conclusion
I applaud Nikon for D3000 because the design is very user friendly through Guide Mode. With the help of this mode, beginners will able to learn basic photography faster. Various photo retouches ignite creativity and fun. I also love the the installment of 11 AF system which is usually reserved for higher end cameras. D3000's competitors does not have this sophisticated AF system.

On the other hand, Nikon D3000 have two main weaknesses, first it does not have built-in AF motor for older but great lenses. D3000 also does not have live view mode which actually can help tremendously in focusing those old lenses.

If you have Nikon D60 you might want to look for more advanced camera such as Nikon D90 or D300. However, if you have Nikon D40 or compact cameras, this camera is a very good upgrade choice.

In short, Nikon D3000 is a solid camera for beginner that is simple, fun, and has great image quality. It is definitely worth your money.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Nikon D3000 Excellent first DSLR

My good old point-and-shoot camera (one of the Canon PowerShot series) had served me faithfully, but I was growing frustrated with its limitations. It seemed SO slow -- I was always missing great shots of my kids. The low-light performance was not particularly good. And I knew if I ever wanted to take more than basic family snapshots, I was going to need to bite the bullet and buy a DSLR. But they seemed so intimidating!

After doing a ton of research online and trying out my sister-in-law's slightly older Nikon D40, I settled on the new Nikon D3000. And I love it! It really is easier to use than I could've imagined, and the shots I've gotten so far are amazing. I have no photographic training, but I am really delighted with the pictures I've been getting so far. I never could have imagined there would be SUCH a huge difference. I've actually gotten -sharp- pictures of my toddler in motion, rather than just kid-shaped blurs! I took it to a local park last night for a couple hours and took some really nice photos there, too.

Some things you might want to know if you, like me, are new to DSLRs:

* Everything you need in The Nikon D3000 box (flash, lens, camera body, camera strap, manual, etc.) -except- for a memory card. You'll need to get an SD or SHDC card to use with your camera. These are quite affordable. Of course, you may WANT more lenses, etc., later, but the kit lens is very nice, and offers a decent amount of flexibility. I would suggest, however, get a lens filter to help protect the lens, Buy Nikon D3000
* The Nikon D3000 comes with a "Guide" -- it helps you choose what effect you're looking for (freeze motion, blur background, etc.) and then helps you pick the right settings. But even just on "auto" mode, it takes some really fabulous pictures.

* Even as a relatively small DSLR, it's definitely bigger and heavier than most point-and-shoots. This wasn't a big issue to me, as I mostly plan to use it at home, but if you want something you can stick in your pocket, a DSLR may not be for you. (I plan to keep my old point-and-shoot as a backup for times when I want something I can just stow in my purse.)

* The D3000 does not have "Live View," where you can frame your shot in the LCD screen. I was a little concerned about this at first, but surprisingly, I've found that I really don't miss it at all. It also does not have video mode (which I find I don't miss, either, because I've always hated taking videos with a camera! They come out all shaky for me.)

* The included printed manual is pretty short and sweet. There is a manual on CD included that is much more complete. Neither, of course, really explains DSLRs in depth or photographic principles, so if you'd really like to learn more about using your camera to its fullest, I'd suggest Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) and Digital Photography Workbook For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)). The former does a great job of explaining how your camera works, why DSLRs are different from point-and-shoots, how to care for your camera, and what accessories you may want. The latter has tons of hands-on exercises to help you learn your way around your camera and improve your photography.

In short, if you'd like to jump into the DSLR pond, the D3000 is definitely an excellent introduction. Come on in -- the water's great!

Nikon D3000 Outstanding Starter Camera

Looking over several cameras and choosing one for someone who has outgrown point and shoots, I came back to the Nikon D3000. By no means will this model blow away the seasoned photographer, however it does cover the basics and more. We picked it up and tried it out over the weekend.

First time DSLR users will enjoy the Guide Mode. It literally walked us through different shoot scenarios via the fixed 3" LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to move from the operating booklet in no time. After a few more runs, I am sure that she will feel quite comfortable shooting in the manual mode. The quick shutter release was a nice surprise. Buy Nikon D3000
Upon completing two days of shooting with the Nikon D3000, I walked away impressed. In manual mode, indoor shots were a balanced and perfect mix of shadow and color. As usual with shooting in low light, noise will make an appearance. However this system can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings.

A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature located on the lens. This should be activated, especially indoors. A tripod will certainly help. In auto mode, just set the camera to night portrait and sit back and enjoy the rest of your flight.

Outdoor shots were vibrant, sharp and rich in color without editing. The onboard flash system was more than capable in meeting fill flash requirements. Without a doubt the overall performance of the camera, features and image quality is excellent.

With 10.2 megapixels to work with, I easily blew up a personal favorite my niece had taken to 16" x 20". Even though I don't see myself trading in my Nikon D3000 for this model anytime soon, this camera is by far an upgrade over any of the souped up point and shoots out there.

Its easy to see that the real jewel in this model is the auto focus system. With six auto mode settings (Landscape, Sports, Child, Closeups, Portrait, and Night Portrait) each and every photograph can be a keeper. Onboard editing tweakers won't be disappointed with this model. It covers the basics. The D3000 operates with both SD & SDHC cards.

The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX and AF-S lens. Older Nikkor or similar AF lens is a no go when shooting in auto but will function in manual mode. Since this model is not fitted with the built in optical image stabilizer, I recommend switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature located on the lens. Still the best anti vibration tool is a tripod.

Nikon makes it really simple with a thumb dial for tweaking aperture and shutter speed. Metering, focus modes, and exposure compensation are easily controlled via the menu. The D3000 does not shoot in video mode. This model easily shoots over three frames per second in continuous mode. The 3D tracking sensor operates quite well in low lighting.

The Nikon D3000 camera kit comes packaged with a EN/EL3e Li-ion battery, charger, USB cable, video cable. strap, eye cap, eye cup, software CD-ROM, 18-55mm Nikkor lens, lens cap, instruction booklet and a one year Nikon warranty.

Coming out of the gate, I still find this model a little pricey for a basic DSLR. I am sure heading into the fall and holidays buyers will begin to see a noticeable price drop. Even so, the D3000 is a fine tuned replacement for the immensely popular entry level Nikon D40. Newcomers to the DSLR community will certainly enjoy this outstanding alternative.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Nikon D3100 Amazing Camera for a Beginner

i've had my Nikon D3100 for a few weeks now and absolutely love it. i normally dont write reviews but i love this thing so much i had to take the time to write one. first off, this is my first dslr camera, so i'm new to this type of photography. all i can say about my Nikon D3100 is wow, it's an amazing camera. i've noticed some reviewers here saying "buy a d90 or d7000 to start", but i completely disagree. if you're new to photography, this camera is all you'll need for a long time.

i'm not much into video so i wont waste time here talking about the video options on the camera. i've taken a few and thought they were cool, the focus was good, the colors natural. having only a mono speaker the sound wasnt very good. but this is a camera, not a camcorder. and for photos Nikon D3100 rocks. though i'm new to photography i'm as ocd as it gets, and i've spent many many days and now weeks reading about how to take great pictures and use the settings on the camera. and i've gone out and put that knowledge to use.

i'm very very pleased with the image quality of this camera. in low contrast environments the autofocus will hunt a bit, but it's not that annoying. in dynamic area mode you can manually select your focus point, which is really nice when trying to get cool depth of field shots. the kit lense is good for general photos, but for really creative shots get a 50mm prime lense at 1.8 or 1.4 aperture. that's first on my accessory list! i've shot in both shutter and aperture priority mode, and had very good results so far. full manual is more challenging, but i cant blame the camera, just my feeble skills.

i've noticed the kit lense is sharpest at about f8, so i try to stay close to that, given adequate lighting. the image stays sharp from 18-55mm in the proper f range (8-13, in my opinion), then softens up a bit at the edges when you stop up or down. i've experimented with the iso alot and gotten mostly good photos. from iso 100-800 the camera is excellent, with no noticeable noise. at iso 1600 noise does begin to show, but for smaller cropped photos like 5x7 or 4x6 it's very usable. at iso 3200 noise is high and fine details are degraded significantly. but most users wont be using high iso so that really doesnt matter. and from comparison shots online the d3100 seems to offer very commendable high iso performance. it's not a pro camera, so dont compare it to those models.

to address some complaints that you have to buy only af-s lenses with an internal focus motor in the lense - yes you pay more for af-s glass, but the af-s glass (or G series)is superior do the af glass, with two more aperture blades, offering a better bokah and softer depth of field effects. i've seen that first hand as my friend shoots with a d90 and has both the 50mmD AF lense, and the 50mmG lense, both at 1.4. So though you'll pay more for glass, it's better glass, so it's a fair tradeoff.

i've used the guide mode some and it's very helpful, especially if you dont do your homework and just jump right into shooting. i wouldnt consider the guide mode a must have, or a deal breaker, it's just a useful tool. my biggest complaint with this camera is it's lcd screen. it's low res and not very good at representing waht the actual photo you took looks like. i dont use live view so it's not a big deal to me. but i do get annoyed when i think a photo looks good/focused/properly exposed on the lcd, only to find it's not when i blow it up using the viewnx2 software provided. oh, this software is really nice for a beginner like me. i was easily able to go into a photo (i shoot in raw always) and start adjusting it, and converting it to jpeg when i was done. sometimes my adjustmetns are for the better, sometimes not. but that's user error on my part, not problems with the software. other than the low res lcd, i have no complaints.

i've tried continuous shooting and the 3fps speed was fast enough for my needs. i've found color to be very neutral and natural looking, slightly cool. white balance in auto has been very good. no orange looking pics when taking pics inside with regular bulbs lighting the room. oddly though when i took pics in my own home, where i use all 6500k cfl lights, the white balance was a bit too white. being a beginner i cant really explain, but i played with the white balance settings and now it looks much better.

the ergonomics of the body are great. this is a very very light dslr camera with the kit lense. carrying it around all day at the zoo was painless. the grip feels good in my hand, and i like the rough looking texture of the plastic body. all in all this has been an amazing camera so far for me. the pictures are amazing, displaying sickening leveles of detail (like facial pores! ;)). it's been very easy to use and my experience so far has been excellent. i cant say it enough how much i love this camera, and dslr photography. this camera makes entering the dslr world very easy. and once you see the amazing photos this camera can take, you'll never think about your point and shoot again (i know i havent!). so dont spend too much time obsessing over specs and such, just buy this camera, you wont be dissappointed.

Nikon D3100 The start of a beautiful relationship

Just picked up a Nikon D3100 today. This camera is really a gem, Day 1 and I'm already sure that I've made the right choice. Was looking to upgrade from my D70, another great camera by Nikon. However, experience over the past few years has seen my Canon G10 seeing more action since it offers a more lightweight and portable option for day to day shooting than the D70.

Liked the D90, but that seems even bulkier and heavier than the D70. Didn't want to invest in a full-frame digital; as a "prosumer" who loves photography as a hobby, I pretty happy with the "compromise" of the smaller sensor of the DX series.

Pondered the D5000, was swayed by Rockwell's review of it, but it was just a little too lite on the features I enjoyed on the D70. Looked at the promising 4/3rd cameras, but felt the G10 was just as good as many/most of them.

Saw the Nikon D3100 announcement and that looked promising. Waited to see what D90 replacement would look like and felt too big and too expensive for what I was looking for. The D7000 is a marvelous looking camera on paper and I'm sure will make a lot of people happy.

However seeing the feature set on the Nikon D3100, and the weight and size, was pretty convinced that it was the route to go. After getting it today, am absolutely sure about it.

If you read the prior two well written reviews, you'll get a sense of the technical features of this camera. What I'd add are these features that I like:

1) Overall feel: This camera fits perfectly for me, and I've got pretty big hands. Very well designed ergonomically.
2) Size/weight/balance: Very lightweight body that balances with kit lens very well, and really nails to size factor for me.
3) Build quality: I know I'm not going to get a battle-ready body at this price, but wasn't looking for that. For the materials used, feels very solid and high-end.
4) Help system: I like the built-in help system. I doubt I'll use the guide mode, but will be useful for my wife. But you can get help in any mode, so it's a nice built in reference system.
5) Well designed menu system: I love this. Compared to the D70, it's like moving out of the dark ages.
6) Good button design: Not too many, and easy to get too. Laid out well, and intuitive to use.
7) HD Video: Nikon throws in a HD video recorder. Happy to have that too.

I really don't have any criticisms as of yet. Been happy with the test pictures so far, and really consider this camera a step up from the D70. I've no problem with the lack of bracketing, although that "missing" feature seems to be freaking some folks out. I do miss the wireless remote, but you can get a wired one.

Note: Really wanted to get this from Amazon, but needed it soon for an upcoming trip so went the BB/10% coupon route. Not sure what happened to inventory management on the Amazon side. No worries, I'm sure Amazon will see plenty of lens orders from me soon enough. :-)

Definitely check this camera out next time you see it, think you'll be impressed. I bet this is the camera that gets the buzz at Photikina this year.

Nice job Nikon!Order Nikon D5100