Nikon D600

Full-frame HD-SLR for enthusiasts. The Nikon D600 puts a full-frame FX-format sensor in a relatively compact and lightweight HD-DSLR. It is Nikon’s smallest and lightest full-frame offering at an affordable price that enthusiast photographers will find very attractive. The Nikon D600 features 24.3MP, ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable from 50-25,600), 5.5fps burst rate, 39-point AF system and Full HD (1080p) video.

For those who like to stay connected, a new optional WU-1b wireless adapter allows users to shoot high-quality HD-SLR images and transfer them to their mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The optional WU-1b Wireless Adapter allows users to remotely fire the D600’s shutter from up to 15.24m (50ft) away

The auto focus system features nine cross-type sensors for maximum accuracy, while seven AF points are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8 for extreme telephoto applications.

The D600 is ready to shoot in 0.13 seconds, with a 0.052 second shutter release. It is capable of bursts of images at 5.5 fps at full resolution to capture decisive moments. To enhance speed and workflow, images and videos are rapidly transferred to dual SD card slots that are compatible with the latest SDXC and UHS-1 high-speed standards.

The optical viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage. Or use Live View on the large 3.2-inch 921,000-dot LCD that features automatic brightness control.

The D600 records Full HD 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24p, and 720p video at 60, 50 and 30p. When shooting HD video at the highest quality setting, up to 20 minutes can be recorded, or up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds in normal quality. The onboard microphone captures monaural sound; you can record stereo audio using an optional external stereo microphone. Audio can be monitored through the headphone jack and levels can be displayed on the LCD with peaking. For monitoring and streaming applications, the image can be displayed on the LCD screen while simultaneously shown on another monitor through the HDMI, regardless of whether they are shooting data. Furthermore, the D600 adds the ability to transfer uncompressed videos via the HDMI connection, which can then be routed to a digital recorder or similar device.

The D600 uses Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS). A built-in Speedlight commander can control multiple Speedlights such as Nikon’s SB-700, SB-910 or Wireless Close Up Speedlight System. The camera can also control up to two individual Speedlight groups for further creative control. X-Sync Speed is 1/200 sec (synchronizes with shutter at 1/250s or slower) while top FP High Speed Sync is up to 1/4000 sec.

The body of the D600 is sealed with gaskets for resistance against dirt and moisture. The camera is built with a magnesium alloy top and rear construction. The shutter is rated for 150,000 cycles. The battery lasts for approximately 900 shots; an optional MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack extends the grip for comfort and can effectively double the battery capacity when using two batteries.

The Nikon D600 will appeal to enthusiasts who are itching to get back into full-frame photography. They can now do so at an affordable price with a full-featured HD-DSLR.

Read our Nikon D600 review…

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Nikon Coolpix S30

Readers are always asking us to recommend a digital camera safe for kids. It is exciting when your kid starts to get bitten by the photography bug. It is time to give him or her a camera. For small hands, you need big buttons and easy to understand and use controls. You also need something tough enough to survive little accidents and bumps. Enter the Nikon COOLPIX S30 [QuickPrice Check], aimed squarely at young children.

The Nikon Coolpix S30 features 10.1 MP (1/3-in. CCD), 3x optical zoom (29.1-87.3 mm equiv.), closeups to 5cm, and is built to resist shock when dropped from heights of up to 80 cm (2.6 ft), to resist water up to depths of 3m (10 ft), and resist dirt, making it safe (enough) to use at the pool and around water. It accepts two AA batteries. Alkaline batteries should be good enough for approx. 240 shots and Lithium batteries for approx. 700 shots.

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Nikon D800

Multimedia HD-SLR. The Nikon D800 is Nikon first professional DSLR with video features optimized for professional still and multimedia photographers and videographers. It features a 36.3MP FX-format CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25,600, 4 fps burst rate, an enhanced 51-point AF system and Advanced Scene Recognition System with 91,000-pixel RGB sensor.

Professional videographers will appreciate Full HD 1080p video at 30/25/24p with stereo sound, uncompressed HDMI output and incredible low-light video capability. Users can have full manual control of exposure, and can also adjust the camera’s power aperture setting in live view for an accurate representation of the depth of field in a scene. Users are also able to easily compose and check critical HD focus through the 921,000-dot, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with reinforced glass, automatic monitor brightness control and wide-viewing angle.

The D800 features an enhanced 51-point AF system and a Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor module improved for low-light focus to -2 exposure value (EV). The focus system utilizes 15 cross-type AF sensors and places emphasis on the human face. The camera utilizes 9 cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those who need extreme telephoto focal lengths (single cross type sensor active with TC20E III).

The Nikon D800 will appeal to cinematographers and multimedia professionals who can now take full advantage of Nikon’s extensive collection of lenses, the 36.3MP FX-format CMOS sensor and all the video-friendly features built into the camera.

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Nikon V1

CX format with a new Nikon 1 lens mount. The Nikon 1 V1 is a completely new compact system camera from Nikon and is set to compete against the compact mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras from other camera manufacturers. While the FX (full frame) format is targeted to its top of the line DSLRs, the DX (APS-C) format to enthusiast DSLRs, Nikon is introducing a brand new CX format using a 1.0-in. CMOS image sensor and a new Nikon 1 lens mount with smaller and lighter lenses for its Nikon 1 System. The Nikon 1 System is targeted to the point-and-shoot crowd who wants a better camera with interchangeable lenses.

The Nikon 1 V1 (or simply Nikon V1) features 10.1MP (on a 1.0-in. 13.2 x 8.8mm CMOS sensor). This image sensor is bigger than the 1/1.7-in. sensor used in most top of the line point-and-shoot cameras but smaller than the Four Thirds sensor and APS-C sensor found in other compact mirrorless cameras. The Nikon 1 System targets mostly those coming from the point-and-shoot world wanting a better camera with more flexibility.

The Nikon 1 V1 also features a new and revolutionary hybrid AF system with both Phase-detection and Contrast-detect AF sensors embedded right in the image sensor itself. Being embedded right in the sensor allows the Nikon 1 V1 to have lightning fast phase detection AF without needing a mirror to reflect light to its phase detection sensor(s). The 73 point AF array allows Continuous Shooting of 5fps in autofocus or 60fps using electronic shutter.

The LCD is 3.0-in. with a high 921k-dot resolution. For those who prefer it, there is also a 1,440,000 -dot (SVGA) electronic viewfinder (EVF). An eye sensor automatically toggles the display between EVF and LCD as you bring the camera to your eye or away from it.

The Nikon 1 V1 accepts interchangeable lenses on its new Nikon 1 lens mount. Currently, there are 4 lenses: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-33mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 Pancake lens, 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 Zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 10x power zoom lens. An optional FT1 F-mount adaptor allows the use of legacy 35mm NIKKOR lenses.

Movie is recorded in Full HD (1080p) and you can take a still photo at any time during movie recording. Movie frame rates are 30/60/400/1200fps. Motion Snapshot is a novel feature and captures a still image together with an accompanying 2 sec. video. Smart Photo Selector takes a number of shots in quick succession and selects the one with optimal exposure, subjects in frame, clarity and focus, even eyes open.

The Nikon 1 V1 has a proprietary accessory shoe that accepts a number of optional accessories: GP-N100 GPS module, ME-1 Microphone (with the AS-N1000 adapter) or SB-N5 Speedlight. You cannot use existing Nikon speedlights.

Want something better than point-and-shoot with more accessories and interchangeable lenses but don’t want the size, weight and complexity of a DSLR? The Nikon 1 V1 may be just the right camera for you.

Read our Nikon 1 V1 Review…

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Nikon 1 J1

Point-and-shoot with flexibility. The Nikon 1 J1 is basically a simpler point-and-shoot version of the Nikon 1 V1. It features the same CX format using a 1.0-in. CMOS image sensor and a new Nikon 1 lens mount with smaller and lighter lenses for its Nikon 1 System. The Nikon 1 System is targeted to the point-and-shoot crowd who wants a better camera with interchangeable lenses.

The Nikon 1 J1 (or simply Nikon J1) features 10.1MP (on a 1.0-in. 13.2 x 8.8mm CMOS sensor). This image sensor is bigger than the 1/1.7-in. sensor used in most top of the line point-and-shoot cameras but smaller than the Four Thirds sensor and APS-C sensor found in other compact mirrorless cameras. The Nikon 1 System targets mostly those coming from the point-and-shoot world wanting a better camera with more flexibility.

The Nikon 1 J1 also features a new and revolutionary hybrid AF system with both Phase-detection and Contrast-detect AF sensors embedded right in the image sensor itself. Being embedded right in the sensor allows the Nikon 1 J1 to have lightning fast phase detection AF without needing a mirror to reflect light to its phase detection sensor(s). The 73 point AF array allows Continuous Shooting of 5fps in autofocus or up to 60fps using electronic shutter.

The LCD is 3.0-in. with a 420k-dot resolution. No optical or electronic viewfinder is available. If you must have a viewfinder, see the Nikon 1 V1 instead which sports an optional EVF attachment.

The Nikon 1 J1 accepts interchangeable lenses on its new Nikon 1 lens mount. Currently, there are 4 lenses: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-33mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 Pancake lens, 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 Zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 10x power zoom lens. An optional FT1 F-mount adaptor allows the use of legacy 35mm NIKKOR lenses.

Movie is recorded in Full HD (1080p) and you can take a still photo at any time during movie recording. Movie frame rates are 30/60/400/1200fps. Motion Snapshot is a novel feature and captures a still image together with an accompanying 2 sec. video. Smart Photo Selector takes a number of shots in quick succession and selects the one with optimal exposure, subjects in frame, clarity and focus, even eyes open.

The Nikon 1 J1 has a built-in pop-up flash but no accessory shoe.

Want something better than point-and-shoot with interchangeable lenses but don’t want the size, weight and complexity of a DSLR? Try the Nikon 1 J1 which is available in different colors: black. red, pink, silver, white.

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Nikon Coolpix P7100

Compact companion to a DSLR. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is Nikon’s flagship COOLPIX prosumer compact category digital camera. It features 10.1MP resolution (on a 1/1.7-in. CCD sensor) and a 7.1x (28-200mm equiv.) wide-angle optical zoom lens in a stylish body. It is billed as “the ideal camera that advanced photographers will seek as a companion to their D-SLR camera when both portability and superior image quality are a necessity.”

The Nikon P71000 features a fixed lens, i.e. the lens is not interchangeable. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8 and there is a built-in Neutral Density (ND) Filter that you’ll find useful when you want to shoot using a slow shutter speed in the bright outdoors. The lens is optically stabilized for both still and movie recording.

The P7100 has lots of dials and buttons to minimize the need to access the menu for the most common functions. Besides the Mode Dial, there is an Exposure Compensation Dial as well as a Quick Menu Dial on top, a Command Dial on the back and a Sub-command Dial on the front. The LCD is 2.8-in. with a high 921K-dot resolution and is tiltable for easy down low or overhead shots. For those who prefer it, there is also an optical viewfinder.

Creative features include the Special Effects and Filter Effects: Defocus Filter, Cross Process Filter, Creative Monochrome Filter, High Dynamic Range (HDR) function, Backlighting Mode, High/Low Key, Sepia and Painting Modes. In Playback Mode, images can also be altered with a Fisheye Effect or Cross Screen Filter.

The P7100 records HD 720p movies at 30 fps with stereo sound through the built-in microphone. An optional external microphone ME-1 can be connected via the stereo microphone jack. You can zoom during movie recording. Optional accessories include the 0.75x Wide-Angle Convertor WC-E75A (21mm equiv.) and the SB-400, SB-700 and SB-900 speedlights.

For when you decide to leave the DSLR home, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 provides the versatility and performance you want in a compact digital camera.

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QUICKFACT SHEET

Category: Serious to Advanced Amateur

The Nikon D300s DSLR adds HD Movie at 720p resolution with a smooth cinematic 24 fps rate. It records high fidelity audio either with the convenient built-in microphone or by using the external stereo microphone input. Video length can be trimmed in-camera. In Tripod mode, the D300S features continuous autofocus during video recording using Contrast-Detect AF. Picture Control adjustment options allow easy midifications of the tone and colour of HD video clips.

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QUICKFACT SHEET

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Category: Beginner Amateur – Family DSLR

The Nikon D3000 DSLR is Nikon’s newest affordable entry-level DSLR camera. It replaces the award-winning D60 (or D40 before it). The Nikon D3000 is packed with Nikon’s latest digital technology and know-how found in its more expensive DSLR models. It retains 10.2MP resolution and all the practical features that made its predecessors so popular. Main features are:

• 10.2 MP resolution (on an APS CCD image sensor)
• Guide Mode
• Active D-Lighting
• PASM
• RAW
• Picture Control
• 3.0 –in. LCD (230K dots)
• 11-point AF

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