The Good:

- Light and easy to hold, which makes it a good travelling camera. Less than half the weight of my dslr with an 18-200mm lens attached.

- Tilting 3 inch LCD screen.

- Humungous zoom. I write before that the Fujifilm HS10 720mm zoom was huge. 810mm is even huger! (This is the zoom range it should have been in the p100 imho, but as they say, better late than never). You will truly see things you’d never thought you’d see when you zoom out to 810mm.

- Easy to use…relatively. Since I’ve already used several Nikons, I’m more used to it than you might be if you are new to the brand, so I didn’t find it especially difficult to navigate. If you are a pure point and shoot person using little compact cameras, you might find the functions available a bit daunting and you’ll need to look up both the manual, and a FAQ section of photography terms and functions to know how to alter things like shutter speed and aperture. I use shutter speed sometimes, but not aperture, since it’s nothing to shout about. If I want thin sections of focus, I go to my dlsr and f1.4 prime lens

- Photo quality is not bad for this type of camera. Definitely not dslr quality. But if you just want that photo (and you’ll take heaps with 22.5-810mm on tap) then this will more than satisfy you.

- Macros: macro photo quality have always been quite reasonable in the Nikon p90, p100, and this model too. In some ways, they give dslr’s a run for their money because while not in the same league pixel peeping wise, you can get a heck of a lot closer with the p90, p100 and p500, so the colour and detail is quite decent imho. Colour is not as full and bright as some other brands, but is quite acceptable in good light. It’s a bit faded indoors or in poor light.

- Now comes is red, as well as black! Ok, this isn’t really a big thing, but if you don’t want common boring black, you now have a choice. Maybe it will appeal to others

The Bad:

- They STILL don’t provide an external charger! As I wrote before in the p100 review- I’m lucky- I still have a spare from the Nikon s10. All you poor saps who don’t will have to charge your camera battery using the USB cable and supplied AC charger. I don’t know how much an external charger and spare battery are, but if you buy this camera, I’d suggest buying these too.

- If you turn on the camera while the lens cap is on, the camera will freeze up and the motor makes this sad grinding/whining noise as it tries to pathetically push the lens out against the lens cap. This is crazy! It was like this in the p90, p100 and they still haven’t fixed it!

- Still has the same form factor as before. That’s mostly good, but the small electronic viewfinder remains too. I don’t find it easy to use.

I haven’t used the video, so can’t comment.

Overall, it’s more of the same from Nikon, except the lens goes wider and further.

* 36x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens.

*12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for high-speed operation and exceptional low-light performance.

*Capture 5 shots in one second at full resolution

*Full HD (1080p) Movie with Stereo sound and HDMI Output

*5-way VR Image Stabilization System

Basically, the reason to go with the S9100 over the S8100 is the longer, wider lens; shooting performance and photo and video quality is about the same. If you’re a stickler for sharpness or fine details when photos are viewed at larger sizes, then this camera probably isn’t for you. Also, I found it difficult to hold this camera still with the lens fully extended, and the image stabilization could only do so much. Without some sort of support, you may end up with a lot of blurry shots. But for its price and shooting flexibility, most people after a decent snapshot should be pretty happy with the results.

According to CNET:

While several manufacturers have bulked up their compact megazoom offerings with GPS receivers, touch screens, 3D photo capture, and semimanual and manual shooting modes, the Nikon Coolpix S9100 is all about the lens. Yes, it has plenty of other things going on–including a beautiful high-res LCD–but if all you really want is a long lens in a pocketable body with reliable automatic shooting options, the S9100 might be the best option for the money.

According to Digital Camera Review:

The S9100 features some nice new innovations and a great 18x optic, but it doesn’t solve the low-light problems that plague just about every compact point-and-shoot on the market.

Fast f/1.8, compact FX-format prime (fixed focal length) lens
Optimized for FX-format D-SLR cameras but equally at home on any Nikon DX-format D-SLR, this updated classic with a fast maximum aperture is ideal for everyday shooting, perfect in low lighting situations and great for producing images with beautiful background blur (bokeh). The AF-S 50mm f/1.8G includes Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) for fast and precise autofocus, M/A Focus Mode Switch for seamless changes between manual and autofocus operation and an aspherical lens element for outstanding optical performance with high contrast.

An ISO range of 100-6400 is available to D5100 shooters, with options to expand up to 25,600 ISO. A new Night Vision mode is offered in still and video record modes, cranking up ISO to an equivalent of 102,400. This is offered as a creative mode to produce a night vision look.
The D5100 will offer a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD, a bump up from the D5000′s 2.7-inch screen. The new monitor will boast 921k-dots of resolution and an impressive 1000:1 contrast ratio. Burst shooting is available at a maximum of 4 fps.

Although the D5100 is listed as having an Expeed 2 processor, it’s worth remembering that Nikon doesn’t use this naming system to denote any specific components, so the actual chunks of silicon and capabilities aren’t necessarily the same as those in the D3100 or D7000. However, in addition to a similarly specced 16.2MP sensor, the D5100 offers the same ISO settings as its big brother – extending up to an equivalent of ISO 25,600. It also inherits 14-bit Raw shooting – one of the factors that helps give the D7000 its impressive dynamic range – which is something Nikon used to offer only on its more expensive models.

Dpreview said:

Conceptually, the D5100 perfectly fills the gap in Nikon’s line-up between the entry-level D3100 and the much more enthusiast-orientated D7000 – marrying the ease-of-use of the former with the image quality of the latter. It also throws in a video-friendly articulated high-res screen and gains bracketing and a greater degree of customization to sweeten the deal. So although it makes do with no focus motor, a single control dial and a defiantly plastic body shell, it still offers the super-wide ISO span of 100-25,600 (equivalent) and class-leading image quality of the D7000, especially as regards high ISO noise performance.

Sadly, the reality isn’t totally consistent with this concept. The D5100 doesn’t have quite the same novice-friendly handling as the D3100 and it lacks so many of the D7000′s more advanced features that there is a risk that it ends up not quite being the right camera for anyone. The complete beginner may gravitate towards the slightly simpler D3100 and for their part, the enthusiast might hanker after too many of the features that are offered by the D7000 (whether that be in terms of build quality, sophistication of AF, size of viewfinder or the built-in AF motor).

In general though, judged on its own merits the D5100 is a satisfying camera, and as far as image quality is concerned it is most definitely a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Both in still imaging and video, the detail resolution and noise performance are up there with the best of its competition, and the high-resolution, articulated screen makes composition easy in both modes. We’re not wholly convinced by the Effects modes, given the restrictions that are inherent in shooting with them, but they’re fun enough to play with that they could offer creative inspiration for some users.

CNET said:

Class-lagging performance holds the D5100 back from getting an unequivocal recommendation. But it’s certainly fast enough to handle most situations general-purpose shooters will find themselves in. So if you’re OK with compromising just a little on shooting speed, the Nikon D5100 should please on all other counts.

Nikon D5100 is NOW IN STOCK! Low Prices and many Bundle Saving Packs, Buy Now!

On both DX and FX format bodies the 85mm focal length is considered a prime candidate for portrait-photography as it gives you some distance from your subject which leads to a flattering perspective. This, combined with the capability to render blurred backgrounds with a smooth bokeh, makes 85mm f1.4 lenses very sought after.

In this review we’ll have a look at Nikon’s latest and most expensive 85mm prime, and find out whether the lens lives up to the expectations.

According to pdnonline:

Nikon portrait photographers should sit up and take notice: the new Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G is a worthy follow up its legendary predecessor. If you already own the old 85mm, this new version is not necessarily a reason to go out and empty your bank account. The improvements are subtle but noticeable and appreciated. For one, the new lens’ Nano Crystal Coating really helped reduce ghosting and flare with backlit shots so if you find yourself frequently shooting in variable lighting where the sun might sneak up on you, you’ll like this upgrade. The Silent Wave Motor also helps make this portrait lens even more discreet so you can get the shot without causing a paparazzi-like ruckus. And, most importantly, the maximum f/1.4 aperture produces stellar shallow depth of field with great background blur. We also found the lens to be more consistently sharp in the center than its predecessor when shot wide open. If you don’t already own a Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 lens, go out and get this new classic. However, if you’re on a budget, the cheaper Nikon 85mm f/1.8 or Sigma 85mm f/1.4 might suffice.

Nikon Coolpix L110 is a superb camera with and has wonderful features. It is a point and shoots variety. It’s a very new range in Nikon’s Coolpix compact series of cameras. It is very easy to use Nikon Coolpix L110 and much reliable to capture images with high quality.

It is rather a basic camera and not much complicated. Nikon Coolpix L110 is really high for the money. The price of the camera starts from $ 280. This camera is very much preferred for outdoors and good to use in bright lights. But can work pretty good in auto flash mode when indoor shooting.

Nikon Coolpix L110 offers 15x optical zoom which is not that bad for a normal use. This camera has a wide angle length. It also possesses a video recording of 720p with stereo audio. The resolution of the camera is from ten to twelve mega pixels. The maximum image dimensions of the pictures captured from Nikon Coolpix L110 is 4000 x 3000 pixels. Nikon Coolpix L110 is much convenient to shoot close up pictures. It also has a sensor shift stabilization of images.

Most people love the compact design of the camera and they feel it is much user friendly. People are also happy with the battery usage of the camera. The images can be saved in SD cards.

Most of the people are not happy with the inability of the camera to maintain the photo quality in lower light. It also possesses a long shutter cover which most people don’t feel smart. When fully zoomed the pictures are highly blurred that it doesn’t maintain the quality of the pictures. The camera performs a bit slower. It is not much good to use for a quick follow up capture.

Over all, the camera is good for a normal use. It is much worthier to the cost when compared to other cameras.

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, says: “The D3100 is the successor to Europe’s best selling D-SLR*1, the D3000, offering 14.2 megapixels, full HD movie, Live View with new AF modes and improved ergonomics. It also has the popular Guide Mode as seen on the D3000, which now shows you sample images of what you can achieve with certain settings, for example if you change the shutter speed or aperture. This is the ideal camera for families who want to capture all the important moments in perfect quality, without worrying about settings.”

Pure and simple D-SLR for the family
The D3100 is designed for newcomers to D-SLR photography, especially young families who want to take beautiful pictures without worrying about complicated functionality. A range of automatic settings means the camera is doing all the hard work much like on a compact camera: Live View with Scene Auto Selector selects the mode that matches your shooting situation; Scene Recognition delivers sharply defined images by analyzing the scene and optimizing the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released; and Guide Mode will take you step-by-step through the process of how to get the picture you want.

Source

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: “We are really excited about this new, all-round lens in the NIKKOR range. The DX format 18-200mm proved to be a massive success, and we are happy to introduce FX format customers to the same advantages this lens can offer.”

Extended 10.7x Zoom Ratio
The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR’s huge 10.7 zoom ratio makes it the ultimate ‘walkabout’ lens. With an impressive 28-300mm focal range it is set to become a very popular all-rounder for those seeking ultimate coverage from a single lens, useful when travelling light, or working from a fixed position. The flexible aperture range keeps the lens size and weight to a minimum while still providing attractive depth of field effects at the telephoto end.

Source

Nikon UK today unveils two new compact cameras to join its COOLPIX line-up. The duo consists of the S1100pj with integrated projector, the successor to the award-winning S1000pj, and the S5100, a versatile shooter with specialist technologies to ensure stunning shots even in low-light conditions.

The COOLPIX S1100pj sees Nikon again redefining the way people share their photos, videos, and even presentations with the inclusion of an integrated projector, offering enhanced picture quality and the ability to connect directly to a computer. Meanwhile, the COOLPIX S5100 features four technologies for beautiful night shots, including lens-shift type VR (Vibration Reduction), high sensitivity with low noise up to ISO 3200, enhanced Motion Detection, and a new flash control system. Both new models feature NIKKOR precision lenses, Nikon EXPEED C2 digital image processing, and include legendary Nikon features designed to capture the highest quality images.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V.: “These new additions to our COOLPIX family enhance our offering for everyone, whether you’re looking for the latest innovation or a handy compact camera to capture all your favourite memories. The S5100 offers great quality at an affordable price and the S1100pj continues Nikon’s unique lead in projector camera innovation. The ability to connect the S1100pj to a PC or Mac makes it a very versatile device for both home and business use, making it easier than ever to share photos, presentations and more.”

Source

Nikon UK announces ViewNX 2, a comprehensive new version of its popular bundled software package that enables users to easily import, browse, edit and share images and D-movies.

Building upon the successful ViewNX software, ViewNX 2 is a feature-packed, user-friendly suite supplied with Nikon digital cameras and available for download. The software now offers a range of tools dedicated to editing D-movie files captured by today’s DSLR and compact cameras.

In addition to basic data importing and browsing, ViewNX 2 incorporates various frequently used adjust menus and tools such as resize, brightness control, crop and straighten, as well as sophisticated RAW processing functions.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, comments: “For many, ViewNX is the core software application to import and organise images. View NX 2 makes everything easier and smoother, and features a wealth of added benefits for D-movie shooters too”.

Present movies in style
ViewNX 2 includes several simple and intuitive editing tools which enable users to create great looking movies. The software allows you to trim and then merge clips together, apply a variety of attractive transition effects with the addition of still images and soundtracks of music to generate stylish and animated films to share with family and friends.

Source

Pros

Cons

Quick Specs

D3000 SLR Digital Camera, 10.2MP, with 18-55mm VR Lens

Source ]]> http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-d3000/feed 0 http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-p100 http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-p100#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:29:52 +0000 Cuzzy http://www.acamerareview.com/?p=410 The Nikon Coolpix P100 is the first Coolpix to feature a back-illuminated 10.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling it to record 1080p HD video and full-resolution images at 10 fps in burst shooting mode. It also features a 26x optical zoom lens and high-speed video up to 120 fps at a reduced resolution.

The P100 features a quality 26x zoom lens and a 10.3 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for excellent performance and image quality.

Pros

Cons

Quick Specs

Coolpix P100 Black Digital Camera (10.3MP, 26x Opt, SD/SDHC Card Slot)

Source ]]> http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-p100/feed 0 http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-s6000 http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-s6000#comments Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:53:29 +0000 Cuzzy http://www.acamerareview.com/?p=403 The Nikon Coolpix S6000 is a small camera that can be conveniently carried in a pocket or a purse. Its dimensions are 3.8×2.2×1.0 inch thick (97x55x25mm) and it weighs only 5.5 ounces (156 grams). However, despite its small size, the S6000 has some impressive specifications.These include a 1/2.3 inch, 14.2 megapixel sensor, a 7x optical zoom lens ranging from a wide 28mm to a long 196mm, an HD movie mode of 1280×720 at 30 frames per second with stereo sound, a four-way image stabilization system (which Nikon refers to as “VR”), an advanced flash control and many other features. The S6000 comes in silver, red, black or bronze, and its list price is $249.95. The model I received for review is an attractive metallic burgundy.Not long ago we reviewed one of

Nikon’s latest compact cameras, the S8000, a compact ultrazoom with a 10x optical zoom. Our review was very positive, with the camera given 4 out of 5 stars overall. Nikon’s S6000, which is smaller and has slightly less optical zoom than the S8000, has been the object of strong interest among our forum regulars, possibly as a result of the good review received by the S8000. Several forum posters have asked when we are going to review the S6000. So I’m happy to have been given the chance to review this intruiging camera.

Source ]]> http://www.acamerareview.com/nikon-coolpix-s6000/feed 0 http://www.acamerareview.com/carl-zeiss-announces-distagon-t-2825-zf-2-lens-for-nikon http://www.acamerareview.com/carl-zeiss-announces-distagon-t-2825-zf-2-lens-for-nikon#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:54:24 +0000 Cuzzy http://www.acamerareview.com/?p=275 Carl Zeiss has announced the ZF.2 version of its 25mm f/2.8 wide angle prime lens for Nikon F mount. The company’s ZF.2 series of manual focus lenses comes with an electronic interface (CPU), allowing full support of automatic exposure modes and the inclusion of lens-related data to the EXIF. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 lens is now available at a retail price of €755.46.

OBERKOCHEN, Germany—June 8, 2010. Wide-angle lenses capture a large depth of field: A dragonfly that lands on a water lily while you can clearly make out the numerous blossoms behind its shimmering body; rocks, moss and cracks which create designs and formations extending to the horizon.

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 lens from Carl Zeiss can create such unusual perspectives—in more than just nature photography. Now this popular and time-tested wide-angle lens is also available in a ZF.2 version for single-lens digital reflex cameras with F bayonet. With its very small focal distance, this newcomer to the ZF.2 lens series offers all the creative possibilities of manual focusing in photography. The ZF.2 has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever).

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is therefore ideal for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images alongside the comfort of automatic exposure control. You no longer have to manually set the data for focal length and speed in the cameras menu because the lens passes on these parameters to the camera. In addition to standard data such as lens manufacturer, date and metering mode, lens data such as the correct aperture value is also automatically saved. Thus, the ZF.2 lens is easy to use, even under tough situations. Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager for the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG explains: “Often, you’ll find that you’re pressed for time to capture that perfect shot, for example when photographing animals. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 enables the photographer to hold on to just the right moment and take unique shots with confidence each time.”

The new Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is available at a retail price of 755,46 € (excluding VAT). The ZF.2 lenses come in eight additional focal lengths, 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/28, 2/35, 1,4/50, 1,4/85, and the two macros 2/50 and 2/100. For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/photo.

Source ]]> http://www.acamerareview.com/carl-zeiss-announces-distagon-t-2825-zf-2-lens-for-nikon/feed 0 http://www.acamerareview.com/latest-nikon-gear-to-land-up-in-space http://www.acamerareview.com/latest-nikon-gear-to-land-up-in-space#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:24:34 +0000 Cuzzy http://www.acamerareview.com/?p=272 Nikon has announced a number of its products including the Nikon D3S, D3X DSLRs and telephoto lenses will be used in the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The company says that no modifications will be made to any of the products and they will join the existing Nikon film and digital cameras/lenses used by the astronauts working in the segment. In a press release the company also mentions the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had ordered 11 D3S bodies and 7 AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in the Space Shuttle and ISS in 2009.

June 14, 2010: Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce that orders for one Nikon D3S and two Nikon D3X digital-SLR cameras, four interchangeable lenses including AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, software and various accessories have been received from S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, the general contractor of the Russian Federal Space Agency on the program operating the International Space Station(ISS). This equipment will be transported to the ISS via the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft, to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on June 16, 2010.

No special improvements or modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability of the D3S, D3X and NIKKOR lenses. The new equipment will be used along with Nikon SLR cameras, such as the Nikon F5 film-SLR camera and D2X digital-SLR camera and a variety of NIKKOR lenses already used with on-board activities of Russian cosmonauts working in the Russian segment of ISS.

Nikolay Cherlenyak, director of operations for Energia’s ISS program, has commented as follows regarding this order.
“The integration of Nikon photographic equipment in space exploration has a long history and goes back to the moment when there first arose the question of photographing research conducted in orbit. It was then when the first Nikon film cameras and NIKKOR lenses, notable for precision and reliability, were sent into space. They had been used even on the station “Mir”. Since then, the range of photographic equipment has been frequently supplemented by new products and advanced developments of the Nikon Company. Now with the latest models of Nikon D3S and D3X digital cameras, photography in space will reach a new, previously unattainable level ”

Nikon has spent many years contributing to the study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and interchangeable lenses. With total production exceeding 50 million, NIKKOR lenses make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies. In 2009, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

In addition to the extreme environment of space, Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Antarctic. Nikon equipment contributes to observation and research of these little explored regions with durability, reliability and technical capabilities that stand up to even the most severe environments.

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