Nikon D700 Review

Nikon D700 Review

The introduction of Nikon's new D700 may have been one of the worst kept secrets in an industry with more leaks than the Titanic, but it was still something of a surprise coming so hot on the heels of the D3 and D300. Essentially a D3 shrunk down and squeezed into a body roughly the same size as a D300, the D700 is Nikon's first 'compact' professional SLR, and in its segment of the market will compete with the recently announced Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Sony DSLR-A900.

The imaging side of the D700 is pretty much the same as the D3; it shares the acclaimed 12.1MP full frame ('FX') sensor and has the same processing engine, so we would presume output to be almost identical. The main differences (aside from being considerably smaller) are physical; there's a different shutter (good for 150,000 exposures rather than 300,000 on the D3), different viewfinder prism (with 95% coverage) and a slower burst rate. You also lose the rear LCD info panel (there's no room for it) and one of the D3's two CF card slots, but you do get a couple of extra features to soften the blow slightly; most notably a self-cleaning sensor and a built-in flash. We'll look a little more in-depth at the differences between the D3 and D700 in a moment.

The D700 joins the D3 as a fully-fledged 'professional' model; it has the same tank-like build quality (though we're sure the pop-up flash will cause a few raised eyebrows), and gets you the full pro service from Nikon. And the pricing (around $2999) reflects this; anyone hoping for an 'affordable' semi-pro full frame Nikon SLR will have to wait until the cost of producing such large sensors falls considerably.

Nikon D700 Key Features

• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
• Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration) *
• ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
• Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability *
• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• 95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder *
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets
• 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*
• Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps *
• UDMA compatible single CF card slot *
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
• Improved Info display on main screen *

* Different to D3

Nikon D700 vs D3: Key Differences

Although the D3 and D700 are essentially the same camera in a different form factor (the D700 being far closer to the D300 in design and control layout), there are a few important specification differences.

• Smaller, lighter body *
• Built-in iTTL flash (G.No 17 / ISO 200)
• No rear information panel (new info display on main LCD)
• D700 doesn't have the D3's 5:4 aspect ratio option
• 95% coverage, 0.72x viewfinder (D3: 100% / 0.7x)
• Focus screen DX mode now indicated with a rectangle rather than shaded area
• Lower burst rate (5.0 fps / 8.0 fps with optional MB-D10)
• 100 frames maximum in continuous shooting mode
• Smaller battery (EN-EL3e)
• Optional battery grip (MB-D10, same as D300)
• Expanded Function button options (can assign any camera menu item)
• Live View can be assigned to FUNC, AE-L or Preview buttons (allowing LV + different drive modes)
• Virtual Horizon can be overlaid on Live View preview image
• Different shutter (150,000 cycle rating - same as D300)
• Image Sensor cleaning ('sensor shake' dust reduction)
• Single CF slot (D3 has two)
• Minor menu and control differences (control layout is almost identical to D300)

* D700 is approx 34mm (1.3 in) shorter, 13mm (0.5 in) narrower and 10mm (0.4 in) shallower.
Weight (no battery) : D3 - 1240g, D700 - 995g

The D700 in the Nikon line-up

The table below shows how the D700 squeezes into the Nikon DSLR line-up, between the APS-C D300 and the full-frame D3.

	Nikon D300	Nikon D700	Nikon D3
Price (body only)	$1800 [check]	$2999[check]	$5000 [check]
Dust removal	• Self-cleaning filter • Dust-off image	• Self-cleaning filter • Dust-off image	• Dust-off image
Sensor size	23.6 x 15.8 mm	36 x 23.9 mm	36 x 23.9 mm
Effective pixels	12.3 million	12.1 million	12.1 million
FOV crop	1.5x	1x	1x
Sensitivity range (boost setting)	(100), 200 - 3200, (6400)	(100), 200 - 6400, (25,600)	(100), 200 - 6400, (25,600)
Shutter life	150,000 exposures	150,000 exposures	300,000 exposures
Continuous rate (high)	6.0 fps (8.0 fps with battery grip)	5.0 fps (8.0 fps with battery grip)	9.0 fps (11 fps in DX crop mode)
Continuous buffer	• 100 JPEG Norm • 17 RAW	• 100 JPEG Norm • 17 RAW	• 130 JPEG Norm • 17 RAW
Built-in flash	• Manual pop-up • Guide no. 12 (ISO 100)	• Manual pop-up • Guide no. 12 (ISO 100)	None
Storage	CF (inc. UDMA)	CF (inc. UDMA)	CF (inc. UDMA) x2 slots
Viewfinder	• 100% coverage • 0.94x magnification	• 95% coverage • 0.72x magnification	• 100% coverage • 0.7x magnification
Top panel LCD	Yes	Yes	Yes (plus rear info panel below screen)
Battery	11.1 Wh	11.1 Wh	27.75 Wh
Vertical grip	Yes, MB-D10	Yes, MB-D10	Built in
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)	147 x 123 x 77 mm (5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in)	160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g	995 g	1240 g
Weight (inc batt)	903 g	1075 g	1420 g

Nikon D300 In-depth Review

Nikon D300 In-depth Review

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

Model line history

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Auto focus	Continuous highest (JPEG)	LCD monitor
D100	Feb 2002	6.0 mp	5 point	3.0 fps, 6 frames	1.8", 120K pixels
D200	Nov 2005	10.2 mp	11 point	5.0 fps, 37 frames	2.5" 230K pixels
D300	Aug 2007	12.3 mp	51 point	6.0/8.0 fps, 100 frames	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View

Nikon D300 Key Features

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
• ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
• 14-bit A/D conversion
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
• Shutter life 150,000 exposures
• New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
• Buttons sealed against moisture

Nikon D300 vs. D200 feature and specification differences

	Nikon D300	Nikon D200
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixel CMOS • DX format	• 10.2 million effective pixel CCD • DX format
A/D converter	14-bit	12-bit
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED	Unspecified
Image sizes	• 4288 x 2848 • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424	• 3872 x 2592 • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296
RAW files	NEF / Compressed NEF 14-bit	NEF 12-bit
TIFF files	Yes	No
Dust reduction	Self-cleaning sensor unit	No
Auto focus	• 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX • 15 cross-type sensors • Contrast detect in Live View mode	• 11-point Multi-CAM 1000
Focus tracking by color	Yes	No
AF area mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF	• Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Group Dynamic AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 200 - 3200 • Boost: ISO 100 - 6400 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps	• Default: ISO 100 - 1600 • Boost: Up to ISO 3200 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Continuous shooting	• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps	5 fps
Image Parameters	• Picture Control (4 presets) • Sharpening • Contrast • Brightness • Saturation • Hue	• Presets (6 presets) • Sharpening • Tone • Color mode • Saturation • Hue
Active D-Lighting	Yes (also adjusts exposure)	No
Viewfinder	100% frame coverage	95% frame coverage
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels	• 2.5 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels
LCD Live View	• Handheld mode (phase detect AF) • Tripod mode (contrast detect AF)	No
Compact Flash	Type I / II (UDMA support)	Type I / II
Vertical grip	MB-D10	MB-D200
Video output	HDMI (HD)	Composite (SD)
Menu languages	14	13
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)	147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.82 lb)	830 g (1.8 lb)

Nikon D200 Review

Nikon D200 Review

The Nikon D200 was announced on 1st November 2005, some three and a half years since Nikon revealed their first prosumer digital SLR, the D100. It's fair to say however that the D200 is a completely different beast altogether, it shares far more with its 'bigger brother' the the D2X than its earlier namesake. The D200 has the robust build quality of the D2X, a 10.2 million pixel CCD sensor and a compact design more like the D100. Just as the D100 the D200 has a CCD sensor, unlike the D2X which utilized a CMOS sensor. It's clear that this camera is aimed at the same kind of market as the recently announced Canon EOS 5D. From a features, control and performance point of view the D200 is closer to the D2X than any other model.

Compared to the Nikon D100, major feature and specification differences

Three years is a long time in the digital photography industry, a lot has changed since the D100, so treat the table below as a summary of the major changes. The most immediately noticeable however is the build quality, the D200 feels like a professional tool.

	Nikon D200	Nikon D100
Body	• Magnesium alloy • Body seams sealed	High-impact plastic
Sensor	• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD (DX format) • 10.2 million effective pixels	• 23.7 x 15.6 mm CCD (DX format) • 6.1 million effective pixels
Image sizes	• 3872 x 2592 [L] • 2896 x 1944 [M] • 1936 x 1296 [S]	• 3008 x 2000 [L] • 2240 x 1488 [M] • 1504 x 1000 [S]
File formats	• RAW (compressed / uncompressed) • JPEG (3 levels)	• RAW (compressed / uncompressed) • TIFF • JPEG (3 levels)
Auto focus	• 11/7 area TTL • Multi-CAM 1000	• 5 area TTL • Multi-CAM 900
AF area mode	• Single Area AF • Continuous Servo AF • Group Dynamic AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF	• Single Area AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
Metering	• 3D Color Matrix Metering II • 1005 pixel CCD	• 3D Matrix Metering • 10 segment sensor
Sensitivity	• ISO 100 - 1600 • Up to ISO 3200 with boost	• ISO 200 - 1600 • ISO 3200 & 6400 with boost
Shutter speed	• 30 - 1/8000 sec • 1/250 sec X-Sync speed	• 30 - 1/4000 sec • 1/180 sec X-Sync speed
AI aperture ring	Yes	No
Continuous	• 5 fps • 37 / 22 frames (JPEG / RAW)	• 3 fps • 6 / 4 frames (JPEG / RAW)
White balance	• Auto • Six presets • Manual preset (four) • Kelvin temperature • Fine tunable	• Auto • Six presets • Manual preset (one) • Fine tunable
Image params	• Six preset looks • Sharpening: Auto, 6 levels • Tone: Auto, 3 levels, Custom • Color: 3 modes • Saturation: Auto, 3 levels • Hue: -9° to +9°	• Sharpening: Auto, 4 levels • Tone: Auto, 3 levels, Custom • Color: 3 modes • Hue: -9° to +9°
Viewfinder	• Eyepoint 19.5 mm • Frame coverage 95% • Magnification approx. 0.94x • B-type Bright View Clear Matte II	• Eyepoint 24 mm • Frame coverage 95% • Magnification approx 0.8x • B-type Bright View Clear Matte II
LCD monitor	• 2.5 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels • Removable protective cover	• 1.8" TFT LCD • 120,000 pixels • Removable protective cover
Memory banks	• 4 x Shooting • 4 x Custom functions	• 2 x Shooting • 2 x Custom functions
Timelapse	Yes	No
Remote	10-pin remote terminal	With battery pack (optional)
GPS	Yes, NMEA 0183 with optional cable	No
Wireless	Yes, optional WT-3 transmitter	No
USB	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed	USB 1.1
Battery	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh)	Lithium-Ion EN-EL3 (7.4 V, 1400 mAh)
Battery status	• Remaining charge (%) • No. of shots taken since last charge • Battery life (5 stage)	3 level on LCD panel
Vertical grip	MB-D200	MB-D100
Dimensions	147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in)	144 x 116 x 81 mm (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2 in)
Weight (no batt)	830 g (1.8 lb)	700 g (1.5 lb)

Nikon D100 Review

Nikon D100 Review

The D100 enters that new segment of the digital camera market which was created when Canon released the EOS-D30. It's the middle ground between the high end $1,000 prosumer digital cameras and professional D-SLR's. This years PMA saw the announcement of no less than four new D-SLR's all aimed at that $2,000-$3,000 segment. It's still pretty amazing to think that you can now pick up a six megapixel D-SLR for around $2,000.

Since this article was first published as a preview Canon, Fujifilm and Nikon have announced their pricing. The Canon EOS-D60 full kit weighs in at $2,199, the Fujifilm S2 Pro at $2,399 and the Nikon D100 at $1,999.

The D100 has a six megapixel sensor, a body loosely based on the F80 (although Nikon are keen to note that it shares only some of its components with that camera), a Nikon F mount and a set of features which make it an extremely attractive and capable proposition.

Nikon D100 Major Features

This list, supplied by Nikon Europe

• 6.1 effective megapixels rendering 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images
• Compact and lightweight (weighs approx. 700g/24.7 oz.)
• Low-noise CCD sensor
• 3D Digital Matrix Image Control for precise exposure control, adaptive auto white balance and optimal color accuracy
• High-performance built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control
• Three color modes offered for different workflow environments
• Five-Area Autofocus with Dynamic AF operation
• High-speed image processing provided by new one-chip system LSI
• Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 sec. and flash sync speed up to 1/180 sec.
• Plug-and-play USB 1.1 interface for quick computer connection
• On-Demand Grid Lines can be displayable in viewfinder
• Custom Settings can be selectable in the LCD monitor
• Compatible with CompactFlash™ cards Type I and Type II including 512 MB / 1 GB IBM MicroDrive™
• Nikon View 5.1 software (supplied) enables easy transfer and viewing of images on your computer also includes rudimentary RAW file manipulation and conversion
• Optional Nikon Capture 3 software for excellent image management and remote operation
• Optional Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100 accepts six 1.5V LR6 (AA-size alkaline) batteries or one or two Li-Ion batteries for extended shooting capability. Features voice memo recording/playback function, vertical shutter release button, Command and Sub Command Dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal

Whose sensor is it anyway?

About a week before Nikon revealed the D100, Sony announced an APS sized six megapixel sensor. Putting two and two together (and considering the specs are identical) it's been fairly easy to ascertain that Nikon is using Sony's six megapixel sensor in the D100. In the picture on the right (from Sony's press release) you can see the size of the six megapixel CCD compared to a standard consumer digital camera 1/1.8" CCD.

In that announcement Sony revealed the specifications of this particular CCD:

Optical Format	1.8" / diagonal 28.4 mm (APS sized)
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Colour filters	Primary GRGB (Bayer Mosaic)
Transfer method	Interline frame readout (requires mechanical shutter)
Total number of pixels	3110 x 2030 (6.31 million)
Number of effective pixels	3032 x 2016 (6.11 million)
Active pixels	3000 x 2000 (6 million square pixels)
Active imager area	23.4 x 15.6 mm
Unit cell size	7.8µm x 7.8µm
Optical black	Horizontal: Front 20 pixels, Rear 50 pixels Vertical: Front 4 pixels, Rear 2 pixels
Saturation signal	900 mV
Smear	-80 dB
Frame rate	3.06 fps (single channel mode) 5.09 fps (dual channel mode)

Nikon D90 Review

Nikon D90 Review

Almost exactly two years after the D80 was announced comes its replacement, the rather predictably named D90. The D80 has been one of Nikon's quiet successes, and even today, despite being positively Methuselah-like in digital camera terms it continues to sell and often makes its way into our top 10 most clicked on cameras. Because it looks so similar to the D80 the D90 appears at first glance to be one of those rather subdued incremental upgrades, but dig a little deeper and you'll find there's plenty to keep Nikon fans happy.

First and foremost there's a new CMOS sensor, which Nikon claim produces D300 quality output at up to ISO 6400 and - one of several features to 'trickle down' from higher models - the same highly acclaimed 3.0-inch VGA screen as the D3/D300. Naturally it has Live View with contrast-detect AF and it would have been surprising had it not sported some form of dust removal system. More surprising is the inclusion of the world's first DSLR movie mode (720p HDTV quality, no less) and HDMI output, though as we'll see later it does come with some limitations. A lot of the core photographic spec is the same as or very similar to the D80, though there is a new shutter and an implementation of the 3D tracking AF seen on the D3/D300.

And it's not just the high end models that have lent features and technology to the D90; the user interface has been given the same user-friendly treatment as the D60, as have the retouching options. As it was explained to us the D90 is intended to appeal to the broadest audience of any Nikon SLR, from first-time 'step up' customers moving from a compact to serious amateurs wanting comprehensive photographic control without the cost and weight of a D300. Whether the D90 is as capable as its feature set suggests, we'll see as the review unfolds.

Nikon D90 Key Features

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
• 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
• Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
• Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
• Illuminated focus points
• Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
• IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
• 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
• Expeed image processing engine
• 3D tracking AF (11 point)
• Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
• Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
• Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
• Improved user interface
• New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
• Same battery and vertical grip as D80
• Vignetting control in-camera
• 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

Nikon D90 vs D80: Key Differences

Although it's had a bit of a design refresh with slightly sharper lines, the D90 is externally very similar to its predecessor (dimensions are identical, though it is heavier). Looking at the differences it's obviously a solid incremental upgrade rather than a total reinvention of the popular D80, with several key improvements (most importantly the sensor and screen) and a welcome smattering of must-have 2008 features (live view, dust removal). Oh yes, and of course there's that one little new feature sitting at the back of the classroom with its hand waving in the air, shouting 'Sir! Sir!'; the 'world's first' DSLR movie mode.

• 12.3 MP CMOS sensor (D80: 10.2 MP CCD)
• Dust removal system
• Bigger, better screen (as D3, D300)
• Live View with contrast detect AF
• Movie Mode
• Wider ISO range, upgraded AF system (3D tracking, face detection)
• Active D-Lighting, vignetting control and extra retouching options
• Automatic chromatic aberration correction
• Picture Control presets
• Faster continuous shooting and larger buffer
• Pictmotion slideshows

Compared to the Nikon D80, major feature and specification differences

As you can see from the table below the D90 carries some quite significant improvements compared to the D80.

	Nikon D90	Nikon D80
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format)	• 10.2 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD (DX format)
Image sizes	• 4,288 x 2,848 (12 MP) • 3,216 x 2,136 • 2,144 x 1,424	• 3872 x 2592 (10.0 MP) • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296
Sensor cleaning	• Image Sensor Cleaning • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)	• Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX software required)
Autofocus	• 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000	• 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM 1000
Lens servo	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • 3D Tracking AF (11 points) • Manual focus (M)	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • Manual focus (M)
Sensitivity	• ISO 200 - 3200 • ISO 100-6400 with boost	• ISO 100 - 1600 • Up to ISO 3200 with boost
Built-in flash	Guide number 17 (ISO 200)	Guide number 13 (ISO 100)
Active D-lighting	Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off	No
Continuous	• 4.5 fps • 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW)	• 3 fps • 23 / 6 frames (JPEG / RAW)
White balance	• Auto • 6 presets • Kelvin color temperature • Manual preset (immediate or from photo)	• Auto • 6 presets • Kelvin color temperature • Manual preset (immediate or from photo)
Image presets	• Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome • Landscape • Portrait • Storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls	• Normal • Softer • Vivid • More Vivid • Portrait • B&W
Viewfinder Frame coverage	• Approx. 96%	• Approx. 95%
LCD monitor	• 3.0" TFT LCD • 920,000 pixel TFT (RGB x 3 colors) • 170 degree viewing angle • Removable protective cover	• 2.5" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT • 170 degree viewing angle • Removable protective cover
Dimensions	132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)	132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in)
Weight	• No battery: 620 g (1.4 lb) • With battery: 703 g (1.6 lb)	• No battery: 585 g (1.3 lb) • With battery: 668 g (1.5 lb)
Image processing engine	• Expeed • 12 bit	• New for D80 • Based on D200 / D2X • 12-bit algorithms, 2-channel
In-camera retouching	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • fisheye	• D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Overlay • Monochrome and Filter • Small picture • Image overlay
Movie mode	Yes	No
Live View	Yes	No
Others	• Scene Recognition System • Face Detection • Calendar Display • New information display on main LCD • Vignetting control in-camera

Nikon D80 Review

Nikon D80 Review

Two and a half years ago Nikon announced the six megapixel D70, their first affordable enthusiasts digital SLR, it proved to be a very popular camera and strong competitor to the Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel). Just fifteen months later Nikon revealed the D70s which was essentially the same camera with a some subtle tweaks (improved AF, wider flash coverage, higher capacity battery, larger LCD monitor). And so just over fifteen months on from the D70s Nikon present the latest incarnation of their 'enthusiasts' digital SLR line, the ten megapixel D80.

The D80 slots nicely between the entry-level D50 and the semi-professional / professional D200, clearly based on the D70 design but also different enough to be seen as a completely new model. It features a ten megapixel DX format CCD (the same we presume as used by Sony in the DSLR-A100), the metering sensor from the D50 and numerous other items taken or modified from the D200.

In our original review a mistake was made in the measurement of the ISO sensitivity of the Canon EOS 400D as used for comparison, this has now been corrected and the releveant pages of this review updated.

Key features

• 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop)
• Image processing engine (similar to D200 / D2X)
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (same as D50)
• 11-area AF system (new version of Multi-CAM 1000, similar to D200)
• Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
• Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
• Mechanical only shutter (maximum 1/4000 sec, flash sync to 1/200 sec)
• Quoted 80 ms shutter lag (short viewfinder blackout; 160 ms)
• Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder (x0.94 magnification)
• Support for SD-HC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
• In-camera retouching
  • D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)
  • Red-eye reduction
  • Trimming
  • Monochrome
  • Filter effects
  • Small picture
  • Image overlay
• Multiple-exposures
• Compact body (smaller, lighter than D70/D70s)
• Improved menu user interface (same as D200)
• Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery (provides detailed information, same as D200)
• Wireless flash integration (same as D200)

Steps to Lots of Great Shots from One Window Location

Steps to Lots of Great Shots from One Window Location

You’ve done your homework. You’ve gathered your research. You’ve scouted out your locations.

The big day is here, and the pressure is on.

What now?

Above all else, make it your goal to pace yourself. Your mind will be whirling a million miles an hour thinking through every piece of information you’ve gathered into your mind. How do you perform with intensity and keep yourself from going crazy?

I am going to walk you through one system that will eliminate stress and give you the confidence you need to produce a remarkable “first wedding” portfolio.

Write this down:

One window = Multiple shots

Too often novice wedding photographers operate on the idea that varied shots are captured only by varied locations. This is simply not true! Don’t fall into this trap! One well-lit window can provide a plethora of beautifully varied shots to satisfy both you and the bride.

How can one window be the key to your wedding photography success? One simple word: Light. At the center of a great wedding photographer’s work is his or her ability to find and work with the available light in each venue. With Church’s or community centers being the venue of choice for soft and romantic wedding ceremonies, these locations are also infamous for low lighting challenges. Window light can offer a superb solution to even the worst lit wedding venues.

5 Steps to Lots of Great Shots from One Window Location

Step 1 – The Location

Find a window of choice. You’re looking for a window that is relatively large, preferably with curtains, and has an outlook to a grassy area. If you are deliberate in your selection, you can create up to 8 dynamic and fresh shots with minimal set up.

Step 2 – The Details

Inside, set up your detail shots. You will want a table near the window, and different cloth textures for your background; you can use toile, lace, bridesmaid’s dresses etc. At this time, you can photograph the shoes, the ring, and any other important details on your shot list. Consider a few variables that will affect the outcome of your shots: 1) The available light from the window; 2) The distance your object is from the window, and 3) The angle of your camera to the object. Adjust any of these changeable and your shot will change as well.

Step 3 – The Dress

One of the most important shots you must capture is the special dress of the bride. After you’ve taken appropriate time photographing the bride as she does her hair and makeup, borrow the brides dress. Carefully affix the hanger at the top of the window. If the lip of the window is not wide enough, find a tack to place at the top of the window, suspend the ribbon from the tack, and hang the dress from the ribbon. The window light will create a luminous glow around the dress for beautiful highlighting.

Step 4 – The Portraits Inside

There is nothing more perfect for wedding portraits than window light. A window will provide several options for dynamic portrait backgrounds. Inside you can get a wide-angle shot of the bride in her dress with the window in the background. You can also get a few close up shots of the brides face.

Step 5 – The Portraits Outside

If your window has a lot of variety (ie, panes, curtains, sheers) you can take some beautiful shots from inside the window looking outside. This will ad a lot of artistic interest - just be sure to watch your backgrounds! Also, from the outside, you can use your window as a background for more shots of the bride or bride and groom together.

Take my advice: With the “One window = Stellar shots” equation, you will never again worry about having wedding location define your images. Ready to start shooting? Go!