CamerasOnly - Digital Photography Blog

by RitzCamera.com
Digital camera reviews, new products, and other information from the world of photography...

Friday, August 24, 2007

Nikon D300 - The prosumer's WOW DSLR



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Nikon D300 digital SLRYou can preorder the new Nikon D300 digital SLR right now at RitzCamera.com. Within hours of the D300's announcement, this camera is already in high demand, with a queue forming in anticipation of the first shipment from Nikon. If you want to ensure that you receive yours by the holidays, you should place your order right away.

Nikon D300 in a nutshell; it shares much of the new digital technology in the Nikon D3... Here are the key features of the new Nikon D300 SLR digital camera:

  • A 12.3-megapixel DX-Format CMOS image sensor combined with Nikon's EXCEED digital image processing system
  • A 3.0-inch 920,000-pixel color LCD monitor with 170-degree viewing angle and tempered-glass protective cover
  • High-speed, continuous shooting up to 6 frames per second (up to 8 fps with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Grip/Battery Pack
  • 51-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking and three Dynamic AutoFocus modes delivers precise, fast auto-focus
  • Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS) gives even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities than previous Nikon models, as well as more intelligent auto white balance detection, and contributes to the faster, more accurate autofocus
  • Nikon's dynamic, integrated Dust Reduction System with self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor
  • New, advanced picture control settings with 4 preset options (Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome) along with 9 customizable settings
  • Magnesium-alloy construction, advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism (tested to 150,000 cycles) give the Nikon D300 high reliability when taking outdoor or real-world shots
  • The Nikon D300 should begin shipping in November 2007

Nikon U.S.A. has officially announced the Nikon D300, it's most advanced DX-format SLR digital camera to date. Including many of the professional features found in the Nikon D3, the 12.3-effective megapixel D300 offers serious photography prosumers (professionals and advanced, amateur consumers) incredible flexibilty, reliability and performance.

Like the Nikon D3, the D300 includes Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System that maximizes performance in capturing, compressing and storing digital images, while maintaining highest image quality. The Nikon D300 features a newly-designed 51-point autofocus system (with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes), which allows photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s 3.0-inch, high-resolution, 920K-point LCD monitor.

The Nikon D300 digital SLR can capture an image at the precise moment you want it; it powers up in a lightning-fast 0.13 seconds and reacts with a miniscule 45 millisecond shutter lag time. The D300 can capture frames at 6 fps, and -- with the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack -- can hit 8 frames per second. The D300 can capture up to 100 shots continuously at full 12.3-MP resolution.

The Nikon D300 includes a variety of the newest digital imaging technologies and usability features that noticeably improve the control, performance, and accuracy for serious photographers. The Scene Recognition System helps the D300 locate the subject and interpret the type of scene being photographed. This data is then used to ensure that the autofocus, auto exposure and white balance performs in the best combination without manual intervention by the D300's user. The camera can identify and track moving subjects better, and subsequently can select focus points faster and more accurately.

The D300 DSLR incorporates an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups of 9, 21 or 51 focus points.

Nikon's Picture Control System makes it easy for all users apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered, and choose settings to suit their unique preferences. The system comes with 4 preset options -- Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome -- attributes of which can be easily changed or customized: Sharpness, brightness, saturation and tone compensation. The camera's users can store up to 9 of their own customized settings, and even "export" up to 99 more settings to a CompactFlash memory card, enabling photographers to share settings between different cameras that include this system.

The LiveView feature of the Nikon D300 allows composing subjects on the birght, super hi-res 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen. Tripod mode is gives very precise focus accuracy when the camera is on a tripod or other stable platform. Handheld mode allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional focusing system, which activates focusing immediately when the shutter is pressed.

As with most advanced DSLR's today, the Nikon D300 includes a self-cleaning sensor unit. The optical low-pass filter in front of the CMOS image sensor is vibrated with 4 different resonance frequencies to shake dust and other foreign particles loose.

The D300 is extremely durable, especially relative to lesser-priced digital SLRs; the case is constructed of magnesium alloy, and rubber gaskets and seals are used at critical joints to prevent dust and moisture from entering the camera's body. The D300's LCD is also strengthened with tempered glass to prevent breakage and/or scratching.

The Nikon D300 can be pre-ordered now and will be available from Nikon Authorized Dealers beginning in November 2007. Final pricing has not been set yet, but it's estimated that the price will be around $1,799.95.

For more information:


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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Nikon D3: A Professional Photographer's New Best Friend

Pre-order the Nikon D3 now at RitzCamera.com

The new Nikon D3 digital SLR is available now for preorder at RitzCamera.com. This camera is already being sought out by professionals wanting to take advantage of the latest digital technology, so if you want to get yours AS SOON AS it's available from Nikon, order as soon as you can.

Ritz will pay your sales tax and shipping on this camera -- and most other photography products -- which could save you hundreds of dollars immediately over many other retailers.


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Nikon D3 SLR digital cameraAs expected, and hot on the heels of Canon's recent announcements for the Canon EOS Mark III and Canon EOS 40D, this morning Nikon has announced the long-awaited Nikon D3 SLR digital camera.

With "rumors" of this camera's imminent release circulating for years, the D3 is finally scheduled to ship in November 2007. The D3 DSLR is slated for the professional photographer, and with the ability to capture shots at 9 fps in full FX-format (11 fps is possible with the 5.1-megapixel DX format) this new Nikon camera is especially suited for sports photographers and photojournalists. Normal setting can reach ISO 6400, but the camera can be set to hit an amazing ISO-equivalent 25,600; for sports photographers, high-quality poster-size enlargements are now possible even for night games.


Nikon D3 backNikon D3 top

With the Nikon D3 clearly being the new flagship of the Nikon DSLR's, there are almost too many features to describe here. Some of the major selling points are:

  • 12.1 effective megapixels, and the first Nikon DSLR to use the FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0mm (Horiz) x 23.9mm (Vert) image size. Two other images sizes are availble: 5:4 (30mm x 24mm) and DX-format (24mm x 16mm) for faster image capture and recording.
  • At the high-quality image setting, light sensitivity ranges from ISO 200 to ISO 6400; for extremely low-light conditions, the D3 can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600.
  • An extremely high-definition (920,000 dot), 3-inch VGA LCD monitor covered with tempered glass and with a 170-degree viewing angle.
  • Nikon EXPEED image processing technology, to maximize throughput of image processing, compression and storage.
  • High-speed, 12-channel readout allows continuous shooting at approximately 9 fps (frames per second) in full FX format and 5:4. For an extra turbo-charged burst, the Nikon D3 provides continuous shooting at 11 fps in 5.1 megapixel DX format.
  • Light weight and strong, magnesium alloy is used for the chassis, the exterior cover, and the mirror box. O-ring seals are used at vital locations to keep out dust and excess moisture.
  • New 51-point auto-focus system with 15 cross-type sensors.
  • A CF double slot accepts two CompactFlash memory cards... why waste time changing memory cards?
  • Quick response with 0.12 second startup time, and a 37 ms shutter-release lag time.

This top-of-the-line camera is designed and built for professionals. As of this writing, the final pricing has not been set. But with a price tag in the thousands, this is not a digital camera for taking shots at little Johnny's next birthday party (unless you want to snap the best birthday photos you've ever taken in your life). For the pro, though, the Nikon D3 DSLR will be the camera to own for 2007.

For more information:


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Monday, August 20, 2007

Pre-order the Canon EOS 40D: Faster, Better Mid-range DSLR


Pre-order the Canon EOS 40D now at RitzCamera.com

The Canon EOS 40D is available for pre-order now at RitzCamera.com. The orders will be shipped on a first-come, first-served basis, so place your order right away to ensure it will be shipped on the first day.

This new DSLR is available in two flavors, and qualifies for FREE SHIPPING. (And, of course, you never pay sales tax at RitzCamera.com.):



Canon EOS 40D SLR digital cameraToday, Canon U.S.A., Inc. officially announced the Canon EOS 40D digital SLR camera. Aimed at the "mid-range prosumer", this DSLR camera offers such high-performance and includes so many advanced features that the "mid-range" moniker may only apply to the pricing; the 40D will easily be one of the best digital SLR values of the year.

Designed as a natural evolution of the EOS 20D and 30D models, the Canon 40D's state-of-the-art features include:

  • Canon EOS 40D CMOS sensorLarge, 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC III Image Processor with 14-bit analog/digital conversion provides superb image quality. The 40D's CMOS sensor provides much the same technology first seem in the (much more expensive) Canon EOS-1D Mark III. It is more sensitive to light than previous generations, able to discern 16,384 colors per channel and providing more accurate and more detailed gradations in color and tone. New manufacturing techniques allow each pixel to be spaced closer together than ever before. The on-chip software provides digital noise reduction and better high-ISO performance (ISO 100 to 1600; ISO 3200 in extended mode). With this camera, you can look forward to larger, clearer and sharper images; poster size enlargements have never looked so good.
  • Fast performance: With a 0.15-second starup time, 59 msec shutter lag, and DIGIC III processor to maximize speed between the capture and recordig of images, the Canon EOS 40D screams in relation to other cameras in this price range. In bursts up to 75 JPEG images (17 images in RAW format), the 40D will capture and store your shots at up to 6.5 frames per second.
  • Larger, brighter LCD screen:
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    Canon EOS 40D backThe 3.0-inch LCD screen is not only 1/2" larger than the Canon 30D's LCD, but the brightness level has been kicked up to allow viewing the 230,000 pixel LCD display in bright sunlight. The 40D's menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III.
  • EOS Cleaning System: First introduced in the Canon Rebel XTi (400D), the EOS Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. This happens automatically each time the camera is turned on or shut down, and there is also a manual "clean now" function.
  • Accessories and lenses: The standard lens that will be packaged with the Canon EOS 40D will probably be the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, which was designed to work specifically with the EOS 40D and other EOS DSLR cameras. Canon has announced that it will also be available in a kit that contains the Canon EOS 40D body and EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens, for approximately $200 over the body-only price. (This kit price will save you at least $200-$300 over buying the body and lens separately.)

There are too many features of this new DLSR to mention them all here. For more complete and detailed descriptions of ALL of 40D's selling points, you can visit the following pages on the Canon USA web site:

The Canon EOS 40D should begin shipping in early September 2007. The estimated selling price is $1,299.00, and probably won't be discounted much for a few months at least. If you are looking for a DSLR in this price range, the Canon EOS 40D offers the latest technology available anywhere at a very reasonable cost.


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Thursday, August 16, 2007

Nikon's Most Popular Lens - Best Price, In Stock (For Now)

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Nikon 18-200 mm AF DX VR zoom lensThe lens is the Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF DX VR lens. The quality and demand for this wide-range, auto-focus (AF), vibration reduction (VR), zoom lens is so high that it is almost never in stock, and it usually sells for a high premium on eBay.

Until inventory sells out, this Nikon 18-200mm lens is available at RitzCamera.com, and at the best out-the-door price from any reputable retailer online. (Ritz always pays your sales tax, plus offers free shipping on photography items over $100... So the price of the lens itself is your final price.)

What makes this zoom lens so popular? First of all, it's designed to work with the entire, current line of Nikon SLR digital cameras. In addition to the high-quality optics we would expect from a Nikon lens (they're celebrating their 90th anniversary; they've been manufacturing precision optics since 1917!), this lens contains many features that set it above the pack:

  • A wide, 18-200mm focal range (the equivalent of a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format)
  • 11x zoom coverage
  • VR II vibration reduction system provides great assistance in low-light or maximum zoom conditions, offering the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 f-stops faster
  • Highest-quality optics: Three aspherical lens and two ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
  • A Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet auto-focusing
  • Convenient M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
  • Focus from as close as 20 inches (50 cm) from the subject, through its entire focal range. (This macro performance is much better than any other 200mm lens.)

In summary, if you have a Nikon DSLR, this could very well be the only lens you ever need.

Hurry and order this powerful Nikon 18-200mm zoom lens soon, before they sell out once again!


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Monday, August 06, 2007

Learn Nikon Digital SLR Photography from the Comfort of Your Living Room

Nikon USA has recently released two DVDs that focus on taking outstanding pictures with digital SLR Nikon cameras.

Nikon school DVDThe Nikon DVD entitled, "Fast, Fun & Easy: Great Digital Pictures" is a primer on digital photography, and teaches how to use digital cameras in various situations by bringing the viewer/student/photographer on a day of photography. The DVD also covers topics such as image transfers and printing.

The second DVD, named "Understanding Digital Photography - Release Your Digital SLR's Potential" is designed to help the viewer unleash the power of Nikon's cameras. The 45-minute DVD, takes the student into the advanced features of the Nikon cameras, and also provides lessons on how to compose artistic photos. The narrator (Bob Krist, an award-winning travel photographer from the National Geographic) shares his personal experience when taking action/sports photos or when shooting portraits. He also shares instruction on proper exposure and taking shots in low light conditions. Bob Krist's style is informal and very simple to understand, making it both easy and exciting to go to the next level and explore advanced Nikon camera features and techniques.

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