Nikon Digital Photography Talk

The word ran like wildfire, Nikon is coming with a new DSLR called the Nikon D3000 following what seems to be the new number designation on entry-level DSLRS. The post was originally posted in Portugal by LensTip.com but shortly after removed from their blog. We managed to get the picture of the upcoming D3000 from our temporary files folder to share it here. We don’t believe this is another photoshop work but rather that Nikon is indeed coming with the D3000.

Rumor has it that the D3000 will shoot video but it won’t have an HDMI-output and has a smaller flash and viewfinder setup. Among other things on the D3000, is the visible lack of a microphone. Time will tell but I do believe the D3000 is for real.

Another rumored camera is a Nikon D300s which IMHO close to a perfect camera in its class, needs to be mildly updated with some goodies from the new cameras like the D5000, D90 and now D3000. Video? Could be so stay tuned!

A cyber friend Gary Moore ask through my inbox

”I just stumbled on to your site while looking for nikon camera lenses. I am planning on purchasing a Nikon D90 and wanted to check out my options for lenses. I was very impressed with your photos using the 17-55 lens. The pictures are absolutely stunning. I need a longer range for my job (which entails photos of roofs – a small but significant part of the job and a good excuse for buying a quality camera). I am thinking of the 18-200 lens but after seeing your pictures (clarity and color) I think I may try and add the 17-55 as soon as I can afford it.

THKS for sharing your work.

Gary”

Thanks for the compliments Gary and sorry for the delay. Long Friday rewarded with a nice family get together.

You have set you eyes on 2 well respected lenses my friend. If budget at the moment is an issue, let me suggest you to get your Nikon D90 with the Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens. If you need more range, you can set for a Nikkor 55-200VR. You will be very well covered in terms of focal length and very light weight too. This is a good combo while you wait to put your money on more serious glass.  Remember that cameras come and go but your glass will stay so plan carefully for a good investment for years to come. I personally try to stay away from all-in-one lenses. I have nothing against the Nikon 18-200VR but look, I see so often folks buying a D300 with an all-in-one lens. That’s not the best way to get the best of a Nikon D300 (IMHO).  Give me a D90 with a 17-55 and I’m one happy guy. It might look overkill for a casual shooter, but again, lots of casual shooters are buying D300′s to begin with.

Here is the Nikon D90 with 105VR lens from my trusty loyal dealer. Also, here is the Nikkor 55-200VR.

You have a great one Gary, and let us know your impressions with the camera.

If you would like to discuss about it, join our Nikon Forums here.

This HD video was shot with 4 Canons 5D MK-II from NY based photographer Wayne Yuan and the folks from StillMotion. The naysayers said (and still do) that video on a DSLR is nothing but a ”gimmick”.  I remember when the first point and shoot cameras were just .75 and 1.3 MP. Do you remember that SONY Mavica using 3½ floppy discs? I do, and thanks to what it was a very expensive and so-so quality ”gimmick’,  look how far and affordable we have come in digital photography since the late 1990′s. Considering that this is the 1st generation of HD video on a DSLR, buckle up for a nice ride in digital photography and HD video within the next few years.
Viva HD Video on DSLR’s!

carol + bryan’s // stillmotion special edition sde // NY from StillMotion on Vimeo.

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Deciding for a new Nikon D90 or a D300 seems like a tough decision for some folks when buying a new DSLR. These two cameras are quite different and from each other being the Nikon D300 (IMHO) a more professional oriented camera. But does this means that your pictures will be professional when compared to a Nikon D90? If you are new to the DSLR world, this could be a misconception. A lot of new Nikon users are willing to put the dough in a camera that will do little to their photography if they lack the proper knowledge and most important, the basics of photography. So if one things that getting a D300 (or a D3 for that matter) and will be getting a magic wand in return, we are wrong. Actually, a D300 is a very complex camera features wise for I would dare to say 7 out of 10 people I have seen and spent time with them in photo shoots.

Lots of colleagues and friends were amazed when I decided to go the Nikon D90 route instead of the D300. While the D300 seemed like *my* obvious choice, I already had a Nikon D200. It is a robust weather sealed camera that will produce outstanding pictures for years to come. It’s weakness? Digital noise from ISO 800 and up. So in my case instead of going after a D300 for better noise performance, I opted for the Nikon D90 instead. I’m not saying that you’ll be wrongfully served with a D300 or better served by a D90. Do a research on what you like to shoot, your style and other important factors before opening you wallet. Most of the time after making your own reality check, you will have a better idea of what you really need instead of what you really want.

The secret is in the glass

There is a common tendency of wanting the latest and greatest without giving much consideration to what’s really important, the glass, they eyes of your camera. This is my respectful opinion, but buying lets say a D300 with a Nikkor 18-200 AF-S VR lens will not give you better pictures under normal use than the same lens used on a Nikon D40x. Actually, I have on my desk a big pile of Nikon brochures and very notable is the fact that the pictures on the D40x’s brochure, were taken for the most part with a Nikkor 17-55 AF-S F/2.8. Build a system around your lenses and not around your cameras. Cameras will be replaced in less than 2 years, but I have 20+ years old lenses doing great all this time. Your lenses will hold their value a lot better than a camera would. Have you seen the prices of a coveted Nikon D2Xs lately? Technology wont wait for us, our glass will follow us.

Be honest with yourself, if you don’t need 8 FPS and all the bells and whistles, why not settle for a more humble camera body and put the extra resources and budget on the best glass you can afford. That’s exactly what I do and my clients and editors are very happy with the crisp sharp files from my cameras. A D300 with a 18-200 or a D90 with a 17-55 AF-S? Nothing wrong with the 18-200, but no thanks, I rather work with the later set up.

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Good news for Leica users, Cosina has announced a Voigtländer branded Nokton 50mm F1.1 high speed lens for the Leica M mount, in a launch which marks the 10th anniversary of Cosina’s Bessa series of rangefinder cameras. The Nokton becomes the second-fastest lens currently available for the M mount after the Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95, yet despite its speed weighs in at a relatively manageable 15 ounces and uses 58mm filters. The lens is constructed with 7 elements in 6 group and has minimum focusing distance of 1m. It will start shipping from the end of this month at a retail price of approximately 130,000 yen.