The release of Nikon’s new full frame (FX Format) D700 will probably come as no surprise to folks who have been keeping tabs on the latest rumors, but if you’ve been living in a cave or something; here’s the skinny.
It is packing a 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor, with the same sensor cleaning that the D300 employs. It supports ISO 100 to ISO 25600 in boost modes, with 200 to 6400 naively. Features a DX mode like the D3 that automatically crops to 5.1mp images when DX lenses are mounted. It has 14 bit image processing and features the EXPEED processor. It has the same shutter lag and starter times as the high end D3.
An big surprise here is the Kevlar/carbon fiber composite shutter, which should expand the life beyond older models. It has 95% viewfinder coverage and basically shares the D300 body, except for the D3-esque viewfinder.
Comparison photo thanks to DPReview.
This will be replaced with a review when it arrives, but I figured I’d share my little bit of joy after searching out a good deal for quite a while.
I used a combination of eBay’s 10% off (up to $100) coupon and Microsoft Live’s Cashback (I got 20%, for the max amount of $250) on a brand new in box Nikon D300, listed at $1500.
With the 10% coupon, I was down to $1400, which was the price I paid out the door. However, I also got the max cashback ($250) bringing my price paid down to $1150. I’ve never seen a deal like that for a brand new D300, this is almost as low as the Canon 40d! I couldn’t resist. Earlier that day, I actually missed a far better deal, $1075 for a brand new in box D300 WITH the MB-D10 battery grip. You win some, you lose some.
If you’ve been looking to get a camera but are waiting out a good deal, this is the time to do it. With the cashback and coupon going on now (which is stackable), you can get $350 off pretty much anything over $1000.
The Nikon D90 will be released sometime in the very near future, perhaps at Photokina or even before. It will have a 12mp sensor, 4.5 frames per second, a larger LCD, live view and potentially (and most controversial), it is rumored to have video recording support. Some are predicting tomorrow, June 16th, will be the day that the Nikon D90 drops. Intended as a competitor for Canon’s 40D, it will probably be what the D80 was to the D200 - a skimmed down version with most of the same features, in a slightly smaller body. It will sport a 12mp DX format sensor and a 3″ LCD screen, as well as some sort of video recording software.
The retail price is $1299 with the 18-105mm VR kit lens.
In an apparent jab to anyone who bought an entry level digital SLR, Nikon has dropped the Coolpix P80, a 10 megapixel superzoom. Incorporating some of their best technologies, like VR (vibration reduction) in its enormous 18x optical zoom, and ISO up to 6400. How well that handles noise is yet to be seen, but the new EXPEED image processor may help.
Other features include a (very large) 2.7″ LCD, Digital SLR controls (Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual), 13FPS (!) sports mode with up to 30 pictures in burst, Face Priority and a whole lot more.
Did I mention its got a $399.95 MSRP? This looks to steal a lot of the action away from entry level Digital SLRs and might just be enough to sway some advanced amateurs away too.
Nikon Product Link
The Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 is mostly desired by Sony fanatics and Zeiss lovers, but its hard to deny the appeal of a 24MP full frame sensor.
With little details, Masterchong.com offers an “August or September” release date and basic specs. This camera is expected to compete with Nikon’s current D3 and future D3x.
It should be hitting product counters sometime after Photokina.
Sony A900 pictured with optional battery grip and external flash.
Check out Masterchong for the full scoop and extra pictures.
Recent Comments