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
PopPhoto found a lot to like when they played with Sigma’s highly anticipated DP1, a point and shoot sized digital camera with the guts of a digital SLR and a wide angle lens. With a street price of $799, the DP1 is not cheap but if it stands up to its claims, it could join the small but elite group of high end point and shoot cameras that have become increasingly popular with advanced amateurs and as backup cameras for professional shooters.
The interested can have a look at PopPhoto’s Gallery of shots or cruise on over to the article to get the full write up. The verdict? Positive! It looks like there might be a new contender for the light weight throne.
Stalkers rejoice, because the same folks who brought you knock off video game systems and no-brand MP3 players have come together once again to bring you the astonishingly crappy “6×18 Zoom Attachment for iPhone”
$15 buys you a huge, unwieldy attachment thats sure to leave you embarrassed for owning an iPhone. Aside from its enormous and awkward nature, I would venture to guess that the “upgrade” leaves alot to be desired in the image quality department. When you take a camera that can barely take snapshots and then try to improve its quality with a $15 “lens”, the results will often fall short of magical.
If you must, you can purchase one from DealExtreme
Since the days of 35mm slr and film shooters, Nikon and Canon owners have always held very vocal opinions towards the opposite camp. Having owned both Canon and Nikon gear in the very recent past, I can say with all confidence - Nikon hit a home run with the D80.
Using many of the powerful components found in the D200, Nikon created an exceptionally powerful “prosumer” camera with an abundance of features with a reasonable price tag. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the D40 and D40x, the D80 has an internal autofocusing motor which allows it access to a much wider range of lenses. It incorporates many bells and whistles not found on similarly priced models from the competition.
The key features are:
- A 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD
- 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
- 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)
When coupled with Nikon’s optional ML-L3 wireless remote, taking shots without ever touching the camera is wonderful. Its great for long exposures and multiple identical shots (for HDR bracketing or otherwise)
Nikon D80 vs Canon XTi.
Canon’s Digital Rebel XTi is considered a direct competitor to the Nikon D80. Frankly, this is not a fair comparison. The D80 carries a higher price point, but it also carries a much stronger feature set and is a generally more powerful camera. Compared to the toy-like body of the XTi, the D80 is well built and looks very professional. Appearance is only skin deep, but the D80 has the hardware to back up its slick looking exterior.
The D80’s viewfinder is a major improvement over the XTi. Larger and brighter, it allows for much easier shot composition. The grip is also an improvement. The D80 feels much more natural and well situated in the hand, and makes handling large lenses easier then with the XTi.
If you decide to go Nikon, you can’t go wrong with the D80 for almost any application. I would highly recommend it over the cheaper but far less sophisticated 4-series models.
Nikon D80 pictured with optional MB-D80 battery grip and Nikkor 18-135mm kit lens.
If you are looking for the best lens that $500 can buy you, look no further. Canon’s 70-200 F/4L USM lens puts the legendary L-series lens quality into a shockingly affordable package that covers a desirable range for most every type of shooter, whether a beginner or a pro. While it is significantly more expensive then the telephoto lenses that a chain store clerk will pitch to the new Digital SLR user, the quality difference is night and day. The 70-200 L focuses internally and faster then any lens in its class. The images are brilliant, very colorful and a compliment to any digital body.
Canon doesn’t skimp (like it does with its consumer-series lenses) on the extras with its L series. Included in the package is a lens hood (hard to manage the lens cap, but very high quality with suede-like lining and a cloth/leather bottomed carrying case for the lens its self. The attention to detail in building the package is one of the reasons that the L series really shines. It is well built and a bit on the hefty side, but certainly manageable and hand-holdable in almost every situation.
I paired the lens with both the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the XTi models, and the results were across the board excellent. The image quality, focusing speed and build are excellent. If you are on the fence regarding whether to spend the extra amount over, say, the 75-300 USM lens by Canon, I cannot recommend enough the 70-200 F/4L.
Those looking to shoot lower light or in less-then-desirable conditions may also want to consider the 70-200 F/2.8 or the 70-200 F/4 IS (image stabilized) versions.
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