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
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.
Recent Comments