Saturday, November 23, 2013

Nikon D5300 First Shots: Can Nikon's new mid-level DSLR not only beat the D5200, but compete with the D7100?

<Nikon D5300 Dealsp>by Roger Slavens

In less than a year's time, the recently introduced Nikon D5300 has replaced the mid-level consumer D5200 DSLR. And while its upgrades may not be revolutionary, the new model stands as a compelling, affordable option for advanced amateurs who may be eyeing the higher-end, prosumer D7100 -- as well as an enticement for owners of Nikon's older models to take a step up. We just got the Nikon D5300 into the lab, and we've published our first batch of First Shots -- Still Life* test images -- for you to analyze closely.

The D5300's enhanced DX-format, 24-megapixel APS-C-type CMOS sensor was designed to maximize the camera's resolving power by omitting the optical low-pass filter (as Nikon did earlier this year with the D7100). If the D5300 can minimize moire and anti-aliasing as well as the D7100 did, forgoing the OLPF in a consumer-friendly DSLR could be the move that opens up a realm of incredible detail and sharpness to a mass audience. What's more, the D5300 incorporates Nikon's latest processor -- the EXPEED 4 -- which even the company's most recently announced full-frame prosumer DSLR, the D610, doesn't have. This next-generation imaging engine purports optimize the DSLR's detail-versus-noise output and enhance color accuracy, and its improved ISO sensitivity -- now ranging from 100 to 12,800 in standard mode -- could up the ante on low-light performance.

How do all these upgrades translate in terms of image quality?

Check out our Nikon D5300 First Shots for yourself. And be sure to pit these test images side-by-side with those from the D5200, D7100 -- or any other camera we've ever tested -- via our Comparometer™ image quality comparison tool.

For more information about the DSLR's new features and specs, read our first impressions Nikon D5300 review. In addition to image quality and performance enhancements, the camera also boasts built-in Wi-Fi functionality and GPS -- the first Nikon DSLR to do so -- as well as a more compact and lightweight design, and a 3-2-inch tilt-swivel LCD monitor that features a whopping 1,037K dots of resolution.

* Use our Still Life target images to look for detail (tone-on-tone, fine, highlights, shadows), as well as noise suppression, white balance, color accuracy and color shape retention.

Order your Nikon D5300 with trusted Imaging Resource affiliates Adorama or B&H now. The D5300 body runs about US$700, and kitted with a Nikon 18-140mm lens about $1,400.

Adorama:

B&H:


Source: Imaging-resource

Nikon D5300 First Shots: Can Nikon's new mid-level DSLR not only beat the D5200, but compete with the D7100?

<Nikon D5300 Cyber Monday Dealp>by Roger Slavens

In less than a year's time, the recently introduced Nikon D5300 has replaced the mid-level consumer D5200 DSLR. And while its upgrades may not be revolutionary, the new model stands as a compelling, affordable option for advanced amateurs who may be eyeing the higher-end, prosumer D7100 -- as well as an enticement for owners of Nikon's older models to take a step up. We just got the Nikon D5300 into the lab, and we've published our first batch of First Shots -- Still Life* test images -- for you to analyze closely.

The D5300's enhanced DX-format, 24-megapixel APS-C-type CMOS sensor was designed to maximize the camera's resolving power by omitting the optical low-pass filter (as Nikon did earlier this year with the D7100). If the D5300 can minimize moire and anti-aliasing as well as the D7100 did, forgoing the OLPF in a consumer-friendly DSLR could be the move that opens up a realm of incredible detail and sharpness to a mass audience. What's more, the D5300 incorporates Nikon's latest processor -- the EXPEED 4 -- which even the company's most recently announced full-frame prosumer DSLR, the D610, doesn't have. This next-generation imaging engine purports optimize the DSLR's detail-versus-noise output and enhance color accuracy, and its improved ISO sensitivity -- now ranging from 100 to 12,800 in standard mode -- could up the ante on low-light performance.

How do all these upgrades translate in terms of image quality?

Check out our Nikon D5300 First Shots for yourself. And be sure to pit these test images side-by-side with those from the D5200, D7100 -- or any other camera we've ever tested -- via our Comparometer™ image quality comparison tool.

For more information about the DSLR's new features and specs, read our first impressions Nikon D5300 review. In addition to image quality and performance enhancements, the camera also boasts built-in Wi-Fi functionality and GPS -- the first Nikon DSLR to do so -- as well as a more compact and lightweight design, and a 3-2-inch tilt-swivel LCD monitor that features a whopping 1,037K dots of resolution.

* Use our Still Life target images to look for detail (tone-on-tone, fine, highlights, shadows), as well as noise suppression, white balance, color accuracy and color shape retention.

Order your Nikon D5300 with trusted Imaging Resource affiliates Adorama or B&H now. The D5300 body runs about US$700, and kitted with a Nikon 18-140mm lens about $1,400.

Adorama:

B&H:


Source: Imaging-resource

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Orange County Business Journal

<Nikon D5300 Couponsp>

Visitors to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will see more of Nikon Inc.'s brand throughout its two gated parks.

The Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida said Tuesday that they struck a "multi-year strategic alliance" with New York-based digital imaging company Nikon Inc. that makes the digital imaging company the official camera for both resorts.

The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is made up of the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district.

The Nikon brand will now have signs at various suggested picture spots throughout the Disney parks. Photographers throughout the parks who take pictures for Disney's PhotoPass service will now use Nikon cameras and other accessories.

Nikon takes the role previously held by New York-based Eastman Kodak Co., which ended its partnership with the company last year. Kodak had been a sponsorship partner at Disneyland since the park's 1955 opening. Kodak emerged from bankruptcy in September.


Source: Ocbj

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Nikon And Walt Disney World And Disneyland Resorts Team Up To Capture Magical Photo Moments

<Nikon D5300 Dealsp>MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Inc. and Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts today announced a multi-year strategic alliance naming Nikon the official camera of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca. Bringing together a global leader in imaging and the world's leading family vacation destinations, this relationship continues the longstanding commitment to help guests capture every moment of their vacation.

"The alliance between Nikon and Disney allows us to connect with millions of passionate Disney guests who want to tell their stories through the capture of amazing imagery," said Nobuyoshi Gokyu, president, Nikon Inc. "Through this agreement, Nikon will play an integral role in helping Disney guests to preserve and share every unforgettable moment."

As the "Official Camera of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts," Nikon will have branded Picture Spots throughout the theme parks at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, providing guests and their families with the opportunity to document their journey at ideal locations throughout the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, as well as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

"Our Disney Parks are among some of the most photographed locations in the world, so it is only natural for us to further develop our relationship with Nikon, who shares our commitment to capturing magical moments and making memories," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, US and France.

Nikon will also be integrated into the Disney PhotoPass Service, the perfect way for guests to capture their vacation memories in great photos-and get everyone in the shot. Disney PhotoPass Photographers will now be exclusively equipped with Nikon cameras and accessories, ensuring each memory is preserved with the quality that consumers have come to expect from Nikon.

Disney Fine Art Photographers at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons, as well as Adventure Guides with Adventures by Disney, will also be outfitted with Nikon cameras.

About Nikon Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 80 th anniversary of NIKKOR optics, and announced the production of over 80 million NIKKOR lenses in 2013, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

About Walt Disney Parks and Resorts More than 50 years ago, Walt Disney created a new kind of entertainment families could experience together, immersed in detailed atmospheres and vibrant storytelling. His vision now includes a collection of five of the world's leading family vacation destinations - Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, Calif.; Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; Tokyo Disney Resort, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan; Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, located on Lantau Island. A sixth resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, is currently under construction in Pudong New District, Shanghai. In addition, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts includes the world-class Disney Cruise Line; Disney Vacation Club; Adventures by Disney, a guided group vacation experience to some of the world's most popular destinations; and Walt Disney Imagineering, which creates and designs all Disney parks, resorts, cruise ships, entertainment and attractions.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.

* Read more articles by Nikon Inc.



Source: Sacbee

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Nikon P7800 review

<Nikon D5300 Discountp>

What is the Nikon P7800?

Nikon's advanced compact offering has long taken the form of the Coolpix 'P' series, with the four-digit range sitting at the top and looking to offer a suitable companion to it's DSLR range for those wanting at times to travel light. The Nikon P7800 is the latest model that looks to build on the success of the previous models in the series with a range of new features and take on the Canon G16.

But, with the growth of the advanced compact market, as well as the drop in price of competing CSCs, the question is does the P7800 remain a relevant shooting proposition, or has technological advancement rendered it obsolete?

SEE ALSO: 10 best cameras you can buy


Nikon P7800: Features

One of the core features that has made the high-end P series a success in previous generations is the fact that it features a larger sensor than is normally found in a compact, and the P7800 retains this selling point.

The P7800 retains the same 12.2MP BSI CMOS sensor as seen in the P7700, which measures in at 1/1.7-inches, as opposed to the smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor. The P7800's BSI sensor should handle noise better then the equivalent sensor technology, although it only has a native ISO 80-1600 - extendible to ISO 3200 and 6400.

Another feature maintained from the previous generation model is the 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD screen which, thanks to a side-mounted hinge, can be rotated around a 270 degree axis for viewing at a variety of angles.

SEE ALSO: 10 best DSLR cameras you can buy

The Nikon P7800 also retains the same 7.1x optical zoom as seen on the model's predecessor, covering an equivalent focal range of 28-200mm and offering an impressive maximum aperture between f/2 and f/4.

One of the standout new additions to the Nikon P7800 is sure to be popular amongst some enthusiast photographers. It now features a relatively substantial electronic viewfinder that measures in at 0.5-inches, has a resolution of 921k-dots and also features a dioptre adjustment.

Another notable feature is the Nikon video capture functionality that's better than some competing models. The P7800 captures full HD video at 1920 x 1080 and at 30fps, while advanced functionality such as wind noise reduction, in-built ND filter and manual exposure control also feature.

While there's no doubting the P7800's positioning as an advanced compact - as shown through the inclusion of PASM shooting modes - it also caters for those that might want to let the camera do the work.

It does so through the presence of an auto shooting mode, a range of scene modes and a host of creative 'Effects' such as 'Cross Process' and 'Zoom Exposure'.

One feature which is sorely missed, owing to the fact that it's now commonplace on competing cameras, is Wi-Fi functionality. Both Wi-Fi and GPS tagging are available with the P7800 although only through the purchase of optional accessories.


Source: Trustedreviews

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Nikon D5300 hands-on review

Nikon Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal at a glance:

  • 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor
  • 1.037-million-dot, 3.2in, 170° LCD screen
  • Expeed 4 image processor
  • 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors
  • ISO 100-25,600
  • Price £730 body only
  • See product shots of the Nikon D5300

Nikon D5300 - Introduction

While the serious enthusiast is unlikely to be swayed into buying a Nikon DSLR over a Canon model purely because the Nikon camera is newer, the reality is that at the non-premium end of the market this is how some people make their buying decisions. 'Newer' must mean 'better'.

This demand for the 'new' explains why we see such short product cycles in the camera market, and why manufacturers feel the need to introduce even small advances in technology or feature sets in cameras with completely new names - rather than a 'Mark II' type of naming format.

Those familiar with Nikon's range of DSLRs may not see the sense in the company's introduction of the new D5300, especially as Nikon will maintain the D5200 alongside this model in the range - new and old together. By doing so, though, Nikon expands the number of cameras it has on offer and the number of price points it can cover, while also being able to have a model that can carry a 'New' sticker, and which introduces new features to the price band in which it will sit.

That's not to say that the Nikon D5300 isn't different to the D5200, though, as a new processor, new body design and the integration of wireless communications do genuinely bring additional benefits to the photographer.

Nikon D5300 - Design and handling

Nikon is very pleased that it has achieved a new way of constructing camera bodies, which it describes as a 'monocoque'. Instead of there being a chassis, onto which the components and the body shell are attached, the D5300 is designed to have everything screwed to the insides of the body form itself: exoskeleton, rather then the usual endoskeleton.

Image: The top of the camera houses only a few control points, keeping the layout simple and unintimidating for newcomers. A stereo microphone lives in front of the hotshoe

The D5300's body shell is also made of a new material, although Nikon won't say what that new material is - just that it is new. The upshot is that the body is less heavy than it might have been, and is 25g lighter, including the battery, than the camera it doesn't replace, the D5200.

I'm not entirely sure that when I used the camera I could appreciate the exact weight loss that has occurred, but I was able to enjoy the fact that this is truly a lightweight DSLR, of the type that we might not mind carrying all day, over the shoulder, in a bag or in a large pocket. The body is very small too, although it is balanced with a reassuringly large grip for the right hand. It seems ironic that a small and light camera should need a large grip, but I found it allowed me to be aware I was carrying the camera, and should a larger lens be attached it will help to support the forward pull of such a weight distribution.

Image: The body styling will be familiar to those used to the Nikon 5000 series, as will the standard menu. The 3.2in flip-out screen has impressive visibility

The buttons are arranged much as one might expect, with all the principal controls falling easily to the finger or thumb. The rear 3.2in LCD is very nicely bright and clear, with its 1.037-million-dot resolution. Nikon has set the viewing panel into the glass screen, so there are no gaps or internal reflections, which produces good contrast and a clear view from a quoted angled of up to 170°. I am impressed.

In live view, the screen works well when the camera is held low or high, and I found the AF quick enough and seemingly accurate. The response of the shutter in live view also seems good.

Image: Nikon has retained its choice of layouts for the rear-screen display, with text-based and graphically expressed options to suit personal preferences

Nikon D5300 - Still to test

The principal changes in this model are of the sort that will only be proved in testing, but at this stage their potential is worth pointing out. Using the higher-capacity Expeed 4 processor, Nikon claims it has been able to reduce noise in its images through the use of more complicated calculations. A related benefit is that now noise levels are lower the company is comfortable offering a higher ISO setting - the Nikon D5300 allows ratings of up to ISO 25,600. More complex calculations also provide the potential for better white balance assessment in automatic modes via a more comprehensive assessment of the scene, and a better rendition of colour overall.

Lower noise should also lead to better resolution of detail from the 24.2-million-pixel sensor, as should Nikon's decision to do without the micro-blurring effects of a low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. Leaving the low-pass filter off the sensor has become very fashionable, and I suspect it will be a great draw for many photographers. Moiré in images created by a sensor with 24 million pixels, even an APS-C-sized sensor, is still something that is quite likely to occur, but there is also plenty of software to correct it after the event.

The other thing to note is that this model sees the introduction of a new battery cell, which Nikon says increases capacity from 500 shots to 600 compared to the cell used in the D5200. It annoys me when companies change their battery forms, but on this occasion the new cell and that used in the D5200 are interchangeable.

Obviously, I couldn't test the battery life of the camera, but we should take the increase as good news. I will also have to wait to test the Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities of this new model, but neither can be held as negative points just for their inclusion. The Wi-Fi integration means users will be able to control the camera from an Android or iOS device, and will be able to wirelessly transfer images for viewing, editing and sending while on the go.

Image: The new battery, which is backwards compatible with the D5200, offers a longer life. There is no low-pass filter on the sensor, for extra resolution

Nikon D5300 - Conclusion

It would be easy to dismiss the Nikon D5300 for being too similar to the D5200, but that really isn't the point. There is not much wrong with the D5200, and the changes that this new model brings can only make it better. Perhaps Nikon could have called it the D5200 ll, but I'm not sure it matters one bit.

The Nikon D5300 will cost around £730 body only and be available from 14 November.


Source: Amateurphotographer

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Nikon Crams Full-Frame Sensor Into Its Legendary 1950s-Era F Series

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>While the rest of the technological landscape is concentrating on making everything look smaller, sleeker, and more futuristic, cameras are going through a major throwback phase. It's pretty great.

The majority of today's old-school cameras aren't just using their looks to draw attention away from sub-par specs. Some of the highest-end cameras in the Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic lineups have a retro slant. Sensor sizes, autofocus speeds, wireless capabilities, and other in-camera features continue to charge forward, but digital-camera bodies are reverting to the classic looks of the 1950s and 1960s.

Nikon has just joined the throwback party with the most advanced retro camera in recent memory. The Nikon Df puts the 16-megapixel full-frame sensor of the flagship D4 in a camera body that looks like the original Nikon F from the late 1950s. The D4 performs like a champ in low-light settings, so expect this camera to do the same.

Feature-wise, it falls somewhere between the D4 and the Nikon D600: It has the same sensor and generous ISO range as the D4 (100 - 12,800, expandable to 50 - 204,800), but like the D600, it has a slower maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second, a 39-point autofocus system, a top continuous shooting speed of 5.5fps, and a SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot instead of the D4′s CompactFlash slot. Battery life also falls between the two cameras, with a CIPA rating of 1,400 shots per charge.

Like the camera it takes its design cues from, the Df doesn't shoot video. There's also no built-in flash or Wi-Fi capabilities, although it is compatible with Nikon's separately sold WU-1a adapter for offloading images wirelessly.

The Df's classic body comes in two color schemes: a silver/black two-tone motif, as well as an all-black colorway. There are knobs and buttons galore for quick access to settings, including a double-decker exposure-compensation/ISO dial, a shutter-speed dial next to the shutter button, and a front-mounted control wheel that you can use to adjust the speed blindly while looking through the camera's optical viewfinder or at its 3.2-inch LCD screen.

In late November, the Df can be yours for around three grand. The body alone will sell for $2,750, while a kit configuration with a new 50mm/F1.8 Nikkor prime lens is priced at $3,000. By itself, the lens will sell for $280.


Source: Wired