Nikon D40 Review

The Nikon D40 is an all new affordable, compact, point-and-shoot digital SLR from Nikon, it follows on from the D50 but at a significantly lower price point and with a subtly different feature set. The biggest news however is probably fact that Nikon resisted the temptation to keep chasing megapixels (hooray for that) and instead appear to have concentrated on what makes a good camera, a decent viewfinder, short shutter lag, very short viewfinder blackout. They've trimmed some of the 'less important features' (you can't change the exposure steps for example) but have squeezed a range of new features such as custom Auto ISO which we welcomed with the D80.

Auto Focus only for AF-S or AF-I lenses

Perhaps the biggest negative on the D40 is that it doesn't have an internal focus drive motor and hence no mechanical focus drive pin, instead it only has CPU contacts which means it can only Auto Focus with AF-S and AF-I lenses (those with built-in focus motors). Indeed our 'standard' lens the Nikkor 50 mm F1.8D (and the F1.4D) are manual focus only on the D40. The images below show the difference between the mount on the D40 and D80, the D80 has a mechanical focus drive pin at about the 7 o'clock position.

Key features

• 6 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop, as D50)
• Nikon Image processing engine (as D80 / D200)
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (as D80 / D50)
• New Multi-CAM530 three area AF sensor
• ISO sensitivity range 200 - 1600 plus HI 1 (3200 equiv.)
• Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
• 2.5 fps continuous shooting (as D50), unlimited in JPEG
• No status LCD, new LCD monitor based status / settings screens
• Help suggestions on LCD monitor (eg. scene too dark, try using flash)
• Large 2.5" 230,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Bigger viewfinder view (x0.8 magnification, 95% coverage)
• Short shutter lag and viewfinder blackout
• Support for SDHC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
• In-camera retouching
  • D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)
  • Red-eye reduction
  • Trimming
  • Monochrome
  • Filter effects
  • Small picture
  • Image overlay
• USB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device support
• Very compact, light body (smaller, lighter than D50)
• Improved menu user interface (as D80 / D200)
• New EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion battery (7.2V, 1000 mAh)
• New 'Version II' AF-S DX 18-55 mm kit lens

Nikon Coolpix S510 review

Proven lens shift VR image stabilisation

Field proven technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses used in Nikon SLR camera systems, optical lens shift VR image stabilisation counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or when shooting to help achieve sharper results. Active full time, VR also stabilises images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

ISO 2000 capability for extended shooting range
The COOLPIX S510 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity by offering manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 2000. And the new image processing engine preserves high image quality even when shooting with high ISO settings, thanks to enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. Also available is AUTO ISO control, which automatically selects the optimal sensitivity for the shot across a range between ISO 64 and ISO 1000, and High-Sensitivity mode which minimises blur by automatically selecting optimal light sensitivity from a range between ISO 64 and 1600.

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation
The COOLPIX S510 has a high quality 2.5-inch LCD monitor featuring 230,000 dots of high resolution, a wide viewing angle of 160 degrees, anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations, and a new acrylic panel that prevents scratches and fingerprints.

Nikon COOLPIX S510 Other Features

• Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
  • Face-priority AF with improved speed and efficiency
  • In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
  • D-Lighting
• Light weight with highly compact dimensions
• Macro shooting from as close as 15 cm (5.9 in.)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
• SDHC card compatibility
• USB connectivity
• PictBridge compatibility

Nikon D3 review

The professional Nikon D 'single digit' series of digital SLR's started life back in June 1999 with the groundbreaking D1. Groundbreaking because it was the digital SLR which broke Kodak's stranglehold on the digital SLR market and fundamentally brought prices down to a level which most professionals could afford (around the US$5,500 mark). Since then we have seen a steady progression of this line of cameras, while the core values of a high quality full size body with integrated grip have remained the line split into two halves, one targeted at high resolution photography the other high speed sports type photography (lower resolution but faster continuous shooting); the X and H suffixes. It's been almost three years since Nikon introduced a completely new digital SLR with a new sensor (the D2X) and there has been much anticipation that Nikon's next move would be a full-frame chip.

This predictions have come true with the introduction of the 'FX format' (new moniker created by Nikon) D3 which features a 36 x 23.9 mm 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor as well as a vast array of new features which absolutely raise it another notch above previous single digit Nikon DSLRs. Important headline improvements include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option, 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support (albeit at lower resolution) and a 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (which it has to be said is lovely).

Some will undoubtedly question Nikon for 'only' delivering twelve megapixels on their first full frame digital SLR, all we can presume by looking at past model line history is that this camera is designed for speed (both in sensitivity, auto-focus and continuous shooting).

Nikon D3 Key Features

• First ever Nikon DSLR with a Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor (coined FX format)
• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
• ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600)
• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
• 5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked)
• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
• New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
• New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Nine frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
• Eleven frames per second continuous without auto-focus tracking
• Ten / eleven frames per second continuous in DX-crop mode (AF / no-AF)
• Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, copy)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• Buttons sealed against moisture
• Dual battery charger as standard
• Available November 2007

Nikon D300 review

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

Nikon D300 Key Features

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
• ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
• 14-bit A/D conversion
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
• Shutter life 150,000 exposures
• New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
• Buttons sealed against moisture

Nikon - Coolpix 5400 review

Looking very much like its predecessor, the well-liked Coolpix 5000, the new 5.1-megapixel Coolpix 5400 from Nikon features an improved 4x Nikkor zoom lens and other updated refinements.

Like the earlier model, the Coolpix 5400 is a compact (108 x 73 x 69mm), well made camera, built from a combination of high grade plastic and magnesium alloy. It feels sturdy enough (at 380g) to cope with whatever life throws at it.

The F2.8 - F4.6, 4x zoom lens is new and features a focal range of 5.8 - 24mm (equivalent to a 28 - 116mm lens on a 35mm camera). Despite an increase in zoom range over the Coolpix 5000's lens, the focal range of the new lens is less than the older camera's, (which was 7.1 - 21.4mm). This is due to the different CCD arrays used by the cameras; the Coolpix 5000 used an 8.8 x 6.6mm unit, while the Coolpix 5400 uses a newer, smaller, 7.2 x 5.3mm sensor.

Retained from the Coolpix 5000 is the rotating LCD, and although it's been reduced in size from 1.8-inches to 1.5-inches, its resolution has increased from 110,000 pixels up to 134,000 pixels.

Nikon has improved the ergonomics of the Coolpix 5400 to make it easy to use, even though it has a huge range of options. The light sensor has been moved to the upper part of the camera between the flash and optical viewfinder, so it's no longer possible to block it with your hand.

The control layout will offer no problems to the professional SLR camera user, although those who are used to more trendy, compact cameras may find the layout a tad cluttered. Nikon has given the Coolpix 5400 an four-way controller that navigates through the menu settings, record, playback and setup modes.

It has an 'OK' button in the centre to confirm adjustments. The mode dial offers a bewildering range of options, including a Scene mode that provides access to sixteen preset settings for shooting in common and challenging lighting conditions.

One disappointing aspect of the Coolpix 5400 is still the lack of an AF illuminator, something that many of its rivals have. Nor does it have RAW picture data mode; this is promised as a firmware upgrade by Nikon but not until some time in the first quarter of 2004. Also missing is the status LCD of the Coolpix 5000.

In contrast to the overall build quality of the camera, the door covering the Type II CompactFlash slot (which also handles IBM Microdrives) feels very flimsy. Nikon supplies what it calls a 'starter' memory card with the camera, and as this card is a mere 16MB, the name is very apt; in reality, 64MB is a good starting point and 128MB is a must for serious users.

At the base of the camera, the door covering the battery compartment is much better made. The camera is powered by a 680mAh, rechargeable, Lithium-Ion battery.

And the image quality? It's very good. Just as there's 'no substitute for cubic inches', so there's no substitute for pixels, and five million of them make for highly detailed photos, helped by the camera's good colour balancing firmware and low noise CCD array.