Monday 25 February 2013

Nikon D9000, the D300 replacement?

The Nikon D7100 has just been introduced and while it on some levels is a more advance module than the Nikon D7000. It still lacks some features from the Nikon D300. Introducing the Nikon D9000.

According to Nikon Rumors the Nikon D7100 isn't the replacement of the Nikon D300 and wouldn't be the top model in the DX product line. This should satisfy the many D300 users, which sees some major issues with the Nikon D7100 around the buffer capacity and frames per second. So this means that we most likely will see another DX model this year.

Another reason for a new Nikon DX top model this year is that Canon is rumoured to replace the Canon 7D and from the specs that are on the net the Nikon D7100 wouldn't be a serious competitor for this product, so Nikon needs something that can compete against the Canon 7D Mark II.

A third reason is that if you look at Nikon's web-site the Nikon D7100 is listed as a consumer model and not a professional model. The only professional model that the Nikon has in the DX range is the Nikon D300s.

So what kind of specs are we looking at:
  • 24 mega pixel sensor. The Canon 7D Mark II looks like it will get a 24 mega pixel sensor and every other model in the Nikon DX line-up has a 24 mega pixel sensor
  • The same auto focus model as the Nikon D7100. I don't see a new version here. It is the top model autofocus that Nikon has, but it might have some more customisation options
  • The metering model from the Nikon D800 and Nikon D4, which has a 91k pixel sensor vs the 2016 in the Nikon D7100
  • Look for a frame per second around 9 - 10 frames per second, which is what Canon is look at for their Canon 7D Mark II.
  • A nice big buffer around 40 raw pictures
  • And a professional build body
The interesting think is if Nikon will use this body to introduce nice features like a GPS chip and/or a wifi module like Canon is starting to do in their camera models.

Many thinks the name will be Nikon D400, but I think that they will go for the obvious and create a Nikon D9000. This means that every DX model follows the Dxxx naming schema and the FX cameras will follow the Dxx naming schema except for the top professional models which will stay at Dx format.

It will be introduced about summer time (May/June) which will fit nicely with the rumoured release of the Canon 7D Mark II and it will give the Nikon D7100 to shine in the spotlight for a couple of months.

Friday 22 February 2013

Nikon D7100 vs D5200: What to buy?

These two new cameras have both been introduced over the last couple of months and isn't that far apart when it comes to features, so which one should you choose?

Here is what you get extra in the Nikon D7100:
  • You get a 1.3x mode where the camera crops the picture just as you take the picture in about 16 megapixel size and it gives you an extra speed in frames per second, so this is a great feature for those that take action or wild life pictures
  • You get an extra card slot, which you can use to take more pictures/video or you can use it to take backup of the pictures just as you take them
  • The viewfinder is bigger and you don't loose the edge around the picture frame as you do in the Nikon D5200
  • The Nikon D7100 has the possibility to autofocus with older non af-s lenses. So if you have some of these lenses and uses them, then you should go for the Nikon D7100
  • The Nikon D7100 can shoot at the speed of 1/8000 vs 1/4000 in the Nikon D5200. Most people wouldn't use this speed, so it shouldn't be a deciding factor
  • The flash sync goes up to 1/250 vs 1/200 in the Nikon D5200. Again most people wouldn't use this kind of speed
  • The Nikon D7100 can in 1.3x mode shoot 7 frames per second vs 5 frames per second in the Nikon D5200. This can be very important if you shoot action or wildlife pictures as it could just be the perfect frame you capture.
  • The autofocus model in the D7100 is the top module and shares the features with the top FX models like D4 and D800, where the autofocus module in the D5200 is more of a middle level autofocus. This could just mean the option that get you sharp pictures in difficult situations
Here is what you get extra in the Nikon D5200:
  • You get a camera with a flip LCD screen, which could be a nice feature if you use live view a lot to take pictures and not the viewfinder
  • The camera body is smaller and lighter, which also could be a very nice feature if you need to carry along you camera all day
  • It is about $400 dollar cheaper to buy.
For some people having more frames per second, a pro level body, autofocus with older lenses and just a better autofocus module is important and those will go for the Nikon D7100. Most people just don't need all those great extra features and can settle with the Nikon D5200. This is still a great camera with some pro level features. If you are an action or wildlife photographer you really should go for the Nikon D7100 as there are just to many great features to give up not going for the Nikon D7100. Other photographers will be happy with the Nikon D5200.

Links to Nikon D5200 articles:
Links to Nikon D7100 articles:
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Thursday 21 February 2013

Nikon D7100 vs D7000: What to buy?


How does the new Nikon D7100 match up against the previous model Nikon D7000. Do you take a good deal for the Nikon D7000 or do you go for the new and better features of the Nikon D7100?

Here is what is better in the Nikon D7100:

  • The sensor is 24 megapixel vs 16 megapixel in the Nikon D7000. The performance of the sensor in the Nikon D7100 is still unknown, but it will most likely be on level with the Nikon D5200, which shows a small improvement vs the Nikon D7000. So my bet is that we can expect around 10% improvement in the performance of the sensor
  • The Nikon D7100 has a 1.3x mode on the sensor, which makes the camera shoot in close to 16 megapixel, but with a greater crop factor. This feature makes it easier to be a wildlife photographer as it does the cropping when you shoot the subject
  • The autofocus module has been upgraded compared to the one that is used in the Nikon D7000. It has 51 AF points from the autofocus system in the Nikon D300 and D300s, which as a lot in common with the Nikon D800, Nikon D4 and more, so expect an autofocus module on a professional level.
  • There are many more video options in the Nikon D7100. This is options that follows the same upgrades to video options that we have seen in latest models from Nikon
  • The size and weight is about the same as in the Nikon D7000.

The Nikon D7100 follows the trend that Nikon has been through with the other models in the DX range, where each model upgrades gets some features from a bigger model. This also means that it is hard to see a model above the Nikon D7100. The Nikon D7100 has some extra cool features compared to the Nikon D7000, so if you have to choose between the two models you should go with the Nikon D7100. If you already have the Nikon D7000 then there isn't enough reason to upgrade to the Nikon D7100. You best bet is to wait for the next wave of DX upgrades.

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Monday 11 February 2013

Nikon D7000 vs D90: An upgrade option?

Do you have a Nikon D90 or something similar and are looking at an upgrade? Well you could wait for the Nikon D7100, but you could also get a good deal on a Nikon D7000. So what kind of benefits do you get by choosing the Nikon D7000?

Here is what is better in the Nikon D7000:
  • The sensor in the Nikon D7000 is 16 megapixel, where it is only 12 megapixel in the Nikon D90. You also get a nice increase in image performance by getting the newer Nikon D7000, where it is better in every area
  • The Nikon D90 has a second card slot, so you will either be able to record more images/movies or you can use the second card slot to backup the images/movies just when you shoot them
  • You get a professional viewfinder in the Nikon D7000 that shows you the complete frame and doesn't  hide a bit of the border as it does in the Nikon D90
  • The Nikon D7000 can shoot at the speed of a professional camera with the 1/8000, but not many people need this speed
  • The Nikon D7000 can shoot a bit faster with 6 frames per second, where the Nikon D90 only can manage 4.5 frames per second. This could be a great upgrade if you are a wildlife/action photographer or shoot these subjects a lot
  • The metering system in the Nikon D7000 is an upgrade from the Nikon D90, so there is a better chance of getting a correctly exposed picture in hard light situations
  • The ISO can be pushed to ISO 25600 which is two steps higher than the Nikon D90, which gives you the option to shoot more pictures in the dark without have a flash
  • The autofocus system is an upgrade too compared to the Nikon D90. It has more options and a faster autofocus, which should benefit you when you shoot action filled pictures
  • The video options in the D7000 has greatly improved since they were introduced in the Nikon D90 for Nikon SLR cameras
If you choose to take one of the great deals that are bound to come along as we are getting closer to a Nikon D7100 (which are expected to be introduced in the market this year) then you will get a great number of features that will make it more fun to be a photographer. You could wait for the Nikon D7100, but all bets are on it being more expensive and not be as huge upgrade from the Nikon D7100 as the Nikon D7000 is for the Nikon D90. 

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Sunday 10 February 2013

Canon 7D vs 650D/T4i: What to buy?

How do a semi professional body like the Canon 7D compare vs the mid level model like the Canon 650D/T4i? Look here for the answer.

Here is what makes the Canon 7D better than the Canon 650D/T4i:
  • The size of the sensor and performance of the image sensor is about the same according to the Dxomark. Both are 18 megapixel sensors, but the sensor of the Canon 7D is a little bit better in every category, but the difference isn't that big, so you wouldn't see a major difference in the images that comes out of the two cameras
  • The autofocus system of the Canon 7D is a great deal better that the one that the autofocus system in the Canon 650D/T4i. The Canon 7D has 19 crosstype autofocus points where the Canon 650D/T4i only has 9 of the same type, so the Canon 7D has more autofocus points to acquire focus and get a sharper image
  • In the Canon 7D it is possible to make small adjustments to how the lenses autofocus with the camera, so it works perfectly with the camera
  • The Canon 7D can shoot at 1/8000, but only very few ever users this speed of their camera
  • The Canon 7D has a complete viewfinder, so you get a complete view of the picture you take, where a bit of the border isn't visible in the Canon 650D/T4i
  • The Canon 7D can shoot at 8 frames per second which is almost twice as fast as the Canon 650D/t4i with 5 frames per second. This is important if you shoot action or wildlife.
  • The Canon 7D has more custom functions so there it is possible to better fit the camera to your shooting style
  • The body is a professional build that can resist water and dust on some levels
  • The battery can last longer before it has to be recharged, where it is possible to take double as many pictures before needing a recharge.
Here is what makes the Canon 650D/T4i better than the Canon 7D:
  • The ISO can be pushed to ISO 25600 which is one step higher than the Canon 7D, but the performance at high ISO is still better in the Canon 7D. It gives the users of Canon 650D/T4i the possibility to take pictures in dark situations without a flash
  • The body is smaller and lighter which can be important for some photographers 
The price difference at the moment (February 2013) is about $260, which isn't that much when you see that it is the top APC camera vs one of the entry models. This only confirms the difference shown above. Yes you get a lot of extra nice features with the Canon 7D and if you have photography as a hobby then it would be wise to go for the more expensive 7D, but for a lot of people the Canon 650D/T4i should be enough of a camera. We can only hope to see a new top model from Canon soon with a higher degree of extra features compared to the Canon 650D/T4i. It is rumoured that we will see it this year.

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Wednesday 6 February 2013

Nikon D7000 vs D3100: Is it an upgrade option?

Do you have the Nikon D3100 and are thinking about upgrading to a more advance camera body or do you just have to choose to buy either the Nikon D7000 or the Nikon D3100. Look here to see the difference.

Here is what is better in the Nikon D7000:

  • The sensor is a little bit bigger, but it isn't much and the performance according to Dxomark is a great deal better in the Nikon D7000, so you will get a camera that will produce better images
  • The Nikon D7000 has a second card slot, so you can store more images/videos without backing up to a computer or you can just make a backup as you take the image to the other memory card
  • The viewfinder in the Nikon D7000 is bigger and you get to see 100% of the picture you take. This makes it more comfortable to take pictures
  • The Nikon D7000 can use older non AF-S lenses with autofocus working, where in the Nikon D3100 you just get the right exposure and have to focus manually. Remember that you can find a lot of good bargains going for some of the older Nikon gems
  • The Nikon D7000 can shoot at 1/8000 which is faster than the Nikon D3100 with 1/4000, but I doubt you ever will need this speed
  • The Nikon D7000 can shoot at 6 frames per second which is the double of the Nikon D3100 with 3 frames per second. This is important if you shoot action or wildlife pictures as it just might be the picture frame that captures your subject perfectly
  • The metering engine in the Nikon D7000 is better, so in dark or difficult light situations there is a higher chance of getting a picture that is exposed just right with the perfect amount of light to the picture
  • It is possible to use exposure bracketing with the Nikon D7000, which is a great feature that often is used in hard light situations, so you shoot maybe 3 frames with different exposure and later you can choose the picture that you think have the right exposure.
  • The ISO can be pushed to ISO 25600, which is one step higher than the Nikon D3100 and the performance at high ISO is also better
  • The autofocus engine in the Nikon D7000 is a lot better than the one in the Nikon D3100, so it will be easier to get a sharp picture
Here is what is better in the Nikon D3100:
  • The body is smaller and lighter, but the difference isn't that big
The Nikon D7000 is a great upgrade option from Nikon D3100. You get a lot of great features that will make it more fun to be a photographer and the images that you get out of the camera should be better and more sharp. If you haven't gotten any of the camera the price difference of $500 (February 2013) is a lot, so you have to consider if those extra features that you get in the Nikon D7000 is something you need or you can settle with the Nikon D3100.

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Tuesday 5 February 2013

Canon 600D/T3i vs Canon 60D: What to buy?

Two camera models that are not that far apart, but what is the difference and should you spend the extra money on the more expensive Canon 60D?

Here is what makes the Canon 60D better than the Canon 600D:

  • The size of the sensor is about the same, but the performance that comes out of the sensor is better in the Canon 60D, but the difference is minimal, so for most they wouldn't know the difference
  • The Canon 60D can shoot at the speed of 1/8000, but this isn't important as most photographers will never get close to using this speed
  • The Canon 60D can shoot pictures faster with 5 frames per second vs 3.7 frames per second in the 600D. This is important if you shoot action or wildlife. It could be the frame that captures just the right moment
  • The autofocus point in the Canon 60D is cross-type AF points and this is important as it will make it easier to capture a sharp image
  • The Canon 60D have more custom option which translate into a camera that is easier to customize to you kind of shooting
  • The build quality of the Canon 60D is better with more protection against water and dust (to a certain amount)
  • The battery life is a lot better in the Canon 60D, so it will last you longer before you have to recharge or change battery
Here is what makes the Canon 600D better than the Canon 60D:
  • The camera body is smaller and lighter 
The price difference is currently (February 2013) about $160 dollar and I think you get a lot of extra good features for that amount, so if I were to buy a new Canon body and the choice came down to the Canon 600D or the Canon 60D. I would buy the Canon 60D. The Canon 600D is still a good camera, but just not as good as the Canon 60D.

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Sunday 3 February 2013

Canon 650D/T4i vs Canon 60D: What to buy?

These two models are close to each other, so you might wonder which camera body you should choose. Should it be the cheaper Canon 650D or should it be the Canon 60D with more features?

Here is why you might want to buy the Canon 60D:
  • Both have a 18 mega pixel sensor, but the sensor in the Canon 60D has according to Dxomark a better performance with better performance at high ISO as one of the main differences
  • The Canon 60D can shoot at 1/8000 sec where the Canon 650D only can shoot at 1/4000. For almost every one this doesn't make a difference
  • The Canon 60D has a lot more custom functions and settings, so the camera will easier to fit to your style of shooting than the Canon 650D
  • The build of the Canon 60D makes it weather resistance 
  • The battery life is longer with the Canon 60D, so you can take more pictures without a recharge of the battery
Here is why you might want to buy the Canon 650D:
  • It has a newer image processor than the Canon 60D
  • The ISO can be pushed to ISO 25600 in the Canon 650D, which is one step higher than the Canon 60D
  • The Canon 650D is a less heavy and smaller camera body than the Canon 60D
The price at the moment (February 2013 at Amazon) is just about the same for the two cameras and as you can see from above the difference isn't that big. It is the small differences that decides if you want to go for one model over the other. There is no clear best camera among these two models.

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