CNY 09

The Nikon D-ifference for beginners

Many beginners often ask which is better among the Nikon D40, D40X and D60. Well, they are all using the exact same body for all three.

To begin with, we'll first look at the megapixels the three cameras have.
The Nikon D40 has 6megapixels, the Nikon D40X and the Nikon D60 has 10megapixels.
With more megapixles, there is also a downside to it. You may get more detail when using ISO200 but when it comes to having noise, the higher megapixel D40X has more noise than the D40. As for the D60, it has slightly better noise control then the D40X as it is newer with better technology for noise control. The one advantage the D60 has over the other two is the sensor cleaning technology that helps clean the camera's sensor without the owner having to do it himself. This can help new users alot as many would not dare to clean the sensor manually.

Next, we move on to the flash sync speed.
The Nikon D40 seems to be the best in this with a maximum flash sync speed of 1/500 of a second while the other two can only achieve a maximum sync speed of 1/200 of a second. In other words, the D40 is better at freezing motion with the flash.

Now, the kit lens.
The Nikon D60 has the best kit lens among the three entry SLRs here. This is due to the VR system used in it which allows the user to handhold shots at slower shutter speeds and this prevents blur. But VR also uses extra power from your battery. All three lenses are 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 . Only that the D60 has a VR version of this lens. (FYI: at 200mm with the 18-200mm VR, i can actually shoot at 1/8th to 1/15th of a second and still obtain sharp images.)

In terms of handling, all three cameras handle the same and are all easy to understand and use. However, the Nikon D40X is no longer in production and is currently being replaced by the newer Nikon D60. The D40 is still available till this day as it serves as the cheapest DSLR in the Nikon lineup. For price wise, the D40 is definitely and obviously the cheaper than the D60. What does it run down to? Well, it's the price. One will have to see if the RM400 difference in price is actually enough to justify the difference in features. RM400 can get you a flash gun (3rd party) or even a 50mm 1.8 that you can manually focus with.

MB-D10

The Nikon D300 alone is a great camera that's capable of shooting 6frames per second at 12megapixels each. The high ISO performance is also pretty good. So what is better than 6fps? There's no better replacement for speed than more speed! The battery grip by Nikon weighs alot compared to third party ones since this is actually constructed out of magnesium alloy and it holds 8 (yes.... eight...) AA batteries. With that, the D300 is capable of firing out 8 lovely frames per second. But of course, a fast memory card would be good as 8 pictures are being transfered every second. Just like the D300, the grip has been built like a tank and there is nothing bad about the feel of it on the D300. Feels just nice and with the grip attached, the D300 becomes bigger than the Nikon D3. Likewise the D200 + battery grip is to the D2X. The one thing I really like about the battery grip of the D300 is the ability to change the shutter speed and aperture using independent dials located on the grip. One being solely for aperture and another for shutter speed. An AF-on button is also featured on the grip as well as a toggle to move through pictures while viewing them or even selecting specific focus points out of the 51 points that exist. At the end of the day, I would strongly encourage one to buy the grip if and only if shooting sports is part of what one loves to do. Other than that, 6fps seems very fast for most occasions while 8fps is good for action and sports where one would love to go trigger happy. If you can get a D300, just get the original battery grip instead of the third party one. The built provides assurance of quality and it doesn't look like an item that will fail.

50mm f/1.8

Name: Nikkor AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D
Optics: 6 elements in 5 groups, a classic design. Multicoated
Diaphragm: Seven straight blades. Stops down to f/22
Close Focus: 1.5 feet (0.45 meters)
Focus Scale: Yes
Depth-of-Field Scale: Yes
Infra-Red Focus Index: Yes
Filter Thread: 52mm
Size: 1.541" extension from flange by 2.505" diameter (39.14 x 63.62mm), measured. Nikon specifies 1.5" (38mm) long by 2.5" (64mm) around.
Weight: 5.543 oz. (157.1g), measured, naked. Nikon specifies 5.5 oz. (155g).

For the constuction of this lens, there's is nothing to fuss about as a copy of it can be bought for an average RM250-300 (second hand). Here's a quick roundup of the constuction of the lens.
Filter Threads: Plastic
External Barrel: Plastic
Focus Ring: Rubber-covered plastic
Aperture Ring: Plastic
Markings: Paint
Lens Mount: Metal
Internals: Possibly Metal
Noises when Shaken: Minor clicking (diaphragm blades)

To begin with, The AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 was released on 06-07-2002 at a launch price of slightly above RM400 (if I'm not mistaken). But today, a copy can be got for a relatively cheap and good price of RM300 or so. This is also one lens that many photogs would suggest to have in every camera bag (if you're using a canon, there's the 50mm f/1.8) due to the great price and performance as it is definitely a superb performer. It is also great for both crop factor SLR cameras and fullframe sensor SLRs as it is able to be used on both types. On a crop factor, this lens goes into a moderate telephoto range of 75mm (Nikon's 1.5 crop factor) while on fullframe, it retains the its 50mm property focal length. Unfortunately, this lens will NOT autofocus on the Nikon D40, D40X and D60 is the camera does not have a built in motor but it will be able to meter on the three bodies. But getting the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 (goes for roughly RM1600 if I'm not mistaken. probably more) will autofocus on the three bodies mentioned. But to many photogs, it is not the focal length that makes it special but instead, it's the aperture being at f/1.8. In situations where light is an issue, this lens is able to deliver over and over again without having much difficulty. As it is a prime lens, distortion has been kept to a minimum and with it being very minor, it does not bother the photog at all. This lens has also been regarded as one of the best value for money lenses around (I 100% agree that it is the BEST value for money lens) with its sharpness and pricetag. On the downside, some photogs do mention that the built quality of this lens is left undesired while some do find that the AF motor does generate a fair level of noise. As for me, I don't see why one would find fault with a lens that goes for roughly RM300 today while I find that the noise is nothing to complain about unless you're shooting someone in a pin-drop silent toilet and trying to keep stealth at the same time. You would probably get by since some sound effects can be louder than the AF motor being driven. lol. My advice, GET ONE if you have not. IF you don't have the cash to go for the f/1.4 version of this lens or the AF-S one, get this as you would love the bokeh given by this lens.

Kiara Park, Taman Tun

Now you know that it's not good to act stupid around me when I'm holding my camera. Take that, Barney.

KL shoot

Hitler on Nikon's D3X

With the introduction of Nikon's new flagship FX (fullframe) DSLR into the market to compete against Canon's 1Ds Mark3 (21megapix) and 5D Mark2 (21megapix) and Sony's 24megapixel Alpha 900, many were curious about the performance as well as the price of the 35mm format behemoth. And with a stated introdution price of 8000 US dollars, Nikon has just gone nuts in terms of pricing as Canon did with their 1Ds Mark3. I would rather go for the D3 as the only major difference is the sensor (12mp VS 24mp) and since the D3 can hit ISO 25600 instead of just 6400.
8000 USD!
Afterall, I'm not a studio person and I don't see myself handling a D3X. D3 is still the way to go.
Enjoy an edited version of what Hitler has to say about the D3X and the closest rivals in the market.



Nikon ging gerade Nüsse!
Mai die Kritiker hat Gnade auf ihnen.

Nikon just went nuts!
May the critics have mercy on them.