HOT! Nikon Camera Reviews Of 2011-2012
Ranked #11,957 in Computers & Electronics, #241,095 overall
Your "Reviews & Feedback" Handbook of HOT Nikon Cameras! (Updated DAILY)
HOT! Trending Camera Reviews List!
Not looking for a Nikon camera? Check THESE out!
- HOT! Sony Cameras Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT! Sony Cameras!
- HOT! Canon Cameras Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT! Canon Cameras!
- HOT! Nikon Cameras Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT! Nikon Cameras!
The "SPOTLIGHT" Nikon Camera IS...?
D3100 (Nikon) SLR 14.2MP
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $546.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon D3100 Model Highlights:
- 14.2MP DX Sensor
- 3" LCD
- Live View
- HD 1080p Video w/ Sound & Autofocus
- 11-point Autofocus
- 3 Frames per Second Shooting
- ISO 100 to 3200 (Expand to 12800-Hi2)
- Self Cleaning Sensor
- EXPEED 2, Image Processing Engine
- Scene Recognition System
Takes great pictures. Very easy to use right out of the box, didn't even have to look at the manuel. exceptionally small, compact & light weight. My zeiss 1.4 50mm lens weighs just as much or even more than the whole body. Stock lens is ok. Got great results with the Zeiss 1.4 50mm lens images where much improved.
Pros
(1). Very good image quality
(2). Unintimidating interface, but with plenty of manual control
(3). Easily accessible Live View and Movie controls
(4). Useful drive mode lever (unique on an SLR at this price level)
(5). Highly sophisticated AF system for the price
(6). Easy manual selection of off-centre AF points
(7). Unusually fast Live View AF for an SLR (but still relatively slow compared to mirrorless competitors)
(8). Lots of 'hand-holding' features for beginners (Guide mode, help screens for most functions)
(9). Much improved continuous shooting performance with Active D-Lighting turned on
(10). Lots of in-camera raw conversion and post-processing options
Cons
(1). Slight tendency to overexpose in contrasty conditions
(3). Crude live view magnification is of little help for critical manual focus
(4). No live histogram in live view
The Final Word
There's no doubt that the D3100 is one of the best entry-level SLRs available, offering very good image quality coupled with speedy operation and straightforward handling - at least for conventional eye-level use. Where it's less strong is in the implementation of the new features that have been added over the D3000, i.e. live view and movie mode. Neither is done badly, per se, and the improvement in CDAF speed is impressive, but they could still be better.
Overall, we'd conclude that the D3100 is an excellent DSLR but make clear that a DSLR is no longer the only way to gain large sensor image quality at this price. As a result, while the D3100 would have been a stand-out camera 12 months ago, it's now simply a very good one in a market with plenty of equally good and potentially more interesting options.
The Nikon D3100 Gets - 4/5 Squids!
Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Body
Transcend 16 GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC10E
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $849.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon D5100 Model Highlights:
- 16.2 MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- 3.0" Vari-Angle 921K Resolution LCD
- 1080p HD Movies w/Full Time Autofocus
- Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens
- 35mm Equivalent: 27-82.5mm Lens
- In-Camera Special Effects Mode
- Fast 11-Point Autofocus System
- In-Camera HDR (High Dynamic Range)
- ISO Sensitivity 100-6400
- Built-In Speedlight Flash With i-TTL
My favorite work is done around the magic hours or at night, so low-light and high-contrast performance is important. If I can get the IQ I want under low-light, I can pretty much make it work otherwise. This camera just delivers. So just buy good glass, know how to use the camera, then just go to work. Don't spend more money on shiney tidbits you won't use, or on a bigger, heavier camera. If you know what you're doing with a DSLR, just get this camera, then try to wipe the grin off your face.
Pros
(1). Excellent image quality
(2). Unintimidating interface, but with plenty of manual control
(3). Articulated, high-res LCD screen
(4). Sophisticated AF system for the price
(5). Easy manual selection of off-center AF points
(6). Unusually fast Live View AF for a low-end DSLR (but still relatively slow compared to mirrorless competitors)
(7). Effects modes are fun and beginner-friendly
(8). Much improved continuous shooting performance with Active D-Lighting turned on
(9). Lots of in-camera raw conversion and post-processing options
Cons
(1). Sub-optimal placement of some second-tier controls (like live view switch)
(2). Movie shooting button 'orphaned' from live view switch
(3). Buggy Live View / Movie Mode (movies aren't necessarily recorded at set aperture)
(4). No live histogram in live view
(5). AF still a little sluggish in live view mode, full-time AF not very effective in live view or movies
The Final Word
The D5100 is without doubt one of the most compelling products in its class, and offers an excellent mixture of straightforward handling, a well-targeted feature set, and excellent video and still image quality. As we'd expect from a camera with such a solid lineage, the D5100 is responsive and reliable in operation, and produces excellent images with a minimum of fuss. It is only the second Nikon DSLR to feature an articulated LCD screen and we much prefer the more conventional side-hinged design to the D5000's more awkward bottom-hinged effort. The side-hinged screen is much more versatile, as well as being considerably easier to use with the camera mounted on a tripod.
The Nikon D5100 Gets - 4.5/5 Squids!
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
(Body Only)
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
Amazon Price: $2,199.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon D700 Model Highlights:
- 12.1 Megapixels
- FX-format CMOS (full frame)
- 3" VGA LCD Display
- Live View
- Self-Cleaning Sensor
- 51-point AF System
- 5 fps Burst
- ISO 6400 Sensitivity
- HDMI Video Out
- Dust and Water Resistant
The introduction of Nikon's new D700 may have been one of the worst kept secrets in an industry with more leaks than the Titanic, but it was still something of a surprise coming so hot on the heels of the D3 and D300. Essentially a D3 shrunk down and squeezed into a body roughly the same size as a D300, the D700 is Nikon's first 'compact' professional SLR, and in its segment of the market will compete with the recently announced Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Sony DSLR-A900.
Pros
(1). Class-leading high ISO performance, usable up to ISO 12800
(2). Clean, artifact-free low ISO output with good resolution and detail
(3). Well-balanced noise reduction; more chroma NR, less luminance NR (film-like grain)
(4). Very fast (instant power-up, short shutter lag and short viewfinder black-out)
(5). Excellent continuous shooting capabilities (even more so with optional battery grip)
(6). Massive dynamic range headroom in 14bit RAW files
(7). Compatible with DX lenses with auto crop mode (only 5.1MP, however)
(8). Large, bright viewfinder (although small by the standards of the class)
(9). Good build quality, weather-sealed
(10). Highly configurable Auto ISO function (can set maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed)
(11). Effective chromatic aberration reduction (JPEG, RAWs through Capture NX)
(12). Fast and accurate 51 point auto-focus even in low light
(13). Auto-focus fine-tuning by body or per lens
(14). Reliable metering
(15). Powerful built-in flash with reliable metering and exposure
(16). Large and bright high resolution LCD (delivers full-color VGA; 640xRGB x 480)
(17). Live view with up to 1:1 pixel view (excellent for manual focusing)
(18). HDMI video output (up to 1080i)
(19). Clearly arranged and intuitive menu system
(20). Clever features from built in tilt sensor to help system, Active D-Lighting, Overlay, Multiple exposures an intervalometer
(21). Highly customizable (custom functions, FUNC button)
(22). Comprehensive range of image parameters
(23). Very comprehensive battery information display (% charge, shots, aging)
(24). Integrated sensor cleaning
(25). Effective vignetting correction
Cons
(1). Lower resolution than the competition (the price you pay for brilliant high ISO performance)
(2). Very steep default tone curve can lead to clipped highlights in JPEGs
(3). Unreliable auto white balance in artificial light
The Nikon D700 Gets - 5/5 Squids!
Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD
(Body Only)
Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras
(Retail Packaging)
Remote Shutter Release Cord for Nikon D300, D200, D2x, D3, D700 Digital SLR Cameras
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens
Amazon Price: $1,396.95 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon D7000 Model Highlights:
- 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 2 Image Processor
- 1080p HD Video Capture
- 3" LCD Display
- RAW + JPEG Still Image Capture
- Twin SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slots
- 3D Color Matrix Metering System
- i-TTL Flash + Speedlight Compatibility
- 39 Point AF System
- Works with 60+ NIKKOR Lenses
When it was announced in September the D7000 took a lot of people by surprise. Although a D90 successor had been on the horizon for some time, what wasn't expected was how close in specification terms the new camera would turn out to be to the D300S. In some respects, in fact, the D7000 actually outguns its (supposedly) semi-pro cousin, and offers a compelling upgrade option to both D90 and D300S owners, whilst nominally sitting between the two in Nikon's current lineup.
Pros
(1). Good detail and dynamic range (even better in RAW)
(2). Exceptionally low shadow noise in RAW files
(3). Arguably the best high ISO performance of any current APS-C DSLR
(4). Good build quality and handling
(5). Maximum ISO of 25,600 st full resolution
(6). 1080p HD video mode with basic editing built-in
(7). Efficient Active D-Lighting
(8). Comprehensive customization options
(9). Large, bright viewfinder with 100% coverage
(10). Fast contrast detect Auto Focus in Live View
(11). Useful electronic horizon
(12). Comprehensive feature set
(13). AE metering support for up to 9 'non-CPU' Ai lenses (in A, M modes)
(14). Twin SD-card slots
(15). Conclusion - Cons
Cons
(1). Tendency to overexpose in bright sunshine/high contrast situations
(2). ISO button is poorly positioned, and cannot be assigned to any other control point.
(3). Ditto white balance: poorly positioned, cannot be re-assigned
(4). Exposure mode dial slightly loose, and easily knocked
(5). Shooting mode dial can be awkward to manipulate
(6). AF can be hesitant in poor light
(7). Auto ISO function is confusing and poorly implemented (but no worse than any other Nikon DSLR)
(8). Aperture not adjustable in manual mode in live view (and won't stop up/down in any mode until exposure).
(9). No live histogram or exposure indicator in live view/movie shooting.
The Nikon D7000 Gets - 3.5/5 Squids!
Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD
(Body Only)
Nikon EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D7000 and V1
(Retail Packaging)
Nikon Camera Poll Of The Day
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Amazon Price: $1,698.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon P100 Model Highlights:
- 10.2 megapixel DX format CCD
- Image processing engine
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor
- 11-area AF system
- Custom Auto ISO
- Configurable high ISO and long exposure noise reduction
- Mechanical only shutter
- Quoted 80 ms shutter lag
- Larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder
- Support for SD-HC
- In-camera retouching
- Multiple-exposures
- Compact body
- Improved menu user interface
- Higher capacity EN-EL3e battery
- Wireless flash integration
Two and a half years ago Nikon announced the six megapixel D70, their first affordable enthusiasts digital SLR, it proved to be a very popular camera and strong competitor to the Canon EOS 300D (Digital Rebel). Just fifteen months later Nikon revealed the D70s which was essentially the same camera with a some subtle tweaks (improved AF, wider flash coverage, higher capacity battery, larger LCD monitor). And so just over fifteen months on from the D70s Nikon present the latest incarnation of their 'enthusiasts' digital SLR line, the ten megapixel D80.
The D80 slots nicely between the entry-level D50 and the semi-professional / professional D200, clearly based on the D70 design but also different enough to be seen as a completely new model. It features a ten megapixel DX format CCD (the same we presume as used by Sony in the DSLR-A100), the metering sensor from the D50 and numerous other items taken or modified from the D200.
Pros
(1). Excellent resolution, lots of detail, not a leap from eight megapixels, but certainly from six
(2). Excellent build quality, tight shut lines, quality materials
(3). Instant power on, very responsive, very short black-out time, very fast media write
(4). Fast, accurate auto focus (11 area sensor, similar to the D200)
(5). Auto-focus assist lamp rather than requiring flash to be raised
(6). Vibrant color response, similar hues to other digital SLR's
(7). Reliable, sophisticated, if sometimes a little conservative matrix metering system
(8). Control over high sensitivity noise reduction
(9). Very large and bright viewfinder view with short black-out (quoted as 160 ms)
(10). Extremely useful, customizable automatic sensitivity (ISO)
(11). Easy to use playback / delete combination
(12). Very attractive and intuitive menu system
(13). Highly customizable, lots of camera and feature control
(14). Status LCD panel on top of camera (we hate to see these go)
(15). Unlimited continuous shooting in JPEG mode (with a reasonably fast card)
(16). Good SD card throughput and USB 2.0 transfer speed
(17). In-camera retouching features including D-Lighting and Red-eye reduction
(18). Built-in wireless flash commander
(19). Support for SD and SDHC cards
(20). Good battery life, battery design provides detailed information to camera
(21). Good large LCD monitor with wide viewing angles and removable protective cover
(22). Dedicated help button provides in-menu assistance
(23). Optional battery / portrait grip
(24). Programmable FUNC hard button
Cons
(1). High sensitivity (ISO) noise levels higher than Canon EOS 400D
(2). Noise reduction can be intrusive, although adjustable, more grain-like appearance
(3). Default sharpness level perhaps still a little conservative
(4). Disappointing automatic white balance performance in incandescent light
(5). No RAW adjustment with supplied PictureProject, only simple conversion
(6). Limited image parameter adjustment (especially for color saturation)
(7). Slower maximum shutter speed (1/4000 vs 1/8000 sec) compared to D70/D70s
(8). Price difference to the competition
The Nikon D80 Gets - 4.5/5 Squids!
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
(Body only)
Nikon MB-D80 Multi-Power Battery Pack for the Nikon D80 & D90 Digital SLR Camera
(Retail Packaging)
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon Coolpix P100 10 MP Digital Camera with 26x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Amazon Price: $394.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon P100 Model Highlights:
- 10.3 effective Megapixels back-illuminated CMOS sensor
- 26-678mm equiv lens with 26x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom
- 3.0 inch vari-angle LCD with 460,000 dots resolution
- Electronic Viewfinder
- Optical Image Stabilizer
- 1080p HD video
- HDMI-output
- Stereo microphone
- 10 frames per second continuous shooting at full resolution
- ISO sensitivity up to 3200
- Face-priority AF and subject tracking
- 11 shooting modes, 16 scene modes including backlit scene HDR
- Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority and Manual Exposure Modes
- Subject tracking
- Battery life: 250 shots
With Coolpix P100, Nikon has sent us its third generation DSLR-like compact camera for this group test. Unlike most of its rivals, which in many cases are only relatively minor updates to their predecessors, the P100 represents a significant step forward from the P90. It offers an increased zoom range, at 460K pixels the highest resolution screen in this test and is the first Nikon camera to come with a 1080p HD video mode. Most importantly though the new model captures its images on a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows fast continuous shooting and high-speed video recording (resulting in super slow motion images when played back at the usual 30fps).
Pros
(1). Feels like an easy-to-use DSLR, Great features for a hobbyist and a point-and-shoot alike, Can find light in any situation.
(2). Brilliant high speed shots
(3). Excellent battery life, I average 400 photos from half the battery (using viewfinder only).
(4). Clear & detailed viewfinder display.
(5). Lots of Functionality (Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Auto), HD Video.
(6). Nice quick access to exposure compensation.
(7). Ability to flip back and forth between View finder and Screen.
(8). Ability to rotate the display screen.
(9). Very, very powerful in low light conditions and full HD video.
Cons
(1). White balance is off on some photos.
(2). Dont like the charge times and the fact it is done whilst battery inside the camera, making it expensive to add another battery as for convenience you would want an external charger.
(3). Have to turn the camera on to view stored images.
(4). Flash recharge time.
The Nikon P100 Gets - 4/5 Squids!
2 PACK Nikon EN-EL5 Replacement Battery for Nikon CoolPix P90 / P100 Digital SLR Camera
Descriptive (Review Part 2/2)
Nikon COOLPIX S9100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 18x NIKKOR ED Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
Amazon Price: $228.51 (as of 06/03/2012)
Nikon S9100 Model Highlights:
- 12.1MP CMOS Sensor
- 18x Wide-Angle 25-450mm (Equiv) Lens
- 3" Hi Res VGA 921K-Dot Display
- High Speed 9.5fps @ 12.1MP Resolution
- 5-Way VR Image Stabilization
- Full 1920x1080 HD Video W/Stereo Sound
- 19 Scene Modes
- Smart Portrait System
- EXPEED C2 for Improved Quality & Speed
- In-Camera Special Effects
The S9100 compact superzoom offers a 25mm wide-angle to 450mm telephoto coverage and is one amongst the first Coolpix cameras to feature a Nikkor ED glass lens. Big on features it offers 1080p HD video recording, HD output, 360/180 degrees panorama modes and a creative slider to adjust images while shooting. Night Portrait and Night Landscape scene modes make it easier to photographs at night with the combination of a 12MP back illuminated CMOS sensor that is designed for better low-light photography.
The S9100 is notable for its greatly improved image quality compared to the S8000, and unusually consistent optical quality, which remains high all the way from 25-450mm (equivalent). Perhaps more importantly, the S9100's Hybrid VR mode does an excellent job of delivering sharp images, even at 450mm (equivalent). The only major weak point of the S9100 is its lack of meaningful exposure control compared to most of its travel zoom competitors. On the plus side, its automatic modes work very well, and of course exposure compensation is on hand if the camera's metering system doesn't quite give the results that you want.
Pros
(1). Image quality is very good.
(2). Excellent video quality.
(3). Excellent outdoor photo camera with great zoom.
(4). Super easy to use.
(5). Manual flash switch.
(6). Beautiful screen.
(7). Fast menu changes.
(8). Focuses quickly.
(9). Panoramas extend to 360 degrees wide.
(10). Full HD recording
Cons
(1). No external battery charger.
(2). No multi-shot anti-motion mode.
(2). Image stabilization is average.
The Nikon S9100 Gets - 3/5 Squids!
HOT! Trending Camera Reviews List!
Not looking for a Nikon camera? Check THESE out!
- HOT! Canon Camera Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT Canon Cameras!
- HOT! Sony Camera Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT! Sony Cameras!
- HOT! Nikon Cameras Reviews
Read Reviews and Feedback About HOT! Nikon Cameras!
Extra Finds!
Look What I Found!
by ktsai18
Hello and welcome! Here's a little information about me. I'm a student residing in northern Virginia. I have passionate hobbies such as basketball and... more »
- 2 featured lenses
- Winner of 6 trophies!
- Top lens » HOT! Sony Camera Reviews Of 2011-2012
Explore related pages
- Nikon D3200 Price Nikon D3200 Price
- Which Digital SLR Camera? Which Digital SLR Camera?
- Nikon D3100 14.2 SLR Camera Nikon D3100 14.2 SLR Camera
- Nikon D90 Best Price 2012 Nikon D90 Best Price 2012
- Nikon COOLPIX AW100 - A Waterproof Camera with GPS Nikon COOLPIX AW100 - A Waterproof Camera with GPS
- The Best Canon DSLR Camera For Beginners The Best Canon DSLR Camera For Beginners
