New Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED from Nikon

Nikon has today announced a new wide zoom lens for the lower end of the market. It will replace the previous 18-35 lens and it sends a signal to the Nikon FX market.

The lens have a list price of $750 which isn't that much higher than the current versions street price, so I guess that the new lens soon will reach the same street price. Normally you would see an increase in the price when the lens gets upgraded. This will be a lot cheaper than the other wide zooms that are available from Nikon, but still a high price for a zoom lens. The thing to remember about wide zoom lenses is that it there isn't any cheap models that you can buy even if you look at lenses made by third party manufacturers.

This sends a signal to the FX market that Nikon also want the lower end of the FX market. Today with the Nikon D600, but this year or next year we will see a lower end FX model that will fit in below the Nikon D600. We will most likely see more zooms that targets the advanced amateurs and amateurs market soon.   

Nikon has provided us with a couple of sample images taken with the lens. They have chosen f/8 to take the pictures with, which normally is where the lens produces the sharpest images, so it is hard to tell from these pictures how the lens will produce in real life.

Nikon also announced the Nikkor AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR with a 1.25 teleconverter, so the lens can reach 1000mm. The price of this lens is $18000, so you have to a professional to buy this lens. 

I expect the Nikkor AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED to have a better performance than the current model, but not on the level with the professional models such as Nikkor AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, Nikkor AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED and my favorite Nikkor AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED N.

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Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3000: What to buy/upgrade?

So what is the difference between these two cameras. Both are entry level models with a couple of years a part and you might be the owner of the older version and want to know if the new model is an upgrade option.

Here is what makes the Nikon D3200 better:

• You get a much improved sensor with 24 megapixel, where the sensor in the Nikon D3000 only is 10 megapixel. The sensor improves the output of your images greatly
• You get a 4 frames per second vs 3 frames per second in the Nikon D3000. This is a nice increase for those that shoot action or wildlife
• You get a self-timer with a little more options, where it can take more than one picture. A nice feature
• You get to push the ISO to 12800 which is two stops. This means that you will be able to take pictures in dark situations without flash
• You get movie options for you to use the camera as a video camera

Here is what you will miss going forward to the Nikon D3000:

• Ýou image files will become larger, but you can choose in the camera just to save in smaller sizes

The Nikon D3200 is a great upgrade for you as a Nikon D3000 owner, where you get a camera that produces a lot better pictures and you get the video options as the two main differences. If you don't own any of those two you only choice should be the Nikon D3200. It is by far the much better camera.

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Nikon D3200 vs D7000: What to buy?

With the two year newer Nikon D3200 you might consider to buy this camera instead of the Nikon D7000 as it is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper. Look here what the difference is.

Here is why you might want to buy the Nikon D3200:

• It has a newer sensor, but the sensor scores about the same as the sensor in the Nikon D7000. You just get some bigger image files with the same image quality
• It is a smaller and not as heavy camera, which can be an important factor for you.

Here is why you might want to buy the Nikon D7000:

• It has a second card slot, which could be important if you shoot a lot of video and pictures as it will give you more space or you can use it to make a backup at the time you take the picture/movie
• The viewfinder is bigger and more clear, so you will be able to see the things you take picture of more clearly
• It has the possibility to autofocus with non AF-S lenses, which lenses that were introduced before year 2000, but some of the lenses are still sold as new today
• It has the possibility to shoot at 1/8000 second, but 99% of all photographers wouldn't need this
• It can shoot pictures at 6 frames per second vs 4 frames per second in the Nikon D3200. This can be important if you shoot a lot of action or wildlife.
• The metering engine in the Nikon D7000 is better, so there is better chance of getting a right exposure in hard light situations like sunrise and sunset
• The camera has bracketing function where the camera automatic takes a couple of pictures with different settings, which is a good feature to have under hard light situations
• The ISO can be pushed to 25600, so you can shoot in more dark situations without using a flash
• The autofocus is better, so there is a better chance of capturing a sharp picture 

If you just want to take pictures and movies then you should go for the Nikon D3200. If you like to explore the camera, use advance functions and shoot action and wildlife pictures then you should go for the Nikon D7000 camera.

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Nikon D5200, is it an upgrade option from Nikon D3100?

You might have had your Nikon D3100 for a couple of years and you might want some more advance options and this might you lead you to think that the Nikon D5200 might be an option?

Here is what you get extra in the Nikon D5200:

• You get a new 24 megapixel sensor vs the 14 megapixel sensor in the Nikon D3100. The performance in the sensor is greatly improved. This means that you will get some better pictures
• You get to shoot at 5 frames per second vs 4 frames per second. This is important if you take a lot of action or wildlife pictures. It might just be the picture you capture with the Nikon D5200
• You get a better metering system in the camera, so that there is a bigger chance of getting the right exposure
• You are now able to push the high ISO to 25600, which is one step higher than in the Nikon D3100
• You get a better autofocus system with more options, so there should be a better chance of getting some sharp pictures
• You get more video recording options, so this can be an important factor if you shoot a lot of video with the camera
• You get a flip lcd screen which can be nice to have

The Nikon D5200 is a great upgrade option from the Nikon D3100. You get a lot of great extra options that makes it possible for you to take some great pictures or video.

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Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000: what to buy?

The two cameras uses the same sensor, so a good question is which camera should you buy. The cheaper Nikon D5100 or the more expensive Nikon D7000?

Here is what you get extra if you buy the Nikon D7000:

• You get a camera with two card slots. This can be very nice if you shoot video or you just want a backup of your pictures.
• You get a bigger viewfinder with complete coverage of the scene
• You get a camera that can autofocus with older non AF-S lenses. If you have a good deal of those then you should choose this model
• You get a camera that can shoot 1/8000 second. I don't think I have shoot at that speed ever
• You get a flash sync speed of 1/250. If you just are an amateur this really doesn't mean much.
• You get a camera that can shoot 2 frames per second faster. If you shoot action or wildlife this can be a deciding factor for you
• You get a better metering system, so there is a better chance of getting a good exposure of the picture
• And you get a better autofocus system that makes it easier to get a sharp image

Here is what you get in the Nikon D5100:

• It is a cheaper body
• You get a flip LCD screen
• and it is a bit smaller and doesn't weigth as much

The sensor in the two cameras performs at the same level, so there shouldn't be any difference in the image quality you get out of the camera.

In some cases where you have older lenses or you shoot a lot of action/wildlife it would be wise to go for the more expensive D7000 model, but otherwise you will be better off choosing the Nikon D5100. 

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A little Sunday reading for Nikon and Canon users

Here are some nice articles for your Sunday reading list. A little bit for everyone...

Nikon cameras

Nikon D800

William Beem Photography (If it sounds like I’m try­ing to con­vince you that you shouldn’t buy the Nikon ...)
Amateur Photographers (We talk about the bar being raised occasionally, and Nikon has certainly raised ...)

Nikon D3S

Amateur Photographers (When this technology is combined with high-definition video, the D3S becomes a t...)

Nikon D4

Neo Camera (It is hard to describe the D4 without superlatives. This large professional DSLR...)
Amateur Photographers (Both the Nikon D3 and D3S were hugely important cameras when released, and for a...)

Nikon D600

Dan Carr Photography (  But the AF points and shooting speed WILL make a difference to sports and wild...)
Amateur Photographers (Although initially slightly disappointed in some of the D600's specification, th...)

Nikon D7000

Amateur Photographers (Nikon DSLR users have been waiting a long time for the D7000, not so much as an ...)

Nikon D3200

Amateur Photographers (The nikon D3200 handles in a very similar way to the less expensive D3100, so th...)

Nikon D5100

Amateur Photographers (As technology filters down from professional models, some pretty stunning featur...)

Nikon D300S

Amateur Photographers (With the D300s, Nikon has taken a good camera and made it better. Although there...)

Nikon D3100

Amateur Photographers (Thanks to the improvements in features and build quality, the Nikon D3100 has re...)

Nikon wide zoom lenses

Nikon standard zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

Amateur Photographers (Although this optic will not appeal to many professionals, it would seem that Ni...)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

The first 10.000 (The bottom line is that it’s silly to expect a lens to do something that it wasn...)

Nikon tele zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

SLRGear (There is a lot to like about the Nikon 70-200mm ƒ/4G ED VR AF-S, not the least o...)

Nikon DX standard zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Amateur Photographers (Although the AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G has obvious limitations when it co...)

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Amateur Photographers (The AF-s DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an ideal lens for those times wh...)

Canon cameras

Canon 5D Mark III

Dan Carr Photography (These are really the main points to consider in this argument and it seems that ...)
Amateur Photographers (It was always going to be a challenge to replace the EOS 5D Mark II. Thankfully,...)

Canon 6D

Photography Blog (On paper the new Canon EOS 6D seems rather poorly specified compared to its main...)
Dan Carr Photography (These are really the main points to consider in this argument and it seems that ...)
Dan Carr Photography (  But the AF points and shooting speed WILL make a difference to sports and wild...)

Canon 1D X

Amateur Photographers (Cameras at this level have extremely high standards to live up to and the 1D X c...)

Canon 600D / Rebel T3i

Amateur Photographers (The Canon EOS 600D is more of a tweaked EOS 550D than a completely new model, an...)

Canon 550D / Rebel T2i

Amateur Photographers (Those who are concerned that the EOS 550D only has nine AF points rather than th...)

Canon 650D / Rebel T4i

Amateur Photographers (Canon sticks to a successful formula by using the same 18-million-pixel sensor a...)

Canon 7D

Amateur Photographers (Nikon’s enthusiasm for putting the same (or similar) technology in top-level and...)

Canon 1D Mark IV

Amateur Photographers (In many situations the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV captures superbly detailed images wi...)

Canon 1100D / Rebel T3

Amateur Photographers (Three years is a long time to wait and in some respects it is easy to feel a lit...)

Canon wide zoom lenses

Canon EF 8-15 mm f/4L USM Fisheye

Dan Carr Photography (Hats off to Canon’s engineers for coming up with the idea for this lens, it’s al...)
Amateur Photographers (The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM remains a slight oddity and yet an extremel...)

Canon standard zoom lenses

Canon tele zoom lenses

Canon EF 70-200 2.8 L IS II

Dan Carr Photography (So would I recommend this lens despite the couple of flaws that are noted ? ABSO...)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Dan Carr Photography (The two things that people will likely fixate on first with this lens are the va...)
Dan Carr Photography (So would I recommend this lens despite the couple of flaws that are noted ? ABSO...)

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM 

Dan Carr Photography (The two things that people will likely fixate on first with this lens are the va...)
Amateur Photographers (Canon's EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens doesn't have the impressive numbers you...)

Canon wide lenses

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

Dan Carr Photography (By now you’ve probably gathered that I quite like this lens. I went into this re...)

Canon EF 35mm f/2

Ken Rockwell (There's really no reason to pay more for the newest 35mm f/2 IS (2012-) or profe...)

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

Ken Rockwell (If you would you pay almost three times as much as the perfectly good previous-m...)

Canon normal lenses

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Canonrumors (I knew why I purchased the Canon 50mm f/1.4 over the 50mm f/1.8; the more rounde...)

Canon tele lenses

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

Dan Carr Photography (Beyond that though there was really not much to write home about, they are both ...)
Dan Carr Photography (Comparing any lens to the 300mm f2.8 L IS is tough because it will have a tenden...)
Dan Carr Photography (I never thought that I would be more than mildly impressed with the 2X TC but fr...)

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Dan Carr Photography (Beyond that though there was really not much to write home about, they are both ...)

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM

Dan Carr Photography (Comparing any lens to the 300mm f2.8 L IS is tough because it will have a tenden...)

Canon EF-S lenses

Canon macro lenses

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 IS Macro USM

Dan Carr Photography (The first thing to say about this lens is that it is extremely fun to use.  I’m ...)

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Nikon D5200, an upgrade option for Nikon D3000 users?

If you are a Nikon D3000 user you might have had your camera for a couple of years and thinks that it is time to move on to a more advance camera. You might look at the Nikon D5200 and wonder if this is the right choice for you.

Here is what you get extra from the Nikon D5200:

• You get a better sensor. In the Nikon D5200 the sensor is 24 mega pixel vs 10 mega pixel in the Nikon D3000. This means that you get some bigger image files which can be both an advantage and disadvantage. The advantage is that it will give you more details and better options to crop the picture. The disadvantage is that you get bigger image files, which will have a greater demand on you PC/MAC for post image work. The sensor is better in every way. 
• You can still use the same memory cards
• You get to capture faster action. In the D3000 you can push the camera to 3 frames per second, but in the D5200 you can push it to 5 frames per second. What this really means that if you shoot sport or wildlife then you get a much better chance of grabbing a good picture
• The metering engine is better. What this really means is that there is a higher chance of you getting a picture with the right amount of light and darkness.
• You get the options to do exposure bracketing. This is important in difficult light situations like sunrise and sunset situations, where you can make the camera take more than one picture of the same situation with different exposure settings
• You get better high ISO options. First the pictures in high ISO will be better and second you can push the camera to ISO 25600 which is 3 stop higher. This will make it easier to take pictures indoor without using the flash
• The autofocus is better. This means that there is a higher chance of getting a sharp image 
• The camera has a swipe LCD screen like you might know from the point-and-shoot cameras
• The camera can shoot video movies up to Full HD
•  and the LCD screen is better with a higher resolution, so it is easier to watch details in you images for quick review

What you loose in moving to the Nikon D5200 from the D3000 is:

• The body is a little bit larger (not much) and a little bit heavier (still not much)

The Nikon D5200 is a really nice package if you want to move on from your Nikon D3000 with a lot of great options that you don't have in your Nikon D3000. This camera can take you to the next step in shooting pictures, but it is not the only options. Check out some of the other articles which compares the D5200 to a number of other cameras here on the site.

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Nikon D5200, is it an upgrade option for Nikon D300s users?

If you are a Nikon D300 or Nikon D300s user you might have been looking for an upgrade at this time, but so far there isn't any D400 model, so what about the Nikon D5200 is this a valid option?

Here is what you get buy choosing the Nikon D5200:

• You get a newer sensor that is 24 megapixel vs 12 megapixel in the Nikon D300s. This means a sensor that will give you better image quality and is better in low light.
• The metering engine in the D5200 is better than the one in the D300s, which will give you a better chance of a correctly exposed picture.
• The high ISO performance is better in the Nikon D5200 than in the Nikon D300s, which makes it possible to take more pictures without flash in dark situations
• The video options in the D5200 includes a full HD mode, which isn't available in the Nikon D300s
• You get a swipe LCD screen which some might like.
• and the body is lighter in the Nikon D5200

Here is what you have to live without from the D300s:

• You don't get to autofocus with older non AF-S lenses. So if you have and use old lenses that isn't AF-S, then you should look at the D7000 or wait for what is coming this year.
• You will only have one card slot. So if you use this feature then you should look elsewhere.
• You loose a little in frame coverage and the magnification factor in the viewfinder isn't as close to real life as in the D300s, but this shouldn't be a problem. You will get use to the new viewfinder pretty quickly
• You are going to loose a bit in build quality as the D5200 isn't a pro level body
• You will loose the option to shoot 1/8000, but then again do you really use this shutter speed? Most don't
• You don't get the fast flash sync speed, but this again is mainly used by professional photographers
• You don't get to shoot 7 fps, but only 5 fps. This really doesn't mean much unless you shoot a lot of sport or wildlife
• and the autofocus system is a step down, but not huge.

The Nikon D5200 isn't the ideal choice for an upgrade. You loose a lot of nice features. Not many of them are deal breakers, but they all add up. If I were to upgrade from the Nikon D300s I would wait to see what comes along this year or move on to full frame with Nikon D600 or Nikon D800.

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The Nikon D5200, should I upgrade from Nikon D90?

If you have a Nikon D90 you might like to know if the Nikon D5200 is a good upgrade for you. Or if you just want to buy a new camera and you choice comes down to the Nikon D90 or the Nikon D5200.

Here is what you get if you buy/upgrade to the Nikon D5200:

• You get a 24 MP sensor, where it is only is 12 MP in the Nikon D90. The new sensor has been measured yet at Dxomark, but expect the performance to be a little bit better than the Nikon D3200, so you will get a nice performance upgrade with better high ISO, more dynamic range. This means that you get better image quality
• You get a better metering engine in the Nikon D5200. This means that there is a better chance of you getting a picture with right exposure (not to light or not to dark) as it has more information to decide the exposure
• You get better better high ISO performance where you now can push the ISO to 25600 vs 6400 in the Nikon D90. That is two stops better. So with this you can take pictures in more dark situations without using flash
• You get a better autofocus engine. The Nikon D90 uses the intro autofocus engine from Nikon, where the autofocus is a middle model in the Nikon D5200. This will mean you have a better chance of getting a sharp image.
• You get a lot more in video options. The Nikon D90 was the one that introduced the video to the DSLR market for Nikon, but a lot has happened since and with the D5200 you get possibility to use autofocus in video mode and to shoot in Full HD. If you use the DSLR camera to shoot a lot of video this alone is reason enough to upgrade
• You get a swipe LCD screen which is primary known from the point-and-shoot cameras.

Here is what you loose from the Nikon D90:

• If you have older non AF-S lenses. You might want to consider the D7000 or wait for an upgrade to this camera. The Nikon D5200 wouldn't autofocus with these lenses
• The viewfinder in the Nikon D90 is closer to real life with a magnification factor of 0.94x vs a magnification factor of 0.78x in the Nikon D5200. Not that important as you quickly will get use to the new viewfinder.

The Nikon D5200 is a great upgrade from the Nikon D90, where there are four main factors that might lead you to an upgrade. Better sensor, better metering, better autofocus and a lot more video options. The only reason not to upgrade is if you have a lot of non AF-S lenses. Then you might want to take a look at the Nikon D7000 or wait to see what gets introduced in 2013.

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Update to lens and camera database

Here are some new articles for you to enjoy about different cameras and lenses from Nikon and Canon. Remember to check out some of the earlier links too.

Nikon cameras

Nikon D800

William Beem Photography (I know. I’m not exactly the first per­son to get a Nikon D800. It’s not as excit...)
Nikon Rumors (Working with the D800 underwater was generally a pleasure, but in low light cond...)
Pixiq (Now "clean video" offers the potential of recording uncompressed video, which is...)

Nikon D600

Terry White (I love this camera! It’s perfect for my needs of a travel body and backup body. ...)
Nikon Glass (So after using 2 different cameras for review purposes and actually owning one, ...)
Gizmag (Capable of producing images as good as any other camera in most conditions, if y...)
Ryan Brenizer (I could have easily made this my next camera, as its strengths make it a good co...)
Terry White (For the price, there’s really no reason not to get the WU-1b module if you have ...)

Nikon wide zoom lenses

Nikon standard zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Jose Rocha Photo (A sharp and reliable standard zoom lens for the professional that just delivers ...)
Steve Wakeman Photography (At the end of the day digital is so forgiving that great results can be achieved...)

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED

Wexblog (The new Nikon 24-120mm f4 VR isn’t half bad! Whilst it’s not quite Pro status an...)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

Photography blog (Still, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR does offer a useful focal ...)
Photoreview (While this lens is solidly constructed and provides good enough image quality to...)
Camera Stuff Review (Thanks to the good qualities of the Nikon D600, the Nikon 24-85 mm has done well...)

Nikon tele zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

Pixiq (All in all the lens seems very impressive, and while I have yet to complete my t...)
Camera Labs (That's it for now based on the tests that I have performed to date. So far the n...)
Moose Peterson (his lens does a number of things the f/2.8 does not do: focuses much closer, clo...)
Lensrental (The Nikon does very well on our standard D3x test camera. ...)
ePhotozine (Those looking for similar optical performance to Nikon's top of the range 70-200...)
Moose Peterson (When the 70-200f4 VR3 was announced, I was excited to read the specs. While I ha...)
Photography Life (Is the new Nikon 70-200mm f/4G VR perfect? No, of course not. It has its share o...)

Nikon wide lenses

Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D

Stuck in Custom (One great thing about the lens is how TINY it is. You can throw it in your bag a...)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G

Pop photo (Some Nikonians may be tempted by the 28mm f/2.8D and its $275 street price. That...)
Neil Van Niekenk (In summary, this lens is superb! It is sharp, and an affordable entry into the r...)

Nikon tele lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Neil Van Niekenk (I would highly recommend this lens for any photographer who wants a portrait len...)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G

Neil Van Niekenk (My first impression already is that lens is even better than I anticipated …...)

Nikon DX standard zoom lenses

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Photozone (Optically it is, without doubt, a very good lens but it has a few issues. The ce...)

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Photozone (It is hardly surprising that it is a difficult quest to optimize a lens with a 1...)
Photography Life (As you may already know from my review of the Nikon 28-300mm VR, I am not a fan ...)

Canon cameras

Canon 5D Mark III

Better Family Photos (You were, technically, the best camera that I have ever used, but I was never ab...)

Canon 1D X

The Photographer (I’m not going to give you the full answer to the original question of “Is it rea...)
Pop photo (Photographers who are entrenched in either system, of course, should just trust ...)

Canon 6D

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Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II

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Nikon autofocus system

The autofocus system is one of the main features in a DSLR camera. It helps you get a fast and precise focus on the subject that you target. The Nikon DSLR cameras have different autofocus system and some are shared among different models. Learn here which model share the same autofocus system.

The newest engine has so far only been used in one model, but seem to be a variant of the autofocus system used in DX models. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 4800FX (Introduced in 2012):

• Nikon D600

Two upper high model uses a variant of the FX autofocus system from above. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX (Introduced in 2010):

• Nikon D5200
• Nikon D7000

The current top model in the FX world. Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX (Introduced in 2007):

• Nikon D800
• Nikon D4
• Nikon D3S
• Nikon D3X
• Nikon D700
• Nikon D3

In one of the longest living Nikon cameras which as of 2012 still is sold is this autofocus model. Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX (Introduced in 2007):

• Nikon D300S
• Nikon D300

This autofocus model has been used in a couple of models in the lower end. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 530 (Introduced in 2006):

• Nikon D60
• Nikon D40X
• Nikon D40

The autofocus module with the longest life is used in many models, where it started in models in the upper range, but are now used in low end models. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 1000DX (Introduced in 2005):

• Nikon D3200
• Nikon D5100
• Nikon D3100
• Nikon D3000
• Nikon D5000
• Nikon D90
• Nikon D80
• Nikon D200

2nd generation top model autofocus system where used by a couple of top models. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 2000 (Introduced in 2003):

• Nikon D2Xs
• Nikon D2Hs
• Nikon D2X
• Nikon D2H

The autofocus used by some of the early models that were targeting the normal users. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 900 (Introduced in 2002):

• Nikon D50
• Nikon D70s
• Nikon D70
• Nikon D100

And finally the autofocus model used by the first DSLR from Nikon. It is the Nikon Multi-CAM 1300 (Introduced in 1999):

• Nikon D1X
• Nikon D1H
• Nikon D1

Within each model there might be some minor differences as Nikon fine tune the models as time goes by and some of the early models might be shared with some film based cameras.

So if you want to know more about your autofocus model you now know which models that you also can look at when you want to learn more about it.

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Nikon D5100 vs D5200: What to buy?

These two camera models are the in the same product line, where the Nikon D5200 is expected to replace the D5100 model. So which model should you buy and do you get enough extra from buying the new D5200 model?

So here is why you should buy the Nikon D5200:

• You get a newer and bigger sensor. Where the sensor megapixel has gone up to 24 MP from 16 MP in the Nikon D5100. The D5200 sensor hasn't been measured by Dxomark yet, but expect it to be better than the D5100, but don't expect much. My guess is it will score a little better in each section
• The D5200 has gotten the metering engine from the older D7000 model, which is considered to be a higher product line. This is very good news as this is an important factor for getting more pictures that have the right exposure
• You get a better autofocus engine. Again Nikon has taken a feature from the better D7000 and put it into the D5200. This is also important as this make it easier to take sharp pictures.

So why should you buy the Nikon D5100:

• The only reason is price. The currently about 40% cheaper and this is money you can spend on better lenses or something else.

If you have the money then buy the Nikon D5200. It is clearly the better camera. It begins to be a hard choice when you take into consideration that you will be able to buy a better lens with the Nikon D5100. My advise would be to buy the Nikon D5100 with better lenses for almost anyone except if you shoot a lot of action pictures where the better autofocus system might come into great use.

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Nikon D3200 vs D5100: Which to buy?

If you are looking for your fist DSLR camera you choice might come down to the new Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100. Both are excellent choice for your first DSLR camera. So which one should you choose?

These are the features that might lead you to choose the Nikon D3200:
- It has a newer and bigger sensor, but if you look closely at the scores the two sensors gets at Dxomark they score almost the same, so performance wise they should be about the same. Things move fast in the digital world, so normaly it would be wise to choose the newer sensor
- It has retouch functions in the camera, where you can do basic things with your photos like at filter effect and more

These are the features that might lead you to choose the Nikon D5100:
- It has a swipe LCD screen as the only model in the Nikon world (the newer brother the Nikon D5200 also has one)
- It has bracketing function. This means that if you have hard light conditions you can take the same picture that are over and under exposed (with more or less light), so you can get the picture with perfect lightning. You can do the same with the Nikon D3200, only here you have to do it manually
- You can push the camera one step higher in ISO, which can be nice in indoor lightning where you don't want to use a flash
- You get 14 bit imageprocessing, which don't really mean much if you just are entering the DSLR world
- You get some more scene selection options. This can be nice if you remember to use them. It preconfigure your camera to a certain situation

The decision is really a draw. You get a couple of more features in the Nikon D5100, but for most people buying their first DSLR this doesn't really mean much. So go out in the store and select the camera you fill are best and with which model that you get the best deal.


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Nikon D600 vs Canon EOS 6D: What to buy?

Which camera should you choose if you are getting in to DSLR world and you want it to be a full frame camera? From the two major DSLR vendors there are two options. The Canon EOS 6D and the Nikon D600.

So why should you choose the Canon EOS 6D:
- It has build in wifi. You can get it with the Nikon D600, but you have to pay extra for it. I have been waiting for DSLR cameras to get this build into it. If you should a lot of pictures within your home Wifi range this can be a great feature to be able to share your pictures fast, but for me it wouldn't be the killer feature to choose the 6D
- You get a build in GPS. Again you can get it with D600, but it is something you have to pay extra for. This is also a feature I can't understand why it have been included earlier. This is a feature that I really am missing, but I have lived without it for nearly 10 years, so I guess I can live without it a bit longer
- ISO can be pushed to 102400. This is two step higher than on the Nikon. If you are a shooter that takes a lot of pictures inside or it bad light situation this can be a killer feature for you to select this camera, but the Nikon scores higher in low light performance measured by DXOMarks, so at the same ISO you should get a little bit clearer picture with the Nikon

So why should you choose the Nikon D600:
- It has a bigger and better sensor. The scores from Dxomarks is higher in every section, where the overall score is 94 for the Nikon vs 82 for the Canon.
- You get 2 card slots which can be important if you also use the camera for video or if you want to take backup at the moment you shoot the pictues
- You get more features in your autofocus in the Nikon with 39 AF points vs 11 AF points in the 6D
- You get 1 more fps in the D600, but that shouldn't mather very much
- You get 100% viewfinder coverage against 97% in the 6D, which shouldn't mather much either.

So based on this what should you get? Well in my mind it is a draw. You get something with the Canon 6D that you don't get with the Nikon D600 and you get something in the Nikon D600 that you don't get in the Canon 6D. Both are great cameras and should serve you very well. For most of you it is an easy choice as you most likely have gotten stuff from one of these camera makers that might be the deciding factor.

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Nikon D3200 vs D3100: What to buy?

With the new D3200 on the market this year anyone going for an entry model DSLR from Nikon might wonder if it is a good idea to go for the $120 dollar (as of December 2012) cheaper D3100, which are only about 1 year older.

Well if you go for the D3200 here is what you get extra:

• A newer and bigger sensor which in test like Dxomark has the D3200 scoring higher in every category and the overall score is 81 vs 67 in D3200 favor. This is a major difference and a high motivator for getting the newer model
• You get 4 fps vs 3 fps. This isn't much of a difference
• You can use higher ISO. This is important as many use their camera indoor as well as outdoor. This is a major advantage for the D3200
• You get a little bit better video options. Not that big a difference
• You get some more retouch options. Also not a big difference

The only two things going for the D3100 is that you get some smaller image files from the camera, which might be important if you don't have the largest computer for post work and you do a lot of it. And you get the camera $120 dollar cheaper.

The price difference can be big for some people, but for most people you should go for the D3200. It is a clearly better camera that will last longer.

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Nikon D800 vs D600: What to buy?

After the introduction of the Nikon D600 many are wondering if they should get the Nikon D600 or the Nikon D800. As you might have read in some of my previous blog entries. I have been in the same situation. In the end choosing the Nikon D800. Both models have reports of having a bit of early manufacturing problems with autofocus issues in D800 and oil/dust issue in the D600.

So why should you go for the more expensive D800:

• Larger sensor. The D800 has a larger sensor and this can be both an advantage and disadvantage. You will get a lot of details in your pictures and if you crop in/zoom in it will easier show bad photography shooting style. But you also get a camera with a DX crop mode that is about the same as the D7000. There are some that thinks the big files are a big issue and if you do a lot of post processing it can be an issue, but remember you don't have to use the max setting. If you use the M (5520 x 3680) setting in image size you get something that is pretty close to the size that D600 produce at L setting (6016 x 4016). All in all you get a sensor with more options than in D600. It is up to you if you want to use these options.
• More advance autofocus. The autofocus model in the D800 is professional and from the D4. I like it more than what I have seen on the D600 as it covers a larger part of the picture.
• More advance metering. The metering in the D800 is a step above the D600. This means that you should have a greater part of your pictures that are correctly exposed. Especially if you shoot most in hard lightning situations
• 2 extra format settings (1.2x and 5:4 format). Again this gives you options that you don't have in the D600, but for most people this doesn't really make a difference.
• Faster max shooting speed. You get the 1/8000 with the D800 compared to the D600. Again more options, but for most it isn't a deciding factor. 
• Faster flash sync speed. This can be important if you do a lot of indoor shooting, but again for most people it doesn't really make a difference
• Some of the more minor difference is more frames with different bracketing and you get USB 3 compared to USB2 in the D600. All minor difference that doesn't make a difference for most users.

So why should you go for the less expensive D600:

• You get two SD card slots compared to the D800 with one SD and one compact flash. 
• You get U1 and U2 and a lot of predefined settings like landscape, beach/snow. This means it is easier to configure you camera for different camera taking situations, but you have to remember to use them otherwise they don't make a difference
• You got better remove release options. It is weird that Nikon makes a standard that fits all cameras instead of many different solutions.
• You get a lighter camera.

All in all I think of the D800 as a camera that is more prepared for the future. It gives you more options and it is more likely to live with you longer than the D600. It does require higher photographer skills. Another big advantage is the autofocus and metering, which are on a higher level than the D600. So what you need to decide if you want to pay the extra money for the more options you get with the D800. My decision was that I was prepared to pay the extra money for those (for me) nice to have features. If you like predefined settings with options to create your own, then the D600 is your choice.

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Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D5200: What to buy?

These two cameras are at the moment almost at the same price, so a good question is which one should you buy? The new D5200 version which has gotten many features from the D7000 or the two year older D7000 with more advance features?

So why would you buy the newer D5200 model:

• Newer 24 megapixel sensor. No one hasn't measured the sensor yet, but a good idea about the performance is to look at the performance of the D3200 vs the D7000. The D5200 sensor is at least as good as the D3200. Maybe a little bit better. If you look at the D3200 vs D7000 sensor they score almost the same at Dxomark. So I don't see any reason to buy the newer D5200 over the D7000 because of this.
• Video has higher frame rate option. The video has the option to run 50 or 60 frames/second. For most this doesn't really make as an important advantage. As they don't need this feature.
• Vari-angle monitor. If you previous have shoot a lot with point-and-shoot camera you might find this a important feature, as the Nikon D5200 is the only DSLR camera with this feature.

So why should you buy the older D7000 model:

• If you have older (pre AF-S) lenses are you want to buy one of these used. Then you would want to go for the D7000 as this is the only model of these two that can autofocus with the lenses.
• You have the double card slot option. With video and cheap memory this is a very nice extra feature to have, but you can live without it too.
• Bigger and better viewfinder. The viewfinder (the one you look through when you take pictures) are better in the D7000. You have complete coverage over the picture you take compared to the D5200 where you loose very little around the edge. Most people wouldn't be able to see the difference. The magnification in the D7000 is closer to normal than in the D5200, so you get a better sense of the picture you take in the D7000.
• You have some more high speed option. The D7000 you can take picture with 1/8000 second and with flash sync of 1/250. Most people don't need this and if you do you know it.
• More bracketing options. In the D7000 you have both Active D-Lighting and flash bracketing. These can be an advantage if you take a lot of indoor pictures with flash, but it does require you to remember to switch it on and you can live with take a lot of pictures.

All in all there isn't much difference in the two cameras and you can't really say that one is better than the other. It really depends on what you find important. But in most cases I would advice to go for the D7000, who might be older, but have some really nice features that you someday might find useful. Remember that both models have the same autofocus engine and metering engine, which is some of the important features to consider when you buy a new DSLR camera.

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Best place to find your next photography gear

I have created a major update to my list to photography equipment, so that it includes both lenses and camera body. The expansion also includes Canon equipment. So now it possible to get an overview of all current Canon and Nikon lenses (with a lot of older lenses too) and all Canon and Nikon digital camera SLR bodies.

So why the expansion to include Canon equipment? Well I am not switching to Canon equipment. I am very happy with the Nikon equipment that I have. There are several reasons:

1. I have some friends that are Canon users and I want to help them too
2. I would like more visitors on my web-site
3. And I want to make some comparison between Canon and Nikon equipment

The Canon part isn't as big as Nikon yet, but my goal is that it should be about the same amount of articles. Someday Canon might even have more articles. Who knows? Here are links to the different sections:

• Nikon DSLR cameras 
• Nikon wide zoom lenses 
• Nikon standard zoom lenses 
• Nikon tele zoom lenses 
• Nikon wide lenses 
• Nikon normal lenses 
• Nikon tele lenses 
• Nikon macro and special lenses 
• Nikon DX lenses 
• Canon DSLR cameras 
• Canon wide zoom lenses 
• Canon standard zoom lenses 
• Canon tele zoom lenses 
• Canon wide lenses 
• Canon normal lenses 
• Canon tele lenses 
• Canon EF-S lenses

As always. If you have something that needs to be in some of the lists or you have some correction to the list. Leave a comment or contact me on G+ (see the icon with link in the right sidebar).

Enjoy ;-)

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Nikon DSLR prediction 2013 (D7100/D7200 and more)

The year is almost over and it has been a very busy year for Nikon as it has been a record year with 6 DSLR. Two of them are almost the same (D800 and D800E), but still a record year.

In 2012 Nikon has introduced the following cameras:

• D4 (16 mp full-frame)
• D800E (36 mp full-frame)
• D800 (36 mp full-frame)
• D600 (24 mp full frame)
• D5200 (24 mp DX frame)
• D3200 (24 mp DX frame)

This is a great deal of the product lines that got an upgrade in 2012, with only a small amount that hasn't been upgrade. This include:

• D7000
• D300s
• D700
• D3X

So it is among these that we are going to see an upgrade unless we are going to see completely new models, which we saw this year with D600 and D800. Next year will be more like a normal year where Nikon creates 3-4 models. 

The most obvious model to come is the D7100/D7200. This will be (as I have written before) and model to replace the D300s and the D7100. There isn't enough market for both models as I have written about in this blog post: What to expect from the replacement of D7000 and D300? This will be the only DX announcement next year, but a D3300 might sneak in as it replacement, but I think that one will wait for 2014. A surprise might be a mirrorless D1000, but it might also be the D3300 model that is going to be mirrorless.

Then we are going to see some FX models. Most likely two. There will be a replacement for the D700 with the 16 mp sensor from the D4, BUT it will be not so close as the D700 was to the D3. And my guess is that is going to be called D710. 

The other FX model to expect is the D400 entry model in the FX world, where you get the same 24 mp as in the D600, but will a lot less features. This might depend on the sales of D600. If it keeps going strong they might wait until 2013. 

There might also be a D4X model with maybe 48 mp where Nikon really is going into the medium format with this camera.

Even with a smaller number of announcement in 2013. It is still going to be an interesting year.

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What to expect from the replacement of D7000 and D300?

Everyone that has an advance Nikon DX camera model like the Nikon D7000, Nikon D300 or similar is waiting for their upgrade model, which comes under many names, but most likely will be called D7100.

I am sure there will be a new model above the D5200 as it is missing some important features that some Nikon DX users demand in their camera. So lets take a look at what might be important:

• Autofocus. The new D5200 has the autofocus system from the D7000, so Nikon has to deliver something here as this is one of the main reason why you go up a model.  My guess is that we are going to see a DX version of the autofocus engine from D800 and D4. Lets call it the Multi-CAM3500DX.
• Lightmetering: It has to have a better lightmetering than the D5200 which has a 2016 pixel mode. Again it will look at the Nikon D800 and D4 and take the 91k lightmeter.
• It has to have 100% viewfinder coverage
• It has to autofocus with older lenses
• It has to have a fast fps. With at least 6 or 7 fps like the Nikon D300
• It has to have a shutter speed of 1/8000

All in all it has to target the users that want to stay with DX format for things like using the crop factor to your advantage, when you shoot wild life or other fast moving subjects. A sports camera for those that can't afford the Nikon D4. And the price should fit in around $1600. Would this be a body you would buy? What feature can you live without?

All of the above is just speculation from my point...

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