Digital Camera Fiend - A Camera Review

Every wonder what would happen if the Nikon’s D50 and D200 had a love child? This is the camera you’d get. The Nikon D80, released in mid-2006, builds upon the framework of the D50 while borrowing some of the upgraded features from the D200.

The D80 is the perfect camera for the advancing photographer who wants more than the entry-level D50 or D70 but is not ready for the semi-professional D200.

At 10.2 megapixels, the Nikon D80 has the same number of MPs as the D200, but weighs less than any of its predecessors. It retails for around $900.

Some Nikon camera lens reviews are already calling ithe Nikon 55-200mm VR the “lens bargain of the year.”

Considered an entry level lens, Nikon 55-200mm VR (vibration reduction) retails for about $250. It was released in April 2007. The product is made to work with Nikon’s D-80 and D40/D40x cameras. It features a Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet auto-focusing. The Vibration Reduction will ease handheld use by stabilizing and reducing camera shake.

Nikon claims the VR technology will produce more crisp and clear photographs. Some reviewers have said that non-VR camera lenses will become obsolete.

The little brother to the Nikon D2X, the D200 can hold its own in the digital camera schoolyard. It’s magnesium alloy body, 1/8000 shutter speed and medley of other features give it a truly professional feel.

When dpreview assessed this product, released in November 2005, it said users would have difficulty finding a situation where the D200 couldn’t stand up to its big brother. Many describe it as a compact version of the D2x.

It’s also half the price. The lowest price I could find for the Nikon D200 (body only) was $1,279, while the Nikon D2X lowest price was $3,899 (body only).

The Nikon D50 Digital Camera was released in 2005 as a direct competitor with Canon’s Digital Rebel XT. Nikon users will recognize it as a simpler, less expensive version of the D70. It retails for about $625.
DPReview outlined a few of the major differences between the Nikon D50 and D70.

• The Nikon D50 has improved auto focus, especially in the area of motion tracking (take a look at the “Photo of the Day: Jump Ball” blog post below, which was taken with a D50).
• D50 is slightly smaller and lighter.
• D50 has a lower resolution metering sensor, but the sensor is a newer generation.
• D50 has a larger LCD display screen (2-inches).
• D50 uses a SD card, while the D70 camera uses CF cards.
• D50 is missing several supperfluous features that come with the D70 in order to make it easier to use.

A Japan-based company founded in 1917, Nikon is generally acknowledged as one of the best camera manufacturers in the world. The Nikon Coolpix camera series has received impressive reviews from multiple digital camera buying guides.

The company also specializes in camera lenses and accessories, binoculars, eyewear, and high-tech microscopes.

Nikon digital cameras are preferred by many professional photographers and while the company focuses on developing sophisticated digital SLR cameras for professional use, it also offers top-quality compact cameras for the amateur photographer.

The Nikon Coolpix cameras are tailored for beginning and amateur photographers. The Coolpix series includes more than a dozen models like the new Nikon Coolpix P3, an 8.1 megapixel wireless camera with Wi-Fi built in. Other popular models include the Coolpix 8700 and Coolpix L4.

For more advanced users, Nikon’s digital SLR cameras cannot be beat. Check out the Nikon D70, a 6.1 megapixel camera which sells for less than $1,000, or the new Nikon D2Xs, a 12.4 megapixel beauty for the true camera aficionado.

Digital Camera Fiend is your guide to photography and camera equipment. Pick up some useful photography tips, view our photo gallery, and read reviews on all types of digital cameras and photo printers.