Nikon Adds DSLRs with Video: D300s, D3000 & Lenses

For those keeping track at home, my primary digital SLR is a Nikon D300 with 18-200mm VR zoom lens. Now, it seems, Nikon -- in a fashion only seconded by Apple, Inc. -- has released new ways to take my money.

Today they announced two digital SLR bodies: The D300s and a consumer-targeted D3000. Sounds like the upgraded D300s will add video-- something we've seen in both the top (D3) and mid-range (D90, D5000) of the lineup.

I first was skeptical of adding video capability to a perfectly-good digital SLR, but now after time with the D90 and D5000, I can see the value, convenience of merging the two functions. Sure there are plenty of better video capture devices (even a Flip-sized handheld camera may suffice), but the convenience of using your existing lens glass (think zoom) is handy at times. To say nothing of not having to cart around a second device (and, more significantly, the batteries, chargers, and memory cards that accompany). Video (often HD video) in a digital SLR is at the very least something to strongly consider.

While I strongly recommend the 18-200 VR lens-- with any Nikon camera, I'm not sure the upgrade to VRII justifies the expense to have the latest. Look for the original 18-200 VR lens and save yourself a few bucks if you can. I'll look forward to testing each.

And speaking of new lenses, Nikon also tells us they're releasing a new 70-200mm 2.8 VRII. THAT, my friends, tops my wishlist. With Christmas right around the corner, I'm already getting ideas...

Happy shooting! Let me know what you think of Nikon's announcements, which I've conveniently pasted here for your review:

Nikon has just announced the highly anticipated professional level D300s and consumer level D3000 digital SLR cameras which deliver a new benchmark for creative freedom. Both cameras balance performance and versatility which make it easy to take great photos regardless of experience.



Highlights of the D300s include:

· 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor

· D-Movie HD Video with external stereo microphone jack

· Continuous shooting as fast as 7 frames-per-second

· Available August 2009 for $1799.95 (body only)



Highlights of the D3000 include:

· New Nikon Guide Mode teaches and builds confidence in SLR photography

· 10.2-Megapixel DX-format Imaging Sensor

· 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes

· Available August 2009 for $599.95 (camera outfit with 18-55mm VR lens)



Nikon has also launched the new 18-200mm VR and 70-200mm VR lenses today. Both of these lenses use Nikon’s VR II image stabilization technology, to substantially reduce camera shake-related image blur. The 18-200mm VR lens will be available in September 2009 for $849.95 and the 70-200mm VR lens will be available in November 2009 for $2399.95.

KING 5 Morning News on KONG 6/16 - "Travel Tech" (26 Mar 2009)

Thursday morning, on KING5 Morning News on KONG 6/16, we talked "Travel Tech" with the latest high-tech gadgets for Spring Break travel. Watch this blog for more gadgets and look for the video clip to be posted here shortly!

MoboSteady - personal, inexpensive, "steadicam" for taking smooth video using small cameras, 3-in-1 device (steadicam, tripod, shoulder-mount). ($95, http://bit.ly/modosteady)

Casio Exilim EX-FC100 - new high-speed cameras takes pictures BEFORE you press the shutter so you never miss the shot. ($349, http://bit.ly/ex-fc100)

Nikon D90 Digital SLR - innovative digital SLR takes stunning photos and records high-definition video! (body only: $890, http://bit.ly/d90body / kit w/lens: $1150, http://bit.ly/d90kit)

Creative VadoHD - pocket high-definition camcorder records movies with built-in USB connection for easy transfer. ($195, http://bit.ly/vadohd)

SPOT satellite messenger - life-saving satellite (not cellular!) tracker tells friends, family you're okay, notifies emergency services when you're not! ($110, http://bit.ly/spotmessenger)

HP 2140 Netbook - ultra-portable computer loaded with features incl. hard-drive parking accelerometer to keep data safe during tumble. ($449+, http://bit.ly/hp2140netbook)

iPod charging station - compact charging stand with night-light, perfect for hotel rooms. ($38, http://bit.ly/revivelite)

"The World's First WiFi Camera" ...err, not so fast guys!

Seems the guys over at GayGadget.com are giving the new Sony Cybershot an unearned distinction:

Blame Sony for enabling your facebook-obsessed friends with the Cybershot DSC G3—the world’s first camera that can log on to the net.

While it's true this camera does come equipped with WiFi, and the phrase "logs on" is subject to some interpretation (do previous solutions "log on"?) -- there are other WiFi-equipped camera solutions: Try EyeFi (www.eye.fi) to equip nearly any SD slot camera with wireless photo uploads (to Picasa, SmugMug, etc. etc.) or check out shutterbugs by Nikon, Canon, Kodak (and others) -- all capable of WiFi.

I recommend some qualification might be in order here guys. :)

"It’s set up primarily so you can upload photos to popular sites like picasa, facebook, shutterfly, photobucket, ect." (Sure, and that technology for cameras is over a year old... In fairness, the "log on" part appears to be somewhat unique. At the very least your headline is misleading.)

Otherwise it looks like a swell camera! (The $500 pricetag? Meh... EyeFi starts at eighty bucks.)

Digital SLR Cameras: Canon, Nikon announcements

Canon and Nikon both announced new bodies aimed at the high-end amateur and professional markets this week. Canon, with it's new 40D body, took the first shot earlier this week with an upgrade to its popular 30D digital SLR. Nikon, just this morning, is touting two new units: the D300 and the 3D.

As many of you know, I'm an avid Nikon fan and quite excited to hear about the D300 specifically. I'll leave the product specifics to the links section of this post, but for now I'll have to wrestle with whether or not to upgrade. On one hand, I did just get the D200 six months ago, on the other hand, it's only money and I'd love to upgrade. :-p [I *really* need to sell my old D70s before I buy YET ANOTHER body!]

Nikon's new 3D is an upgrade for their professional line of cameras.

For more on the new Nikon D300, Nikon 3D and Canon 40D digital SLRs... watch this space.