Digital SLR Camera - Nikon D60

Nikon's new D60 digital SLR camera is an entry-level SLR with excellent picture quality and ease-of-use. With 10.2 megapixels and the latest digital photography technologies incorporated into Nikon's well known D-series form factor, the Nikon D60 digital SLR camera is expected to appeal to enthusiasts and regular photographers making the jump the digital SLR.

The Nikon D60 digital SLR camera features Nikon's new EXPEED digital image processing concept that produces vibrant colors and excellent all-around performance to deliver stunning digital photographs. The D60 has a 2.5 inch LCD screen and offers Nikon's Vibrantion Reduction image stabilization technology to reduce blur. In addition, the Nikon D60 digital SLR camera has a fast 0.18 second start-up time that is sure to appeal to every photographer.


New Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Makes Capturing Beautiful Pictures Fun and Easy

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera, which provides consumers with stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The D60 joins Nikon’s award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form factor similar to the D40 – Nikon’s smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

“The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This model, like the wildly popular Nikon D40, greatly simplifies use and builds confidence in the user. With a host of innovative features, such as a visually intuitive LCD information display, Nikon’s highly regarded EXPEED image processing concept, new dual dust reduction countermeasures, in-camera editing tools and exciting creative options, the D60 enhances the picture-taking experience for picture-takers of all skill levels.”

Users will immediately appreciate the D60’s fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag – a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon’s new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What’s more, Nikon’s proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology also dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The camera’s 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with astounding color and clarity, while Nikon’s advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Nikon’s new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, delivers smooth tones and accurate color for vibrant pictures and flattering portraits.

The D60 also offers consumers comprehensive in-camera functionality, such as Active D-lighting. Through this innovative Nikon feature, the camera can, with the option selected, further optimize shadow and highlight detail—as pictures are taken. Shots that once required adjustment with photo editing software can now go straight to the printer, bypassing the computer altogether.

For added fun and creativity while reducing or helping to eliminate time spent manipulating pictures later, the D60’s In-camera Retouch Menu enables users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks without a computer. The D60 offers new in-camera editing capabilities, including adjustable cross-screen star effects, color-intensifying filters as well as D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Image Trim and more. The D60’s Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will also enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering an Image Sensor Cleaning function that quickly and silently shakes off specks of image degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System. This design works to channel particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter, resulting in even further reduction of dust particles and the spots they can leave on pictures.

Ergonomically designed with intuitively placed controls, the D60 is a camera that’s compact and ready to go wherever life leads. It also features a new power conserving Eye Sensor that turns the big 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on and off automatically when the user alternates between taking pictures and reviewing camera settings.

A customizable LCD monitor user interface rounds out the D60’s convenient features, as users can create their own wallpapers and adjust color settings to adapt to their preferences. The D60’s design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

The D60 will be packaged with the 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and will be available throughout the United States beginning in February 2008. Pricing information will be available approximately 30 days prior to sales availability. For more information, please visit Nikon USA.

Photography Blog - Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Review
Digital Camera Info - Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera Review

Digital SLR Camera - Nikon D3

Nikon's latest professional-class digital SLR camera, the Nikon D3, is indeed top-of-the-class, winning multiple awards and incorporating the latest digital camera technologies. Poised to revolutionize digital photography for advanced enthusiasts and professional photographers, the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D3 features one of the fastest startup time and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR cameras.

With a MSRP of $4,999.95, the Nikon D3 is beyond most photographers, but for those who can afford it, is surely one of the best digital SLR cameras around. The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) named the Nikon D3 the best professional digital SLR camera for 2008.

Professional Digital SLR Camera

Revolutionizing Digital Photography

MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) - Eight years after Nikon's D1 camera changed professional digital photography forever, Nikon today introduced the D3 - a new digital SLR camera that is poised to once again revolutionize photography for professionals. The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon's new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world's fastest digital SLR camera in its class.

Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon's new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3's new features.

Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. By setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation.

The D3 also features an entirely new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D3 uses the world's first Scene Recognition System to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection in the camera by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

"Nikon is proud and excited to once again respond to the needs of professional photographers by introducing the D3. Nikon engineers have successfully combined ultra high-speed shooting capabilities and handling with outstanding low-noise image quality, offering professional photographers an ideal tool for a broad range of shooting disciplines," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. "Sports, commercial and press photographers are increasingly demanding higher ISO sensitivity, better resolution, wider dynamic range and a familiar depth-of-field in relation to picture angles. With the D3, Nikon is excited to deliver a solution that represents an ideal unification of unsurpassed image quality, high-speed operation and professional durability, without compromise. Nikon fully expects the D3 to positively affect the photographic community in a way that hasn't been seen since the introduction of the Nikon D1."

Nikon's Digital Camera Sensor Formats

Nikon's digital SLR cameras based on its DX-format sensor have been hugely successful and represent an excellent combination of high image quality, size and value. And while the DX-format has been widely accepted by professional photographers and photo enthusiasts around the world, there is an increasing demand among professionals for a digital SLR camera that features higher ISO sensitivity, wider dynamic range and offers the same relationship between picture angle and depth-of-field that were the hallmarks of the 35mm film format.

Responding to this demand, Nikon has developed the D3 as its first digital SLR camera that features the Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor to meet the real-world requirements of its professional customers. The D3 delivers full resolution 12.1 megapixel images at up to nine frames per second when used with conventional AF-Nikkor lenses. When used with DX Nikkor lenses, the D3 automatically switches to the DX-format mode that uses a cropped portion of the sensor to generate 5.1 megapixel resolution images. While in this mode, the D3 automatically masks the portion of the viewfinder that will not be photographed and enables the capability to shoot up to 11 frames per second.

Both Nikon FX and DX-formats provide their own advantages, and Nikon recognizes that both formats are necessary in order to satisfy its diverse customer demands. Based on this recognition, Nikon will strengthen its D-SLR lineup with the addition of the D3 FX-format SLR camera and a broadened assortment of Nikkor interchangeable lenses, while continuing to develop and market high-performance DX-format cameras and lenses.

The Most Intelligent Nikon Digital Camera Ever

The D3 introduces a range of innovative technologies and features that significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance professional photographers can get from their equipment. Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before an image is captured. This information is also used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection functions in the D3. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better in all directions and by identifying them it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze scene highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance.

The D3 incorporates Nikon's new Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon's new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon's new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D3 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple D3 cameras.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon's D-Lighting technology, the D3 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D3's LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera's conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.

The Fastest Digital Camera in its Class

The D3 has the fastest reaction times of any camera in its class. Its shutter release time lag is only 37 milliseconds, and its start-up time is approximately 0.12 seconds. It is capable of continuously shooting approximately nine frames per second in full resolution with FX-format, up to 64 consecutive frames in JPEG, Normal compression. For NEF (RAW) files, the D3 can shoot up to 20 or up to 17 consecutive frames depending on whether it is set to 12-bit or 14-bit images. When using a DX-format lens, the camera automatically switches to DX-format mode, adjusting the resolution of the camera to 5.1 megapixels. In the DX-format mode, photographers also have the opportunity to increase the speed at which the camera can take pictures by limiting the auto exposure and going up to 10 frames per second or limiting both auto exposure and auto focus and going up to 11 frames per second.

Refined Ergonomics and Usability

The D3 reflects Nikon's most streamlined, functional and aesthetically pleasing layout in a digital SLR camera, all designed so photographers can take pictures with less fatigue, greater accuracy and comfort.

The camera's viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage for accurate framing, while an ultra-high definition, 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. The 170-degree wide viewing angle makes composing shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode easy. The D3 also features a unique Virtual Horizon digital level sensor that indicates the camera's alignment relative to the true horizon on the rear LCD screen or in the viewfinder.

The D3 also features two CompactFlash card slots that can be used for consecutive recording (overflow), simultaneous recording (backup), separating recording of RAW and JPEG files or even copying pictures between the two cards. Images can be displayed directly from the camera to a high-definition monitor using the camera's HDMI port and an optional cable.

The D3 is designed for professional use in demanding conditions. The exterior of the D3 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested to 300,000-cycle releases. The 3.0-inch LCD is strengthened with tempered glass and the D3's comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture.

Visit the Official Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera Website

Full Review - Nikon D40x Digital SLR Camera

Nikon's entry-level digital SLR is its most compact SLR camera ever, featuring a 10.2 megapixel CCD and a 2.5 inch LCD screen for crisp, high-resolution photographs and intuitive controls.

Nikon Corporation announces the D40X, a new digital SLR camera incorporating a 10.2-megapixel CCD.

While maintaining the compact size and external features of the D40 camera body, the Nikon D40X produces even more outstanding, detailed photos thanks to its 10.2-megapixel CCD and the latest digital technologies. Its resolution power makes it easy for users to print up very large sizes or crop aggressively without having to lose any fine details in their digital photographs. The D40X is loaded with everything you need for truly amazing images: a 10.2-megapixel CCD, Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, an improved Image Processing Engine and superb Auto White Balance. Together with a world-famous Nikkor lens, these features combine to ensure stunning photography with perfect exposure, refined details and natural, vivid colors.

The D40X shares the D40’s ergonomic design and streamlined interface, which means the same intuitive operation that’s simple and fun – even for entry-level photographers. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the 2.5-inch large LCD monitor utilizes an easy-to-use menu system and a wide viewing angle so that every photographer can navigate their settings and view their images with ease. There is also a handy built-in Help menu: simply press a button and useful information on key features is displayed on the LCD monitor.

The D40X is fast. Its near-instant power-up (0.18 second) and fast, reliable responses help photographers act on the moment, while the continuous shooting mode lets photographers easily capture up to 100 JPEG images of action as fast as 3 frames per second. The camera’s razor-sharp autofocus ensures crisp digital photographs for a wide variety of photographic scenes.

Flash photography is simple with the D40X because the camera employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, which evaluates ideal flash exposure automatically and accurately, even in difficult lighting situations.

Eight Digital Vari-Program modes offer creative shooting options that are optimized for common shooting situations. Fun, fast and simple, they are as easy to use as rotating the mode dial. For further control over aperture and shutter speed, P/S/A/M modes are available.

Exclusive in-camera image editing features are available in the Retouch menu. One of the main features is Nikon’s exceptional D-lighting, which brings out details usually lost in underexposed areas of an image while retaining the proper exposure in brighter areas. Photographers can also correct red-eye easily, or use Monochrome effects to change an image to Black-and-white, Sepia tone or Cyanotype.

Some of the D40X’s major digital photography improvements include an even longer-lasting battery that allows up to 520 images per charge (470 images for the D40), faster continuous shooting at 3 frames per second (2.5 fps for the D40) and a wider ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600, plus HI 1 (200 to 1600 plus HI 1 for the D40).

While it inherits many advanced digital photography and optical technologies from professional models, the D40X and its sister model, the D40, are Nikon’s smallest, most compact digital SLR cameras. By offering everyone mobility, ease-of-use and incredible photos with great resolution, the D40X welcomes everyone to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Major features

Intuitive, simple and trouble-free operation

• The most compact Nikon digital SLR camera ever, featuring intuitive controls and ergonomics designed for everyone
• A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with easy-to-view menus, large fonts and careful color schemes for easy preview and setting changes
• Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 520 photos* on a single charge (*CIPA standards)
• Handy assist images that help photographers select the right camera settings
• Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release

Superior image quality and resolution

• 10.2-effective-megapixel digital photos
• Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel digital photos
• High-precision digital image processing algorithms for natural-looking pictures with faithful color and tone reproduction
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
• Variable Center-weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area
• Auto White Balance for natural colors, plus six different manual white balance settings and user-defined preset white balance

Fast and precise responses

• Quick 0.18 second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
• Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller) at 3 frames per second
• Advanced three-area AF system and refined algorithms for fast, efficient and precise autofocus
• Versatile shutter speed control ranging from 30 to 1/4000 s., plus bulb

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results

• Eight Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for incredible scene-specific pictures. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
• Manual controls over shutter and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
• Automatic and manual control over ISO sensitivity from ISO 100 to 1600, as well as HI 1 (manual only)
• Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data for the same image
• Built-in Flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects

• Selections include D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small picture and Image overlay

Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System

• Fully compatible (autofocus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, which are equipped with an autofocus motor (Also compatible with most of the world-famous F-mount Nikkor lenses when in manual focus mode)
• Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system for accurate exposures via i-TTL flash.
• Nikon’s PictureProject software to share, organize and edit pictures with ease.
• Capture NX software (available separately) for creative photo editing with NEF (RAW), JPEG and TIFF images. Thanks to U Point™ technology, by Nik Software Inc., radical and subtle image enhancements are as easy as a few clicks

Digital SLR Camera - Nikon D40x

The Nikon D40x is designed to be an entry-level SLR camera, first announced in March 2007. Although identical in external packaging to its older brother, the D40, the D40x differentiates itself by featuring a higher resolution 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 3-frames-per-second continuous shooting, and a sensitivity range extended down to ISO 100. It also has a longer battery life. However, it has only a 1/200 flash sync speed, reduced from the D40's 1/500.

Nikon says of the D40x, "Nikon’s smallest digital SLR combines a 10.2-megapixel CCD with a simple, intuitive operation designed to take great, high-resolution pictures for everyone." The Nikon D40x features the latest digital technologies one would expect from a Nikon SLR.

The Nikon D40x is the most compact Nikon digital SLR camera available, and features intuitive controls and an ergonomic design. It has a 2.5 inch LCD screen with user-friendly and easy-to-use menus for convenient preview and setting changes. The Nikon D40x comes with an optional wireless remote control for easy remote shutter release.

Other features included in the D40x include Nikon's proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering II technology that gauges the ideal exposures in any lighting condition, an improved Image Processing Engine, and an advanced Auto White Balance. The near-instant power-up time of 0.18 second also means that the D40x is fast, and the continuous shooting mode allows for "up to 100 images of action as fast as 3 frames per second."

At a Glance
Resolution: 10.2 Megapixels
Dimensions: 5.00 x 2.50 x 3.70 in.
Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.

The Official Nikon D40x Website

Nikon D40x Official Brochure