Nikon D3100 DSLR Review

The Bottom Line

The D3100 is Nikon's replacement for the D3000. Aimed squarely at the entry-level DSLR camera market, it's certainly going to be a wake-up call for other manufacturers. The D3100 has 14.2MP and full HD movie mode. In general though, Nikon has made entry-level cameras that lack specifications, but are fun and easy to use. How does the D3100 measure up?

Description

• Resolution: 14.2 megapixel DX format, CMOS sensor
• ISO: ISO 100-3200, expandable to 12800
• Focusing: 11 AF points
• Movie Mode: HD movie mode
• Flash: Built-in popup flash
• LCD Screen: 3-inch LCD panel, 230,000 pixels
• Battery: Lithium-Ion battery pack, EN-EL14
• Dimensions: 124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in)
• Weight: 505g (1.1 lb) (including battery)
• Maximum Image Size: 4608 x 3072 pixels (RAW and JPEG)

Pros

• Good exposure for high contrast scenes
• 14.2MP of resolution, which is extremely high for an entry-level camera
• Extremely user-friendly for beginners

Cons

• Simplified buttons make it hard to get to key features quickly
• No stereo microphone input socket
• High ISO images are inexplicably more noise free in JPEG format than RAW format

Nikon D3100 Review

Nikon's latest offering to the entry-level market represents a giant leap for the manufacturer. At 14.2MP, the D3100 is second only to Nikon's flagship camera, the D3X. And it's the first of Nikon's cameras to offer HD movie mode at 1920x1080 pixels. It can only record clips of up to 10 minutes long, but this is a fairly impressive feature for an entry-level camera.

With an attractively low price tag, is this the camera for other manufacturers to beat? Judging by the specifications, one would immediately say "yes." What is important, though, is how the camera performs.

Controls

As with most of Nikon's consumer-level DSLR cameras, direct-access controls are kept to a minimum. The included controls are neatly spaced and easy to use, but most of the useful shortcut buttons to frequently used parameters are missing here ... something that's common found with Canon cameras. There are no direct-access controls to things like ISO, white balance, image quality, and image size. You can, however, assign these functions to the Customizable Function button on the front of the camera. Unfortunately, this is just one button! It is nicely placed to fall under your thumb, however.

Image Quality

Whatever other features and gizmos a camera might have, everything comes down to image quality in the end!

The D3100 is aimed at the entry-level market, and so it needs to perform straight out of the box on its default settings. In this area, it's extremely impressive. The D3100 exposes well even in high contrast situations -- an area where entry-level cameras have often struggled. Images look great straight out of the camera. My only slight criticism would be that, to my eyes, the images are sometimes a fraction too bright and colors can look ever so slightly glaring.

The camera is impressive throughout its automatic ISO range, and it even performs fairly well at its H1 setting, ISO 6400. It's only at H2 (ISO 12800) that the image deteriorates badly, and that noise is suddenly very visible. Still, this performance level is extremely impressive for an entry-level camera. The D3100 is even slightly less noisy at higher ISOs than the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, which is a higher priced camera aimed at a slightly more experienced market.

What I struggled to comprehend, though, was the fact that images were less noisy at higher ISOs in JPEG format than in RAW format. Yes, many beginners will probably shoot in JPEG most of the time, but they are bound to want to experiment with RAW at some point. To then convert these images to high quality JPEGs and find that they are more noisy will be a great disappointment.

Guide Mode

Introduced on the D3000, and now on the D3100, is the "Guide Mode." This is designed to help those new to DSLRs, without taking away all of the control from them.

When the camera is used in "Easy Operation" mode, the user can have the camera choose the required setting for different situations, such as "Sleeping Faces" or "Distant Subjects." As the users grow more confident, they can progress to the "Advanced" mode, which guides users toward either the "Aperture Priority" or "Shutter Priority" modes. Both are accompanied by a simplified interface showing what changing these settings will do on a small photograph on the LCD panel.

This is an extremely useful feature for those starting out in photography, and it makes the D3100 one of the most user-friendly cameras on the market.

LCD Screen

Rather frustratingly, Nikon hasn't upped the resolution of the screen, and it remains at 230,000 pixels. This is the same as its predecessor, the D3000, and Canon's nearly 2-year-old Rebel XS. Most new cameras have nearly four times this resolution! However, it's bright with plenty of contrast. The D3100's LCD is about as good as these screens can be in bright lighting conditions.

In Conclusion

This is a fine camera which will please not only beginners but will also appeal to those with a little more experience. Image quality is exceptional for an entry-level camera, and the D3100 more than holds its own in its class of camera. There are some drawbacks, but these will probably only begin to frustrate users after they've become very familiar with photography.

Nikon D7000 DSLR Review

The Bottom Line

A replacement for Nikon's D90 has been expected for quite some time, but many people will be surprised by how many specifications the D7000 shares with its semi-pro cousin, the D300s. As it stands, the D7000 sits somewhere between these other two Nikon cameras, both of which are still current models.

Nikon seem to have chosen to follow Canon and its EOS 60D by producing a camera that is most definitely aimed at the upper entry-level and enthusiast levels of photographer. Both cameras sit somewhere in the middle of the manufacturers' ranges. But how successful is Nikon's offering?

Description

• Resolution: 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• ISO: ISO 100-6400, plus H1 and H2 settings equivalent to 12,800 and 25,600
• Focusing: 39 AF points
• Movie Mode: HD movie mode
• Flash: Built-in popup flash
• LCD Screen: 3-inch LCD panel, 921,000 pixels
• Battery: LiIon EN-EL15 rechargeable battery
• Dimensions: 132 x 105 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
• Weight: 780 g (1.7 lbs.) (including battery)
• Maximum Image Size: 4928 x 3264 pixels (RAW and JPEG)

Pros

• Excellent performance at high ISOs
• Good build quality
• Comprehensive AF system
• Full HD movie mode

Cons

• Tendency to overexpose in high contrast situations
• AF can be very slow in low-light conditions
• Aperture cannot be altered in manual mode in "Live View"

Nikon D7000 Review

The Nikon D7000 is an impressive offering from Nikon. The body is made from magnesium alloy and has a thick rubber grip. It feels substantial when in hand -- especially compared to the D90's plastic shell -- and it certainly compares favorably to the D300s. But the camera is currently nearly $500 more expensive than Canon's equivalent, the 60D. Yes, the 60D has a plastic body but it has 18MP of resolution compared to the Nikon's 16.2MP. Does the Nikon have enough features for a new user to consider it over the Canon?

Well, the D7000 certainly performs slightly better at higher ISOs and gives better results when shooting in JPEG mode. However, I feel that its controls are more "fiddly" than the 60D's. Both cameras tend to overexpose in high contrast conditions, but the Nikon is definitely more problematic. If you, as a user, are likely to only shoot in JPEG, then the Nikon is definitely worth the extra money! Otherwise, if I was a new user, I'd go for the Canon.

For existing Nikon users, though, this is a very attractive camera. It's only a little more expensive than the D300s and for that you receive more megapixels, a vastly improved AF system, and better video modes. Now, let's look at some of its features in more detail.

Controls

The D7000 has some really useful controls. The mode dial can be locked to prevent accidental switching between modes, and there are plenty of options for customization of certain functions. It is a camera that rewards careful setup at first purchase (and you need to have a certain level of knowledge to get the best out of it), but, after the initial work, you shouldn't need to dive into the menus too often.

One thing I really don't like about Nikon cameras is the placement of the ISO button. On the D7000, as with the D90, it's placed on the left-hand side, making it impossible to change without moving the camera away from your eye. Why Nikon doesn't follow Canon and put its ISO button on the top of the camera, near the shooting button, is a mystery to me. It's also a shame that Nikon hasn't implemented a better Live View system. Not being able to change the aperture while in manual mode in live view is undoubtedly a pain. But apart from these issues, the D7000 has very useful controls and offers a decent layout.

HD Movie Mode

The Nikon D7000 can shoot in full HD movie mode, and it is extremely easy to operate. Simply flick the Live View switch on and press the red record button to start and stop recording. There's a socket for attaching a stereo microphone, and you have full manual control and AF while recording.

Like most DSLRs in this price point, the camera suffers from a little distortion, but it is far less pronounced than in other models. The lack of a hinged, rotatable LCD screen also limits users when in movie mode, and it's a shame Nikon didn't include this.

SD Cards

The D7000 offers twin SD card slots. This can be extremely useful if you're shooting in different formats or want to take a lot of shots in quick succession. It's a very simple addition, but one that I think is very useful.

Image Quality

As with all of my camera reviews, what really counts is image quality. The D7000 doesn't disappoint, producing high quality images in most situations. Performances at high ISOs are exceptional, in both RAW and JPEG, and at ISO 6400 you can achieve perfectly acceptable prints.

The two H settings do show some deterioration in quality. Unlike many of its competitors, the Nikon D7000 performs really well in JPEG mode, giving images with good color reproduction. You'll still see the benefit if you shoot RAW though, gaining an increased dynamic range.

The only downside is the camera's tendency to over-expose in high contrast situations, by quite a large degree. All Nikon cameras tend to run a little bright on colors, even in mid-tones, and this reflects back into the problems seen in high contrast scenes. Obviously, this can be corrected by shooting RAW and doing some post-production work, or by dialing in a little negative exposure compensation.

Conclusion

The D7000 is a great enthusiast's camera in most respects, producing good images even in low-light conditions. It will certainly appeal to existing Nikon users, and it even gives the D300s a run for its money. It's just a shame that the D7000 isn't more competitively priced, particularly as users will need to invest in some good quality glass to get the most out of it.

Nikon D5100 DSLR Review

he Nikon D5100 is the manufacturer's latest edition to its consumer DSLR lineup. Replacing the D5000, the camera sits neatly in between the entry-level D3100 and the high-end D7000. The camera is clearly aimed at attracting enthusiasts who have outgrown their basic entry-level DSLRs, and it will be in close competition with Canon's T3i.

Continue reading this Nikon D5100 review to learn how it measures up to its competitors!

Description

• Resolution: 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• ISO: ISO 100-6400, plus H1 and H2 settings equivalent to 12,800 and 25,600
• Focusing: 11 AF points
• Movie Mode: HD movie mode
• Flash: Built-in popup flash
• LCD Screen: 3-inch LCD panel, 921,000 pixels
• Battery: LiIon EN-EL14 rechargeable battery
• Dimensions: 128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.)
• Weight: 560 g (1.4 lbs.) (including battery)
• Maximum Image Size: 4928 x 3264 pixels (RAW and JPEG)

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Articulated LCD screen
• Sophisticated AF system for the price

Cons

• Odd placement of some controls
• Movie mode is inconsistent, and prone to "bugs"
• Sluggish AF in Live View and Movie Mode

Nikon D5100 DSLR Review

Nikon's new mid-range offering is certainly a far prettier offering than its predecessor, the D5000. The camera gains the D7000's 16.2MP sensor, but it obviously misses out on some of that camera's high-end features. So there's no magnesium alloy body and fewer AF points, but there's no loss of image quality. It certainly produces excellent shots, but how does the camera hold up on other points?

Body and Controls

The D5100 is a small and neat camera, which fits easily into the hand. It feels substantial, but weighs less than its predecessor (as it has a plastic body). The camera also benefits from the addition of an articulated LCD screen with a side hinge. This feature makes the screen far easier to use, but the side hinge has led to a fairly major reshuffling of buttons.

Unlike other Nikons in this range, there are now no buttons at all on the left hand side of the screen. Buttons for controlling the menu and playback options have been moved to the right hand side of the screen, sitting alongside the four-way dial for controlling exposure parameters. On the top of the camera is a convenient switch next to the mode dial to quickly push the camera into Live View mode for fast recording.

However, yet again Nikon has not provided a direct access button for adjusting the ISO. Instead, you'll have to assign this to the function button, which sits on the front of the camera, next to the flash activation button, and it's too easy to get these two mixed up.

Autofocus

Like the D3100, the D5100 doesn't have an in-body autofocus motor, which means that the speed and accuracy of the autofocus is largely dependent on which lens you're using. This also means that the camera won't focus with some third-party lenses that don't have a built-in focusing motor and with non-AF-S Nikkor lenses.

Autofocus in still image mode is accurate, and it is acceptably fast, even with the 18-55 mm kit lens. However, in Live View and Movie Mode, the focusing becomes very slow, and it will even drift in and out of focus during recording.

Flash

Unlike higher spec models, the D5100 is not a wireless flash controller. However, the flash activation button does boast a couple of useful features. Hold the button and spin the control dial, and you'll have access to different flash modes. Holding down the button in conjunction with the exposure compensation button allows you to apply flash exposure compensation.

Image Quality

The D5100 really comes into its own in terms of image quality, which is fantastic, in both RAW and JPEG formats. It shares the D7000's sensor, but yet it doesn't seem to have the same overexposure problems in high contrast situations.

Even more impressively, at the higher ISO settings, noise levels are very low. The automatic noise reduction does a good job of preserving details. It's probably one of the best APS-C cameras available at present for shooting at high ISOs.

Simply put, the camera produces excellent images with a minimum of difficulty.

In Conclusion

Taken on its own merits, this is an excellent camera. It has lots of good features and produces beautiful images. It loses a star, though, for the complicated and somewhat random placing of some of its function buttons. This complicated arrangement may make users go for the simpler D3100 or pay more for the feature-rich D7000.

Nikon D5000 DSLR Review

The Bottom Line

The Nikon D5000 DSLR camera is a camera that generated a lot of buzz upon its release. After I had a chance to review the Nikon D5000, I can understand the reason for the buzz.

The D5000 is one of the best entry-level DSLR cameras I've had the chance to use. Much of the technology behind the D5000 is based on the Nikon D300, which is a slightly older, much more expensive DSLR camera. For that technology to have trickled down to the D5000 already is beneficial for beginning and intermediate photographers.

The best thing about the D5000 is it works well in fully manual mode, fully auto mode, or anything in between.

Pros

• Image quality is excellent
• D5000 provides great mix of manual control and ease of use for a DSLR
• LCD can twist and swivel away from the camera
• Battery life is good for DSLR camera
• Good collection of printed materials - quick start guide and user guide

Cons

• Learning the function of each button could be time consuming
• Autofocus can be slow, especially in low light
• Experienced photographers will want more features
• LCD could use more resolution

Description

• Resolution: 12.3 megapixels
• Optical zoom: N/A, uses interchangeable lenses
• LCD: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels (can tilt and rotate away from camera body)
• Maximum image size: 4288 x 2848 pixels
• Battery: Li-ion (rechargable)
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 5.0 x 3.1 inches
• Weight: 20 ounces (body only, no battery, no memory card)
• Image sensor: CMOS, 15.8 mm x 23.6 mm

Guide Review - Nikon D5000 DSLR Review

Image Quality

With an effective 12.3 megapixels of resolution and with a high-quality image sensor, the D5000 has excellent image quality. With the D5000, RAW images are of a better quality than JPEG images.

My D5000 review unit included an 18mm-55mm equivalent interchangeable lens, which had sharp focus and image quality. This lens worked great for wide angle shots; you'd want a different lens for telephoto shots, though. The lens focused clearly, both automatically and manually.

Performance

Start-up times are fast for the D5000, which doesn't always occur with a DSLR. At times, the autofocus doesn't work very fast, especially with low-light photography, but it is accurate.

You can use the LCD (called "live view") or the optical viewfinder to frame photos, but autofocus is slower when using live view, which is common among DSLR models.

The in-camera editing features are easy to apply.

Design

I found the D5000 easy to hold and use with the 18mm-55mm lens. The camera's weight is balanced nicely, and all of the buttons and lens rings were easily within reach. However, for those looking for their first DSLR camera, it's worth testing the D5000 (or any DSLR model) before buying it, as DSLR cameras are vastly different in operational technique, size, and weight than ultra compact point and shoot models.

The D5000 works very well in fully automatic mode, including the autofocus feature of the lens. However, if you want to learn more about photography, configuring the D5000's manual control features is easy, and the camera shows the settings used during image playback.

Finally, the D5000 includes an LCD that can be tilted and rotated away from the camera body, which is nice. You also can rotate the LCD next to the camera body, protecting the LCD when not using the camera. Unfortunately, the LCD's resolution is less than some DSLR models.