Industry leader Nikon has at least one new DSLR model coming this year and the future holds some promising enhancements on an already stellar line-up.  While the digital SLR race has, for some extent been won by Canon up until recently, Nikon has continued to push forward with cutting edge sensor technology allowing ridiculously high ISO settings and offering HD video in several models, and finally, a full frame camera.

Rumors broke that a D3100 will be launching sometime in August and could merge the functions of the existing D3000 and the somewhat aging D90, at a cheaper price.  Also potentially coming would be the first to market, auto-focus for live video, and 1080p HD video.  Considering the explosion and instant love users have of the video functions already, and the third-party market for follow focus rigs, adding the ability to auto-focus on a DSLR could open up the creativity for millions of new users.  Users who have been frustrated with the lack of auto-focus or have been putting off upgrading may find this all the reason they need to do so.  Additionally, an 11-point auto-focus system, or potentially more, could be in store for the D3100 too.

Looking forward, Nikon has lots of room to continue growth through 2012.  Their current lineup is essentially broken into three categories:

• Beginner, or first DSLR
• Hobbyist, advanced hobbyist or weekend warrior
• Professional

The entry level offerings from Nikon offer a competitive price-point compared with similarly equipped point and shoot cameras, but add the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, wireless flash control (when an additional speedlight is purchased) and complete lack of shutter lag.  Many shooters who have grown frustrated with their point and shoots or simply need specialized tools, like longer lenses for shooting their childrens’ sporting events will buy these cameras.  The advantage to them is Nikon has already established how to make a great DSLR and the trickle-down effect is in play.  That is to say, proven technology in ISO, auto-focus speed and image quality in older, higher end cameras gets recycled and used in these entry level cameras.  Don’t get this mistaken though, there’s nothing old about them.  The future of entry level Nikon DSLRs holds what the current pro models offer – far superior ISO range, wider dynamic color range and faster frames per second.

The middle range of Nikon cameras, where the majority of shooters end up buying, still follows some of the trickle-down effect mentioned earlier, however in a much different, and better way.  Each new release offers more camera for less money, essentially making your purchase last longer and provide more features and benefits.  With the introduction of the D3100, inexpensive 1080p HD video will be available to the masses, especially those who already own Nikon compatible lenses.

Professional level cameras, currently the D3 series from Nikon, are the fastest, biggest and best cameras offered.  Superior build quality, great sensors and all the speed in the world make these cameras the tools professionals use day in and day out.  This is also where newer technology is often focused, even if these expensive pieces aren’t the market share of Nikon DSLRs.  The D3 range of Nikons is top of the food chain for the trickle-down effect.  The 100,000 ISO level has already been accomplished, it’s within reason we could see ISO in the range of 200-250,000 ISO by 2012, along with frames per second exceeding 12.

The past has a long, rich history for Nikon, current market share is strong and the future looks even better as Nikon continues to evolve and set the pace for the best DSLRs on the market.

The Nikon D700 is the perfect camera for advanced and amateur-professional photographers.  This camera has an incredibly low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range due to its large pixel size.  You’ll also get accelerated data transfer with a 12-channel readout that allows you to shoot eight frames per second at full resolution and write data quickly onto the Compact Flash card. Continue Reading

With the Canon EOS 50D’s speed and quality, it makes a perfect camera to bridge the skill gap between a novice photographer and a seasoned professional.  With its 15.1-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor that is capable of recording up to 4752 x 3168 pixels, you’ll get amazingly clear images.  If you’re looking for the fine details and the best color reproduction, you’ll get it with the Canon EOS 50D because it has the DIGIC 4 image processor.

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Like nearly every other industry, brand wars exist inside the Digital SLR marketplace.  Like Ford and Chevy, Coke and Pepsi, Windows and Mac, you’ll find people who are loyal to death to their preferred brand of equipment.  Here’s a look at the popular digital SLR brands currently available. Continue Reading

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

While the high end HSLR’s are tempting for their array of features and overwhelming availability, their sometimes bulky build just isn’t a practical option for every aspiring photographer out there.

For the shutterbug on the go, the LUMIX DMC-GF1 is a much more practical option. (That is, if you can get around the somewhat hefty pricetag. You pay for quality and small size, though…)

Combining high end features and usage options with a lightweight and streamlined design, this camera offers the best of both worlds.  This is new for digital cameras, but you can expect to see more of this in the future as powerful cameras get smaller and smaller. Continue Reading

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Canon has always been a trusted name in photography, and digital photography is certainly no exception.

Thankfully, this is a brand that isn’t content to sit back and rely on its good name to keep them at the top of the market.

Constantly tweaking and improving their designs has led to consistently better overall products, and the new Canon EOS Rebel T1i is just the latest in a long line of great additions to the digital world.

If you’re a Canon Rebel fan from way back or are thinking of switching from Nikon, here’s some more information on the Canon EOS Rebel T1i. Continue Reading

Nikon D5000 12.3 MP

Offering the highly-advanced DSLR capabilities often means that cameras become counter-intuitive and difficult to maneuver.

This is not so with the Nikon D5000, which has all of the features you could wish for and more while still managing to be surprisingly easy to use.

Menus and feature are intuitive and well designed to make the overall usage experience so simple that getting the perfect product is almost too easy. This is what makes this Nikon DSLR so great.

We think you’re going to agree once you look at the stats. Continue Reading

Nikon-D3000

Making the leap from point and shoot introductory cameras to the more daunting Digital SLR cameras can be a bit overwhelming.

Trying to figure out exactly what features you need and how to use them all has to be matched with a price low enough to quell the panic of a casual user.

Enter the Nikon D3000, an easy to use camera that’s a smart purchase for the intermediate photographer.

Its compact design makes extended use a breeze, and the user friendly features are intuitive and easy to learn. Continue Reading

Nikon D90 12.3MP

Blending the best of easy to use features with professional touches, it’s easy to see why the Nikon D90 is the professional photographer’s dream camera.

Nikon has taken all of the best features of their earlier award winning cameras and enhanced them to create the D90.

With a faster response time and the clearest picture imaginable, this camera has everything that the discerning photographer could want.

Are you ready to start taking better photographs? Continue Reading