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Last Review Posted by chimphappyhour - posted: Fri October 17, 2008 10:24am

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I'm coming to the D300 from the D80. The D80 was a very nice camera, but the D300 is a completely different league! I would say that it is an instant classic, well, as much as any digital body can become a classic. Everything is a big step up. Usable ISO, AF, accessibility, personalization, responsiveness. I've been shooting with it for three weeks now and I love this thing. I can't say that I really miss shooting with the D80. The body just feels right in the hand, ergonomics are a Nikon trait. All of the controls are easily reached. The weight of the Mg alloy body doesn't feel like a burden at all, it is more of an inspiration. The body supposedly has a lot of sealing to protect against dust and a little water resistance. (Notice, not water proof. I'm not going to push my luck, that is when things go wrong and dslr owners start to cry.) There is a lot of camera here and it can seem overwhelming to some. All that camera has a purpose though and it is very welcomed. There are so many things that you can personalize about this camera. I even get back the user banks I used to have way back when on my dinky little N70! That's right, there are 4 Custom Banks AND 4 Settings Banks. Plus, you can save settings to a spare CF card just in case you want to experiment then go back to what you originally set-up. (Tip: Download the settings spreadsheet from the Nikonians D300 forum so you can see what you're doing all on one page. It will help you plan better.) Something that I was initially cringing about but have to say that I really love, Picture Controls. It comes with a few built-in and Nikon has a few more that you can download (D2X Modes, Portrait and Landscape) but the really cool part comes with the Custom PC's. You can share the PC's with other shooters. Someone has created a few film (mostly Fuji) replicating PC's that you can load into the camera. Overall, I think the camera holds four extra of the Nikon created ones (this means you have to make a decision as they currently offer five) and something like nine or ten custom ones! There is even a little graph in camera to show how they all compare. Speaking of graphs, another big bonus to this camera is the ability to check the individual RGB channels for blown highlights. This saved me in Arches National Park shooting Delicate Arch at sunset. I already did the hike twice (once for daytime scouting and once for the actual shoot), I didn't really want to hike it again just because I messed up a shoot. This camera has live view. It works a little funky, but the bonus is being able to check and adjust WB BEFORE you shoot. LV has been great for shooting those angles that are just a little awkward to get my eye to the view finder for. There is also the ability to show the top lcd settings on the rear screen for those times when the camera is already at eye level or higher, say a high tripod shot. Most of the vital settings have their own button and/or dial. You can even assign a few of them to do one or two things, depending on the assigned operation. This means very little reason to go digging through the menus. The viewfinder shows a lot more important information than the D80, ISO and metering method are very welcome additions! I don't mind that WB isn't in there, I shoot RAW and can change this later. Performance? A dream! First of all, let's talk about ISO. My copy of the D80 would start showing noise at ISO 400 and up that I found unpleasant. With the D300, I've found that 1250 is still really decent and even above that isn't too bad! I'm still playing with the upper ends to see what comes out acceptable and what doesn't. Oddly enough, the standard ISO for this sensor has been set at 200, but I've read that some people are saying it would be more like the Lo.7 setting. I have set-up my landscape bank at this and it does really well. AF... 51 points, what can you say? The nice thing is that only active AF points show up in the VF so the field isn't cluttered. It is nice to not have to worry about trying to frame so your subject is under an AF point. Except for the edges, there is always one there. Another nice touch is that the central 15 AF points are all cross type which does better in low light, the D80 only had the one center one. The dynamic AF mode with continuous AF gives you a great option. You can choose the number of points to allow the camera to hand off to, from just nine to all 51. You can even have the camera integrate the information from the color meter to assist the AF in tracking subjects that contrast with the background in 51 point mode. I used this to shoot ravens against the sky. It was great to watch the AF point chase the raven across the VF. There has been much said about the quality of the new rear screen and it is true. This thing has been great for giving a good review of images while still in the field! Also, the VF coverage is very welcomed. What I see is pretty much what I get. I still get the great off-camera flash control I had with the D80, although so far I haven't used flash much with the D300. I'll have to start doing that now though since the winter hours are starting to set in. One suggestion I'd make, get Capture NX2. It will make workflow much simpler. If you shoot RAW (and with a camera like this, or even the D80, you really should be), having complete access to all of the parameters is very welcome. It just reads the files so well. That's all I have for now, I'm sure there will be more later. Rating: 10

Product Details: "D300" by Freddy Flash - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 10.00

Last Review Posted by phuviano - posted: Wed September 3, 2008 2:28pm

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The lens build quality is superb. Its just as good as my Canon 70-200. I like the fact that the lens hood is included, not like most Canon's, unless its an L lens. The lens also comes with its own carrying case, and its padded. Its pretty much a padded box with a zipper on it. I don't use the case though, too much of a hassle to take it out all the time. The lens is heavy for its size, but I actually like that. You could take this for a negative or positive, depending on how you look at it. Now on to the performance of the lens. The lens is very sharp, even @ f1.4. Its not super sharp @ f1.4, but it'll beat out most lenses in sharpness at that aperture. I usually shoot anywhere between f2.2 - f5.6. AF works pretty quick, imo. There are times in low light where it does take a little longer, but not long by any means. There is minor CA from f1.4 - f2.0. I don't really notice a lot of it. It really depends on what you are shooting. I've taken some shots @ f1.4 where I have noticed that there was no CA, or none that I could see. By f2.2 there is practically no visible CA, imo. This lens does slightly front focus sometimes. Usually it only happens when you are shooting something really small, and close. I'm pretty sure if you were taking a portrait shot, you wouldn't notice. Sometimes the lens will not focus properly. The picture will be out of focus. This usually only happens sometimes @ f1.4. Apparently the Canon 50 1.4, doesn't have any focusing issues. However I just love the Bokeh on the Sigma too much. Bokeh is awesome on this lens. Its nice and creamy, like most people like. (please no jokes on that). I've read other reviews which say that the lens is not sharp for landscape shots, and the lens doesn't perform well at objects around 20 feet away or more. As objects do get further away, the lens is not as sharp as say something 5 feet in front of you. I have not taken any landscape shots with lens. However, I do not plan to as well. I feel that this lens is best suited for portraits, and that's where it excels. I don't understand why you would want a 50mm prime for landscape pictures anyway. Do I think the lens is worth it?? I think this lens is worth every penny, even though it does have its slight focusing issues. Its a little pricey, but I'm satisfied with it. btw, if the Bokeh on the Canon 50 1.4 was similar, I'd probably buy the Canon. Rating: 9

Product Details: "50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM" by Freddy Flash - posted: Wed September 3, 2008 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by x43hyperx - posted: Tue August 5, 2008 2:20pm

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I tested this lens out, but did not buy it. I was interested in buying a lens for wildlife and birding. Although this lens does fulfill the focal length necessary, it is a bit too slow. The lens could be better used for animals moving slowly or rarely in the distance. For birding, a faster prime lens would be helpful. This lens has to be tripod or monopod mounted, as it is too heavy to handhold. It is not as bright as the other telephoto lenses in the range due its tradeoff for zoom and weight leaving it at f/4. It has its purposes, and if you happen to need it for slower telephoto pictures, this is a good pick. Rating: 8

Product Details: "AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED" by howard - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 8.00

Last Review Posted by x43hyperx - posted: Tue August 5, 2008 2:10pm

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Views: 3948

This lens has been useful for wildlife and sporting events. It seems heavy in the beginning, but after getting used to it, it is just right. It's heavy enough not to prevent the hand from shaking but not too light to get blown by the wind. I used it on a monopod to start, but later I realized I could handhold it for a few hours to finish a soccer game. The focus is fast and clear, and the vibration reduction can come in useful when the hand gets tired or when using the TC-20EII at 400mm. This is definitely a great investment, and I would highly recommend it. Rating: 10

Product Details: "AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED" by howard - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 10.00

Last Review Posted by x43hyperx - posted: Tue August 5, 2008 1:56pm

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The D200 is the second digital SLR I've used. I got it in 2006 and have used it until now. The build of the camera is great, and when the MB-D200 is added, the weight and size makes the camera feel completely balanced. Dust was a problem on this camera. Unlike the new in-camera cleaning system seen in the D60 or even the slightly older D300, there is none on the D200 which causes some inconveniences when taking pictures in the field. Another issue is the color profiles and the sensor. Unlike the comparable Canon bodies, the D200 color is rather dull. It is necessary to use the "Vivid" color preset in order to get pictures closer to the original colors. Lastly, the viewfinder is smaller than that of the D3 or the F6. This was in accomodation for the built-in flash. Only when the sun goes down and it's not completely dark is this a problem as the image though the viewfinder is slightly darker than expected. Other than this, the camera is great and has gone withstood crazy weather situations. Of course I never left it in the rain, but I did take pictures with a towel placed overhead. Now I do bring other more trustworthy solutions for rainy events. I'm not sure I would buy it now over the D300 with the price range being so close together though. In the Nikon range, I wouldn't go any lower than the D200. Rating: 9

Product Details: "D200" by Freddy Flash - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by Socalled - posted: Sat August 2, 2008 12:05pm

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Views: 1263

I bought this lens from a professional dealer in the US, and saved about $100-$150 than if I bought it in Canada. Great lens, light weight and quick focusing. You can get really fun perspectives with this lens. Rating: 9

Product Details: "EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM" by Freddy Flash - posted: Sat November 17, 2007 - Rating: 9.00

Last Review Posted by Mammoth - posted: Fri July 18, 2008 11:58am

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Views: 1965

This is the ultimate lens for beginners. It's cheap, has superb image quality, and weighs nothing. If you're curious about primes, start with this. If you're looking into night photography or portraiture, start with this. The lens itself is the lightest and smallest made by Canon. This means you can take it anywhere you like, even in your pocket when you're out and about. You can get images out of this lens that would normally be impossible for a beginner or someone on a tight budget to ever get with their kit lenses. This lens will save you often. An often overlooked part of this lens is the relatively small 52mm filter diameter. It won't share filters between the typical 58mm filters of kit lenses, but it's so small anybody can afford one for it anyways. But high image quality and low price rarely mix without a downfall, and that's build quality. There's no metal on this lens at all, let alone the lens mount. The AF motor is loud, as slow or slower than the typical kit lens, and hunts now and then. Because there is no USM, the tiny focus ring on the front rotates which makes using some filters, notably polarizers, a pain. The AF switch also lacks quality, being shaked with little effort. All in all, considering the price, you get a fantastic lens. If you can live with the build quality, go for it and don't look back. If you want a faster, more solidly built lens, go for the f/1.4 USM or f/1.2L. Rating: 9

Product Details: "EF 50mm f/1.8 II" by Freddy Flash - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 7.67

Last Review Posted by Matt - posted: Mon July 7, 2008 10:29pm

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I just got this in the mail today and I have to say, it has already surpassed my expectations. Pictures taken with it seem to have pretty good sharpness, going up to great once you get past f/2.8 or so. This lens is very light, it goes GREAT on my xti body when I don't feel like using the battery grip. Yeah it's cheap, which is why it has earned itself the name of "plastic fantastic" amongst most users. However I do agree with the fantastic part. I was very impressed with what you get for an $89 lens! Every photographer should have this lens! I used this lens for a few hours today and when I switched back to my Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 today, I found I wasn't so apt to reach for the zoom barrell. It really does a great job in reminding you to focus on your composition instead of just falling back on the zoom. Really helps to keep ya from getting lazy! I gave it an 8 out of ten mainly for the bang for the buck factor: high quality optics for a low, low price! Beats the hell out of your kit lens any day! If given the choice, I would have taken this lens instead of my kit lens when I first got started! Rating: 8

Product Details: "EF 50mm f/1.8 II" by Freddy Flash - posted: Sun November 18, 2007 - Rating: 7.67

Last Review Posted by lordkifar - posted: Sun May 25, 2008 12:45am

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Views: 1427

To start off, it is a heavy lens so make sure you have strong wrists otherwise you will quickly have to build up some strength. Wide open at 2.8, it is a bit soft as expected. At 4-5.6, it is sharp enough across the 24-70mm range. Tack sharpness observed at 5.6-8. The quality of the pics was very pleasing with little photo editing required to fix the lighting, colours, etc. Solid built lens. Zoom ring is a bit stiff but nothing to dwell on too long. Zoom creep is very noticeable again due to the size and weight of that beast. My biggest con is the 82mm filter thread size so this means a good chunk of money will go to filters if you use this as you primary lens. I really like this lens and recommend it. You will shoot many great pics with it although you will likely be shooting at F4-8 Rating: 8

Product Details: "24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO" by Freddy Flash - posted: Thu November 22, 2007 - Rating: 8.00

Last Review Posted by twitch77 - posted: Sat May 10, 2008 7:03pm

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Views: 3236

This Is My First DSLR, And My First Review Here. I've Only Owned This Camera For A Few Days. So Far I'm Very Much So In Love With This Camera (And The 18-55mm Kit Lens). -I'm Consistently Blown Away By The Image Quality Of The Images I've Taken. -I Really Like The Small Size, And The Light Weight Of This Camera. It's A Very Easy Camera To Carry Around, And Fits Comfortably Into My Hands. -The Shutter, ISO, And Aperture Settings Are All Very Easy To Adjust, And Easy To Read Both On The Giant 3 Inch Screen, Or In The View Finder Itself. -The Live View Is A Very Nice Feature To Have For Still Life, And Macro Shooting. I've Only Used This Feature A Few Times, But I Know I'll Get Alot Of Use Out Of It Once I Get A Macro Lens, And A Tripod. . .I Really Like Being Able To Zoom In On The Live Preview Up To 10% To Finely Adjust The Focus. All In All I Honestly Couldn't Be Happier With This Camera. It's More Of A Camera Then I'll Probably Ever Need, It's Well Built, Easy To Use, And There's Lots And Lots Of Great Quality Lenses, And Accessories For This Camera. I Rated It A 9 Out Of 10, Because It Doesn't Have Any Weather Sealing, It Only Goes Up To ISO 1600, And The Body Is Made Of Plastic (though this is also good, as it makes it lighter). Rating: 9

Product Details: "Digital Rebel XSi" by Mammoth - posted: Wed January 23, 2008 - Rating: 9.00

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