Nikon D7000

Nikon announced the release (Oct 15, 2010 ) of the Nikon D7000.  (Not to be confused with the D700). 

The 7000 is a DX format camera 14 mp that is a step up for the D90.  I have read the preliminary blogs and dpreview.com has a good reveiw as does Ken Rockewell.  It looks like Nikon has another winner.  Keep in mind this is a semi pro camera, it will take great picts on Auto but then so will a good Nikon point and shoot for 1/4th the price.  This is for the photographer that is doing something with his or her work.  Either art photographer or entry level professional photographer.  I will follow up as I actually see the camera shortly after it is released. 

Nikon also announced a new flash the SB700.  After reading the review I think I will stay with my SB600.  Just not enough new and great stuff.  There is a discussion on being able to up date the firm ware,  I have never had a firm ware problem with a flash,  seems like a waste of time.  Simply I will not up date my camera or flash until it is worth while.  The D200 is getting close,  I am holding out for a 14 plus FX format camera Nikon is sure to release in 2011 or 2012. 

IN summary.  The D7000 is a  yes so far,
the SB600 is still my preferred flash.


Be cool!

Nikon Announces

Nikon has  place some new stuff on the Market.  A couple of point and shoot camera's and a Digital SLR the d3100  apparently an up grade for the d3000.  Since the d 3000 is one of the worst camera's Nikon has made, I hope the upgrades are significant.  I will be following this release and looking a the camera.  If you are considering one.  Be careful...   More to follow.
They are also releasing some new lens.  the 85 mm prime lens looks interesting again will follow with more.  Info.

Night and Day New Photos

Found a Corvette on the trail had to get a pict...

Have to look carefully looks like something was lost.

 These are some local fountains with long exposures...

 A relief on a grave stone...

 Simply good light.

Some new Picts

Green Diamonds

Rumors

I discussed the Sony Nex 3 and 5 earlier.  Rumor has it Nikon is coming out with some new models one will probably be the Nikon D8000 to replace the D90  there are also Rumors of a D4000 and a D3100.  Major photo shows happen this fall.   We will know soon.  I suspect we will hear more definitive info by the end of August.  Just rumors...Mp?  between 14 and 18 mp is the rumor I am hearing.  More to come

New Digital Camera with Interchangeable Lens

The Sony Nex 3 and Nex 5 is hitting the market.  I checked out the reviews and actually have been to check them out.  This is the first Sony and the 3rd camera of this type to be released.  Olympus has one, as does Pentax, I am not a fan of either of those camera companies thus far and have paid little attention to them.  However Sony is one of the 3 camera companies I do track.  The pros and cons are discussed at length in a review by dp review at.   http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/SonyNex5Nex3/  It is a good read and I would suggest you do so before you purchase this camera.  So far it appears the nex 3 and nex 5 are similar.  The Nex 5 has a magnesium alloy body,  I have held the Nex 3 and it seemed plenty strong even in a plastic case.  At the photo store the guy tried to tell me the Magnesium body was water proof, when I questioned him he quickly backed down.  It is not water proof... The Nex 3 and 5 are essentially the same, the Nex 5 has a slightly smaller body and an infra red reciever, and 1080i AVCHD moving recording mode.

The review points out the manual modes are difficult to operate.  You can read more at dp.
Thinking about buying one of these cameras here is my pros and cons bullet point style.

Pro

• Has micro 4/3rds sensor.... larger gathers more info than standard point and shoot
• small light and easy to handle
• few buttons to get confused with
• interchangeable lenses with image stabilization in the lens
• Has in camera stitching for panorama shooting 
• Does HDR in camera
• Image Stabilization is in the lens

Cons

• adjusting the camera to manual is difficult and limited. 
• The buttons on the camera are not specific (except shutter) and change depending on the mode. 
• The camera comes with 1 lens with the option to purchase additional lenses. So far the price on the additonal lenses is from 600 dollars up.  The Kit for the camera and 1 lens is suggest retail at 699.  You could easily have 1800 in the camera before you are through
• Sony add on flash is proprietary.  You can only add Sony Flashes.
• The camera does not accept other Sony lens with out an adapter and then many of the functions of the lenses do not work and since the other Sony lenses do not have image stabilization the lens so the of other Alph lenses is more limited

I will write more as I have more experience with the camera.  For now I would say UNLESS you are planning on enlarging your pictures beyond 16x20 or need some specific feature of the Nex 3 or 5 you can accomplish just as much with more zoom, with a high end point and shoot.  A point and shoot with a 20x zoom is in Nikon, Sony or Canon, will give you a wider range of shooting and zoom with out removing lenses, or having to carry a large amount of equipment, for far less money.  

A good camera for a segment of the population, just not necessary for most.   

Jack 

Went to Best Buy

Thinking o buying a camera, I don't sell them but can help you pick one out.  Need to know how to use your camera better I can help.  

Keep in mind.  For the most part the guys in Best Buy are not strong at either.  So when you go to buy a camera be informed.  Again today I saw that reinforced.