Sony Alpha α DSLR-A300K 10.2 MP CCD

Sony Alpha α DSLR-A300K 10.2 MP CCD

Price

For first-time DSLR users, Sony combines superb 10.2 MP quality, a high quality DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens, and Live Preview in a large tilting 2.7" LCD monitor for point-and-shoot simplicity. You'll have super-quick AF response, continuous shooting speed up to 3 fps with viewfinder and up to 2 fps in live view mode, plus high sensitivity (ISO 3200) for great low-light shots. What's more, you get simple controls, Creative Style settings and in-camera Super SteadyShot image stabilization that work with every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens. Stamina power for up to 730 shots, Auto Pop-up Flash and many more features make DSLR model an excellent choice for your favorite new hobby.

10.2 MP CCD
Superb image quality gives you great DSLR shots right from the start, with a large APS-size CCD imager developed by Sony to expand dynamic range, and minimize noise more effectively for clear, sharp photos even at high sensitivity setting (up to ISO 3200).

Live Preview of Your Subject
The DSLR-A300’s Live Preview mode links you and your subject on a large 2.7” LCD screen, for a familiar point-and-shoot style - with super-quick AF response and accurate exposure control to help you catch the perfect moment. In Live Preview mode, the camera bypasses the optical pentaprism mirror to create a live “eye-to-eye” view of loved ones, children, pets and fast-changing scenes.

Tiltable 2.7” Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen
A large built-in screen with 2-way angle tilt provides a sharp, clear view of your subject and tilts up or down for low-angle or high-angle monitoring in situations where you want a child-level or overhead shot.

Continuous Shooting While Viewing
The DSLR-A300 lets you shoot continuously at up to 3 frames per second while you see your subject in the viewfinder, so you never lose track of the action. In JPEG mode, you can shoot up to the limit of your flash memory card; in RAW Burst Mode you can capture up to 6 shots, with intelligent buffer management to allow more shots to be captured without waiting for the buffer to clear.

Smart Teleconverter 2X Zoom
At the touch of a button you can zoom in electronically on your subject, reproducing pixels on a 1:1 basis with no degradation in picture quality. One touch zooms in at 1.4X, the second touch advances to 2X zoom - creating the 35mm equivalent of a 200mm telephoto effect with the DSLR-A300’s standard 18-70mm zoom lens.

Expanded ISO Sensitivity
A broad sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 enables the DSLR-A300 to capture beautiful color images even in very dim light - with High ISO Noise Reduction technology that reduces picture noise artifacts at high-sensitivity ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 settings by eliminating noise from RAW data after analog-to-digital conversion.

Super SteadyShot In-Camera Image Stabilization
Because image stabilization is built into the DSLR-A300, every lens benefits by an advantage of from 2.5 to 3.5 exposure steps. This allows you to shoot effectively with minimum blur even in low light without flash - or adjust exposure control for smaller lens aperture, to increase depth of field and bring both foreground and background into sharp focus.

Bionz Image Processor
The “brain” of the α (alpha) DSLR-A300 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry to enhance images with rich tonal reproduction, improved white balance and exposure control, and expanded D-Range Optimizer capabilities. With 2-channel data transfer from CCD to processor, your camera can also respond faster.

1200-zone Evaluative Metering
Exposure information from the image sensor dedicated to Live View is divided into 1200 zones of luminance and RGB color information. In addition D-Range Optimizer technology contributes to judge the scene and then determine the optimum exposure to reproduce images with a more natural look.

Dynamic Range Optimizer
To improve results with backlit subjects and recover details hidden in shadows or lost in glare, the DSLR-A300 provides Dynamic Range Optimizer at two levels: Normal DRO, to improve detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, or Advanced DRO, to adjust dynamic range area-by-area for the greatest precision.

Anti-Dust Technology
Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera - so to keep the CCD imager cleaner for better pictures, the DSLR-A300 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off.

Auto Pop-Up Flash
The camera flash automatically pops up and fires when needed, to help first-time DSLR photographers shoot more effectively. Auto Pop-up works in Auto mode and some scene selection modes; Flash is cancelled in Landscape, Sport or Sunset modes and in “Flash Off” position on the Exposure Mode dial.

Eye-Start Autofocus System
It begins precision autofocus adjustments the moment you raise the camera to your eye - so unlike some DSLR cameras that don’t start focusing until the shutter button is half-pressed, the Sony DSLR-A300 never slows down your ability to catch fast action.

9-Point Center Cross AF Sensor
A fast focus motor and improved focus control help bring images into sharp definition more quickly, with predictive focus control that automatically calculates the position of a fast-moving subject.

Scene Selection Modes
Along with auto exposure, the DSLR-A300 gives you scene selection modes to optimize camera performance for Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night Portrait/Night View situations.

Creative Style Settings
To express your creativity and personal taste, you can adjust contrast, saturation and sharpness settings for any of 8 finishing styles - including Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night View, Sunset, B & W and Adobe RGB modes.

Index and Slide Show Display
To quickly review your photos, the DSLR-A300 can display 4, 9 or 25-frame index views - or present automatic slide shows with fade-in/fade-out effect.

High-Resolution Thumbnails for PhotoTV HD Viewing
The DSLR-A300 automatically creates high-resolution thumbnail images for viewing on Sony’s BRAVIA HDTV in optimized PhotoTV HD mode, with image format adjustable for standard 3:2 or widescreen 16:9 display.

Function Guide Display
On-screen menus are intuitive and easy to use - and a simple Camera Function Display can be activated and operated with one hand using the “Fn” (Function) button and controller button to adjust Flash mode, Autofocus mode, White Balance, Metering mode, AF area and D-Range Optimizer.

Stamina Battery Power
In optical viewfinder mode, you can take up to 750 shots on a fully charged NP-FM500H InfoLITHIUM battery - and you’ll be able to see about how much power remains in percentage increments, so you can keep shooting in confidence.

High-Capacity Media Options
For conveniently storing and sharing your images, the α (alpha) DSLR-A300 accepts CompactFlash Type I/II media and Memory Stick PRO Duo media via an optional adapter.

Advanced Lenses and System Accessories
Sony’s α (alpha) system gives you everything you need to expand your creativity in DSLR photography: precision Sony DT zoom lenses and specialty lenses, Sony “G” Series lenses with advanced motorized autofocusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss lens designs, and professional-quality flash units.

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Older Post:

Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera 14MP

Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera 14MP

Sigma SD14 Digital SLR Camera 14MP

• Sensor: Foveon X3 Pro 14M CMOS Image Sensor; 20.7 x 13.8 mm
  
• Photodetectors: 14.1 million (2652 x 1768 x 3)
  
• Effective pixel locations: 4.6 million (2640 x 1760)
  
• Image sizes: 4608 x 3072 (Super High) - Interpolated; 2640 x 1760 (High); 1776 x 1184 (Medium); 1296 x 864 (Low)
  
• Image formats: Foveon X3 RAW (.X3F, 12-bits per photodetector); JPEG (Fine, Normal, Baisc compression)
  
• Lens mount: Sigma SA mount
  
• Field of view crop: 1.7x
  
• Autofocus: TTL phase detection, 5 area; operating range: 0 to 18 EV
  
• Lens servo: Single Servo AF; continuous Servo AF with motion prediction function; Manual
  
• Sensitivity: ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (extended mode)
  
• Metering: 8-segment evaluative, center, center-weighted average
  
• Metering range: 1 - 20 EV
  
• Exposure mode: (P) Program AE, (A) Aperture-Priority Auto, (S) Shutter-Priority Auto, (M) Manual
  
• Exposure compensation: +/-3 EV in 0.3 EV steps
  
• AE lock: Dedicated AEL button
  
• AE bracketing: Three images; compensation steps: 0.3 - 3.0 EV
  
• Shutter type: Vertical travel metal focal plane shutter; electronically controlled through entire speed range
  
• Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 1/4000 second, Bulb (up to 30 seconds)
  
• Depth-of-field preview: Button, stops-down lens aperture
  
• X-Sync shutter speed: Up to 1/180 second
  
• Shooting modes: Single frame; continuous shooting; self-timer 10 seconds; self-timer 2 seconds
  
• Continuous mode: High: 3 frames per second (fps) for 7 frames; Medium: 3 fps for 12 frames; Low: 3 fps for 24 frames
  
• White balance: Auto, Sunlight, Shade, Overcast, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom
  
• Sync contact: Hot-shoe, X-contact only (also has dedicated Sigma link contact)
  
• Flash control: STTL automatic flash exposure; only Sigma EF-500 DG Super SA, EF-500 DG ST SA flash units
  
• Built-in flash: Pop-up; Guide number 11; coverage approximately 17 millimeters
  
• Viewfinder: Pentaprism viewfinder; eyepoint 18mm; magnification 0.9x; frame coverage 98%; diopter adjustment: -3 to +1.5 dpt
  
• LCD monitor: 2.5-inch TFT LCD, 150,000 pixels, 100% frame coverage
  
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, video out
  
• Storage: CompactFlash Type I/II
  
• Power: Lithium-Ion battery BP-21, AC adapter (optional)
  
• Dimensions: 144 x 107 x 81 millimeters (5.7 x 4.2 x 3.2 inches)
  
• Weight (without battery): 700 grams (1.5 pound)
  
• What's in the box: Sigma SD14 digital SLR, Lithium-ion power battery BP-21, battery charger BC-21, USB cable, video cable, neck strap, eye cap, body cap, eyepiece cap, SIGMA Photo Pro 3.0 CD-rom, SD14 instruction manual

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Older Post:

Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR Camera 8MP

Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR Camera 8MP

Canon Rebel XT Digital SLR Camera 8MP

• Digital AF/AE SLR
  
• Recording medium: CF card type I and II
  
• Image format: 0.87 x 0.58 inches / 22.2 x 14.8 millimeters
  
• Compatible Lenses: Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses (focal length conversion factor: equivalent to approximately 1.6x indicated focal length compared to 35mm format)
  
• Lens Mount: Canon EF mount
  
• Image Sensor: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate color CMOS sensor
  
• Total pixels: Approximately 8.2 megapixels, 8.90 effective pixels
  
• Aspect ratio: 2:3 (vertical:horizonrtal)
  
• Color filter system: RGB primary color filter
  
• Low-pass filter: Fixed position in front of the image sensor
  
• Recording format: Design rule for camera file system JPEG and RAW 2.21 compliant
  
• Image format: JPEG and RAW (CR2)
  
• File size: JPEG: UP to approximately. 3.3 MB (3456 x 2304), RAW: approximately 8.3 MB (3456 x 2304)
  
• Folders: Automatic setting
  
• File numbering: Continuous numbering, auto reset
  
• Image-processing parameters: Standard parameters plus up to three custom processing parameter sets and monochrome can be set
  
• Interface: USB 2.0 hi-speed
  
• White balance: Auto, preset (daylight, shade, cloudy/twilight/sunset, tungsten light, white fluorescent light, flash), manual (custom: read off photo quality gray card or white subject)
  
• Viewfinder: Eye-level SLR (with fixed pentamirror)
  
• Coverage: Approximately 95 percent vertically and horizontally (against JPEG Large)
  
• Magnification: 0.8x (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)
  
• Eyepoint: 21mm
  
• Dioptric adjustment correction: minus 3.0 to 1.0 diopters
  
• Focusing screen: Fixed
  
• Mirror: Quick-return half mirror (Transmittance: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with lenses up to EF 600 millimeters F4)
  
• Viewfinder information: AF points, AE lock, FE lock, AEB in progress, flash ready, improper FE lock warning, high-speed sync, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction, shutter speed, bulb, FE lock, processing data, built-in flash recycling, aperture, exposure level display (exposure compensation, manual exposure level, AEB level, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction lamp on time display), max burst during continuous shooting, AF/MF focus confirmation, CF card full, CF card error, no CF card
  
• Depth-of-field preview: Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
  
• Eyepiece shutter: None (provided on strap)
  
• Auto focus (AF): TTL-CT-SIR with AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
  
• AF points: 7
  
• AF working range: EV 0.5 - 18 (at ISO 100)
  
• Focusing modes: One-Shot AF, predictive aI servo AF, AI focus AF (automatically selects one-shot AF or aI servo AF selected according to shooting mode), manual focusing (MF)
  
• AF point selection: Automatic selection, manual selection
  
• Selected AF point display: Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
  
• AF-assist beam: Intermittent firing of built-in flash, effective range: approximately 13.1 feet/4 meters at center, approximately 11.5 feet/3.5 meters at periphery
  
• Metering modes: Maximum aperture TTL metering with 35-zone SPC. Evaluative metering, Partial metering at center (approximately 9 percent of viewfinder), center-weighted average metering
  
• Metering range: EV 1 to 20 (at 68 degrees F/20 degrees C with 50 millimeter F1.4 lens at ISO 100)
  
• Exposure control systems: Program AE (shiftable), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, automatic depth-of field AE, full auto, programmed image control modes (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, night portrait, flash off), E-TTL II autoflash program AE, and manual
  
• ISO speed range: Equivalent to ISO 100 to 1600
  
• Exposure compensation: Up to plus or minus 2 stops in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments. Manual exposure compensation, AEB (auto exposure bracketing)
  
• AE lock: Auto: operates in one-shot AF mode evaluative metering when focus is achieved; Manual: enabled with AE lock button (No AE lock in basic zone modes)
  
• Shutter type: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically-controlled
  
• Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 seconds in 1/2- or 1/3-stop increments, bulb, X-Sync at 1/200 seconds
  
• Shutter release: Soft-touch electromagnetic release
  
• Noise reduction for long exposure: Set with C. Fn-02
  
• Self-timer: 10 second delay
  
• Remote control: Remote control with RS-60E3 terminal or wireless remote controllers RC-1/RC-5
  
• Built-in flash: Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism
  
• Guide number: 13 (at ISO 100 in meters)
  
• Recycling time: Approx. 3 seconds
  
• Flash-ready indicator: Flash-ready indicator lights on in viewfinder
  
• Flash coverage: Up to 17 millimeters focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 35mm format)
  
• EOS external flash or dedicated speedlites: E-TTL II autoflash
  
• Drive modes: Single, continuous, self-timer/remote control
  
• Continuous shooting speed: Approximately 3.0 frames per second (with battery pack NB-2LH, at Tv=1/250 seconds for all recording qualities)
  
• Maximum burst during continuous shooting: 14 shots (large/fine)
  
• LCD monitor: TFT color LCD monitor
  
• Screen monitor size: 1.8 inches
  
• Pixels: Approximately 115,000 pixels (displayed pixels)
  
• Brightness control: 5 levels settable with menu's LCD brightness
  
• Image display format: Single image, 9-image index, magnified zoom, auto play, auto play right after shooting
  
• Highlight alert: In the single image with information display mode, the highlighted portions containing no image information with blink
  
• Image protection and erase: A single image can be protected or unprotected; A single image or all images stored in a CompactFlash card can be erased if they are unprotected
  
• LCD monitor language: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Italian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese
  
• Battery: Battery pack NB-2LH (x1)
  
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.63 inches / 126.5 x 94.2 x 64 millimeters
  
• Weight: 17.1 ounces / 485 grams
  
• Operating temperature: 32 to 104 degrees F / 0 to 40 degrees C; 85 percent or less humidity
  
• Len (included): EF-S 18 to 55mm f3.5 to 5.6 USM
  
• Focal length and maximum aperture: 18 to 55mm 1:3.5-5.6
  
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
  
• Diagonal angle of view: 75 degrees 20 yards to 27 degrees 50 yards
  
• Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with Micro USM
  
• Closest focusing distance: 0.28 meters / 0.92 feet to infinity
  
• Zoom system: Rotating type
  
• Filter size: 58mm
  
• Maximum diameter x length, weight : 2.7 x 2.6 inches, 6.07 ounces / 69 x 66.2 millimeters, 190 grams
  

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Older Post:

Canon EOS 50D DSLR Camera 15.1MP

Canon EOS 50D DSLR Camera 15.1MP

Canon EOS 50D DSLR Camera 15.1MP

• Digital single-lens reflex AF/AE camera with built-in flash
  
• Image sensor size: 22.3 x 14.9mm
  
• Compatible lenses: Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses)
  
• Lens mount: Canon EF
  
• Sensor type: High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
  
• Effective pixels: Approximately 15.10 megapixels
  
• Total pixels: Approximately 15.5 megapixels
  
• Aspect ratio: 3:2 (horizontal: vertical)
  
• Color filter system: RGB primary color filters
  
• Low-pass filter: Fixed position in front of CMOS sensor
  
• Dust deletion feature: Yes
  
• Recording format: Design rule for camera file system 2.0
  
• Image type: JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), sRAW, RAW+JPEG
  
• File size: Large/fine: 5 MB (4752 x 3168); large/normal: 2.5 MB (4752 x 3168); medium/fine: 3 MB (3456 x 2304); medium/normal: 1.6 MB (3456 x 2304); small/fine: 1.7 MB (2352 x 1568); small/normal: 0.9 MB (2352 x 1568); RAW: 20.2 MB (4752 x 3168); RAW+large/fine: 20.2+5 MB (4752 x 3168); sRAW 1: 12.6 MB (3267 x 2178), sRAW 2: 9.2 MB (2376 x 1584); sRAW 2+large/fine: 9.2+5 MB (2376 x 1584)
  
• Recording functions: With WFT-E3A attached, image recording to the WFT-E3A will be possible as follows: standard, automatic switching of recording media, separate recordings according to image-recording quality, recording images having the same size
  
• Backup recording: Enabled with WFT-E3A attached
  
• File numbering: Consecutive, auto reset, manual reset
  
• Color space: sRGB, Adobe RGB
  
• Picture style: Portrait, landscape, neutral, faithful, monochrome, user defined 1-3
  
• Image processing type: Auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom, color temperature setting
  
• Auto white balance: Auto white balance with image sensor
  
• Color temperature compensation: White balance correction: +/-9 stops in full-stop increments; white balance brackeing: +/-3 stops in full-stop increments
  
• Viewfinder type: Eye-level pentaprism
  
• Coverage: Approximately 0.95x (-1m with 50mm lens at infinity)
  
• Eyepoint: Approximately 22mm
  
• Focusing screen: Interchangeable (Ef-D: grid lines, EF-S: point of focus, EF-A: standard focusing screen)
  
• Mirror: Quick-return half mirror
  
• Depth-of-field preview: Yes
  
• Autofocus type: TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
  
• AF points: 9
  
• Metering range: EV 0.5 to 18
  
• Focusing modes: Auto, one-shot AF, predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, manual
  
• AF point selection: Automatic, manual
  
• Selected AF point display: Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
  
• AF-assist beam: Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash
  
• Metering modes: 35-zone full-aperture metering: evaluative, partial (9 percent of viewfinder at center), spot (3.8 percent of viewfinder at center), center-weighted average
  
• Metering range: EV 1-20
  
• Exposure control: Program AE (shiftable), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, creative auto, full auto, programmed image control modes (portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, night portrait, flash off), manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
  
• ISO speed: Automatically set: ISO 100 to 6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments); basic zone modes: ISO 100 to 3200 set automatically; extension settable: ISO 12800; high-tone priority settable: ISO 200 to 1600
  
• Exposure compensation: Manual: +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
  
• AE lock: Auto and manual
  
• Shutter type: Veritcal travel, mechanical, electronically controlled focal-plane shutter
  
• Shutter speeds: 1/8000 to 1/60 second, X-sync at 1/250 second; 1/8000 to 30 second, bulb
  
• Shutter release: Soft-touch electromagnetic
  
• Self timer: 10- or 2-second delay
  
• Remote control: Yes, with N3-type terminal
  
• Flash type: Retractable auto pop-up
  
• Flash metering: E-TTL II autoflash
  
• Recycling time: Approximately 3 seconds
  
• Flash-ready indicator: Viewfinder icon
  
• Flash coverage: 17mm lens angle of view
  
• FE lock: Yes
  
• Flash exposure compensation: Up to +/-2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
  
• Compatible flash: EX-series Speedlites
  
• Drive modes: Single, high-speed continuous, low-speed continuous, and self-timer
  
• Continuous shooting speed: 3 shots/second to 6.3 shots/second
  
• Live View shooting modes: Live View, remote Live View (with a personal computer installed with EOS utility)
  
• Live View focusing: Manual, autofocus
  
• LCD monitor: 3-inch TFT color LCD
  
• Resolution: Approximately 920,000 pixels
  
• Coverage: Approximately 100 percent
  
• Brightness adjustment: 7 levels
  
• Interface languages: 25
  
• Display format: Single image, single image + image-recording quality/shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approximately 1.5x to 10x), rotated image (auto/manual), image jump (by 10/100 images, index screen, by shooting date, by folder), slide show (all images/selected by date/folder)
  
• Image protection: Yes
  
• Erase: Single, check-marked images, or all (except protected images)
  
• Compatible printers: PictBridge
  
• Printable images: JPEG compliant to design rule for camera file system and RAW/sRAW images
  
• Interface: USB 2.0, NTSC/PAL selectable, HDMI mini out
  
• Battery: Rechargeable battery pack or AA alkaline batteries
  
• AC adapter: ACK-E2 adapter kit sold separately)
  
• Camera width: 5.7 inches
  
• Camera height: 4.2 inches
  
• Camera depth: 2.9 inches
  
• Weight: 25.7 ounces (body only)
  
• Warranty: 1 year

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Older Post:

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 Lens

An essential tool with a focal length that closely replicates the visual perspective of the human eye when used with an FX-format D-SLR. Nikon’s optical expertise and modern technological advances, such as the Silent Wave Motor, help to deliver outstanding operation that is critical for Nikon FX and DX-format photographers who demand the pinnacle of photographic performance.

Ideal for travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, the new AF-S 50mm f/1.4 lens combines a superb optical formula with an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, making it destined to become an instant classic in this digital age. This compact lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 1.5 feet for added versatility. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet operation.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G teams perfectly with the low noise at high ISO sensitivity performance of Nikon D-SLRs such as the D3 and new D700 cameras. When used on a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G provides an ideal portrait picture angle, approximating that of a 75mm lens in use on a FX-format D-SLR or 35mm SLR camera.

A newly developed optical formula effectively corrects sagittal coma flare and coma aberration, delivering astonishing image quality and allowing more users to realize their creative vision with vivid clarity. Instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are further suppressed through the use of Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance. The rounded diaphragm opening combined with the nine-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon dealers beginning December 2008.

Nikon D90 DSLR Camera 12.3 MP

Nikon D90 DSLR Camera 12.3 MP

Details

• Image sensor format: DX
  
• Image sensor type: CMOS
  
• Sensor size: 15.8 x 23.6mm
  
• Total pixels: 12.9 MP
  
• Effective pixels: 12.3 MP
  
• Image area (DX format): Large: 4288 x 2848; medium: 3216 x 2136; small: 2144 x 1424
  
• Top continuous shooting speed at full resolution: 4.5 frames per second
  
• Continuous shooting options: CH: up to 4.5 frames per second; CL: up to 4 frames per second
  
• LCD monitor size: 3 inches diagonal
  
• LCD monitor type: Super density
  
• Monitor resolution: 920,000 pixels
  
• Angle of view: 170-degree wide viewing angle
  
• Monitor adjustments: 7 brightness levels
  
• Shutter type: Electronically controlled, vertical-travel focal plane
  
• Slowest shutter speed: 30 seconds in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
  
• Fastest shutter speed: 1/4000 second in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
  
• Bulb shutter setting: Yes
  
• Lowest standard ISO sensitivity: 200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
  
• Highest standard ISO sensitivity: 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
  
• Lowest expanded ISO sensitivity: Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
  
• Highest expanded ISO sensitivity: Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
  
• Expanded ISO sensitivity options: Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV; Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
  
• Storage media: SD, SDHC
  
• Storage system: JPEG: JPEG-baseline compliant, can be selected from size priority and optimal quality; AVI
  
• File system: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF, Exif 2.21
  
• Exposure modes: Programmed auto (P) with flexible program, shutter priority auto (S), aperture priority auto (A), manual (M), auto
  
• Advanced scene modes: Portrait, landscape, close-up, sports, night portrait
  
• Exposure metering system: 420-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II, center weighted, spot
  
• Metering range: 1: 0 to 20 EV (matrix or center-weighted metering); 2: 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens)
  
• Exposure meter coupling: CPU
  
• Exposure compensation: +/-5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1
  
• Exposure lock: Yes
  
• Exposure bracketing: Yes, 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1, or 2 EV
  
• Shutter release modes: Single frame (S), continuous low speed (CL) at 1 to 4 frames per second, Live View (LV), self-timer, continuous high speed (CH) at 4.5 frames per second
  
• Movie modes: HD 1280 x 720 at 24 fps, VGA 640 x 424 at 24 fps, QVGA 320 x 216 at 24 fps
  
• White balance: Sun, shade, fluorescent, incandescent, flash, preset, fine tune by Kelvin color temperature setting, auto, auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), 7 manual modes with fine tuning
  
• White balance bracketing: Yes, 2 or 3 exposures in increments of 1, 2, or 3
  
• D-lighting bracketing: 2 exposures
  
• Playback functions: Full frame, zoom, slideshow, pictmotion, histogram, shooting data, highlight point display, auto image rotation, sound playback, D-movie playback, thumbnail (4, 9, 72 segments), calendar
  
• Interface: High-speed USB, NTSC, HDMI
  
• Lens mount: Nikon F bayonet mount
  
• Compatible lenses: DX AF Nikkor, D-G-type AF Nikkor, AF Nikkor, AL-P Nikkor, non-CPU AI Nikkor (supported functions may vary)
  
• Picture angle: 1.5
  
• Viewfinder frame coverage: Approximately 96 percent
  
• Viewfinder eyepoint: 19.5
  
• Reflex mirror: Quick-return type
  
• Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.94x
  
• Depth-of-field control: Yes
  
• Autofocus system: Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range of approximately 0.5 to 3 meters)
  
• Focus modes: Single-servo AF (S), continuous-servo (C), manual (M) with electronic rangefinder, Live View autofocus (face priority, wide area, normal area)
  
• Focus lock: Yes
  
• Picture control: Standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, 9 user-customizable settings, portrait, landscape
  
• In-camera image editing: Trim, D-lighting, color balance, image overlay, filter effects, monochrome, color balance, NEF (RAW) processing, quick retouch, straighten, distortion control
  
• Built-in flash: Yes
  
• External flash shoe: Yes
  
• Nikon Creative Lighting System compatibility: Yes
  
• Flash sync speed: Up to 1/200
  
• FP high-speed sync: Up to 1/4000
  
• Flash sync modes: Front-curtain sync (normal), slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
  
• Accessory shoe: Yes
  
• Self-timer: 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds
  
• World time setting: Yes
  
• Date, time, and daylight savings time settings: Yes
  
• Battery type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
  
• AC adapter: EH-5a
  
• Battery charger: MH-18a
  
• Image comment: Yes
  
• Battery life: 850 shots (CIPA)
  
• Tripod socket: 1/4-20
  
• Supplied software: Software Suite CD-ROM
  
• Supplied lens: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
  
• Focal length: 18 to 105mm
  
• Zoom ratio: 5.8x
  
• Maximum aperture: f/2.5 to f/5.6
  
• Minimum aperture: f/22 to f/38
  
• Autofocus: Yes
  
• AF-S (silent wave motor): Yes
  
• Compatible formats: DX, FX in DX crop mode
  
• Vibration reduction: Yes
  
• Distance information: Yes
  
• ED glass elements: Yes
  
• Super-integrated coating: Yes
  
• Aspherical elements: Yes, 1
  
• Manual/auto focus mode: Yes
  
• Minimum focus distance: 1.48 feet
  
• Maximum angle of view: 76 degrees
  
• Minimum angle of view: 15 degrees at 20 feet
  
• Lens elements: 15
  
• Lens groups: 11
  
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:5
  
• Mount type: Nikon F-Bayonet
  
• Filter type: 67mm screw on
  
• Lens attachment size: 67mm
  
• Lens dimensions: 3 inches in diameter, 3.5 inches long
  
• Camera width: 5.2 inches
  
• Camera height: 4.1 inches
  
• Camera depth: 3.0 inches
  
• Weight: 22 ounces (camera), 14.8 ounces (lens)
  
• Warranty: 1 year

Filters Improve Your Digital Photographs

Filters Improve Your Digital Photographs
by Stan Pontiere
 
If you look around at photographers today, you will notice that almost none of them are using filters. There is an exception to this, however, if you are watching a professional photographer at work, there is rarely a time when he is not using a filter on his camera. Filters are one of the easiest ways to improve your digital photographs.

I am not telling you that you should go out and buy $200 in filters that you will probably never use. But, there are three filters that are really a must have in your gadget bag. They are a UV1, UVA, and a polarizing filter. They are both inexpensive and will add an extra dimension to your digital photographs.

The UV1 filter is primarily used to filter out excess ultraviolet light. It is ultraviolet light that is the primary cause of that bluish cast that you get in your scenic photographs. By adding a UV1 filter to your camera when taking scenic photos, you will eliminate or nearly eliminate that bluish haze that ruins so many photographs.

The second filter that you should carry is a UVA filter. This filter is also used to reduce ultraviolet light but it also has a slight warming effect. In both daylight and flash pictures, you may notice that skin tones often have a slightly bluish cast. As a UVA filter has a slight warming effect, it will very effectively give you much more natural skin tones. You may occasionally want to also use this filter in place of a UV1 filter in your scenic photographs.

The polarizing filter is the real star of these three filters. Many photographers call it their "National Geographic" filter. If you have ever worn polarizing sunglasses, you have probably marveled at how rich the colors are when wearing them. Polarizing filters and sunglasses work by eliminating diffuse reflections thereby allowing the full rich natural colors to come through. If you pick up a old copy of National Geographic, you are almost always amazed at the rich blue skies and bright fluffy clouds in their photographs. That rich blue comes from the use of the polarizing filter. By eliminating the diffuse reflections in the sky, the rich natural blue of the sky creates a dramatic photograph. One note of caution, because of the nature of polarized light, your automatic exposure setting might be incorrect. To overcome this, you might have to use manual exposure settings or EV value correction. The nice thing about a digital camera, is that you will be able to review your shot and make the necessary corrections immediately.

Filters are both inexpensive and take up very little room and the resultant improvement in your digital photos make it well worth the investment. You probably won't find filters at the bit-box stores but, any good camera shop will have a wide selection. By the way, while your at the camera shop, pick up a good lens cleaning kit. Handkerchiefs and tissues paper will ultimately ruin your lens. Each time you use them, it produces minor scratches on your lens and degrades the quality of your image.