Digital Camera News and Reviews

Nikon D5000

Camera Labs has made a video tour in high definition to show us different aspects to the Nikon D5000 DSLR camera. The video shows us the controls and design of the Nikon D5000 in addition to showing us how the Live View works, articulated screen, continuous shooting and HD movies in action.

Some key features for the Nikon D5000:
-12.3 megapixel sensor
-2.7″ 180 degree tilt swivel LCD screen
-720p HD movie with sound
-live view with four auto focus options

You can view the video both in high definition (HD) and lower quality here at the Camera Labs website.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

SLRgear has reviewed a prime lens from Nikon, the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor. This lens is quite interesting for portrait photographers with its f/2, but the Nikon lens is quite expensive. The lens also feature “defocus control” where you can the appearance and nature of the out of foucs areas in photos.

SLRgear ends up giving the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor lens a very good review as you get good results wide open and if you stop it down to f/2.8 you get excellent results. The lens handle chromatic aberration and there is about zero vignetting and distortion. The reviewer also enjoyed the defocus control. So I guess the only downside for the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor is the high price, but when it comes to optics you get what you pay for.
Read the full review of the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor lens here.

Nikon Coolpix L100

Nikon has announced new firmware for their compact camera Nikon Coolpix L100. The new firmware lets you use NiMH rechargeable batteries in the Nikon Coolpix L100 digital camera. The firmware will be available at the same time as Nikon releases new rechargeable batteries and a charger.
The firmware will be released later this summer.

Press release:
Release of Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 and Battery Charger MH-73/Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 Set

COOLPIX L100 firmware update adds support for NiMH batteries

June 9, 2009 – TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of a genuine Nikon set of four nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4, and a retail set that includes the Battery Charger MH-73, for charging sets of four nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and one set of four Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4.

In addition, a firmware update for the COOLPIX L100 (supports four AA batteries) that adds support for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries will be released to coincide with release of these new sets of Nikon NiMH batteries and dedicated battery charger. Please look for information regarding acquisition of the firmware provided by companies or shops selling the camera.

Support for rechargeable batteries makes the COOLPIX L100 an even more convenient digital camera
The Battery Charger MH-73, which allows for simultaneous charging of sets of four batteries, is the perfect companion for the COOLPIX L100 with added support for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Released in March of this year, the COOLPIX L100 supports AA batteries that are easily acquired anywhere. This convenience has made the COOLPIX L100 an extremely popular digital camera. The added support for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries not only reduces the burden on the environment, but further increases the practicality of the COOLPIX L100 by increasing the number of shots that can be taken with a set of fully charged batteries.

Nikon will continue to respond to the demands of its customers with services and products that offer ever increasing ways of enjoying digital cameras.

Product overview
Product name Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4, Battery Charger MH-73 / Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 Set
Scheduled release date Summer, 2009

COOLPIX L100 Nikon digital camera specifications with use of Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2

Power sources Four AA alkaline batteries (supplied), four AA lithium batteries (available commercially), four Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 (available separately in sets of four), or AC adapter EH-67 (optional)
Number of exposures possible (battery performance)* Approximately 350 shots with alkaline batteries, 600 shots with EN-MH2 batteries, and 900 shots with lithium batteries

*Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) testing standards

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Nikon D5000

Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Nikon D5000 DSLR. This DSLR is the first from Nikon that has a tilt swivel LCD screen. The D500 also feature a 720p HD movie mode and it will interesting to see how it works.

Some key features for the Nikon D5000:
-12.3 megapixel sensor
-2.7″ 180 degree tilt swivel LCD screen
-720p HD movie with sound
-live view with four auto focus options

Digital Camera Review ends up giving the Nikon D5000 camera a pretty good review as it is able to take good pictures of good quality and performs over all.
The only downsides are a bit steep price tag, no auto focus when recording video and there is a time limit for the HD video mode.
All in all the Nikon D5000 seems like a very good entry level DSLR camera as soon as the price goes down a bit.
Read the full review of the Nikon D5000 DSLR here.