Filed Under Nikon
If you’re looking for a high quality APS-C camera then the Nikon D90 is well worth looking at. It’s a mid range camera, with a competitive price for a large number of features, although it probably isn’t suitable for a beginner (the Nikon D3100 is better for that). The camera has 12.3 MP using a DX CMOS sensor, an 18-105mm lens included (if you’re buying the kit version) and the ability to record video at up to 24fps. The D90 is a popular camera, largely because of its high quality specification and convenient layout.
Features of the Nikon D90
- The Nikon D90 is designed with ergonomics in mind, meaning that all its buttons are easy to access and give good feedback. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself using the menus much less frequently, which increases the chance of you getting the perfect shot.
- The new (when it was first released anyway) Nikon sensor means that the Nikon D90 takes high quality shots every time, with a great signal/noise ratio.
- The Nikon D90 has a 3 inch LCD monitor that’s packed with “dots” in order to provide a good preview of what your image will look like once printed or on a computer screen.
- Cameras with video recording functions are becoming more and more common in recent years, so it’s no surprise that the Nikon D90 has a 720p HD recording function.
- Other features include the ability to shoot on very low ISO, an 11 point auto focus system and a Live View meaning you don’t have to view through the viewfinder. This is especially useful if you’re shooting awkward shots.
These are just some of the features of the Nikon D90, but there are many more. Scene modes, durable shutter and editing from within the camera help to make it an extremely versatile device. The inclusion of GPS tagging to pictures is a nice bonus too.
As you’d expect from one of Nikon’s flagship products, the D90 has received good reviews. The video is, unfortunately, not great quality (especially the audio), and the kit lens won’t always allow you to make the most of the camera. All in all, it’s a great choice for a medium level photographer.
Filed Under Nikon
The Nikon D3100 is one of the most popular entry level cameras on the market at the moment, replacing the Nikon D3000 and to a lesser extent the D40, which were the standard choice for beginners. If you want to get into digital SLR photography, but don’t have a huge amount of money to spend on a camera body, lens etc then the D3100 kit is definitely one to consider. It comes with 14.2MP, an 18-55mm zoom lens and a 3 inch monitor. Although it can’t match some of the higher level cameras, the low price means that it opens the dSLR market to many people who would otherwise have to settle for a compact.
Features of the Nikon D3100 Camera
- The most important part of any camera – whether it’s entry level or high end – is the sensor. The Nikon D3100 has a DX Format CMOS sensor with a large 14.2MP. Compared to the D40 this is a major improvement. As with all cameras, it’s important to remember that the number of megapixels does not always equal quality, however.
- A handy feature of the Nikon D3100 is that it can capture photos to a variety of different types of memory cards. These include SD, SDHC and SDXC. These don’t come with the camera though, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- One of the most important improvements compared to the Nikon D40 is the D3100′s ability to take 1090p HD video. The D40 had no video capabilities. An autofocus system is included, and the video records sound too.
- The great thing about buying from a company such as Nikon is that you know the build quality will be good. The buttons are all in easy to reach places, and the camera is generally simple to use.
- The zoom lens included with the camera kit is great, although if you want to shoot long distance or macro shots then you’ll need a different lens.
The Nikon D3100, in general, has received very good reviews form people who’ve bought it. The large number of mega pixels combined with the high quality video recording options make it a versatile camera to own. As long as you keep in mind that the lens isn’t top quality, it is a kit lens so may struggle in low light, the D3100 has decent performance for what is an entry level camera.