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Nikon D5000 DDSLR Camera Review – Digital SLR Camera Review

The DSLR camera market is already overloaded with cameras from various manufacturers leaving a first time DSLR buyer confused about which one to opt for. Simplifying the customers’ search, Nikon D5000 has recently entered the scenario. Being an affordable and user friendly DSLR camera, Nikon D5000 poses tough competition to the present day top class models like Canon EOS 500D and Olympus E-620.

Body and Design

One would never expect a DSLR camera to be the size of a cell phone. Keeping this in mind, Nikon D5000 at127 x 104 x 80 mm, may seem to be larger than the D40 and D60, but it’s still smaller in size than the D80 and D90. As for the exterior design, the point-and-shoot camera users would be disappointed to find a rather plain and non attractive built. But that’s the way it’s meant to be. Big and bold, with an articulated and tilted screen and a protruding lens, the camera has its own identity.
Being bulky and weighty (approx. 560 g, without battery) may give the idea that it would be difficult to hold and shoot, but thankfully, the camera fits nicely in hand. With a hand grip provided and well suited positioning of the rear dial and AE-L/AF-L buttons, the key controls are within your easy access.

LCD Monitor

Nikon D5000 proudly owns a 2.7″ tilt and swivel LCD monitor with a 230,000 dot resolution. The screen allows excellent live view and video recording options, though the Live view AF is a real torment since it’s so slow and a complete waste of time. However, it may be useful for those planning to work on a tripod.

Another restriction with the bottom- hinged LCD is that once the camera is fitted on the tripod, its movement gets limited so you will have to set the screen in the desired direction before mounting the camera on the tripod stand.

Viewfinder

Nikon D5000 has a slightly different viewfinder than the previous Nikon models. The pentamirror view finder has a splendid 95% coverage in all directions and 0.78 x magnification. And if that wasn’t enough for you, the camera also shoes optional grid lines for better image capturing. The pentaprism system is definitely not as fine as that of D90; its still gives satisfactory performance.

Sensor

The D5000 has a12.9 Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million) which is exposed by the lens mount when the shutter is opened. The sensor ensures high quality images and owns an automatic sensor cleaning system. The piezoelectric elements vibrates the cover filter that shakes off any dust particles adhering to the sensor whereas the air flow system blows off any loose dirt settled on it. The ground-breaking EXPEED high-speed image-processing system in combination with a fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, produce sharp, bright and close to reality shots.

Lens Mount

The camera front bears a large Lens mount that houses lenses with built-in AF motors for Nikon. The lens is inserted while twisting it in the clock wise direction into the mount and then locked in its position by giving it an anti clock wise turn. Since, there is no AF option in the camera, lens wit built-in AF feature are to be mounted to allow Auto focusing.

Flash

The D5000 comprises of an electronic-release pop-up flash which can be raised automatically when the Auto mode or any of the flash dependent Scene modes are selected or manually by pressing the flash button. The flash button also functions as the Flash mode button when held while simultaneously turning the command dial. The flash bears a guide number of 12m at ISO 100 and is automatically activated and raised 80mm above the lens central axis, thus improving the image quality by adjusting the light exposure in low light conditions.

ISO Sensitivity / Noise levels

For a digital camera, the ISO equivalence is a measure of the sensor sensitivity. The sensitivity is enhanced by turning up the ‘volume’ on the sensor’s signal amplifier. Signal amplification also leads to the noise increment that becomes noticeable at higher ISO settings. The ISO range is quiet extended being between 100- 6400, the practical limit is between 200- 3200 though. In order to combat image noise, Auto ISO Sensitivity control is provided for your convenience.

D-Movie and Live View

Nikon D5000 can capture High Definition movies of 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps with mono sound which can be further dramatized and customized using the Picture Control settings even before you start recording. The D-movies can be easily connected to any television screens or HDMI output for the editing and viewing of the clips. The direct access to the Live View control allows the user to view and compose your movies on the movable LCD for a suitable framing.

Still Image Capturing

Nikon D-5000 records snaps in the RAW and JPEG form both. In continuous shooting mode, it operates at a rate of 4fps (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal).Giving you the freedom to shoot effortlessly and with ease, there are 19 scene modes available making still image capturing a real pleasure. Just turn the dial to ‘Scene’ and then choose the appropriate scene mode, the camera will automatically adjust the settings according to the situation.

The display shows a sample scene with the selected setting in order to help you get a more accurate idea about the mode that is the most apt one. There are also built-in editing options that allow you to add effects to the shots and beautify them within the camera system.

When the matter is of still image photography, the most important thing is the focusing of the object. The four contrast Auto Focus options available; wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking, makes it an easy task. Especially, for a fast moving object, the fourth option ensures that the focus is locked on the subject while it moves out and about the frame. Similarly, self- portraits and land scape photography are now a piece of cake for even non experienced photographers, thanks to the Vari-angle screen that gives you the best view of your subject.

Battery

One Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery EN-EL9a and AC Adapter EH-5a are the power source of Nikon D5000. The 7.8 Wh battery will allow you to capture around 510 shots with a single charge which is quiet enough. This means you can cover a whole event without having to worry about battery power.

Verdict

Though Nikon D-5000 is not the best DSLR around; it is however, one of the most simple and basic semi- automatic cameras one will encounter in the market. With high quality image production and a powerful sensor, D-5000 is worth its price. The built and design may be a set back for the camera, nevertheless, its durability and ease of use compensates for the downsides. It’s equally good for professional and non professional use.

Nikon D5000 DSLR Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)
Weight: Approx. 560 g (1 lb. 4 oz.) without battery, memory card, or body cap
Effective pixels: 12.3 million
Image sensor: CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm
Total pixels: 12.9 million; Nikon DX-format
Image size (pixels): 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Storage media: SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
LCD Monitor: Vari-angle type, 2.7-in. TFT LCD
Resolution: Approx. 230 k-dot, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment

Exposure metering: 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

Exposure modes: Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait, Night landscape, Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Silhouette, High key, and Low key), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)

Auto Focus: 11-Point AF system with 3D tracking
Still images: JPEG quality in RAW+JPEG shooting
Shooting modes: 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Movie Recording: Up to 1280 x 720 (720p), 24 fps with mono sound
Interface: Hi-Speed USB
GPS compatibility: 1x GPS unit provided
Power sources: One Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery EN-EL9a, AC Adapter EH-5a

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS Camera Review

Canon PowerShot SD 1200 IS is an amazing digital ELPH camera offering you ease of use, style and affordability. Those who have just taken up photography as a hobby or are learning the tricks, Canon PowerShot SD 1200 IS is the perfect camera to start with. Attractive and compact in built, it is one of the finest models from Canon so far.

Physical Features

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS, being only 3.48 x 2.16 x 0.86 inches in dimensions is actually smaller than a deck of cards and is so tiny that can easily fit in your pocket. It weighs 4.23 ounces that makes it ideal to carry around on your trips and outdoor activities. Available in funky colours; pink, orange, green, blue, light and dark gray, the camera appeals to girls and boys equally. The camera has a pleasant and unique design that suits both casual and formal use.

Display and Viewfinder

SD1200 IS has a large 2.5 inch screen which could have been bigger if the space on top and back of the camera wasn’t wasted on the next-to-useless linked optical viewfinder. The linked optical viewfinder has lost its significance with the passage of time since now photographers prefer the more helpful LCD screen for framing of the shots.

The TFT active matrix, 230000 pixels display screen offers a 16:9 widescreen viewing angle and for the adventurous types who are prone to hit and scratch their screens often, the display comes with a PureColor LCD II protective coating. Though dust and finger prints are still a part and parcel of your outdoor shootings, the screen is highly easy to clean and gives a clear and sharp image playback. The Zoom toggle given can be used to zoom in on the photos during the play back and the display shows the zoomed areas as crisp and clear as a computer screen would.

Optical Zoom and Lens

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS offers an excellent focus with 3x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 12x combined zoom that extends your focal length from 35 to 105mm. Supporting a 10.0 megapixel 11.8 inch Zoom lens and a CCD sensor, the camera allows you to shoot casual as well as focused shots with ease while maintaining the quality of the picture.

DIGIC 4 Processor

SD1200 IS possesses a DIGIC 4 Processor that is the reason behind excellent lighting in the still images captured by the camera. The processor recognizes faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and lighting according to the positions assigned to the faces. In high light conditions, the results are fine but in low light situations, the sensor showed difficulty in picking up the faces. Though, one might not consider the image quality as highly exceptional, the performance is still better than most of the cameras have to offer.

Light Sensitivity

SD1200 IS offers a wide range of ISO Settings; ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 which along with the brilliant i-Contrast feature takes care of the light issue. In low light conditions, image noise is a problem especially, above ISO 200, photo quality takes a down side. However, the Intelligent Contrast Correction system (i-Contrast) takes up charge and gives a better picture by illuminating the dark areas in the image without over blowing already lit up areas. The i-Contrast can be applied while capturing the photo or when viewing the shots in the play back mode.

Shooting Modes

For those who are new in the field of photography, SD1200 IS offers a good margin for learning. It has 18 preset shooting modes for different kinds of shooting situations. If you want to capture sea-life through a glass, then apply the Aquarium setting, which produces photos of underwater life without the reflection of the glass. And if you want to take a dip in the water yourself, then feel free to do so as the Underwater mode allow you to take snaps with minimum back scatter and off course in a water proof casing. Other modes include the P or Program mode designed for experienced photographers in which you can set the ISO speed, white balance, and metering according to the situation and the Kids & Pets for prompt focusing and fast image capturing.

Movie Recording

With SD1200, you can record VGA movies at 640 x 480 and QVGA at 320 x 240 resolutions which can be thereafter replayed on a computer or you can simply connect the camera to a television for playback. The camera can record a video of one hour maximum or a clip of 4GB size so this gives you the freedom to shoot continuous videos without worrying about the memory space.

Canon PowerShot SD 1200 IS Specifications:

Physical Dimensions: 3.5x 0.9 x 2.2 inches (W x D x H))

Weight: 4.2 oz

Enclosure Color: Dark gray

Color Support: Color

Optical Sensor Type: CCD

Total Pixels: 10,400,000 pixels

Resolution: 10 Megapixels

Light Sensitivity: ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, ISO auto

Digital Zoom: 4x

Lens System:
Lens Manufacturer: Canon
Type: Zoom lens – 6.2 mm – 18.6 mm – F/2.8-4.9
Focal Length: 6.2 mm – 18.6 mm
Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera: 35 – 105 mm
Focus Adjustment: Automatic
Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection
Min Focus Range: 11.8 in
Macro Focus Range: 3-50cm
Lens Aperture: F/2.8-4.9
Optical Zoom: 3 x
Lens Construction: 5 group(s) / 6 element(s)
Features: UA lens, Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield

Viewfinder:
Type: Optical – Real-image zoom
Viewfinder Color Support: Color

Display:
Type: LCD display – TFT active matrix – 2.5 in – Color
Display Form: Factor Built-in
Display Format: 230,000 pixels

Special Features:
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Shooting Programs: Snow , Beach , Indoor , Sunset , Foliage , Aquarium , Fireworks , Landscape , Underwater , Kids & pets , Slow shutter , Digital macro , Portrait mode , Night snapshot , High sensitivity
Special Effects: Sepia, Vivid, Black & White
Image Stabilizer: Optical
Image stabilizer feature: Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
Face Detection: Yes
White Balance: Custom , Presets , Automatic
White Balance Presets: Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent, and Tungsten light
Digital Video Format: AVI
Still Image Format: JPEG
TV Tuner: None
Video Capture: AVI – 640 x 480, AVI – 320 x 240
Self Timer: Yes
Self Timer Delay: 2 sec, 10 sec
Additional Features: AE lock , FE lock , DPOF support , Direct print , Built-in speaker , Histogram display , Resizing an image , Exif Print support , PictBridge support , In-camera red-eye fix , USB 2.0 compatibility , Digital image rotation , Digital noise reduction , RGB primary color filter , Face Detection Self-timer , Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB , Motion Detection Technology , Camera orientation detection , I-Contrast (Intelligent Contrast Correction) system

Shutter Speed:
Max Shutter Speed: 1/1500 sec
Min Shutter Speed: 15 sec
Exposure: Metering Spot, Evaluative, Center-weighted
Exposure Modes: Program , Automatic
Exposure Compensation: ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps

Memory / Storage:
Supported Flash Memory: Multimedia Card , SD Memory Card
Floppy Drive: None
Image Storage: Normal, Fine JPEG 3648 x 2736, JPEG 2816 x 2112, JPEG 2272 x 1704, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480, JPEG 3648 x 2048

Camera Flash:
Camera Flash: Built-in flash
Flash Modes: Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Slow synchro, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Effective Flash Range: 1 ft – 14 ft

Microphone:
Type Microphone: Built-in
Microphone Technology: Electrets condenser
Microphone Operation Mode: Mono

Connections:
Connector Type: 1 x USB, 1 x Composite video/audio output
Expansion Slot(s): 1 x SD Memory Card

Software:
Software Canon PhotoStitch, Canon ImageBrowser, Drivers & Utilities, Canon ZoomBrowser EX

System Requirements for PC Connection:
Peripheral Devices: USB port, CD-ROM drive

Power Source:
Power Device Battery charger: External

Battery:
Supported Battery: Canon NB-6L
Supported Battery: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery (Included)
Manufacturer Warranty: Service & Support 1 year warranty

Environmental Parameters:
Min Operating Temperature: 32 °F
Max Operating Temperature: 104 °F

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS Review

Compact, stylish and equipped with image stabilization, Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is an amazing point-and shoot digital camera that despite its small size is capable of delivering great results. For both club goers and campers; Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is an ideal choice owing to the ease of use and handling that it offers. With a host of brilliant features and functions incorporated, the camera is fit for use in the most demanding of situations.

Camera Size

Having the honour of being the smallest Canon ELPH camera to date, SD780 IS is a novel addition to the compact point-and-shoot cameras designed for outdoor shootings. It is astonishingly slim with a thickness of only 0.7 inches which gives it an advantage to get fit into your shirt or jeans pocket or in your bag pack. So all you have to do is grab your SD780 IS and hit the road!

Built and Style

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is unique in appearance, sleek and simple in style and strong and robust in built. Instead of using plastics in its built, the camera is made up of alloy materials that give it a solid look. No doubt, the camera is attractive in looks and is available in four elegant colours; silver, golden, red and black. However, the main highlight is its smooth finish which in my opinion is a downside for pocket cams. Since it is most carried around in pockets and bags, there are chances of getting the finish scratched and marked by coins and other stuff. So, it’s advisable to carry it in a small, form-fitting case or skin to keep it unscathed.

Image Stabilisation

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is a smart12.1 megapixel ELPH camera with a 1/2.3″ CCD sensor. Supported by the DIGIC IV Processor, it is capable of handling various shooting situations with efficiency and produces images that are next to real especially when shooting in sunlight. With a number of movie and shooting options along with image stabilization, both stills and videos captured are simply wonderful.

Lens and Zoom

SD 780 IS proudly holds out a 3x (33-100mm) zoom lens, with an aperture size of f/3.2-5.8. Now most of you would argue that it’s not something extraordinary especially those who want to take telephoto shots indoors. But when one looks at the physical size of the lens and camera when it is fully extended, one would be ready to compromise on the aperture size. In ready-to-shoot mode, the lens only sticks out about three-quarters of an inch from the face of the camera while maintaining the compactness of the camera body.
The moderate-wide to moderate-tele zoom lens has a two segmented solid alloy barrel providing the lens the needed protection for rough and tough use.

Display and Viewfinder

Looking at the over all petite frame of the camera, one should not be surprised to find a 2.5” 230K-pixel PureColor II LCD screen instead of a 3” display usually seen in point-and-shoot cameras nowadays. It offers magnificent viewing angles and fine picture quality and colour accuracy is better than produced by most of the other models of the league.

Coming to the physical aspect; the screen has a newly developed finger print repellant coating which wasn’t available in the previous models. Though the screen is easy to get scratched, on the other hand, it’s easier to clean as well and in some cases, minor marks can be removed with a little effort. However, if you are obsessive about a smooth display then go for a screen protector to keep it safe.

SD780 IS has a small optical viewfinder as well which gives satisfactory performance. Being tiny in size, makes it difficult for those who wear glasses to view images through it but its quiet useful when you are shooting in scorching sunlight or taking action shots.

Image Stabilization

The SD780 offers Canon’s latest lens-integrated stabilization system, which via a shifting lens element compensates for unnecessary camera shakes and produces clear and crisp shots. The IS system uses four basic modes; Continuous, Shoot Only, Panning, and Off for different shooting situations and adjusts camera motion accordingly. For e.g. when shooting sports, the Panning mode will prevent the IS system from hindering the compulsory subject-following motion of the camera to take the shot. This system is also helpful in producing nice shots in case of low lighting conditions with 1/15 and 1/10 shutter-speed.

Video Recording

SD780 IS following the foot steps of various other models is capable of producing High Definition 720p movies at the rate of 30 fps and a maximum resolution of 1280×720 pixels. Besides HD video recording, the SD780 also offers the HDMI output to an HDTV so you can enjoy them with others. The Audio quality is less than impressive, just like any other still camera sound. The sound is also affected by the fact that the microphone situated beneath the lens is frequently and unintentionally covered by the user’s hand thereby, depressing the audio quality.

Shutter Speed

In the shutter lag mode, the camera takes just 0.02 seconds to capture the shot that is similar to the shutter lag time offered by the Sony Cyber shot DSC-T700 and less than the Nikon CoolPix S560.
In the Continuous shooting mode, the shutter speed is 0.8 fps and the fact that it can keep on shooting with the same sped until the memory card is all consumed, is simply commendable for a camera this size. In this area, it too very well competes with the top most models of the era including the Cyber Shot and Casio Exilim.

Other features

Features like Face Detection, Blink Detection and Self- timer may not be new to this camera but are no doubt very much needed. The DIGIC IV Processor tracks and prioritizes faces in a frame and gives them nice exposure whereas Blink Detection would take care of shots when the subject is blinking. Face detection self-timer will make the camera shoot again when it detects an additional face in the frame. So after taking a snap of your friends, you can join the group too.

Battery

Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is powered by an awfully thin and lightweight 760 mAh lithium-ion pack. The small sized battery gives a small output limit too; only 200 shots per charge so when on a trip, take extra batteries with you to avoid any disappointments.

Final Word

With a thin 0.7 inch body, Image stabilization, 2.5 inch LCD and a view finder and not to mention the 720p HD movie recording, Canon PowerShot SD780 IS is a smart combination of style and efficiency. Though, there are certain downsides to the deal like screen and body easy to get scratched or noisy shots; SD780 IS is an affordable point-and-shoot camera with ultra-reliable photographic performance and strong built.

Canon Powershot SD780 IS Specs

Sensor: 12.1 megapixels, 1/2.3″ CCD
Lens/Zoom: 3x (33-100mm) zoom lens, f/3.2-5.8
LCD/Viewfinder: 2.5″, 230K-pixel PureColor II LCD; optical viewfinder
Sensitivity: ISO 80-1600
Shutter Speed: 15-1/1500 seconds
Shooting Modes: Smart Auto, Program, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets: Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Digital Macro, Long Shutter, Stitch Assist
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Metering Modes: Evaluative, Center, Spot
Focus Modes: Face AiAF, Center AF
Drive Modes: Normal, Continuous, Self Timer
Flash Modes: Auto, Forced On, Forced Off, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings: 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats: SD, SDHC, MMC
File Formats: JPEG, MOV
Max. Image Size: 4000×3000
Max. Video Size: 1280×720, 30 fps
Battery: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Connections: USB 2.0, HDMI
Additional Features: Face Detection, Motion Detection, Optical Image Stabilization, DIGIC IV Processor