And so i finally had a opportunity to get hold of this D-SLR with Best Buy today. That's not me a pro by any means yet I have used many different D-SLRs such as Canon (40D, T2i, XSi) and Nikon (D90, D5000). When I picked-up the camera for the first time, my initial reaction had been, "whoa - this is thus small and light weight"! That wasn't that I wasn't aware of the specifications - I knew them beforehand however I was still amazed by how small and mild it felt when I held it during my hands. Then, I figured, the grip would not be very comfortable but I had been wrong as keeping and operating the camera is just fine -- thanks to Nikon's well-thought-out design and grip. For the size and also feel, it's very much like D3000 but has a lot more goodies from the greater versions. So through an initial wow aspect, I quickly moved on in order to focusing on features as well as capabilities.
I have merely started using this photographic camera so more revise will follow but in the meantime initially my assessment of this camera is - I will be impressed! It is 1 heck of a camera which can certainly be competitive against the best in the class (Canon T1i, T2i, Nikon D5000). Take a look at detailed reviews from dpreview (.com) and cameralabs (.org) - they should be extra soon if not already there.
I love this camera because it:
+ has enough mega pixels for my needs (14.A couple of).
+ captures crystal clear pictures (thanks to EXPEED2 processor & the CMOS sensor, the sensor is slightly less space-consuming than the one used in D7000).
+ presents 1080p (HD) recording, AF subject tracking is awesome (Ten min max is okay with me; it data outstanding videos even in low light and to me that's big).
+ offers ISO from 100-3200 (Nikon d90 starts at Two hundred), it can go higher yet I really don't think the reason why I would need something above that.
+ will be small & light weight yet has good grasp, easy to carry around inside hands or throat.
+ supports SDXC cards together with SD and SDHC - right now that's nice.
+ (25-Sep-2010): offers buttons that are well-organized especially the video recording mode with a lever and that means you cannot mistakenly activate recording. That video recording lever once revealed, gets locked in A few seconds if you do not record and also the countdown begins as soon as you unlock the lever. Also you can document video while you're in a dial (imaging) function (Auto, P, A, S, M, etc) where as in Rule T2i, etc. you have to proceed the camera dial to movie mode. Thus , making this a great convenience - you can jump in between taking pictures and documenting videos with a easy unlocking of the lever. In addition, you can be in a favored dial (imaging) mode (Auto, P, Any, S, M, and so on) and change the release mode to Single, Continuous, Self-timer or Calm mode (this is positioned right underneath the primary dial) - an execllent convenient feature.
+ (04-Oct-2010): In-body photo and movie retouch menu. This is great as we don't need any specific software to apply particular touches. I love this.
Could have been even better if:
- it acquired the bracketing option (little to expect at this price level but well i guess I don't use much but for some people this might be a big plus).
-- grid lines have been available (I skip them in both in live view as well as in the view person).
- Active Deb Lighting was not limited by just ON or OFF (either you have it or not at all, instead of low, medium, high, etc.). Don't get myself wrong the Upon just worked good (better than Canon T2i) however I can't compare with all other modes.
Recommendations (optional accessories):
* In my personal order worth addressing - your preference may differ. *
1. Nikon UC-E4 Universal serial bus Cable - not really included. (~$6)
2. Ultra violet filter - a necessity for protecting the lens against accidental damage. (~10$)
3. Travel case is a must to guard your investment. There are numerous cases to choose from and it's really up to you to decide but I suggest getting something such as Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW (all weather proof carrying case) so if it rains, you can pull out the weather guard and hide it. ($90)
4. Additional rechargeable Lithium Ion EN-EL14 battery so you never run out the particular juice when you're touring and do not want to skip capturing a moment for good. (~$35)
5. SB-600 Speedlight. Those who have used speed lights knows what difference it could make to an picture with adjustments you can make to light with an image. (~$225)
6. 18-55 VR lens has its limitations if you have extra $$$s, purchase body only (in the event that even is an choice) and get yourself a 18-105 VR zoom lens. But at that point, you might want to consider D90 that still is a good photographic camera and offers many more controls. (~$325 to $350)
Overall:
My partner and i give this photographic camera 5 Stars as it takes excellent pictures in almost all conditions (bright or low-light) and that is exactly what I wanted this camera to do for me. Period.
I must applaud Nikon for not getting into the mega pixel race (read marketing). They as an alternative kept the photographer in mind and dedicated to delivering greater picture quality. Kudos to Nikon for having that braveness.