February 14, 2015

Nikon Instant Rebates - 35mm f/1.8 for $176!

February 14, 2015/ Tobias Gelston

Nikon has announced INSTANT REBATES - HUGE savings on lenses, DSLRS and DSLR/Lens Bundles including the new D5500! Rebates end Feb 28, 2015. These rebates come once a year.Savings on DSLRs/Lens Bundles - Shop B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Nikon DSLR Savings

Nikon LENS Savings

Two of my favorite DX lenses:Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX ($176) B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonNikon 40mm f/2.8G DX Macro ($246) B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon (My review of the Nikon 40mm)

Additional Nikon Lens Savings:

February 05, 2015

Now Shipping - Nikon D5500 - Touchscreen DSLR

February 05, 2015/ Tobias Gelston

Screenshot 2015-02-05 20.53.19 The Nikon D5500 is now available and shipping (with expedited shipping) fromBuy from B&H Photo Video | Adorama | Amazon $896.95 (Body only) $996.95 (with 18-55 lens) $1396.95 (with 18-140 lens)B&H Photo Video includes extra spare battery, 16GB SD Card and Shoulderbag ($64 value)

D5500 Specs

24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
EXPEED 4 Image Processor
No Optical Low-Pass Filter
3.2" 1,037k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
Built-In Wi-Fi
Continuous Shooting up to 5 fps
39-Point Multi-CAM 4800DX AF Sensor
Native Sensitivity to ISO 25600

This is basically the same camera as the D5300 minus the GPS and adding in a touch screen. Nikon has done well with some of the touchscreen features allowing you to setup and control certain aspects of the camera by touching the screen even when your eye is up to the viewfinder. The best option may be picking your focus point by moving your finger across the screen.

D5500 or D5300?

You can save $200 and pickup the D5300 which will offer identical image quality, only real sacrifice is the touchscreen. With that savings you can buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 - a fantastic prime lens that will give you wonderful aperture control and excellent low light images. Why do you want a prime lens? I have 6 reasons you want a prime lens.Buy the D5300 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

D5500 or D7100 (D7200)

In just hours we should know much more about the D7200. It is rumored to have an articulating screen and will offer, like the D7100 a much more professional camera in both feel and operation. If you dream of professionally shooting the D7XX series gives you much more room to grow as a photographer you just need to pay more and carry around a bigger camera. If you are just a parent or someone that wants to take nice photos and have your camera with you most of the time, the D5300/D5500 would be my pick.Buy the D7100 from B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

January 05, 2015

Nikon D5500 Announced (Successor to the D5300)

January 05, 2015/ Tobias Gelston

The Nikon D5500 has been announced. (Why not a D5400?)Nikon D5500 camera, Nikkor 300 f/4 and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G lenses Screenshot 2015-01-05 21.55.37 Screenshot 2015-01-05 21.55.22 Headline Feature: Articulating Touch Screen ( a first for the Nikon DSLR line)Additional Features:

3.2-inch, approximately 1037K-dot TFT LCD vari-angle monitor
24.2-million pixels, a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, and the EXPEED
Wifi to smartphone/tablets
Slightly smaller body size - world's smallest, lightest, and slimmest digital SLR camera equipped with a vari-angle monitor
Additional Scene control and features available for photos AND video

About the touchscreen - "One of eight frequently used camera settings (Focus-point selection, AF-area mode, Aperture, ISO sensitivity, etc.) can be assigned to this function for use with viewfinder shooting, enabling immediate modification of the assigned setting, and achieving practical operation by simply tapping or sliding a finger across the monitor while looking through the viewfinder.""..sliding a finger across the monitor while looking through the viewfinder."Very interesting - I am curious to see how this translates in real world use.The Nikon D5500 will be available in early February, (black and red), in two different kit configurations: alongside the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95 or with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1,199.95 SRP. The Nikon D5500 will also be sold body only for an SRP of $899.95. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lenses will also be available in early February for an SRP of $349.95 and $1,999.95, respectively.Preorder from Amazon | B&H Photo & Video (Available Feb 5th in RED or BLACK)B&H D5500 body only $896.95B&H D5500 with 18-55 $996.96B&H D5500 with 18-140 $1196.95

Nikon D5500 vs D5300 (Differences Explained Simply)

It looks like both share the same sensor, same processor and same number/type of focus points. In short do NOT upgrade to this camera from the D5300 and expect any difference in quality of the images.Key differences. D5500 offers a touchscreen, better battery life 820 vs 600 shots and its just a tiny bit smaller/lighter (just 2oz less than the D5300) - Some don't consider a smaller size to be better.From the Nikon Rumors Page - blue outline is the D5500, purple is the D5300 Screenshot 2015-01-06 00.26.19 They have dropped the GPS (which I wasn't impressed with) but added some additional picture controls and maybe a star trails mode (I am still researching this)

Nikon D5500 vs the Canon T5i

Full post coming soon - for now watch my video of the T5i vs the D5300 and keep in mind the touchscreen should make the D5500 more user friendlyWhen will we see a Canon response to the D5500? When will we see the Canon T6i or 750D? I predict before the end of February

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II Lens

Screenshot 2015-01-06 00.46.58 Available Feb 5th for $396 - Preorder from B&H PhotoPoll - How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR?

December 13, 2014

Nikon D5400 Rumors

December 13, 2014/ Tobias Gelston

Starting to hear some rumors about the D5400 which according to this post on Nikon Rumors will be called the D5500. Skipping the D5400. It seems the number 4 in Japanese has the same pronunciation as the word for "death" (shi) and thus they avoid it. (Thanks Tom C.) Why their flagship DSLR is named the D4s causes me some confusion but let's set the number/name aside and talk about the features.At this point we know very little other than a touchscreen will be added to the articulating screen and the camera will be announced in early January in time for Consumer Electronics Show (CES). I suspect most other features will remain the same or similar with the D5300 and expect Nikon to use the same excellent 24mp sensor that they are currently using.I hear from many photographers upgrading to DSLRS that feel torn between the increased quality of the Nikon but want the touchscreen of the Canon T5i. This should help with the decision but I expect (or hope) Canon will come back with something in the T6i that gives them a fighting chance. Right now Canon does have a clear advantage with the dual pixel AF and the STM lenses if you want to easily capture video but on the photo side Nikon is my pick. Early rumors that I reported on suggested Canon would go mirror-less for the T6i but I doubt that is true, what will be more likely is the inclusion of the 70Ds fast live view focusing system.How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR? Do you have one and love it? Don't have one and don't think you would want it? Christina and I touch on the touchscreen debate and talk about the D5500 in this segment from our weekly podcast.Poll - How do you feel about touchscreens in your DSLR?

March 11, 2014

Nikon D5300 vs Canon T5i - Differences Explained Simply

March 11, 2014/ Tobias Gelston

)

My Bullet points touch on what matters. Do not get stuck on numbers - the difference in focus points 39 vs 11 or the megapixels 24 vs 18. Both sound like a big difference but in day to day, real world use they do not matter.

Nikon D5300 Strengths

Excellent image quality- very sharp when using a good lens
Excellent Auto and flash setting - nice consistent exposure
GPS and Wifi built in. See Weaknesses of the D5300.
A great number of scenes, filters, effects and robust HDR. This includes "fun features" like selective coloring and miniature video mode - Watch my video introducing the fun features of the D5200 & D5300 (they are the same in this respect)
Can shoot 1080P at 60fps - if you want to do slow mo this allows for full HD at 1/2 speed (30fps)

Suggestion - Buy the 35mm f/1.8 with the D5300 and you have the most portable package with excellent low light quality. You do sacrifice some convenience but gain incredible sharpness, quality and the ability to create those images with blurred background. More lens recommendations for the Nikon D5300Nikon D5300 Weaknesses

User interface is cluttered and at times overwhelming
No Touchscreen - this can make menu navigation clunky and it does make changing focus in live view tedious
Live view focus is slower and no silent lenses available for auto focus during video
No focus motor which means there are some lenses that won't auto focus with your camera. There are plenty of lenses that will auto focus but it does make shopping for lenses a little more confusing and it is easier to end up with lenses that are manual focus only.
Slight greenish tint to many images indoors
GPS is quirky and if you are not careful you can completely drain your battery
Aperture changes in live view are at times blocked - you need to exit live view to change aperture
Sold with the 18-55 (newly redesigned but still not great) lens - SOFT. Buy with 18-104 or review my lens recommendations above.

Watch my complete review of the Nikon D5300Buy the D5300 From Amazon | B&H | Adorama

Canon T5i (700D) Strengths

User friendly with a responsive and excellent touchscreen
Sold with 18-55 STM or 18-135 STM, both are very good starter lenses
Live view focus is faster and with STM lens it is smooth and silent making for easy video capture
Live view exposure simulation is quirk free - it just works and is excellent for learning- you can change aperture during live view
Wireless flash control
Less lens confusion, all current Canon lenses will auto focus with the T5i and a greater number of deals and savings on Canon lenses - more sales, rebates and refurbished store.
Canon colors are warmer and tend to look better(to me) right out of the box

Canon T5i weaknesses

Image quality in low light is not as good as D5300 - T5i sensor is 4 years old and still good but not as good as the Nikon D5300
Exposure of images when popup flash is used are not great - often slightly over exposed.
No cheap 35mm f/1.8 lens as an option. Just the 40mm f/2.8 - still great but not as fast(watch my podcast to hear the word "fast" defined along with lots of other jargon.

Full Canon T5i (700D) ReviewBuy the Canon T5i (700) from Amazon | B&H | Adorama

Final Word - As an all around photo and video machine I really like the T5i - it provides that smooth and silent auto focus for video, is very user friendly while offering very good image quality and provides room to grow as a photographer.

The D5300 provides excellent image quality at the expense of user friendliness but does provide some power if you go digging through the menu. It also has to be given high marks for excellent auto pics- just point and shoot. Avoid the 18-55. The 18-140 is fine but if you are thinking about buying this camera and not planning on also purchasing the 35mm f/1.8 you are missing out.

Considering spending $1000+ on the Nikon D5300? Also consider the Canon 70D which is about the same price and offers all the benefits of the Canon - see my D5300 review for more comparison.

Still have questions not answered by the post or video? Leave a comment below or find me on Facebook.

December 19, 2013

Nikon D5300 vs Canon 70D - Differences Explained Simply

December 19, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

In some ways this is not a fair comparison - The 70D is a prosumer level camera and the D5300 sits just above entry level but they are priced similarly and the image quality is very similar and at the higher ISOs some of the files from the D5300 look better. So which one is best for you? Really depends on your needs- review the bullet points, keep in mind that not ever point carries the same weight and the review my summary below.Benefits of the Nikon D5300 (My Nikon D5300 Video Review)

Cheaper
GPS - though it isn't the best GPS it does offer it
Higher ISOs (above ISO 3200) look better from the Nikon
Smaller and lighter
More scenes and effects like selective color and miniature mode(works in video too)
Video 1080p at 60fps. 70D offers a max of 30fps at 1080p.
Weights about a 1lb (17oz) 70D weighs 1.7lbs (26oz)

Benefits of the Canon 70D (My Canon 70D Video Review)

Live view focusing and focusing during video is amazingly quick and silent(when paired with STM lens)
Faster all around focus and burst rate (7fps with big buffer compared to 5fps and smaller buffer on Nikon)
Well implemented touchscreen control
Larger/brighter viefinder
Top LCD with dedicated buttons for quick change of common settings
Longer battery life- approx 900 shots vs 600 from the D5300
Amazing live view focus (yes repeating myself)
No quirks like the aperture block
Full featured WiFi control including changing shutter speed/aperture/ISO as well as download to mobile device, laptop or send to hotspot. On the D5300 you can only see live view and take a photo and download photos
Wireless (using the built in flash) flash control
Quiet shutter that is very quiet, especially in live view
Some weather sealing
Additional bracketing 2,3,5 or 7 frames. D5300 offers just 3 frames.
Microfocus adjustment for dialing in the most accurate focus for all your lenses

I didn't list the number of focus points or the difference in megapixels for either camera - those differences don't matter.The bottom line D5300 vs 70DI am very impressed with the Nikon D5300- on Auto mode it takes wonderful photos, some of the best I have seen out of any camera. I wish the screen was touch capable and when you want to use this camera beyond auto it is less good, still good- just has a few quirks or annoyances- Without the touchscreen, navigating some menu items are slow, picking focus points and just using live view is nothing special, plus that aperture block and live view weirdness is annoying. Burst rate is good unless you are shooting at the highest quality files, 14-bit RAW, then it is MUCH slower. It is packed full of features for a camera at this price level and paired with the 18-140 you have a wonderful travel and family camera, Pair it with the 35 f/1.8 and you have one of the most portable highest quality image and video* making machine available today. *just be prepared to manually focus for video or you will hear the noise of the lens focusing and see the focus occur with that whomp-whomp effect.The 70D is a lovely blend of user friendliness and pro-level features all packed into a body that is capable of amazing live view/video focus. It is an easy choice if you want easy camcorder like video - this camera delivers like nothing else - smooth focus with any lens and when paired with a STM lens like 18-55 or the 18-135 it is absolutely silent. If you need to capture sports or wildlife on the move, again an easy decision- the 70D fast to focus, fast burst rate and large buffer even when shooting the highest quality files. It also provides plenty of room to grow but you will be spending more and carrying around a noticeably heavier camera. Don't need all of the speed and power of the 70D but want the touchscreen? Consider the T5i(700D) - recent price drops have made it an excellent value.Buy the Nikon D5300 with 18-140 - Amazon or B&H | Body only - Amazon or B&H (Recommended Lenses)Buy the Canon 70D - Amazon or B&H (Recommended Prime Lenses)Recommended accessories for both cameras

December 11, 2013

D5300 Review

December 11, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

D5300 Review in bullets.

Some points are vs D5200 some are just important points. Sample images and video below.

D5300 Pros

The body is redesigned - smaller than the D5200 and feels better in the hand
Large vibrant 3.2" articulated screen is lovely
Excellent sensor and processor- best image quality at this price point- images are sharp(with a good lens) and high ISO files are clean and usable up to ISO 4000, maybe even 6400 if you are careful and or apply a little post processing
On auto this camera take some of the best photos - consistently turns out nicely exposed images even when popup flash is used. Downside - Nikon tends to have a slight greenish cast to many indoor(under artificial light) images - can be corrected in post easily or adjust WB but default setting is a little greener than I like
No AA filter or Optical Low Pass Filter means the images are sharp. Image are sharper than the D5200 but not a huge difference.
Speedy! I found the D5200 to hesitate at times and occasionally be slow to operate - none of that is present in the D5300 - focus is fast, general camera operations are snappy and it has a buffer that lets you fire off a stack of JPEGS and RAW - in some cases it can even shoot more images in a 10 second period than the D7100!
14 Bit RAW files as an option gives you increased post processing latitude - they are big and slow the camera down but if you want to have the greatest latitude in post processing it is nice to be able to shoot in 14-bit.
Packed full of fun/amateur features including selective color, miniature effect (makes neat movies too)
Better battery life vs D5200 unless you turn on the GPS and select settings that make the GPS useful

D5300 Cons

Weak GPS - needs A-GPS file from Nikon to work better, annoying hassle and if you turn off GPS sleep timer so that ALL photos will be tagged your battery life is going to be significantly shorter and you run the risk of forgetting it is on there and a few hours later picking up a camera with a dead battery.
Wifi is limited - you can stream live view, take a photo and download photos - no control over the camera other than pressing the shutter button. Not able to start or stop video with the WiFi.
Live view aperture block/exposure simulation hassle - Being able to control aperture is tied to manual movie settings and then that blocks shutter speed changes - watch my review to see this illustrated.
Live view focus is about the same as earlier models - still has that in and out as it grabs focus- lenses make noise on board mic can pickup. Nothing like the 70D video focus and even T5i is still smoother and silent with STM lenses.

Final Thoughts on the Nikon D5300

Overall- at this price point no other sensor matches this camera for pure sharpness and low light capabilities.Pair it with something like the Sigma 18-35 or just the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 prime and you will have an amazing photo machine that excels in lower light, I mean like dark alley photos at midnight. It is being sold with 18-140 lens which I have found to be decent and convenient but not an amazing difference from the Nikon 18-105. Please don’t but this camera with the Nikon 18-55. I didn't’t think it was being sold with the 18-55 but heard from someone that picked up a bundle from a big box store - the 18-55 cannot resolve at the level of the sensor - You will have better results shooting through coke bottle glasses.

D5300 vs D5200:

Is the D5300 worth the extra cost over the D5200?

Yes. There is enough of a performance and quality increase over the D5200 to warrant paying the difference about $150. And you get the Wifi which limited is a nice feature for on the go sharing, you get a better battery and slightly smaller and lighter camera.

Is it worth it to upgrade?

It is very rarely a good investment to move up one body. Despite all the PROs and the noticeable improvement in sharpness and high ISO quality you will have better results spending upgrade money on a new lens or two. These lenses will likely move with you to future bodies and be a better overall investment. This is often where I encourage people who feel they have outgrown their camera to consider the next model line, like the D7100 but honestly in this case the D7100 doesn't offer much over the D5300.

D5300 vs Canon T5i(700d)

I found the T5i easy to recommend over the D5200, the D5200 offered slightly better image quality versus the T5i(700d) but was sluggish and quirky. That image quality gap has widened noticeably with the D5300 and now that it offers responsive performance it becomes harder to recommend the T5i. The D5300 still has that aperture live view annoyance and doesn't offer silent lenses for video but depending on your needs you may not care and on Auto mode for photos Nikon images look better to me 8/10 times. In video it is much closer - I like the look of the Canon files but this is more a personal opinion.

D5300 vs Canon 70D

A little unfair as we are matching what is basically an entry level model from Nikon against a prosumer model from Canon. But prices are similar and image quality is very similar. I give the Canon an edge in most use cases - the live view focus and video system of the Canon is amazing, after 3 months of use I absolutely love the 70D and for sports, video it just does an amazing job at the price point. But it is bigger and it does cost more. The D5300 image quality is similar until you get up above ISO 4000 and then the D5300 files look a little better to me.Additional Videos -GPS & WiFi with Nikon D5300D5300 with 18-140 vs 18-105 ReviewD5300 with 18-140 and 18-150 Sample ImagesD5300 High ISO sample VideoMore Sample D5300 ImagesWhich camera is best for you? Leave me a message on my Facebook page - tell me what is important to you and I can suggest which camera I think would be a best fit.If you want easy to use and excellent image quality the D5300 paired with the 18-140 is an excellent choice.If you want the absolute best performance out of this camera add something like the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8Additional Nikon Lens recommended for the Nikon D5300 and Best Budget Macro for Nikon DX cameras - Nikon 40mm F/2.8 Buy the Nikon D5300 with 18-140 from Amazon Buy from B&H(Includes freebies) Your purchase support this website and my work.

November 21, 2013

D5300 and 18-140 lens- Sample Images & Thoughts

November 21, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

UPDATE: My Final Nikon D5300 Review is now published

I am editing "Very Early" out of the title. I have now had this camera for over a week- points below reflect my latest views

This camera is FAST- AF Servo easily captures a fast dog. Gone is the hesitation I saw in the D5200
The buffer is impressive, in fact the D7100 must be feeling a little inadequate- Using a SanDisk Extreme Card I can get 30 RAW shots in 10 seconds. The D7100 could only manage 23 with the same card!!! The D5200- 21 and to compare vs Canon- The Canon 70D gets 34. - Note with JPEGS the D7100 still has a faster FPS and can get in more shots but that doesn't matter in RAW as the D7100 very quickly fills the small buffer and slows down.
Auto mode produces VERY good images and flash exposure is excellent. The greenish tint is still present under some fluorescent light sources.
GPS is a mixed bag They offer a simple setup and a nice little track log option too. After using it for awhile I was very dissapointed at times when it took 10+ minutes to get a lock on location AND would lose location very quickly from one photo to another. Applying the A-GPS file provided on Nikon's website helps greatly and you risk draining your battery but you can turn GPS stand by to off which keeps a lock. Overall I wish the system were a bit smarter, it seems you have a choice of missing GPS data when you let it sleep or draining the battery. I have a few examples where it didn't go to sleep and still missed marking photos with locations so more testing is needed here.
Wifi is painless to setup video functions are disabled when WIFI is ON and you can't even change camera settings - Basically it is a glorified remote(streams live view) that can download photos too.
3.2" LCD Screen is gorgeous and looks good in bright sunlight - I wish it was touch sensitive, picking focusing points is a chore.
High ISO files(photos and video) are clean, very clean - a few sample images below - more coming soon.
Still quirky - shutter speed and aperture can change when you switch in and out of live view. In some modes you have control over aperture in live view - in others you don't. Manual movie mode needs to be on for exposure simulation to work and then you are limited to 1/30 of a second as your slowest shutter speed.

The 18-140 Lens is good - not an amazing improvement over the 18-105 but a nice balance of convenience and quality. Bought with a camera it offers good value. My Review of the Nikon 18-140 Lens.

18-140 lens is convenient and quality is much improved over previous kit lenses - will have side by side vs 18-105 in a few weeks
18-140 Focusing is similar to previous lenses on D5200/D7100, still not quiet or as smooth as an STM lens.

More info coming -

- - Is the buffer really larger? UPDATE- YES!!
  - How much sharper is the new sensor without the AA filter? Still testing. . .
  - How does 60fps look at 1080p compared to the max of 30fps on CanonSmooth - it may go without saying but the 1080p is a vast improvement over the 1080i offered by the Nikon D5200.
  - Is Moiré an issue?Early tests suggest not.
  - Bit rate of the files?About 40MBits/s

What else do you want to know about the Nikon D5300?

Buy the Nikon D5300 with 18-140 lens from B&H - they have a $300 off deal that gets you the D5300 and the 18-140 for $1096

Your D5300 Questions from around the net- mostly My Instagram and Facebook

Q: How does it compare to the D5200?A: In terms of image quality they are VERY similar. I see in some images slightly sharper results, likely from the removal of the AA filter. At mid and low level ISOs differences are difficult to spot in many photos, higher ISOs the D5300 produces slightly better images. (at this time I haven't taken any carefully controlled photos yet - My opinion may change) - I do notice the camera being a bit more responsive with a deeper buffer/more raw shots in a burst and of course it now offers built in WiFi and GPS. Is it worth the upgrade over the D5200? Only if you really want that built in WiFi and GPS.Q: Is it worth it to buy over the 700D/T5i (D5300 vs T5i(700D))?A: Depends - I still really like the all around performance of the Canon and as a learning tool the exposure simulation in live view on the T5i is fantastic but the D5300 produces better images and is a very feature rich camera with a good external control setup - nicely placed buttons. But without a touchscreen diving into the menu is a chore and picking a focus point on the D5300, after using the T5i and the 70D feels ridiculously slow. Nikon still doesn't offer a silent lens for video and focusing isn't as smooth as it is on the T5i with an STM lens on.Q: How does it compare to the Canon 70D (70D vs D5300)A: This comparison isn't as fair as the D5300 vs T5i/700D. Despite the prices being close the D5300 is more entry level and the 70D is more professional level. That said early tests do seem to show the D5300 having better image quality and of course GPS built in. The 70D beats it on everything else - focusing system/speed, incredible live view/video focusing. Burst rate and buffer. Battery life, more robust WiFi with options to connect to a computer or hotspot (D5300 is limited to a phone or tablet running the Nikon wireless app)Q: How does it compare to the CanonD7100 (D7100 vs D5300)A: Similar to the vs the Canon 70D question - these cameras are in a separate classes except for image quality - so again image quality differences between these two seem very slight - the D5300 may squeak out a win in some photos but the D7100 offers performance! Dual card slots, serious focusing engine better battery life and more robust body. If you are just looking for the best image quality D5300 is fine but if you need performance too the D7100 would be my pick.Q: I have heard that the D5300 GPS is not very good, can you elaborate?A: When I first glanced at the GPS section in the menu I was excited - not only could you tag photos but you could also record a track log in .log format which easily converts to a variety of formats that lets you see your path on a map. And you had some control over the length of time between log points and it generally seemed like a robust system. You even have the ability to download AGPS data and use that to help the camera get a lock http://nikonimglib.com/agps2/index.html.en. I have since found that the camera's GPS can be very slow to get a location signal and quick to lose the signal, even when in clear view of the sky and even when it had a lock a few minutes earlier. At this moment it basically seems like Nikon used the weakest GPS chips on earth and I am disappointed. I will try later with the AGPS data to see how much that helps. A few sample photos - mostly taken on auto mode.

Buy the Nikon D5300 with 18-140 lens from B&H - they have a $300 off deal that gets you the D5300 and the 18-140 for $1096

October 24, 2013

Nikon D5300 Preview & My Thoughts

October 24, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

On the outside minor updates, redesigned grip should give you a little more room between grip and lens. Overall a tiny bit smaller (see table)

Model	D5300	D5200
Dimensions	125 × 98 × 76 mm(4.9 × 3.9 × 3.0 in)	129 x 98 x 78 mm(5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in)
Weight (without battery)	480 g (16.9 oz)	505 g (17.8 oz)

It is the inside that is more exciting. The D5300 is now using the same sensor that is in the D7100 and they have ditched the antialiasing filter, you will also see this written as OLPF. Removing the AA or OLPF means sharper images and video. In my testing of the D7100 I found the images and video to be very sharp and it was basically impossible to produce moire(an optical illusion in finely repeating patterns) that is usually more common in sharper sensors, especially ones with out the AA filter.

: Nikon D5300 - Will Moiré be more of an issue with the D300? It isn't with the D7100

Changes in D5300

Updated Processor, Expeed 4
1080p at 60fps - D5200 was only capable of 1080i at 60fps
WiFi built in - simple and direct to a smartphone or device using NIkon's wireless app. Does not work with video.
GPS - Battery hog but works well, tagging your location into the photos MetaData- will also record a track(your route) for display on a map
Bigger Battery/Better Battery life (as long as you are not using the GPS)
NOT sold with an 18-55 lens. Body only or with new 18-140 Kit lens

We have an updated processor - Expeed 4, I expect this will help greatly with the general performance of the camera, I have found the D5200 to be very capable but somewhat slow, a very slight hesitation to take photos and to review images - something I haven't seen in other cameras in this class. The updated processor will also allow full 1080p at 60fps. The D5200 only offered 1080i. They have thrown in WiFi(now I can toss my dongle) and GPS and are claiming better battery life 700 shots(though I have seen 600 listed elsewhere) vs 500 shots, this better but not physically bigger battery will be backward compatible in D5200 and a few other cameras with a firmware update. And the older D5200 batteries will work in the D5300, just won't give you the same battery life.

So how much will all this cost? Here is where I think it gets interesting. My biggest complaint with the D5200 was that 18-55 kit lens. I am generally not a kit lens basher - I think they are a fine place to start- cheap, convenient and quality is good enough. Except the Nikon 18-55 really held the camera back, the lens simply cannot resolve at the level of the sensor and the 18-105 was better but I feel like the D5200 doesn't really shine until you get a NICE lens on there. So Nikon heard my complaints (I am sure ;) and is bundling the D5300 with their new and improved over previous kit lenses, 18-140. But no new 18-55, I wonder if they have an improved 18-55 in the works but just couldn't get it out in time. So you can buy body only for $800 or with 18-140 for $1300 - that is steep! Users are going to look at that and see the T5i with touchscreen and basically same lens is $300 cheaper or with 18-55 STM lens is $500 cheaper I don't expect the D5300 to sell really well until the price drops or they get a shorter/cheaper kit lens in there. Not that it is in anyway a bad camera- this looks to be a fantastic upgrade from earlier models and a capable performer, it is just priced high for the level of the camera when sold with the 18-140 lens. OH and I almost forgot - it comes it colors- red, gray and black.Preorder now: Amazon | B&H I will have hands-on of this camera soon. Follow my Facebook page for future updates and/or subscribe to my newsletter. Nikon D5300 Product Tour

October 16, 2013

Nikon D5300 Announced

October 16, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

Preorder Nikon D5300 from AmazonNIkon has updated the D5200. Shipping later this month or in early november depending on your location the D5300 will be available. It looks very similar to the D5200 but has some noticeable differences inside. The sensor will be the same used by the D7100(My D7100 Review), which in my tests is excellent- really top notch especially in low light. The processor is upgraded, Expeed 4, and this should really improve the hesitation and slowness that I found in the D5200(My D5200 Review). We now have full 1080p at 60fps, previously only interlaced video at 60fps and 1080. And Wifi built in - goodbye dongle - and GPS. Nifty features. Battery life is stated to be improved though as far as I can tell it is using the same battery and with WiFi and GPS on you are going to see a decrease in battery life. Interesting they have completely ditched the 18-55 kit lens. This camera will be available body only or with the new 18-140 lens. I feel vindicated here - I couldn't believe how bad the 18-55 Nikon kit lens is on the D5200 - it really holds that camera back from image quality greatness and I am glad that it won't even be an option, though I am surprised there is no alternative other than the much more expensive 18-140 kit lens. On a tight budget but want the D5300? Grab it with the 35 f/1.8 or pick up a used 18-105. I have additional lens recommendations for the D5300.

D5300 Specs

24MP - Same sensor as in the D7100 (no OLPF/AA Filter)
5 fps -same as the D5200
39 AF points (9 cross points)
EXPEED 4 Processor
1080P video recording at 60p/50p
Built-in Wi-Fi
Built-in GPS
3.2" vari-angle LCD monitor

Will be available in Red, Grey or Black $796 for body only $1,396.95 (buy from Amazon or B&H) for camera and 18-140 kit lens. This will be an excellent travel camera with the GPS, Wifi and a kit lens that can match the quality of the sensor.[gallery ids="3997,3996,3995"] Preorder Nikon D5300 from AmazonFrom this angle the two cameras look very similar.

Looking down on the D5300 you can see a small bump for the GPS and WiFi Antennas, D5300-Wifi_GPSBUMP Preorder Nikon D5300 from Amazon

July 23, 2013

Recommended Lenses for Nikon D5300/D5500/D7200 (DX Cameras)

July 23, 2013/ Tobias Gelston

Nikon Lenses for DX Cameras like the D5200 and D7100

Primes - Non-zooming lenses that offer excellent value and low light capabilities - these are the lenses you want for those lovely blurred background photos. Why you should own a prime.Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DXGreat low-light walk-around lens, versatile focal length- Decent for portraits, street photography and general travel. If I was limited to just one lens this would be it. Amazing sharpness for the value. Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX MicroSacrifice some light/maximum aperture (just over a stop which is not insignificant) but gain an excellent value macro that does 1:1 lifesize. I was blown away that this was less the $300. Full Nikon 40mm Review. Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S FXThe 50mm focal length translates to 75mm on a DX sensor (D5200 and D7100 have DX sensors or crop sensors) 75mm is a lovely focal length for portraits. NOTE: D5200 users get the AF-S G version, linked here. D7100 users have inbody focus motor and you can use the older D version without an issue. Indie filmmakers with either camera may want to consider the D version with aperture control built into the lens. Why Nikon movie makers want mechanical aperture control. Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR EDNikon 18-105 is not exciting but I mention it here as a decent value when purchased with a Nikon camera, better than the 18-55 which really holds back the potential of these newer Nikon cameras with excellent sensors. Buy from Amazon | B&HSigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM for NikonNoticeably sharper than the kit and offers a nice f/4 at 70mm, this is great for portraits and the fact that you can be at 17mm and f/2.8 along with optical stabilization makes this an excellent low light zoom capable lens. The Macro feature is not worth mentioning other than to say you can get as close as you can with the kit lens, but you do have those extra stops of light. Buy from Amazon | B&HTamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LDA little slow to focus, no image stabilization but SHARP and gives you f/2.8 across the range, 75mm and f/2.8 is beautiful for portraits and this lens is useable on full frame should you decide to upgrade cameras. Buy from Amazon | B&HNikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DXGOOD Value, gets a little soft out at 300 but for under $400 you get a decent zoom lens. Buy from Amazon | B&HA second option for Zoom, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR, it is a sharper lens than the 55-300 and bought used from Amazon costs just $300.

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