Nikon D90 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am far from a professional photographer, but I take it as seriously as possible while still referring to it as a hobby. I take mostly pictures of people at events and many of my baby son without flash in low light situations.
I had been using a Nikon D40x for 1 year and very early reached my limitation with that camera. The Nikon D40x has very nice image quality, but the camera's interface is not suited for a more serious shooter who wants quick single button or dial access to such shooting parameters such as white balance, shooting mode, metering mode, etc. I also felt very limited by the D40x not having an in-body focus motor that would allow me to use non AF-I/AF-S lenses (which are lenses without the focus motor built-in).
The Nikon D40x limitations were severe enough that I was about to consider purchasing a Canon 40D until the Nikon D90 appeared just in time. PROS:
1. Fantastic set of separate buttons on the camera to control parameters like ISO, white balance, metering, autofocus, image quality, shooting mode, etc.
2. Two command dials
3. High resolution 920K pixel LCD screen (like the one on the Nikon D300)
4. 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
5. Low noise high ISO capability (for low light shooting) I can shoot ISO 1600 with good image quality with this camera, while on my D40x I could only shoot with ISO 400 and obtain acceptable IQ. I will even use ISO 3200 frequently with very usable results!
6. Separate top-viewing LCD screen in addition to the rear high res screen, to show shooting parameters constantly
7. In-body focus motor which allows the use of Nikon's non AF-I/S lenses, including wonderful and CHEAP prime lenses such as the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 (~$100 lens!)
8. Continuous shooting of 4.5 frames per second
9. Small size, although larger than the D40/D40x/D60, it is still substantially smaller in the hand than the D300/D3
10. 720p 24fps MPEG video shooting capability with incredible ability to use depth of field that I cannot achieve with my Sony High-Def camcorder.
11. Eleven auto-focus points (not as nice as the 51 points on the D300, but substantially better than my D40x with its 3 points)
12. GPS option
13. HDMI output
14. Enormous number of options to customize camera and shooting settings to fit your style of shooting
15. Fantastic image quality right out-of-box if you don't want to do any post processing
16. Terrific build quality
17. Top notch camera ergonomics (but this will be a very personal opinion that differs for each shooter)CONS:
1. "Rolling shutter" phenomenon while recording video: The D90 CMOS sensor has the same problem that other CMOS video recorders have when recording video. If you move the camera, especially horizontally, you get a "jelly" or "rubberbanding" effect where the image wobbles significantly. It is nice to have the video features, which looks very sharp at 720p, but it is NOT a substitute for a video camera. If you use a tripod, and do not do quick zooms/pans, the video quality is excellent. Without a tripod, however, you may get nauseous watching a wobbly video. The sound is also in monoaural.
2. 1/200 flash synch: Not a problem for me, but it might be for you.
3. No weather sealing: This is found on the Nikon D300/D3 and even on similarly priced models from other camera companies
4. The buffer will fill up after about 8 continuous RAW + JPG (FINE) shots. This number differs depending on the shooting parameters that you will choose. If you shoot primarily JPG, the buffer seems to allow a very large number of continuous shots, but I have not quantified this for JPG only.TIPS:
1. Get the FREE Nikon ViewNX software from Nikon's site as your 1st step in your workflow. This will let you examine your RAW images that you can process for either Nikon CaptureNX2 to do further RAW processing or just export to JPG or TIFF for a JPG/TIFF editor such as PhotoShop.
2. Recommend buying the Nikon CaptureNX2. It is a RAW converter (if you shoot in RAW) that will read the camera settings properly for export to JPG or TIFF. Capture NX2, however, is not as slick as the Adobe products and Capture NX2 requires a fairly powerful computer, otherwise it can run pretty slowly on a PC > 3 years old.
3. If you use JPEGs out-of-camera, consider increasing the sharpness above the default 3 or 4. Nikon uses a very conservative sharpening default setting. Nikon has also decided to change the default JPEG images to match the higher end D3/D700/D300 cameras which produce more neutral images. Consequently, the D90 images that are less punchy than the D40/D40x/D60/D80, so you may also want to turn up the in-camera saturation and contrast.The Nikon D90 has all of the interface features that serious and even professional photographers need with wonderful image quality.

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Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.

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Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using Canon PowerShot point-and-shoot digital cameras for the past 6 years, and because they're so small, portable, and unobtrusive, I've ended up taking a lot more photos that I ever did, because I had my camera with me. The good thing is that I've taken a lot more pictures, and most of them have been very good (the camera gets much of the credit here). But the bad thing is that I started to reach the limits of what a point-and-shoot camera can do.
The biggest problems I had with my compact point-and-shoot camera was the lag between shots and the generally poor performance in low-light settings. For most shots, these weren't big problems, but when they were a problem, they were a huge problem, and there's not much you can to solve it without moving to a better camera. I don't think I'm the first person to reach a brick wall when using compact digital cameras, which is why there are now some excellent options that don't cost a fortune.
After reading a lot of reviews for digital SLR cameras online, I narrowed it down to two choices: the Sony A300 or the Nikon D60. I love my compact Canon, but I wasn't all that impressed with the Canon dSLR's that I looked at, either in terms of price or features.
The Sony is priced very competitively and offers some great features, such as auto-focus and image stabilization built into the camera itself, not relying on the lens. The A300 also has live preview on the LCD screen, which the D60 doesn't offer (live preview is what you get on a compact camera: you see what you are shooting as you take the picture). Finally, the A300 has more focus points than the Nikon. I spent a long time in several stores doing side-by-side comparisons of these two cameras. After many test shots, I finally chose the D60 for the following reasons: it felt more compact and less heavy than the Sony, I liked the way the lens felt when I was zooming, its LCD menu system was much clearer and more intuitive, and the Nikkor family of lenses is unbeatable. With a dSLR, it really gets down to which line you want to commit to for future lens purchases. I wasn't sure I wanted to go with Sony, when Nikon is well-known for quality optics.
I ordered the D60 from Amazon and I'm glad I did, since they have a 30-day price match policy. If the price of the camera decreases within 30 days of your purchase, all you have to do is email Amazon, and they'll credit you with the difference. The price of the D60 went down three times after my purchase (it's even lower now, but I've passed my 30 days), and Amazon was fast to process the refund for each decrease. Please note that it's your responsibility to check on the current price. Amazon will not notify you that the price has gone down, and why should they? So if you do buy this from Amazon, be sure to check every couple of days to see what the current price is.
As for the camera and the lens, I couldn't be happier. I love how it feels and how easy it is to use, at least for basic shots. Of course it won't fit in my pocket the way my point-and-shoot did, but it's not nearly as huge or heavy as I'd expected. The kit lens has VR (vibration reduction) which is a good thing to have, and it's well balanced with the compact body of this camera. In other words, the camera doesn't point down under the weight of the lens. Everyone who has tried out my new camera has commented on how compact and ergonomic it feels.
The camera works extremely well in low-light settings, with or without flash (you can defeat the flash if you want, and I find that in many situations, I get better results that way). The flash is a lot more powerful than what you get on a compact camera, and the coverage is more even.
So far, I've mainly used the "auto" mode, but I've taken some pictures in macro mode. It's graat to be able to take pictures in rapid succession, without having to wait the way you do with a point-and-shoot. Most important of all, the image quality is outstanding. The difference is noticeable and consistently better than what I was getting with my point-and-shoot.
The LCD menu is intuitive and visually appealing. That was one of the reasons I went with the Nikon in the first place, and I haven't been disappointed. By pressing the right button as you move the mode dial, you can see a description of what each mode does, which is very helpful. It's sort of like having a "help" system built into the camera, without having to carry around the instructions. Having said that, the instruction manual is really quite good. It won't teach you everything you need to know about digital SLRs, but it does a good job of explaining the camera's features. Nevertheless, I recommend buying a more extensive guide book which is specific to the Nikon D60 (there is one by David Busch which is currently available, and several more are scheduled to appear within the next couple of months).
So, I love this camera, especially at the very reasonable price point. However, there are some things that you should consider before making a final decision. First, the D60 will only provide auto-focus with Nikkor AF-S lenses. That means that most Nikon "prime" lenses will require manual focusing. That wasn't a big deal for me, but it is a limitation. Second, the D60's 3 focus points put it at the low end for this feature. Third, the D60 uses SD cards, while the Sony uses Compact Flash cards, as do many higher-end dSLRS. This isn't really a plus or minus, since SD cards are generally less expensive than Compact Flash, but some users say that Compact Flash cards may be more durable in the long run (they're larger and thicker). Finally, unlike the Sony, the D60 does not provide live preview. In other words, you don't see the image on the LCD until after you have taken it.
With all of that, I'm very pleased with my decision and I am having a lot of fun with my Nikon D60. If you're ready to move up from your point-and-shoot to a dSLR, you cannot go wrong with the D60.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon introduces the new D60 digital SLR camera, to provide stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The New D60 Digital SLR joins Nikon's award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form similar to the D40 ? Nikon's smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before. Nikon D60 Features at a Glance Extraordinary 10.2-Megapixel DX-format Nikon Picture Quality Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Vibration Reduction) Lens Fast Startup and Split-Second Shutter Response Shoots Continuously at up to 3 Frames per Second Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control Easy Operation with Intuitive Controls Up to 500 Pictures per Battery Charge Based on CIPA battery testing standards Bright, 2.5-Inch Color LCD Monitor with 170-Degree Wide-Angle Viewing Nikon's Smallest Digital SLR Ever! Automatic Exposure with 8 Digital Vari-Program Scene Modes In-Camera Editing Functions Users will immediately appreciate the D60's fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag ? a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully. Packaged with Nikon's new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What's more, Nikon's p

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Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)If you take photographs for fun then this is a great lens. I am using it on the ultimate fun camera, a Nikon D40 and the lens completes it very well. I usually don't analyse things to death like photographing text from a Newspaper or grid patterns to measure sharpness or distortion. I just use it to take pictures and observe the results like a normal person would. Having said that I am quite critical and have had really good cameras with excellent optics.
Overall this lens feels like it is a really good product and feels very robust and well made. It is well finished and shows good attention to detail and quality control. The two rings (zoom and focus) feel and glide very well. albeit with a very slight plastic sliding sound. The switches feel fairly OK and generally everything seems like it will last a very very long time. Of course it cannot match a mid 80's Nikon prime lens but it is hard to make such a comparison. Firstly they are built differently with different numbers of components and secondly they are used differently.
Personally I don't understand the difference that a steel camera mount would make over the plastic one this lens has. I suppose if you remove and replace the camera lots of times then it could make a difference. Although having said that a plastic surface on the lens would be kinder the steel mount on the camera. Plastic being self lubricating would prevent both from being scratched. I don't sleep less well at night because of it.
Visually the lens looks a bit plain and lacks the silver ring that the 18-55 came with. It also lacks an writing on the forward business end of the camera. There are also no markings for focal length.
One thing about this lens that I do find very annoying is the extremely fiddly lens cap. Because of the way they moulded the cap the two surfaces you press together to unclip it from the lens front are very short and smooth and have an angle on them that makes the fingers slip off. As a consequence the lens cap has fallen out my hand onto the floor a few times. That is something to remember if you are standing on a grate, a dirty floor or on a clifftop. This is a common problem with the 18-135 and 18-200 lenses.
Now to the lens' performance. It focuses extremely fast and very silently. It has a very useful reach. I have found you can overcome the smaller minimum aperture with a higher zoom and this gives really good bokeh for portraits. The VR works a treat as well. In combination with the camera's really good performance at high ISO it makes it very capable at photographing the insides of restaurants and houses without the need for flash to ruin the colour balance.
The lens is very sharp. The photographs I took came out very well. I have no issues with them whatsoever and anything that went wrong in taking those images I would put down to my relative inexperience.
The lens did not have any negative effects on the colour, I didn't notice any purple fringing or anything other than really pleasant results. Overall I am actually very happy with the sharpness and detail this lens captures.
I am wondering whether to use a UV filter and am not sure about using the petal design hood. There are all sorts of views about the advisability or otherwise of these items.
Other products I compared this to are the 18-55 lens my D40 came with. In its own right it is an excellent lens and seems sharp. It does feel a bit on the lightweight side compared to the 18-105. The 18-135 I tried felt a little bit crude in how the zoom ring moved. It didn't feel as well finished compared to the 18-105 and made plastic sliding sounds when operating the zoom ring. That lens was very sharp too but holding it steady at 135mm was a bit difficult.
I used a 50mm 1.4 manual focus lens from the 80s that had awesome bokeh but was otherwise a pain to use. The other lens I tried was the 18-200mm which was an awesome lens. It had a focus that seemed even faster than the one on the 18-105 but it was a little too big and made the camera feel very front heavy. Because of that it lost a bit of the fun factor. Along with the fact that it was almost 3 times more expensive I am glad I bought the 18-105.
I paid A$385 at Ted's in Highpoint. $385 would equate to US$246 in November 2008. An 18-200 sells for A$1045. Even the 18-135 often sells for more so I feel I got something of a bargain. The people at Ted's are fantastic for customer service and I'm sorry I didn't buy my D40 from them.
Anyway I hope this review helps someone.

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This 5.8x zoom, designed exclusively for use with Nikon's DX-format, features Nikon's VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action. The wide-ratio 5.8x zoomCompact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits--a perfect everyday zoom. Vibration Reduction is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens and enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.

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Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)No matter how you slice it, this is a great camera.
If you're considering this camera you likely to be in one of two camps: A Nikon person trying to determine whether or not to buy the N50, N70 or the D200; or you already know you want something more on the pro end of the pro-amateur spectrum and are trying to choose between a Nikon and a Canon. If you're in the latter camp then you can't go wrong with either the D200 or any of Canon's offerings. They both make excellent cameras. If you're already a Nikon person, get the Nikon; if you're already a Canon person, get the Canon.
That said, I'm a Nikon person, and after 5 years of having fun with my film-based N80 I wanted to make the leap into real digital photography. I say real, because I've had a Canon Sureshot for 4 years and it's great for snapshots, but when it comes to landscapes or dealing with any kind of lighting issues, it just doesn't measure up. Since I'm a Nikon person (all my lenses work with the new digital SLRs) I looked at the N50, N70 and D200. There are plenty of sites out there that compare these three cameras (against each other and the competition) to death, so I won't bother with all the details.
We buy cameras to take a variety of different pictures and my choice was driven by my needs, so my review is going to be colored by the kinds of pictures I tend to take. My favorite pastime is landscape photography. For this, any of the three cameras will take great pictures. The 6 mega pixels on the N50 and N70 are more than enough to take great pictures - I've got a 20x30 poster of Yosemite's Half Dome taken with a friend's N70 that is as crisp as anything I've seen. Having 10mps gives me more room to play with when it comes time for cropping, though, and that's always nice, but hardly a reason to shell out an extra grand.
My next favorite photography subject is my yellow lab, Happy. If he's standing or sitting still, then all three of these cameras take excellent portrait shots. But when he's moving, such as launching himself off the end of a pier to fetch a toy in the lake, the D200 really shines. Its 5fps burst mode takes perfect pictures. It focuses each shot and with its rich 25 picture buffer built into the camera, I've yet to fill it up. What this means is that it doesn't matter what speed your memory card is. The camera takes its pictures and puts them into its buffer. Then a separate set of processors moves the picture from the buffer to your memory card. I would have to hold the button down for over 8 seconds before the burst mode would slow down (it would simply slow down to the speed of your memory card here - it wouldn't stop taking pictures). This clarity of the pictures in burst mode is what made me choose the D200, and with the 18-70mm DX kit lens you'll get some brilliant photos.
While all three cameras let you take great picture, the D200 makes it very easy to change the most often used settings. Picture quality (e.g. resolution and depth), White Balance and ISO can be changed by holding down a single button with your left hand and rotating the command dials with your right. This means you don't have to take your eyes off of what you're looking at through the viewfinder in order to change these settings, and I find myself changing at least one of these on almost every picture I take. To be sure, you can change them on the N50 and N70 as well, but just not as quickly or easily.
Other things I liked about the D200 are:
o Build. It's made of metal and has a very nice heft to it. The D50 and D70, much like my N80, are made of a very good plastic, and I've never had any problems with the N80, but the D200 just feels good
o LCD. The 2.5 inch LCD makes it easy to determine whether or not you're happy with a picture in the field.
o Color. The auto white balance for the D200 is awesome and the colors are brilliant.
o 4 settings banks. You can preprogram four settings (ISO, WB, Picture Quality, etc) so you can get to it quickly.
One last point - the D200 is very difficult to get a hold of these days, but it's slightly easier to get in kit form (which comes with a lens). The 18-55mm lens is nice, but I prefer the 18-70mm (remember, with digitals you have to multiply the focal length by 1.5 to compare it with their film counterparts, so the 18-70 for digital is more like a 28-105 for film). The 18-70mm kit will run you about $300 more than the body itself, and it's worth it.
If you don't already have a big zoom lens then the new 18-200mm Nikon VR lens is awesome (equivalent to 28-300 for film). It takes stunning pictures and has all the zoom you're likely to need. It runs between $700 and $800 and is even harder to get than the D200 (which is why I don't have one yet :-).
In summary, you can't go wrong with any of these Nikons. The D200, however, is definitely the king of the hill. Happy picture takine!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

The Nikon D200 DSLR promises an extremely satisfying shooting experience, with a winning combination of quality, performance, construction and advanced system features. Employing a newly developed 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor, the D200 captures images with remarkable resolution and clarity.

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Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)Several months before the D90 came out, I bought a D60 to hold me over until the D90 was released. Well, I've enjoyed using both cameras, but this one is a huge step up and more suited to an advanced enthusiast, like me. It's a real pleasure to use.
ERGONOMICS - The D90 is solid, tight, and well-balanced with the 18-105 VR lens. It's always ready and it shoots very fast. I love all the direct access buttons; they're easy to press, with good tactile feedback. And since you're not going into the menus as much, you can work faster. It's heavier than the D60, but that's OK. It's still very manageable to carry around and it fits my average-sized hand better too. The shutter sounds different than the D60 (if that matters to you). It sounds more like a professional camera; more like a fast "whoosh" than a "click-click". And there are so many internal customizations that you can set it up exactly as you want.
LENS - Biggest surprise was the 18-105 VR lens which I expected would be ho-hum, but turned out to be pretty sharp and clear. Better results than the 18-55 VR. We've really come a long way from the days (30 years ago) when you were cautioned to ALWAYS to buy a prime lens, NEVER the kit lens because of it's poor image quality. With computer-aided design and new technology, that's not true anymore.
IMAGE QUALITY - I shoot RAW for maximum detail and the ability to adjust settings afterward if necessary - like exposure or white balance. Image quality is very good to excellent depending on your RAW converter. To my eye, best results are obtained with View NX/Capture NX, but Adobe ACR/Lightroom still do a very good job (2010 UPDATE; After using Lightroom the past year, raw conversions are beautiful and far quicker to achieve than Capture NX). When shooting JPGs using the Standard Picture Mode, images are sharp and colors are true, without over-saturation. You can always use different Picture Modes and customize any of them to get closer to the in-camera results you want. For example, you can boost saturation and contrast and save the setting as your default if that's what you like.
LIGHT METER - Metering is fine and seems to be quite accurate in most cases. I use matrix metering mostly. As with any camera, you have to get to know the meter. If I had to be VERY critical, I'd say when it's pushed, it's more likely to preserve shadows than highlights, usually when Active DLighting is on. To me that's a good thing. Another website mentioned a slightly "over-enthusiatic" meter in its review. The good news is: if you really feel exposure results are not to your liking (whether over or under exposed), the meter is fine-tuneable, so go ahead and customize it as you see fit. I would just work with the meter first -get to know the camera and adapt yourself to it before you start making any adjustments. That said, I've used the D90 in a very wide range of lighting conditions and I can truly say that while exposures may vary occasionally, they've always made perfect sense for the situation. I've never been shocked or puzzled by the output.
LIVE VIEW - is great for the occasional high or low shot. I didn't think would need it, but when I had the D60, I found myself in many situations where I really could have used it. Unlike a point-and-shoot, focus is slower in this mode and shooting seems somewhat clunky. I wouldn't use Live View if I were in a rush or trying to get an important shot. It's just a nice little extra.
MOVIE MODE - this is a nice novelty and may be handy in a rare moment, but I'm generally not a video camera person. I'm surprised to read that some people have made movies and commercials with the D90. I keep promising myself to use this feature more, but I don't have a tripod and I'm just too jittery and uncreative to get good cinema-like results. Moreover, from the little I've tried it, I'm not impressed - there's no autofocus during filming and the movie comes out over exposed and far from HD quality. The user manual is not very helpful either. But I didn't purchase the camera for this feature, so I'm not disappointed.
ISO - I really like the new wide range of ISO settings, especially when coupled with the Auto-ISO setting. Mine is customized to keep the camera at ISO 200, but kick in at 1/30. In this example, anytime lighting decreases enough for the shutter speed to drop below 1/30, the D90 will automatically compensate by raising the ISO high enough (up to an ISO limit you set) to help keep your shutter speed at 1/30. Once the ISO maxes-out at your limit, the camera has no choice but to start bringing down the shutter speed. Noise at high ISOs isn't an issue. In fact, you have to zoom in pretty close for it to be even slightly noticeable. I use Auto-ISO mostly all the time. Its an amazing feature! I only turn this feature off when I want to stick to a particular ISO at all times (if its on a monopod or I've stabilized the camera in some way).
ACTIVE D-LIGHTING - helps camera to preserve shadow and highlight detail. More important to use when shooting JPG because the exposure has to be right at the time of shooting, when the camera creates the JPG. RAW shooters can always adjust exposure in post processing. Even though I shoot RAW, I usually leave it on Auto so I can double check the exposure details on the LCD screen. It's available in various strengths from Low to Extra High. Again, another great customization.
CONS
-At this price, Nikon should include a robust image editing software, or at least a decent discount on Capture NX2, which works great, but costs extra.
-Kit lens is thick in diameter (67mm). Also, the front glass of the lens seems somewhat exposed, as if it's not recessed that much (it's just enough for a lens cap). I worry that it'll get scratched easily. Good thing Nikon included the lens hood.
AUTOFOCUS TIP - I customized the D90 to autofocus using the AF-L button instead of the shutter release. Now I can focus with one press of my thumb on the AF-L button and shoot with my index finger on the shutter release. This allows me to focus first, let go, then take the shot. Since the subject is already in focus, I can take multiple shots, recompose or go vertical. I'm not forced to continually re-focus for every shot or move the AF point around in the viewfinder. This minimizes AF mishaps on unintentional subjects. And since the VR system remains off until you half-press the shutter (it activates only when you're ready to take the shot, not while you're focusing) you save on battery life as well.
Also, with the D90 set to AF-C mode (continuous autofocus) you can keep a moving subject in focus by holding down the AF-L with your thumb and shooting with your index finger. If the subject becomes still, simply let go of the AF-L button; focusing stops and is locked where you left it. Then shoot when ready. Now your D90 can act as if it's in Single or Continuous AF mode without you having to change settings all the time. This gives you more immediate control over the behavior of the AF system Try it and you won't go back!
SUMMARY - Overall I'm extremely happy with the D90! It's designed for serious shooting, but it's still fun to use; noticeably heavier than the D60, but still not a burden. You do need to be committed to carrying around a solid DSLR in the first place. Once you get used to that, you'll come to appreciate that it's more substantial because it'll be less shaky during shots. Nikon really packed it with a ton of features and customizations. Now I finally have everything I want in a DSLR, without it being overblown and overpriced. I'm actually surprising myself with some really spectacular shots.
If you have your basic photography skills down, you can make any DSLR sing, however, I believe THIS camera, because of its superb sensor and spot-on feature set, can actually help you improve your technique and get better results. You'll take more chances and push yourself farther because now you have the tools (ie. features) to help capture more difficult, more creative shots. And you didn't have to spend $3,000 to get there!
8-MONTH UPDATE: Still love this camera which hasn't lost any of its original excitement. Very reliable - never frustrating. I'm not craving an upgrade - not contemplating a switch to Canon either - I'm perfectly content. Haven't discovered any hidden quirks. In fact, the longer I use it, the more I realize how well engineered it is. The only extras I bought so far were a light monopod and a 50mm 1.8 lens.

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Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.Made in Thailand.

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Nikon D300s 12.3MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great camera even if Ken Rockwell doesn't really recommend it. I am a previous D200 owner, but I am very fond of this D300s. I still have much experimenting to do with this. I love my custom setup with vivid colors for landscapes and jewelry but I'm always forgetting to re-set it to normal when I'm taking people pictures. I haven't used the video as much as I want to. One draw back I couldn't edit the video with my Sony Vegas movie editing software, although I may have an earlier version of the software. Has anyone been able to do that?
The 18-200mm is the best Nikon lens made. Extremely versatile and may be the only lens you'll ever need. I love the new locking system.

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Nikon D300s 12.3MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens (9740)

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Nikon D1X - Digital camera - SLR - 5.3 Mpix - body only - supported memory: CF, Microdrive - black Review

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(More customer reviews)Do a google search on ROYAL CAMERA COMPLAINTS and you will see that they are a scammy outfit! I ONLY buy from AMAZON and who AMAZON recommends (like Adorama! B&H! etc!) oh and this camera is a FABULOUS camera to use - a bit of a learning curve but wonderful results!

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Nikon's D1X and the D1H professional digital SLR cameras established a new benchmark in digital photography. Both models include advanced capabilities for color reproduction, white balance and precision exposure control. The D1X, featuring a 5.47 megapixel CCD and advanced image processing, is optimized for superior image quality and higher resolution, while the D1H is optimized for action photography, with continuous shooting up to five (5) frames per second, making it the fastest and most action-oriented pro digital SLR available today. The models evolved from Nikon's highly successful D1 Professional Digital SLR Camera, which since its introduction in June 1999, has set a new standard for image quality, speed, ergonomics and performance in digital imaging.Nikon D1X - Optimized For High Image Sharpness. The D1X features a 5.47 megapixel CCD and powerful algorithm set. Through interpolation it can produce 8-bit 17.7-megabyte TIFF files, and with the next Nikon Capture Version Software it will produce 16-bit 34.4-megabyte TIFF files. The D1X is designed for professionals requiring high image quality for a wide range of applications, including high-tech, scientific, pre-press, advertising, graphic arts, education, commercial and other photography that requires extremely high detail.

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Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with Sigma AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS (Optical Stabilizer) Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)this camera is excellent. In the past I had a complete Leica set. this one is better.

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Nikon D90's Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode.The Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS Lens offers an "all-in-one" super-zoom lens solution, from wide-angle to long telephoto. Equivalent focal range is approx. 27-300mm when used with a Nikon digital SLR camera. Updated with the OS (Optical Stabilizer) system, which minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 2-3 stops faster. This allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. The 18-200mm's optical design incorporates aspherical lenses and SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, which provides the utmost correction for all types of aberrations. DC lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle (rear of lens) is sized to match the smaller dimensions used for the image sensor on digital cameras. 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit: Loaded with extremely useful accessories!

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Nikon HB-34 Lens Hood for 55-200mm DX Nikkor Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)Okay, this lens hood is fine. Terrific.
BUT...the 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX COMES WITH THIS ITEM! Don't "take advantage" of Amazon's "Better Together" offer for the lens:
"Buy this item with Nikon HB-34 Lens Hood for 55-200mm DX Nikkor Lens by Nikon today!"
Because then you'll own TWO of these.

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For 55-200mm Zoom Nikkor Lens, Lens hood Designed for the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor zoom lens Deflects oblique light angles that often cause flare effects Helps protect front of the lens scratches and dings while shooting

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Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this lens to complement the 18-55mm lens that came with my D50. The people who criticize this lens certainly have the right to their opinions but I don't feel they are keeping the price of the lens in perspective while reviewing the lens. One can spend thousands of dollars on a single Nikon lens. And to me, the fact that I can get a lens with great optics that's a little slow but is incredibly light for under $200 is nothing short of miraculous. If you would have told someone in 1968 that a lens of this quality would be available for such a low price, they would have laughed. Nikon is indeed the king of making lenses and they had made a lens that allows those that are beginners or who can't afford incredibly high priced lenses the ability to step into a very nice range lens with great optics for a pittance of what professional lenses cost. So what if it's a little slow? If I had the money, I guess I'd be spending $1500 on every lens but the fact is I don't have those resources and appreciate Nikon opening the door and letting me in on the fun too at a very reasonable price for a very reasonable quality lens. For those that dislike this lens, take it back and get a truly great lens for 10 times the price- they're available- no ones' stopping you- so why knock this lens down so badly? It services a certain market- those of us who want nice pictures but can't afford super fast super expensive lenses. These lenses are what they are. Quit all the whining and either just enjoy the lens for what it can do considering it's very low price or go out and buy that expensive lens that does everything you want it to. The super lenses are there for the buying. It's Not like they're not available and this is the only lens out there and Nikon is charging $700 dollars for it. I could understand some whining then. I got this lens on sale for $140. That's incredible. Enjoy this lens for all that it can do for such a reasonable price!

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Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

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Nikon D90 DX-Format 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens, and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S "VR" Zoom Nikkor Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all this is a really nice kit and i would recommend it for most people who have the money to get into professional or serious amateur Photography.
Pro's - Great price for the items included and everything arrived earlier than amazon expected it to be.
Con's - No lens filters, and a semi crappy DVD to jump start u into dSLR photography. Now the DVD is only 30 minutes and is very very rushed but if you dislike reading id say its not to shabby but if u read the first 50pages or so in the manual that came with the camera you get more info and have stuff explained better than in the DVD. Would rather get a lens filter than the DVD because i could have actually used the lens filters for a wile, where as the DVD was only good for someone who knows nothing about cameras and don't mind rushed explanations of how things work + they miss a lot of vital information in the 30min video that should have been there instead of some of the other things they put in it. Everything was all ready opened but nothing was scuffed or damaged in any way so it doesn't really bother me.
All done and said - Great starter kit, comes with 2 good lenses, a decent/good stand (depends on personal preference on stands), comes with a good lens cleaning kit(thought this also had a lens filter kit in it but it doesn't!), a very nice carrying bag(a little small in my opinion but it works, just gotta cram stuff into it some what to get it to fit everything. i also recommend wrapping the lenses and camera in towels so as to add some shock absorbtion and to keep them from getting scuffed and scratched.), a SD card reader which is awesome if u don't have have one and u don't want to go through the hassle of hooking ur camera up to the computer constantly to get pictures from it(personal preference here again), comes with a universal screen guard with four guards inside the box, the SD card wallet they put in it is kinda worthless(in my honest opinion since it doesn't offer as much protection as the little plastic cases they usually come in) and that's pretty much everything!
Hope this review helps you decide if its right for u! :D

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Nikon D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area auto focus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode. Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens: This lens is compact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits. It has a perfect everyday zoom. An ED- (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, contributing to superior optical performance. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, accurate, and quiet auto focus. Rounded 7-blade diaphragm renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements. Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens: 4.3x, is ideal for telephoto shooting opportunities. It incorporates Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a design engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. With a high-powered 70-300mm focal length range, the lens is ideal for sports, action, wildlife, travel and portrait photography, among other telephoto applications. When used on a Nikon DX format digital SLR, this lens approximates the picture angle performance of a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera. ++PLUS++ 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit:

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Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Nikkor Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DX-Format Digital SLR Cameras Review

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(More customer reviews)I believe it was Thom Hogan who described this lens as not perfect but really good at everything. That's the review in a nutshell.
This is what I would term a prosumer lens. It certainly is not cheap yet it does not have the build quality of Nikon's top-of-the-line. The barrel, for example, is plastic rather than metal. I fear that a drop would be catastrophic and even a hard bang on the edge of a table might do serious damage if the lens was fully extended. On the other hand, this lens is a lot less expensive than those in the Nikon pro line. In addition, the lens is much lighter and easier to carry than it would be were it made entirely of metal.
It is my understanding that the only meaningful difference between this lens (the VR II) and its immediate predecessor is the addition of a cam lock to prevent lens creep. My own sample doesn't creep at all, even with the cam unlocked but apparently that has been a significant irritant for a number of buyers.
The use of "VR II" in the name is potentially misleading because it may lead shoppers to believe that the VR system has been improved over the original model. This is not the case. Both the original 18-200 and the new version contain Nikon's second generation VR system. Some have suggested that Nikon's marketing is a bit shady on this point while others counter that the "II" simply designates a new model.
Sharpness is less than absolute across the entire range but more than adequate for anything that an amateur, or even most professionals, is likely to need. There is mild to moderate distortion, more marked at the focal length extremes but scarcely visible in the vast majority of images and readily correctable in Photoshop, DxO, or other post-processing software. Contrast is crisp and I find the lens surprisingly free of flaring and ghosting.
No one should buy this lens thinking that it will make him/her a better photographer. Good photography is in the mind and the eye, not in camera. What the 18-200 will do, though, is provide a one-lens solution to the great majority of focal length needs, minimizing the need to tote a hefty bag full of lenses. It happens that, as a long time Nikon user, I have such a bag. Despite all the choices at my disposal, my 18-200 probably stays on my camera 85-90% of the time.
Folks who are obsessed with numbers, charts, and MTF curves will probably fret over the 18-200, taking delight in pointing out every little defect. For the rest of us, the only significant downside that I see is that the lens is not ideally suited for extended service in rough environments or adverse weather situations. Since most of us seldom shoot in such circumstances, this should not be much of a problem.
I heartily recommend the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S ED VR II (whew! what a mouthful) to any advanced amateur or professional seeking a highly usable wide range zoom.

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The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens is a versatile and ultra-compact with a powerful focal length range of 18-200mm designed exclusively for Nikon DX format SLRs, is an ideal 11.1X zoom lens for portraiture, sports or wildlife. New compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation. Nikon Super Integrated Coating minimizes ghosting and flare to provide even higher contrast and more vivid images, even in challenging light conditions.

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Nikon 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought 28-200 G today to compliment the 50mm and 18-70 kit lens. I had some hope that the lens would be "good enough" and I'm very surprised at just how good this small lens is. I also tested the 24-120 VR. Call me crazy, but it seemed soft to me. When I got home I looked at the tests and the results from the VR lens were actually fine, so I think it was just the viewfinder. What really killed it for me was that 120 was just not enough reach (for me) for a really versatile walk-around lens. I took the 28-200 home and did some tests. This is a very nice lens. I found images very close in sharpness to the kit lens wide open. The near instant focus wasn't there of course (and missed!), but otherwise this is a lens that does a lot of things well. Focus was spot on and I tried some test macro shots fully zoomed in, also very nice. It's small and light and feels quite sturdy. At under 300 dollars it's a bargain that gives you all the reach you need in most cases. I couldn't see the point in waiting for the 55-200. It's simply starts too high for a walk-around all-in-one lens. I did more tests and shot a detailed object with the 28-200, 18-70 and the 50mm 1.8 all at 50mm at F6. The 28-200 was sharper than the kit lens! Samples may vary of course, but there's little doubt that the little 28-200 is nicely designed item that will also handle some macro work. Nikon also has a new 55-200mm on the way, but on a DSLR it'll be poor for a walk-around. I plan to add the 80-400 VR soon.
As others have said, the 28-200 may be a lens to live on the camera most days. If you're looking for a very nice all-in-one for that vacation or casual use, this lens delivers. Now if they make this lens a VR with the S motor we'd really be cooking!
Capt Robert B

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Md) Cl) Aa) Nik 28-200 F/3.5-5.6g Af

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Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a technology geek. An early adopter. I also work in the outdoors, shooting wildlife photographs. I used to use film cameras, and unfortunately was spending far more money in developing costs than groceries! So I made the early move to digital with a little point n' shoot Olympus. Many times I was so frustrated that the camera was almost thrown overboard. Then came the Nikon D70, a digital SLR. I was hooked. I loved being able to shoot 6 MP shots, 3 frames a second. Being able to preview pics and throw away what I didn't want. But soon my D70 was looking long in the tooth so to speak, so I began researching and prowling around for a new camera. My boss also used to shoot a D70, and had just made the jump over to a Canon D40 as the lenses were cheaper. Me, I'm a pretty loyal guy, so I gave the D300 a hard look.

I looked at many websites and forums that compared the top DSLRs. And I kept coming back to the D300. Even Macworld gave it their recommendation, so I went online and bought a package that included a D300, a 70-300 VR lens, a 2GB card and shipping for 1999.99. The camera arrived, and here are a few observations after only a few days use:
1. This is a heavy camera. Very solid. Heavier than my D70, but the weight is balanced feeling.
2. SPEED!!! Wow! I am using a Lexar 2GB 300x card, and when I hit burst rate the other day, I shot nearly 13 frames in about 2-3 seconds.
3. LCD display is incredible! At 3" in size, it really enables you to get a good feel for how the camera is operating. Live View is a new feature for when you are using a tripod or having to hold the camera at strange angles---it seems to really work well.
4. In camera processing---some features that I used to wait to process in Photoshop I can do in the camera now (red-eye reduction, etc.) Very helpful.
Now for the things I don't like (which is a very short list at this point):
1. Getting CF cards that really take advantage of the camera's lightning speed are expensive!
2. Lenses for this camera are expensive!
3. Owner's manual leaves something to be desired in explaining how to use the camera.
I am an intermediate user, and so I feel a bit lost trying to figure out all the options of this camera and how to best utilize them. But fortunately for you and me, there are lots of books, websites, etc, to help you take this Ferrari and use it to its' fullest extent! If I had to choose a camera again, I would DEFINITELY buy the Nikon D300 again.

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Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon's exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera's new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon's 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new Live View shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera's high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions. 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens The lens included with this kit offers a broad 18-200mm focal range for use in a variety of situations. It is equivalent to a 27-300 lens in the 35mm format. Its VR II system offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster. Two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast. It employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements, and it can focus from as close as 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the subject through its entire focal range. The lens also incorporates a SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet focusing, an M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation, and an internal focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing improved balance. What's in the box Nikon D300 digital SLR body, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D300 strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-23 rubber eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM

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Nikon BM-8 LCD Monitor Cover Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an necessary product for protecting your LCD screen. However, you should know that it, unlike the screen itself, scratches very easily. If you clean it with lens tissue and cleaner, it will scratch this cover; that is not the case with the screen.

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Replacement LCD monitor cover for the Nikon D300.

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Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)[Following is a reprint of my body only review. I placed a review of the lens at the end.]
The Nikon D80, destined to replace the popular D70 series, is a great camera for Nikon fans who wish to upgrade from their D50s, 70s or 100s. It's also attractive enough to maybe get a few people to jump ship!
Here's the highlights:
1) 10.2 megapixel. A substantial upgrade from the 6mp of the older cameras, performance should be very comparable to the highly regarded D200 camera;
2) 11-point AF system. Similar again to the D200 in performance (though not as easy to change);
3) Large viewfinder (.94x magnification). Again, taken from the D200, this is a clear improvement over the previous cameras. Spec wise, this is also better than all the competition, even though other, personal preference factors need to be taken into consideration (such as layout of LCDs and focusing points).;
4) 2.5" LCD. Not only is it larger, it can also be viewed at a much wider angle--particularly handy when locked to a tripod.
The camera is small for Nikon (about like the D50), but has a good, firm grip for those with medium to larger hands. Controls are well thought out--easy to get to and use. Dampening of mirror noise is better than its competition.
Nikon's use of the SDHC format should be commended. These small cards will have no real disadvantage to the older CF hards once the HC versions start hitting the shelves, and should relieve the danger of "bent pins".
Things you've liked about previous Nikons have been retained. The D80 uses inexpensive wireless & wired remotes, and it still allows the built-in flash to control other Nikon Speedlights remotely.
Compared to the competition, the Canon Rebel XTi & Sony Alpha 100, the Nikon starts a bit in the hole, considering it's the most expensive camera (by $200 & $100, respectively). The XTi offers a nice "anti-dust" hardware & software solution; while the Sony offers in camera stablization. Both use the rear LCD for info status. While many may prefer the traditional LCD on top (like the D80), the rear LCD does have the advantage of being considerably larger text for older eyes (and on the Alpha, rotates when you rotate the camera for verticals). Too bad the D80 doesn't give you this option as well.
The XTi is smaller and lighter, maybe too small for many people. The XTi also does not offer wireless capability with the built-in flash (like D80/A100). It's battery (hence capacity) is a bit smaller.
The Alpha 100 being Sony's first modern digital SLR means that getting lenses and accessories my be a bit more difficult (even though it uses a lot from the older Maxxum cameras). It's also a bit noiser in its operations.
The D80 adds more AF selections than either of the above cameras, has nice enhancements like grid lines and double exposures. It also comes with a protective cover for the rear LCD.
Lens wise, they greatly outnumber those offered by Sony, particularly in any considered "Pro" grade. While Canon can compete in "Pro" grade with Nikon (particularly in longer length lenses), Nikon has a bit of advantage in wider angles for digital. Nikon only offers one size digital sensor, where as Canon must offer two series (for 3 different chip sizes).
Is the D80 worth the money? For anyone with Nikon lenses, undoubtedly. My recommendation for anyone with Canon EF or Minolta Maxxum lenses: look at those cameras first...but be sure to look at the D80 before you buy.
Lens review: Tremendous! The Nikkor 18-135 gives everybody what they want, an affordable lens with above average quality.
First, the 18-135 range is excellent for a kit lens, equivalent of a 27-200 in 35mm photography. It looks great, zooms smoothly, and balances well. The Silent Wave focusing motor is quiet, quick and smooth, and allows immediate manual focus (no hunting for switches). The internal focus is great for anyone using polarizing filters, and allows for a more efficient tulip shaped lens hood (supplied).
Second, the image quality is very good. The aperture is of average size, so don't expect images to jump out like large aperture lenses, but quality is good throughout the range.
Third, Nikon always includes a better than average 5 year warranty in the US on their lenses.
The only negative is that I always prefer a metal lens mount to a plastic one, although the latter keeps both the weight and cost down.

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Includes 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Lens / Uses F mount lenses / SD Memory Card Slot / USB 2.0 / 2.5-inch LCD / 3D Color Matrix Meter Up to 2,700 images per battery charge -High-Efficiency power systems featuring reduced power consumption and Real-Time Fuel Gauge with Nikon's EN-EL3e Lithium Ion rechargeable batteryNikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, plus Variable Center-Weighted and Spot Metering. Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II instantly and accurately evaluates brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information, referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Vary the size of the center-weighted area reading and spot metering readings correspond to 11 focusing points 11-area AF system with Wide-area Center Segment and Auto-area AF functions 2.5 LCD screen ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) -100 to 1600In-Camera Image Editing with Retouching Menu Built-in Speedlight with Nikon i-TTL flash metering and two-group Wireless Commander optionShooting Modes -1) Single frame shooting mode; 2) Continuous shooting mode -approx. 3 frames per second; 3) Self-timer; 4) Delayed remote mode; 5) Quick-response remote mode Images are stored on SD figital memory cards Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) -Approx. 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inch; Weight -Approximately 1 lb. 5 oz.

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Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR + Nikon 55-200mm AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens + 16GB Card + EN-EL3e Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Being an old 35mm SLR user, it was only a matter of time until I graduated from a point and shoot digital to something like this. I love the versatility of this camera and all that's available for it. I'm still in the learning process (and probably will be for a good while) but, little by little I'm getting the hang of some of the many attributes of this camera.
My first draw to this camera was the 12.3 megapixels along with the 3" screen. Viewing each shot on the screen makes it very easy to see if it's one I need to keep or not.... not the case with my little point and shoot with a screen so small you couldn't tell if the shot was in focus, or not.
All in all, this was a great purchase. I plan to add a wide angle lens for the terrific scenic shots I plan on taking on my upcoming trip to Switzerland.... along with a remote shutter release, for those low light situations.
If you don't mind carrying around a case with a few lenses and related garb, this is a wonderful setup. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who's more than a simple point and shoot kind of person.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR + Nikon 55-200mm AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens + 16GB Card + EN-EL3e Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit

Kit includes:♦ 1) Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body & 18-105mm DX VR AF-S Zoom Lens♦ 2) Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens♦ 3) Transcend 16GB HC SecureDigital Class 6 (SDHC) Card♦ 4) Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery♦ 5) Precision Design 1000 Deluxe Digital SLR System Camera Case ♦ 6) ImageRecall Digital Image Recovery Software♦ 7) Precision Design USB 2.0 SecureDigital (SDHC) High-Speed Memory Card Reader♦ 8) Precision Design 6-Piece Lens Cleaning Kit♦ 9) Precision Design Memory Card Storage WalletThe Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera, with its 12.3-megapixel DX-format CCD, 3-inch High resolution LCD display, Scene Recognition System, Picture Control, Active D-Lighting, and one-button Live View, provides photo enthusiasts with the image quality and performance.The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens features built-in Vibration Reduction II system providing equivalent shutter speeds 3 steps faster than standard lenses. It also has one ED glass element and one aspherical lens element, optimized for use with DX-format SLRs. The 18-105mm also features ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor allows for blazingly quick, silent autofocus.The Nikon 55-200mm VR Zoom Lens is a versatile and ultra-compact telephoto zoom lens that offers a 3.6x zoom range. The innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) System allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.Take more high-resolution pictures faster with this 16GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) memory card.Increase your shooting capacity with this powerful Nikon EN-EL3e Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.This multi-compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories. Features four padded dividers in the main compartment and includes numerous zippered and mesh pockets

Click here for more information about Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR + Nikon 55-200mm AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens + 16GB Card + EN-EL3e Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit

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