Studio Equipment Packages
2008 was an interesting year for digital SLR photographers in general, even if one ignores the ultra-high-end ads Leica Hassleblad and Red. The three actors main space DSLR (Nikon and Canon, each with about 40% market share and Sony with 10%) all the cameras turning up. Here are their successes and failures.
Nikon
After his release in 2007 with the revolutionary Nikon D3 and D300, will put the bar high for 2008, but generally did not disappoint with four new bodies:
Nikon D60
While not revolutionary, the Nikon D60 replaces the D40x in Nikon lineup consumers, in a smaller package better, becoming one of the smallest and lightest DSLR ever made.
Nikon D700
Coming almost a total surprise, the Nikon D700 was launched in mid-summer, which contains the full frame 12 megapixel flagship D3 but with a body similar to D300. At $ 3,000, this camera was the Nikon FX commitment, and the camera immediately became the choice of many professional they do not need the closing time, or the advanced features of the D3 (for example wedding photographers).
However, few months after its launch, the A900 from Sony came out with a 24 megapixel sensor full-frame recommended by the manufacturer for the same, and the Canon 5D Mark II came out with a frame sensor full 21-megapixel camera and 1080p HD video for $ 2,700.
Although the D700 is still the most complete package (better autofocus, arguably the best measurement and for the vast majority of 12 megapixels is enough), which has been under intense pressure from rivals more megapixels. Just four months after its launch, prices have fallen in the street on 25% to the range of $ 2,300 for a U.S. model.
Nikon D90
Replacing the Nikon D80 in the lineup, the Nikon D90 took the respected D300 sensor, improved slightly, add video, and packaged in a small, lightweight body with ways scene and a more basic autofocus and metering.
The Nikon D90 was also the first DSLR world of high definition capture function video, with its 720p/24 fps mode. However, a few weeks later Canon announced a video offering much broader with Canon 5D Mark II, video still the weakest element of the D90, lacking autofocus and gives very little control over key elements such as exposure.
A $ 999, this company Nikon lineup helped consumers by creating a consumer DSLR exceptionally able progress in the Nikon D90.
Nikon D3x
After years of rumors, Nikon finally announced it's high megapixel cameras, the Nikon 24-Megapixel D3x.
The camera immediately drew a violent reaction to its price of $ 8,000, which at the time of the release was almost twice the street price of the Nikon D3. This was the only fueled scandal further, when it was revealed the only significant difference between the D3 and D3x were the sensor and the EXPEED processor slightly improved, combined with the fact Sony can produce a digital SLR camera with the same size / megapixel sensor for just $ 3,000.
This camera is aimed squarely at the studio / landscape photographer, and initial tests have shown that the sensor is clean high ISO than the Sony (but comparable with the 5D Mark II, which has fewer megapixels). Thus, while it is clearly an impressive camera, it remains to be seen how many photographers can really justify the price.
Canon
Besides some entry-level DSLR, you had two big releases in 2008.
Canon EOS 50D
Replacing the 40D, the Canon 50D filed a 15-megapixel sensor 1.6x crop, so it is the highest pixel density available today (equivalent to a 39 megapixel sensor full frame).
However, the initial reception has not been particularly positive. Due to the high density of pixels, the camera suffers most from the effects diffraction, it has high ISO capabilities that many hoped would be, and shows the problems with the lenses, more than any previous model. However, still still a solid camera in its current selling price of just over $ 1,000.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Probably the launch most significant of the year, the Canon 5D replacement has a 21-megapixel sensor Full Frame, similar to ISO capability new Nikon D3x, and became the first DSLR -function digital 1080p HD video capture. Despite some initial problems (like the famous "black spot" of the problem) by Canon $ 2700 provides a set of impressive features, and seems to have hit a home run with what is possibly the best prosumer package on the market today.
Sony
After solidifying its consumer line, Sony was after the advanced user market with the A900 Sony 24-megapixel and full-frame sensor for less than $ 3,000.
Sony A900
The camera lacks the basic elements expected in today's DSLR as Live View, but the next available camera with 24 megapixels is the $ 8,000 Nikon D3x. However, the greater the competition comes from the Canon 5D Mark II, which has a resolution slightly less than 21 megapixels, but more than makes up for its lower price of $ 2,700, 1080p HD video mode and features like Live View.
While clearly an impressive camera a solid price, unless you really need the extra resolution would be very difficult to choose the Sony through the Canon.
Abstract
With cameras pioneered the Nikon D3x, Nikon D90, Canon 50D and Canon 5D Mark II, 2008 solidified sensors full frame on the market, witnessed a continuous momentum towards more megapixels, and saw the introduction of video in DSLR's.
Looking ahead, 2009 should be an interesting year. With the adverse economic situation and fierce competition for market share, you should see prices fall, and applications such as mature video several interesting, if not innovative cameras in the near future.
Steve Denton has been a Photographer using Nikon equipment for over 20 years, since he bought his first Nikon F Photomic.
He also runs the web site http://www.DentonImages.com, a web site dedicated to DSLR photography, covering the latest news from the major manufactures including Nikon, Canon, Leica and Hasselblad, as well as equipment reviews, articles, travel and galleries.
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