Ultra Cool Gadgets

he new AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, a DX-format, medium-telephoto micro lens with built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II) and Silent Wave Motor (SWM). With a focal length of 85mm, this compact and lightweight lens is recommended for users of Nikon DX-format digital SLRs such as the D5000 and D90. The18°50’picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm in Nikon FX- and 35mm-format cameras).

The AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR can be used in a wide range of applications. While users can enjoy the natural perspective and beautiful blur that a medium-telephoto lens can offer in landscapes and portraits, this micro lens is especially expected to promote the enjoyment of macro photography for taking insects, small animals and flowers. High resolving power is realized throughout the entire shooting range from infinity to the closest focusing distance (1:1 life size) to reproduce even the fine texture of flower petals.

Built-in VR II (Vibration Reduction) enables users to take sharp pictures at shutter speeds approximately four stops slower* than would otherwise be possible, thereby minimizing image blur caused by camera shake. This remarkably expands user freedom during hand-held shooting. In addition, blur-corrected image in the viewfinder makes focusing and composition easy.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests

Built-in SWM (Silent Wave Motor) enables quiet AF operation, especially effective for the macro shooting of easily disturbed subjects such as insects and small animals. Internal Focusing (IF) system means the lens barrel length does not change during focusing, which ensures worry-free macro shooting while maintaining a constant working distance. M/A (manual-priority autofocus) mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus by rotating the focus ring, even during AF servo operation.

Technical Details :
* 85mm lens ideal for close-up, nature, portrait and general photography.
* Close focusing to 0.9 feet.
* Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization.
* Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element; Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC).
* Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM).

Customer Feedback :
It’s a s midge sharper. What I really like the is the working distance on a DX body; it’s nothing you could get on an FX body as a macro lens (FX equivalent of 127.5mm; only macro’s for FX are 60 and 105 2.8). . .
The VR does work very well, but does not completely make up for fast aperture. Back to back testing in low light portrait shots, the VR gave me a about a 1-2 stop advantage (my 60mm 2.8 micro, thus, still better in that regard).

Ideal for close-up shots, copy work, and general photography, the Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both Nikon FX format and DX format image sensors. The lens is equipped with an exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables accurate, quiet, high-speed autofocus operation. The lens’s pair of aspherical elements, meanwhile, virtually eliminate coma and other types of aberration even at the widest aperture. Add in an extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass element–which effectively minimizes chromatic aberration–and your photos will enjoy superior sharpness and color correction regardless of the subject. Other details include an internal focusing (IF) design that enables the use of polarizers and speed-light systems; a Nano Crystal Coat that virtually eliminates reflections across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image integrity; a Super Integrated Coating (SIC) that substantially reduces ghosting and flare; a rounded nine-blade diaphragm that makes out-of-focus image elements appear more natural; and a M/A focus mode that allows you to quickly transition between autofocus and manual operation.

Technical Details :
* Lens Type: AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED.
* Designed for use with Nikon FX and DX digital SLR cameras including the D40, D60, D80, D90, and D300.
* Focal length: 90mm effective for APS-C sensor cameras.
* Ideal for closeup and macro photography.
* Minimum focus distance: 8 inches.

Customer Feedback :
It is an excellent lens. It no longer extends when focusing. Hood is now included, and is bayonet style, not screw on. AFS. Quiet focusing. 9 nine rounded aperture blades (instead of 7 straight) for very pleasant bokeh.
As sharp as the old one. New Nano crystal coatings supposed provide better color and contrast (only time will tell on this one).

Smart, fast, and blessed with long reach. Packing stylish elegance, high performance and advanced functions into the smallest body among competing compact digital cameras, the 10-megapixel Coolpix S550 fits comfortably in the hand and offers simplified operation.

Coolpix S550 Highlights :
- 10.0 megapixels of pure imaging power.
- 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens.
- VR image stabilization.
- Smile mode and Blink warning.
- Better pictures in lower light.
- Face-priority AF.
- D-Lighting : A unique technology with the ability to rescue underexposed images or shots taken with excessive backlight.
- In-camera red-eye fix.

Technical Details :
* 10-megapixel resolution for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches.
* 5x optical zoom; Electronic VR image stabilization.
* 2.5-inch, high-resolution LCD.
* In-Camera Red-Eye Fix; enhanced Face-Priority AF automatically focuses on up to 12 faces.
* Capture images to SD memory card (not included).

Customer Feedback :
The majority of the reviews were excellent. There were a few that were scary. Now i realize why. This camera is a great camera if you are willing to put the time in to learn all it has to offer and how to use it. It comes in cool, fresh colors which may be one of the reasons that people felt mislead. Although cool looking this camera is a sophisticated piece of equiptment capable of producing some great pictures for the average person, but it does require you to read certain portions of the manual or you will not be satisfied with the results.
One criticism i read related to the fact that it did not take great low light pictures. Well if you don’t adjust the camera to suit those lighting conditions then you won’t be happy. However push two buttons and get into the right mode and you will find that you can take some of the best low light pictures around.

Get more from life’s most fascinating moments with Nikon’s new Coolpix L19 and its 8.0 effective megapixels, 3.6x zoom and incredible, bright 2.7-inch LCD screen. Motion Detection automatically detects subject movement and adjusts the shutter speed and ISO to compensate for camera shake and minimize image blur. The camera’s Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector simplifies your picture-taking experience by letting camera automatically select the best setting to get great pictures. Nikon’s Smart Portrait System combines four different technologies that will fix red-eye, detect faces, fire the shutter when your subject smiles and warn you if they blink, to get your great portraits.

Coolpix L19 Highlights :
- 8.0-megapixel resolution.
- 3.6x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens gets you close to the action.
- Bright 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD makes it easy to view and share pictures.
- Adjusts up to ISO 1600 to keep shooting even in lower light.
- Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and ISO settings to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
- Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector simplifies your picture-taking experience by letting the camera automatically select the best setting to get great pictures.
- Nikon’s Smart Portrait System:
* In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera.
* Enhanced Face-Priority AF – Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on up to 12 faces.
* Smile Mode automatically releases the shutter when your subject smiles.
* Blink Warning displays a warning message, should the camera detect your subject has blinked.
* D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit images by improving brightness and detail where needed.

Technical Details :
* 8.0-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches.
* 3.6x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens.
* 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD screen.
* Nikon’s Smart Portrait System; Red-eye Fix, Face Priority AE and more.
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included).

Customer Feedback :
The camera’s on screen tutorial is a great help, and the manual is easy to understand. The screen and fonts are large enough to see clearly. Her favorite feature is the AUTO MODE, just point and shoot. I made sure to give her plenty of extra AA batteries, as it does not come with a charger. USB cables provided allow easy hook up to computer. The camera performs fairly well under low light conditions, which is a good thing.