Expert Camera Reviews

The Samsung NV7 OPS is a combination of a 7 megapixel CCD imager with a massive 7x optical zoom and image stabilization to boost its performance. The NV7 also includes Aperture priority, Shutter priority and manual mode, an automatic shake reduction, a high ISO setting mode, scene program, movie capture and playback features. A unique feature on the NV7 is the 13 “Smart Buttons” around the LCD to perform different functions like changing the ISO settings to high or low.

Strong Features:

• Unique Smart Touch user interface
• Full manual controls, including ability to set white balance by color temperature
• Excellent movie mode, optical zoom can be used during recording
• AF-assist lamp, provides very good low light focusing
• Large 2.5 inch LCD screen

Weak Features:

• No optical viewfinder
• Lacks proper red-eye removal quality
• Images are noisy even at low ISOs
• Poor battery life
• Optical Image Stabilization cannot be used in movie recording mode
• Mutes audio while zooming in video

Specifications:
Megapixels – 7.10
Weight (oz.) – 8.6
Optical Zoom – 7x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – 0.6 to 19 ft
Image stabilizer – Yes, Optical
Battery type – Rechargeable custom Lithium Ion
Special features – USB 2.0 High Speed support, Unique Smart Touch buttons, Optical stabilization of images, MPEG-4 VGA movie mode, In-camera special effects, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1000

Summary:
Although having some very user friendly interface, yet the Samsung NV7 OPS cannot be recommended just for an average performance and just above average photo quality.

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The Sony DSLR-A100K is one of the most commanding consumer-level digital cameras available, offering more than 10.2 megapixels of resolution and extremely quick response times. However at $1000 minus the add-ons which one would need to purchase, it is a bit expensive. The DSLR comes with a 18 – 70 mm lens and the DSLR-A100K can create professional-quality prints at sizes of 20×25 inches and larger. Image quality with this digital camera is outstanding under all conditions. This camera uses anti-dust coating on the image sensor, which prevents statically charged dust from clinging to the sensor while charging the lenses. The DSLR-A100K accepts Maxxum AF lenses, so for anyone with an existing collection of these lenses should be happy to use this camera

Features that work for the camera are:

• Offers very high image resolution
• In-camera image stabilization
• Easy to use although being a high-end camera
• Good add-on lens selection
• Very good response time

Features that work against the camera are:

• Large camera body
• Costly add-ons units such as lens and focus units
• Sensor based image stabilization

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.2
Weight (oz.) – 16
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 2.5 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - Yes
Battery type – Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Special features – Red-eye reduction technology, Compact flash I/II card slot, microdrive and FAT32 compatible, PictBridge compatible, Pentaprism viewfinder

Summary:
There are only two major factors, the high price and the body weight and size that work against this camera, else it is a very good high end DSLR camera for any photographer to have in his arsenal.

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The Nikon D80 digital SLR is the successor of the D70s. It is positioned between the entry-level D50 and semi-professional high budget D200, directly targeting photographic enthusiasts or those who simply want an extra boost but within their budget. The D80 has a combination of many features from both the D50 and D200. The Nikon D80 has the same 10.20 Megapixel resolutions, 2.5 inch LCD screen with user interface as that of the D200. The Nikon D80 spots an 18 -135mm DX kit lens; this makes it a killer photographic tool for amateur and intermediate photographer.

Some very good features of the Nikon D80 are:

• The 0.94x viewfinder is unusually large for a DSLR and very bright due to the pentaprism optics used
• User can control high-ISO noise reduction
• LCD is large, bright and very clear
• Powerful in-camera color-filter capability
• Excellent range of custom settings
• Very good and attractive menu system with help screens

Drawbacks of the camera are:

• Maximum shutter speed is a low 1/4000 compared to 1/8000 of the D70’s
• Auto white balance mode provides poor handling of household incandescent lighting
• Contrast adjustment has limited range
• Kit lens is quite sharp but has more chromatic aberration on the images

Specifications:
Megapixels – 10.20
Weight (oz.) – 20.5
Optical Zoom – 3x
LCD Size – 3 inch
Flash Range (ft) – Built-in
Image stabilizer - No
Battery type – Lithium Ion
Special features - Image storage on SD and SDHC memory cards, USB 2.0 High speed support, User selectable White balance with 9 modes and manual fine tuning, bright viewfinder, NTSC video cable for playback on TV

Summary:
The Nikon D80 is solidly built and Nikon’s combination of build quality, image quality, extensive configurability, rich post-capture processing features, and excellent kit lens makes the D80 a genuine bargain camera. This is a camera that’s quite friendly for complete novices and also for the serious amateur with a range of creative control and sophisticated operating features.

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