Nikon has entered the mirrorless camera market with a strong start by introducing their new Nikon 1 system, which includes the J1 and V1 cameras. They did not, however, take the same route as other manufacturers with a 4/3 system but came up with their own sensor size, which they call CX format (slightly smaller than the 4/3 and APS-C format cameras). The CX-format CMOS sensor has a 2.7x magnification/crop factor, providing users with a range of 27-297mm with four lenses to choose from: Their 10mm, 2.8 is an ultra-compact, fast lens; the 10-30mm and 30-110mm provide a full range of focal lengths in just two lenses; and the 10-100mm provides the same range in a single lens (albeit a bit heavy and bulky) with Nikon’s well-respected glass.

The specs of the J1 (which I tested) read very much like many sophisticated DSLR bodies, yet the J1 is very easy to operate and uncluttered. The key settings are available at the push of a button on the exterior of the camera and many more adjustments can be accessed from the menu.

Some key features that set the Nikon 1 system apart from others include Nikon’s new hybrid AF system that combines phase detection/contrast-detect AF with a 73-point focus array, which continually works to keep your subject in sharp focus. Add an auto advance of 5 fps (frames per second) in full-res mode (up to 60 fps in electronic Hi mode) and you won’t miss a single shot.

Want to make a movie? The J1 offers 1080p video-capture, with single-frame capture while filming at the touch of the shutter – without interrupting the video. Don’t want video, but want to capture a mini sequence? The new one-touch Motion Snapshot captures short bursts (approximately 1 second), ensuring you capture that special moment at precisely the right time. Additionally, the J1 is equipped with ultra-slow-motion video for creative special effects that are only available in much higher-end cameras at a much greater cost.

The J1 is geared toward the hobbyist, so I decided to test it without reading the manual, to see just how intuitive it was. I was pleased to find that I could make many adjustments without referring to the instructions. (I later read the instruction book to make sure I was optimizing the camera and getting the most out of the features it offers.)

To keep the camera compact, one sacrifice was made: the lack of a viewfinder. And this proved problematic in bright light when I couldn’t see the rear LCD to compose my shot. At 10 megapixels, however, the J1 doesn’t sacrifice quality for size and I was pleasantly surprised at how low the noise was at higher ISO settings.

And if that’s not enough, Nikon has announced that they’ll offer the FT-1 Mount Adapter to accommodate F-mount single lens reflex (SLR) lenses in the near future. While adding an SLR lens to the camera will totally overpower the body, it does offer the opportunity to increase the magnification range to an extreme at 2.7x the effective focal length of the lens attached.

With all the features and accessories that the Nikon 1 system offers, it fills a niche for photographers, from the snapshot shooter who wants more than a point-and-shoot offers to the serious shooter who’s looking for a compact, full-featured camera with RAW capabilities.

The highlights for my shooting with the J1 include: the broad range of focal lengths offered in a compact camera, the high speed that ensures peak-of-action capture, and the RAW format. Of course, HD video is also a plus. The downside to the J1 is the lack of a viewfinder, making it difficult to see the rear LCD in bright light. But, if that’s a deal breaker, there’s always the V1! (The V1 also includes Nikon’s new multi-accessory port for attaching options such as the new SB-N5 Speedlight.)

Company: Nikon Inc.
Price: Starts at $649.95
Web: www.nikonusa.com
Rating: 3.5
Hot: Compact camera with broad zoom range
Not: Rear LCD is hard to see; no viewfinder

There are many flash modifiers to choose from these days, giving the end user a variety of options with which to customize their flash photography and match their style. With the bigger-is-better mantra when it comes to light, getting that big light source from a small flash provides a challenge that Graslon, Inc. has tackled head on and done a fine job in the process. The Graslon Insight (and Prodigy, its big brother) Dome Flash Diffuser Model 4300D incorporates highly reflective silver baffles inside the base to help intensify the light before it passes through the domed diffuser onto your subject. This design helps you gain back the loss of light caused by shooting through a diffuser. The result is similar to that of a larger light source with a diffused, soft quality in a lightweight, portable package.

I found the setup to be very easy, with four moveable rubberized grips and an adjustable strap—one size fits all and very nicely, I might add, with no sticky Velcro pieces on the flash head.

Also available to fit the Insight is a flat diffuser lens for more directional light as well as Amber lenses in both flat and dome for shooting in tungsten light (the additional lenses cost $19.95 each). An oversize stand ($14.95) allows you to set up your flash remotely using your camera’s TTL system.

I found the Graslon Insight Dome Flash Diffuser very easy to use and was very impressed with the wraparound quality of light it produced. Its light weight makes it a no-brainer as an addition to a travel photographer’s bag.

Company: Graslon, Inc.
Price: $69.95
Web: http://graslon.com
Rating: 4
Hot: Fits most hot shoe flashes without additional adapters
Not: A bit bulky for travel

With airline travel getting harder and harder these days, I needed an alternative for my camera gear in the event I was forced to gate check it—something I don’t like doing unless absolutely necessary. I decided that a case that would still fit in the overhead of the larger planes was important, so I only had to gate check on the smaller commuter planes.

Enter Porter Case with their line of hard-sided, injection-molded polypropylene, wheeled cases. I chose the PCi Deluxe Camera Divider Case with CART, as it looked like it would carry everything I needed, while providing protection when the bag was taken out of my control, and the wheels would take the stress off my back. Plus, the case configures to work as a dolly allowing me to stack other cases on top of it while wheeling my luggage to and from the car—a very cool feature for us overburdened travelers.

I have to admit to some trepidation on giving up my equipment for the first time, but the Porter Case came through with flying colors! The hard-sided case protected my gear from the impact of loading and unloading it from the cargo hold. The divider system allows me to adjust the slots to accommodate my equipment, with padded dividers between each item further protecting my precious equipment. The oversized wheels work smoothly on smooth, flat surfaces, as well as over rougher terrain making it a good location case, as well. The case has three latches with one built-in TSA lock giving me added insurance that my gear will not be tampered with while out of my control, and it has a gasket to seal against dust and moisture.

With the TSA lock, divider system, and an expandable accordion portfolio in the lid for miscellaneous items, the Porter Case is my case of choice when traveling these days.

Company: Porter Case
Price: $347
Web: www.portercase.com
Rating: 5
Hot: Great alternative for gate checking precious equipment
Not:

Nikon’s legendary 85mm f/1.4 lens has undergone a complete update. Designed as the ultimate portrait lens, the 85mm f/1.4G is that and more. It’s a tack-sharp telephoto lens that works splendidly in low light and has great bokeh when used wide open. New to the AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is a totally new optical design, with Nano Crystal Coat and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), making it not only sharper than its predecessor but also quicker and quieter.

The lens is designed to work on FX bodies but works very well on DX bodies, with the crop factor giving even tighter compositions. The SWM allows you to reach up and take control of the focus quickly and smoothly without fumbling for the manual switch, which can be the difference of refining focus in time to capture a spontaneous moment. The rounded 9-blade diaphragm provides a smooth, out-of-focus background while making your subject pop. Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat helps to reduce ghosting and flare in tough lighting conditions. The 77mm filter size is consistent with many other pro Nikon lenses, which allows me to carry one set of filters in the field.

Its magnesium construction and weather sealing allows you to shoot in even the most adverse conditions with confidence. Incorporating Internal Focus (IF) in its design is a benefit to users as there are no external moving parts, which means you don’t have to worry about pulling moisture into the lens in wet conditions, and you can use a polarizing filter without having to constantly readjust it as the lens focuses. Overall, this is one beautiful lens that is a must have for the discerning portrait photographer or anyone in need of a fast medium telephoto.

Company: Nikon Inc.
Price: $1,699.95
Web: www.nikonusa.com
Rating: 5
Hot: Tack sharp with excellent bokeh
Not: The price puts a dent in your pocketbook

Nikon has answered the call of FX (full-frame) camera users to provide a lens comparable to their ultra-popular NIKKOR AF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6G VR II DX-format lens with their new AF-S 28–300mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR. All it took for me to order one was a day spent wandering Las Vegas and hassling with changing lenses and the bulk and weight of a backpack.

The new 10.7x zoom gives me everything I need for a casual day of shooting in one lens. I can photograph the sweeping landscape in one frame and zoom in for tight details in the next without having to switch lenses. Talk about flexibility and the ability to move about unencumbered with too much gear. With current travel restrictions, it’s a great lens for those who need to travel light and yet need the versatility of many focal lengths.

The VR II technology has two VR modes: Normal and Active. Active mode is designed for shooting from a moving platform, such as a car or boat, to help avoid camera shake, which results in blurry images. The lens incorporates two extra-low dispersion (ED) and three aspherical elements, assuring sharp, distortion-free images. With a minimum focus distance of 18″, I can move in tight for close-up details easily. Add a lock switch for the zoom, and I can now carry the lens over my shoulder and not have the lens barrel drift to its longest focal length. I simply flip the switch and I’m back to shooting with the full zoom range. The AF-S 28–300mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR is a compact, lightweight, versatile, all-in-one zoom solution. It even has a 77mm filter size like Nikon’s pro lenses.

Company: Nikon Inc.
Price: $1,049.95
Web: www.nikonusa.com
Rating: 4.5
Hot: Great focal range in one lens
Not: What’s not to like?

For the active photographer who needs a portable light solution, Photoflex has introduced the OctoDome nxt: Extra Small Location Kit. Included in a single, easy-to-carry bag is everything you need to get started with a one-light studio. Beginning with the StarFire digital flash, which has three operating modes—Manual, Slave 1, and Slave 2—as well as power adjustments for complete control of flash output, the kit also includes the FlashFire Wireless Kit, which can fire off-camera flash from 160′.

The OctoDome itself is a 18″ softbox that’s very versatile with three levels of diffusion: simply use the OctoDome alone, add the baffle to further soften and control the light, or add the front diffuser for additional softening. The deep front allows room for additional grids, etc., to be added for greater control.

To support the setup, Photoflex includes an 8′ LightStand, along with a compact, extra small stand that can be used for a background light. Add to the kit all the hardware to get started and you can be shooting on location within a very short time.

I found getting the correct exposure to be quite easy, without the aid of a flash meter. I simply fired a test shot, adjusted the settings on both the camera (ambient) and the flash to get the look I wanted using both the baffle and the front diffuser, and was very pleased with the results. The light was soft, controllable, and produced some very nice portraits, as well as doing a great job for products.

For those who already have their own dedicated flashes, you can buy the OctoDome nxt: Extra Small Kit separately.

Company: Photoflex Inc.
Price: $549.95 (street price)
Web: www.photoflex.com
Rating: 4.5
Hot: Compact; lightweight
Not: Assembly of hot shoe adapter a bit tricky

Nikon has taken some of the best features of its higher-end cameras and incorporated them in the D7000. Among these features are dual SD memory card slots that enable you to shoot more images without having to change cards, which is a real plus with its rapid-fire six frames-per-second shooting speed. You can also use one card for stills and one for movies, which leads to another groundbreaking feature for Nikon: 1080p HD video with full-time autofocus (AF) to produce up to 20 minutes of high-quality movie clips. There’s even a microphone jack to plug in an external microphone.

That alone would make many people happy, but Nikon didn’t stop there. The body is made out of magnesium alloy for extra strength and durability, previously only used in the higher-end bodies. They also added extra weather sealing against the elements, and a 150,000-cycle shutter.

The D7000 now sits at the top of the line in resolution for DX bodies with its 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and the new 39-point AF with nine center cross-type sensors. This enables you to compose the image to your liking and still use the powerful AF capabilities with any of the AF lenses in the Nikon line, plus any AI (manual focus) lens in aperture priority or manual modes with very little loss of functionality.

The 2,016-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system (now, that’s a mouthful), along with Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, provides accurate metering in even the most difficult light. Additionally, Nikon improved white balance, focus tracking, and iTTL flash output, allowing you to concentrate on the subject and not worry so much about the mechanics of shooting. This is a real plus when the action picks up or for those spontaneous, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

While we’re on the subject of iTTL flash, I’d be remiss not to mention the fact that the built-in flash not only provides a decent range, but it can also be used as a commander so you can take an additional Nikon Speedlight and use it wirelessly off camera in full TTL mode.

The D7000 has Nikon’s EXPEED 2 image processor and 14-bit Analog/Digital conversion for rich colors, smooth tones, and fast performance. Nikon also added two user-definable settings on the Mode Selector Dial, so you can store your favorite camera settings and quickly access them without having to wade through the menu settings, which is a real benefit for those who make use of the many capabilities of the camera.

Both Virtual Horizon and Live View, with the addition of a grid overlay, help you to keep your subjects on the level, and with the dynamic ISO range from 100–6400, you can confidently shoot in low-light situations. The 3″, 921,000-dot super-density LCD screen with 170° viewing delivers a high-quality playback and improves your Live View and video filming experience. A worthwhile option is Nikon’s MB-D11 multipower pack that increases shooting time and includes a vertical shutter release and control dials.

I’m definitely impressed with Nikon’s newest entry into the DSLR market.

Company: Nikon Inc.
Price: $1199.95
Web: www.nikonusa.com
Rating: 5
Hot: High performance in a compact DSLR
Not:

For those on the go who don’t want to carry a heavy tripod, the TrekPod Go! PRO may be just the answer. It’s a walking stick, monopod, and tripod all wrapped up in one unit.

It telescopes from 39–57.5″ in tripod mode (62.5″ in monopod mode) and breaks down to 23″, making it great for travel. When used as a monopod or hiking staff, the legs fold up and are held together by a Velcro strap, and the grip has foam wrapping for comfort. When you need the added support of the tripod legs, release the Velcro and the legs will extend.

The TrekPod Go! PRO is constructed from high-grade aircraft aluminum, which is both lightweight (it weighs less than 2 lbs) and strong. It includes a small ballhead with a MagMount magnetic attachment, making it suitable to support most midweight cameras and midrange lenses. I was a bit skeptical about the magnet attachment at first, but when I mounted the D300s with an 18–200mm lens and used the included clip to lock it into place, I was pleasantly surprised at how tightly it locked down.

The TrekPod Go! PRO breaks down into three separate pieces to fit into the included carrying case, and was easy to quickly assemble. Both lightweight and heavyweight 1/4″-20 threaded adapters are included. While the TrekPod Go! PRO isn’t suitable as a replacement for a sturdy tripod, it’s a convenient monopod with added support from the tripod legs.—Laurie Excell

Company: Trek Technologies LLC
Price: Pro: $229.99
Web: www.trek-tech.com
Rating: 4

Hot: Lightweight; collapses to 23″ for transport
Not: Not suitable as a replacement for a sturdy tripod

Nikon has crammed a lot of features and zoom range into a compact, lightweight, and inexpensive little powerhouse, the AF-S 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR lens. This dynamo packs a 5.8x zoom in a body that weighs less than a pound and is a mere 3.5″ long. As if size and weight aren’t enough, the lens includes an alphabet of Nikon features that’s longer than the lens itself.

Incorporating Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, I found Nikon’s claim of being able to handhold the lens at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than normal to be right on, if not a bit modest. The light-gathering ability (maximum aperture) is about what you’d expect from a compact, lightweight lens at f/3.5–5.6, but the VR technology helps to make up for the lack of aperture speed in low-light situations.

Not only does the lens have an ED (extra-low dispersion) element, there’s an aspherical element as well—which is optimized for digital SLRs—rendering a tack-sharp image. Exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with a DX sensor, the zoom range of 18–105mm (27–157.5mm equivalent) is great for photographing subjects from landscapes to portraits. And with a minimum focus distance of 1.5′, it works reasonably well as a close-up lens, offering up a 1:5 reproduction ratio.

In actual use, the AF-S Silent Wave Motor was very quick and accurate to acquire and lock focus. The nonrotating front element makes it a breeze to use a polarizing filter without having to fine-tune it once it’s adjusted.

Who is this lens for? Anyone who wants a small, lightweight, affordable lens that covers a wide range. I consider this the “everyday” lens for owners of DX-format digital SLR bodies.—Laurie Excell

Company: Nikon USA
Price: $399.95
Web: www.nikonusa.com
Rating: 5

Hot: High resolution, compact lens with Vibration Reduction
Not:

The Nikon D80 debuted in September 2006, and it has had a long and successful run (by digital standards). At first glance, the new Nikon D90 looks very much like the D80 it succeeds: They’re similar in size and weight but take a look under the hood and you’ll find there’s a wealth of improvements and new features. The 12.3-megapixel D90 sports a new CMOS sensor that reaches the quality of the D300 at ISOs up to 3200 (6400 in Hi 1 mode).

The LCD is the same high-resolution 3″ screen that’s used in the D300, D700, and D3. The new Live View function can be activated with the push of a button. When in Live View mode, you can capture high-definition movies and sound (mono), a first for any digital SLR. While the image quality from the movie mode is outstanding, there’s a significant learning curve for still photographers. As with high-end, professional production video cameras, autofocus is lost when using the video mode and viewing is done using the LCD. I felt awkward using it but, like any new technology, my skills will improve with a little practice.

Viewing the LCD in bright light is a challenge that you’ll need to overcome when using the video mode. I think this is just the beginning of things to come, and before we know it, high-definition video will be available in all digital SLR bodies.

The D90 has the same 11-point focusing pattern as the D80, with the added benefit of 3D tracking for improved tracking of moving subjects. The faster 4.5 frames per second burst speed, shorter start-up time, and reduced shutter lag make the D90 a respectable contender when photographing action. Also new to the D90 is built-in sensor cleaning (sensor shake) that vibrates the sensor to help prevent dust from adhering to the sensor, which can cause unsightly UFOs on your images.

The D90’s interface has been improved and I found it to be very user friendly as I explored the menus and settings, without having to refer to the manual. The new Nikon GP-1 GPS unit will work with the D90, inputting location information into the EXIF data of each image.

The D90 uses the same battery as the D80, D300, D700, etc. And for D80 users, the D90 takes the same SD/SDHC media. The optional vertical grip is also the same one that’s used by the D80. With a price of less than $1,000, so many new-and-improved features, and the ability of the D90 to use many of the D80 accessories, I think it’s a no-brainer upgrade for D80 users and a great step-up camera for new digital SLR owners.—Laurie Excell

PRICE: $999.95 (body); $1,299.95 with 18–105mm lens
FROM: Nikon U.S.A
WEB: www.nikonusa.com
RATING: 4.5

LAYERS VERDICT
HOT High-definition video mode
NOT Learning curve using the video mode