Review Gadget Blog

The Nikon Corporation is one of the most trusted companies when it comes to imagery and optics. In 2008, they released the Nikon 3D, a 12-megapixel digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR), which is the company’s first full frame DSLR. With a 12-megapixel resolution, the performance of the Nikon 3D is similar to a 35mm film camera.

The Nikon 3D’s sensor is different from any other DSLR manufactured by Nikon. Described by its manufacturers as the “FX Format,” the Nikon 3D has a sensor that is larger than its predecessors. This means that this camera is capable of producing images that are less noisy especially in low light situations and can also reach a higher film speed than other cameras. Unlike the 12-bit sensors, the FX Format allows the Nikon 3D to capture 14 bits per color channel. The FX Format sensor allows this camera to shoot 9 frames per second. This makes shooting moving objects appear more clear and pleasing to the eye.

Perhaps one of the best things about this camera is the image quality it can produce even at high ISO settings. The usual range of ISO that a camera covers is 200-6400, but the Nikon 3D can go from 100 to 12800 and even 25600. Even at the highest setting, 25600, the images are still clear albeit a little grainy.

Of course image detail is one thing, but does the Nikon D3 deliver the goods when it comes to color details? The answer is a big yes. As mentioned, the camera’s 14-bit sensor allows the Nikon 3D to capture colors as accurate and as clear as possible. There are four color settings: standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome. Each setting’s saturation can be adjusted by three times.

At first look, the Nikon 3D resembles its predecessors; the D2X and the D2H. The huge screen is actually an advantage because it gives the viewfinder full coverage of the image. The monitor is 3 inches and is great for reviewing images because unlike ordinary monitors, the images can still be seen clearly even if it is under direct light. Perhaps a side bonus, but the 3D’s large built actually helps in keeping shutter slaps minimal.

Another amazing feature that the 3D has that makes it better than the rest is its battery life. After almost 2000 shots, the battery is still alive, kicking and ready to make a few hundred more shots. Just to give people out there a better idea at how great this camera’s battery life is, here’s a brief comparison. The D2X can last for around 2000 shots until it needs recharging while the 3D can take 2000 shots and still have around 30-40% battery life.

Now you may start to wonder what kind of downside this amazing gadget has, because nothing is perfect. Perhaps the only setback the 3D has is its price. When it was first released, it was marketed for a whopping $4,999.00. That’s a big dent in an average person’s wallet. However, if you have money to spare and is really into photography, the Nikon 3D could very well be your most valuable tool.

Canon has come out with another point-and-shoot camera in the form of the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. This 8-megapixel camera has image stability, a 4x wide-angle optical zoom, full manual controls and many other great features. Best of all, it isn’t as expensive as some digital cameras but still gives great value for your money.

At first glance, the Canon PowerShot A590 IS may look bulky and uncomfortable to the hand but it is actually very compact. The AA battery compartment gives users a good handgrip and a thumb rest is conveniently located and the upper right corner of the camera’s backside. This camera can also fit in purses and even pockets so it can be taken anywhere and everywhere. The smooth and round body of the A590 also adds a comfortable feel whenever it is held by the hand. Of course, even though this camera provides a fine grip, a wrist strap is always a good idea.

Like most additions to the Canon PowerShot series, the AF90 IS has a user-friendly and no-nonsense interface. New users can easily navigate the menu and if you’ve had experience handling a digital camera made by Canon before, the process of browsing through the interface should be a walk in the park. For intermediate photographers , the A590 has different functions and settings that can be tweaked to get the desired effect and adjustment on the shot. For beginners, there is a mode that allows them to just point at the subject and take shots while the camera does the adjustments on its own. This mode is marked by a camera outline in red with a heart inside.

The Canon PowerShot A590 IS has numerous shooting modes. Now you might get confused with the difference between the Easy Mode and the Auto Mode. The Easy Mode is similar to the Auto Mode in the sense that both lets the camera does all the tweaking and modifying the setting while the user just snaps away. The difference is that in Easy Mode everything is left for the camera to decide, except of course the flash. There is also a Continuous Shooting Mode for moving subjects. According to Canon, the camera captures action in 1.4 frames per second, hardly enough to get a clear image of an object moving at high-speed but good enough to capture moderately paced actions.

One gripe many users have about the A590 digital camera is the memory card that comes with the unity. The starter card only has a memory of a pathetic 32 MB, which can hold about 20 photos. Of course the memory is expandable so it would be a wise idea to buy a 1 GB memory card instead to hold more than 200 large images in your digital camera. Another issue with the A590 is the basic video display. Sure, it has that feature but it’s really not that impressive and you’ll rarely use it if ever at all. It isn’t bad; it’s just not great.