Gonzo Gadgets » dslr http://www.gonzogadgets.com gadget tech news and reviews Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:24:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Say Hello to Gigapixel Photography http://www.gonzogadgets.com/say-hello-to-gigapixel-photography http://www.gonzogadgets.com/say-hello-to-gigapixel-photography#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:34:18 +0000 BrettC http://www.gonzogadgets.com/?p=353 A University of Hawaii research program, known as Pan-STARRS, has launched a 1.4 gigapixel digital camera capable of capturing photos of the entire night sky by using a large array of small CCD's. They aim to detect potentially dangerous comets and astroids that could intsect Earth's orbit. DSLR-owning prosumers are suffering some serious pixel envy right now.]]>

Mt. Haleakala, the dormant volcano that dominates the Maui landscape and attracts thousands of visitors every year, is getting some geek cred too.

The University of Hawaii’s Pan-STARRS program (Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System) is proudly detailing the design of a 1.4 gigapixel digital camera capable of snapping some candid photos of the night sky. The design not only has impressive stats but the utilization of a large number of small CCD’s increases data read speeds and minimizes impact of an occasional bad chip.

The primary goal of Pan-STARRS is to detect potential earth-impact objects presumably so they can call Bruce Willis and take care of the issue as only he can.

Sorry all you DSLR adopters out there – the ante has been raised by *just a bit* now. Still, Pan-STARRS probably can’t even use all the neat interchangeable lenses you bought with the kit. And we’re guessing the gigapixel camera might be a bit of a budget-buster for the prosumer out there.

]]> http://www.gonzogadgets.com/say-hello-to-gigapixel-photography/feed 0 Nikon D60 vs. D90 http://www.gonzogadgets.com/nikon-d60-vs-d90 http://www.gonzogadgets.com/nikon-d60-vs-d90#comments Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:55:46 +0000 BrettC http://gonzogadgets.com/?p=3

The positively-received Nikon D-90 DSLR is out. But here's a question noone is asking: Should you get the Nikon D60 (the last generation) or the D90 ? These are both excellent cameras considered to be right at the top of the "prosumer" category. So with that context, read on for the key differences to help make this decision.]]>

The Nikon D-90 DSLR is out and it is a stunner by all accounts.  But here’s a question noone is asking: Is it better to get the Nikon D60 (the previous generation) or the D90 ? This may sound like a no-brainer until you realize that these cameras are $600 apart in price! Both Nikons are excellent cameras, considered to be at the top of the prosumer camera category. So with that context, here are the key differences:

Feature D60 D90 Analysis Nikon D60 vs D90
Megapixels 10.2 12.3 Edge D90 – but due to better optics rather than more megapixels
Optics
(w/ Kit Lens)		 Great Great The D90’s image sensor and greater MP count will get more oomph from the solid kit lens offered with both models.

The D90’s kit lens has the edge with greater zoom capability and slightly better optics than the D60’s (the D90’s is bulkier too however!)
ISO Sensitivity 100-
1600		 200-
3200		 The D-90’s 3200 ISO and analysis of bright light / dark shots show that the D90 will offer more flexibility shooting in all light conditions and offer less noise.
Usability Good Great With the D90 Nikon greatly improved the LCD viewfinder quality and added Live View functionality. It also has expanded in-camera editing features and rearrange buttons. However, both cameras manage to make taking great photos very easily for all levels of photographer.
Accessories Good Great D90-only accessories include a ton of flash options and an intriguing GPS module (not included). The D60 is well supported having an extra lead on the market; all the basics and more are covered but the D60 lacks an available GPS module.
Movie Mode None Yes! The D90 is the first DSLR ever to offer movie mode.  Know that the maximum movie duration is limited and – the biggest drawback – it requires MANUAL FOCUS while shooting. Couple that with the size of this camera compared to modern camcorders and most will not have the skill and patience for this mode.
Price $525 $1,145 Full kit price (per Amazon as of 2/10/2009)

 
Gonzo Recommendation: Nikon D60 Learn More about Nikon D-60

 
Summary: The Nikon D60 may be missing some bells-and-whistles offered by the new kid on the block, but the Nikon D60 is a rock solid DSLR camera available now from folks like Amazon at unheard of prices while (or because) the Nikon D90 grabs all the headlines.

Those who can afford to join the state-of-the-art will find the Nikon D90 is a step up from the D60 in nearly every respect. It offers incredible photo quality and usability, as well as the all-new movie mode, next-gen accessories, better optics and additional megapixels. Learn More about the Nikon D-90.

In this economy many consumer will side with the D60, choosing to avoid the additional expense of joining the latest generation of digital camera technology. Those who opt for the D90 will be very pleased. We feel the Nikon D60 is the best overall value but this is one of those cases where either choice is a good choice, provided you are aware of your budget.

Read More Information & User Reviews: Nikon D60 w/ Kit Lens
Read More Information & User Reviews: Nikon D90 w/ Kit Lens

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