19Aug Nikon D3100 1080p + 24fps + Autofocusing in Video + New Lenses
Nikon announced availability for pre-orders on the Nikon D3100. Nikon is really trying to step things up even though they are coming in quite late in the game offering 1080HD video and 24 fps. They’ve got some fancy new full time auto focusing features in video mode and have a new lineup of lenses as well. Prices for the first time aren’t too shabby since this looks like it will rival the Canon 550D / T2i. On the BHPHOTOVIDEO website, the Nikon D3100 is starting at $699 – and that includes an 18-55mm VR lens. That’s $200 cheaper than the Canon 550D + 18-55mm package. Who knows if they are making any money on this new release, it might be a smart marketing ‘loss leader’ to keep them in the game and keep their current shooters from switching. Like video game consoles, I guess they realize that they need to get the DSLR bodies into the hands of shooters, because once shooters start investing in lenses, there’s little chance they can convince people to switching.
New lenses announced are three new zooms—a 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, a 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR and an update of Nikon’s classic 85mm f/1.4, a killer portrait lens.
Below: Nikon 85mm F/1.4
Below: Nikon 24-120mm
Below: Nikon 28-300mm
Below: Nikon 55-300mm
August 19th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Does it have a time limit?
August 19th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I’m sure it has the same. That’s due to the file format of the media being used like SDHC or Compact flash.
August 19th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
It’s SDXC compliant, so the time limit won’t be an issue once that format becomes mainstream. SDXC uses a completely different file system called exFAT, which has a theoretical file size limit of 16 exabytes. In case you’re wondering, an exabyte is a BILLION gigs. To put that into context, you could hypothetically shoot a continuous T2i video (48Mbps) lasting 85,000 years. If you’re an event shooter, that should be sufficient for a couple of Catholic wedding ceremonies. :p
August 20th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Jeremy, you crack me up. Can’t wait to see the D3100 ISO noise tests. Nikon’s D3100 with its Nikkor 16-85 mm VR lens could be a killer combo at roughly $400 less overall compared to Canon’s 550D with a 15-85 mm IS lens.
February 8th, 2012 at 3:05 am
Nikon always provide the best for the fans. I personally use a Nikon DSLR camera is Nikon D5000 entry level for my photography gallery, and the results are very satisfactory.