Nikon D3100

Why do I like Kelly Brook, well simple answer is right stuff at right place and bonus now is right price. I personally never believed in D3000 or D60 as a matter of fact (after D40). But I happened to be in store and saw D3100 and bingo, I touched this camera and like it right away. The controls, specification, grip, screen, video and quality. The first thing I did was to come back and read its extensive reviews available all over the web. Now I don't hesitate to recommend this fine piece to my close friends. Anyone looking for better quality than point and shoot camera, this is the best camera to move on.

But when you look for such camera, which lens is best? Well it comes with 18-55mm lens kit. This is a fine lens however its reach is very limited. The least I recommend is 18-105mm VR. But no matter which zoom lens you buy: here is my personal advice:

- If possible buy body only.
- If possible, go for 18-105mm lens atleast.
- 18-55 mm lens is very nice lens except for its reach. If you buy this one, you have all the reasons to be happy except for one.
- Don't forget to buy 35mm F1.8 (almost $190). This is best lens for low light or indoor pictures at low cost with this camera.
- SB400 will make a fine pair with this camera.
- Don't forget to buy a bag which is small enough to carry all this, lowpro is my favorite.
- Good speed SD cards are highly recommended. Go for San Disk.

I am not writing detailed review because I don't own this camera and its available with few fine sites like www.dpreview.com

Star Rating; * * * * * (4.5 star) for this category in 2010.

Punch: Don't wait, precious life is passing by 24 hours every day :)

[Updated: Nov 2010] Nikon is getting better at shots

2 new cameras for this season (few more but 2 worth mention). D90 replacement D7000 and P6000 replacement or Canon G11 competition P7000).

Nikon D7000: A very (very) impressive camera with following points nailed:

- Base ISO 100.
- Weather sealed body.
- Lots of buttons. (much better than D90).
- Auto Focus on Full HD movie with different frame rates.
- 39 point auto focus.
- Expeed 2 processing engine.
- 16 MP, picture quality reviews will come in some time.
- 100% penta prizm view finder coverage.
- Plus Everything D90 good at.
- Base price of 1K.
- Better shutter count and dual memory card slots.

I am wondering what will the D300s replacement do next year :)
Update [Nov 2010]: I am liking this camera more and more, I own it now as well.

Nikon P7000 (quite similar name):

- Small point and shoot with all manual capabilities.
- Better sensor and low light capacity.
- Rugged and Expeed 2 processing engine.
- Nice screen and HD video capacity.
- Lots of buttons and view finder too.
- External flash shoe and very good lens range.

BUT no swirl screen (Canon G12 is already in today).

Nikon SB-700 Speedlight Misses it by a pinch.

Nikon just announced a new speedlight designed to complement the flagship SB-900. The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight will cost $329.95, and includes some mouth-watering features. But they have excluded a key feature that will make you wanna pull your hair out. Any guesses? In Sync 2.5 sec recycle w/NiMH (3 w/alkaline) SB-900 control interface (knobs and switches) FX/DX chip size recognition for on-camera beam spread Can be a Master and Remote flash for CLS users (but only controls two groups)  Beam shaping, like the SB-900 Auto FX and DX detection, good zoom and wide range. Exposure point set from point to full frame. Lots of buttons (I like buttons and don't like menu digging). Comes with all light bouncer, diffuser, color gel hold and colored set. Quick Wireless Mode lets you dial in A:B ratios. Kinda Canon-ish, IMO. Out of Sync No PC jack that I can see anywhere. Costly. Bag seems to be bulky. But overall I am happy to see this flash with few nimble changes making a good deal of differences.