The lens plate pictured above is a Hejnar PHOTO lens plate designed specifically for the Nikon 70-200mm VR (it fits version I & II). Hejnar PHOTO also has lens plates available that fit just about any lens foot, as well as replacement feet for select lenses.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 10 Jun 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Lens_Plates_for_Nikon_70-200mm_VR_II_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_G-004D_and_G-006D_Multi_Purpose_Rail_Review Multipurpose Arca Rails are among the most versatile, and most heavily used pieces of equipment in our camera bag. To get an idea of some of the uses we've found for them, take a look at our Uses For Arca Multipurpose Rails article. We have previously reviewed the older Hejnar PHOTO A2-80 and G-004 Rails (see review here). Rather than duplicate the same material, we'll focus on the improvements that come with the new rails instead.

Pictured above are the two new rails, both basically different lengths of the same design. The G-004D-080 is an 8" version, and the G-006D-120 is the longer 12" version.

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The high-end multi-row panoramic solution currently is the Really Right Stuff Ultimate-Pro Omni-Pivot Package for $795 (they also have a slightly larger 'LONG' version for $860). This price does not include a leveling base, so add another $100-$200 for that, or if you want to use your ball head as the leveling base, add $30 for a dovetail adaptor.

We figured there had to be a better, more cost-effective way, without sacrificing strength, stability or functionality. It can indeed be done, and for potentially hundreds of dollars less than the alternative. Here is what we came up with:

Before we get into the specifics of the solution, first lets look at what a Multi Row Panoramic Head needs to do.

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The Vanguard UP-Rise bags are available in messenger, zoom, shoulder, sling and backpack styles, ranging in price from $49 to $149. This review focuses on the UP-Rise 48 backpack, kindly provided to us by Vanguard for the purpose of this review.

According to the documentation that came with the bag, a diagram shows the UP-Rise 48 holding a DSLR with a lens attached, a spare body, 3 spare lenses and a flashgun. Despite this impressive load, this still leaves a large accessory section empty, as well as various pockets, and a laptop compartment that will hold up to a 17" wide-screen notebook computer. The UP-Rise 48 is a spacious bag, with exterior dimensions of 13 3/4" x 11 7/8" x 20 1/4" (350mm x 300mm x 515mm) and retails for $149.

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There are several solutions in the market place to this problem, and one of them is the unusual looking Photo Clam Multiflex geared head, which according to my 5-year-old son looks just like the 'All Spark' out of the Transformers movie. He's quietly hopeful Optimus Prime will show up soon to retrieve it.

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Please help support our site by clicking these links to start your online shopping: Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama

It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 14 May 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/book_reviews.php http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Fanotec_EZ-Leveler_II_Review If you are planning on doing any kind of panoramic photography, the first thing you need is to make sure you are working from a level platform. Any errors in leveling your base will only be exaggerated once you've stitched your photographs together. While it is possible to level your tripod, it usually involves a lot of bending over and running round the tripod making tiny adjustments to each leg in turn. A leveling base makes life so much easier, allowing you to level the top of the tripod quickly and easily while standing upright.

The Fanotec EZ-Leveler II reviewed here is one such base. It is rated for a 22 lb (10 Kg) load, and is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. It weighs only 200 grams (7 oz), and measures 3.4" (86mm) across and 1.6" (40mm) high.

Its standard 3/8" x 16 tripod socket means the EZ-Leveler II will fit on most tripods, and a reducer is supplied to allow the leveling base to be attached to tripods with 1/4" x 20 studs also. On top the EZ-Leveler II has a 3/8" x 16 tripod stud, allowing it to work with the Nodal Ninja, as well as just about any other tripod head on the market today. It also features a cork base to provide extra grip so the Nodal Ninja or other head is less likely to accidentally be twisted off.

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Pictured above is the Fanotec Nodal Ninja 5 with RD16 Rotator, the current top-of-the-line panoramic head from Fanotec. The Nodal Ninja 5 allows you to easily find and then rotate your camera and lens about its nodal point, both horizontally and vertically. This allows you to easily take multi-row panoramas, or even full 360 degree spherical panoramas.

The Nodal Ninja 5 is rated for up to 10 Kg (22 lbs), so can comfortably support just about any camera/lens combination, even if you use heavier lenses like Nikon's 70-200mm f2.8 and heavier cameras like a Nikon D3x.

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As you'd expect, it's not small either. At 5.5" (141mm) tall and with the housing (excluding protrusions) measuring 3.46" (88mm) across, it weighs in at 3.1 lbs (1420g). Not exactly something you'd want to back-pack with, and trying to get it through an x-ray machine at the airport in your hand luggage may draw undesired attention.

On top of a huge 74mm ball sits an equally large 3.5" long Arca-type clamp. The clamp features twin bubble levels for easy leveling, even when the clamp is flipped over 90° with the camera in portrait orientation.

A button on the side of the quick release clamp operates a detent pin. Push the button to lower the detent pin, which then allows you to slide in an Arca-type plate. Releasing the button causes the detent pin to rise. Most Arca camera and lens plates have 'pockets' in the bottom, so this detent pin typically pops up into one of these pockets, and prevents a plate from sliding out should the clamp accidentally come loose. If using a plate without a pocket, or if you don't get the plate lined up correctly, the button operating the detent pin stays pushed in, so it is very obvious that the safety system isn't engaged.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-74NS_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-44NS_Ball_Head_Review Like most ball heads in this price range, the PC-44NS has an independent panning base marked in 5-degree intervals complete with its own lock control, as well as a large friction/lock control for the ball itself. A separate control located on the friction/lock knob for the ball allows you to quickly and easily set the minimum amount of friction (also known as drag or tension) on the ball. This allows you to have the ball head loose enough to be able to easily reposition your gear and recompose your photograph, but tight enough to be able to let go without your expensive camera and lens flopping over to one side.

The Photo Clam PC-44NS also features an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp, which has two bubble levels for easy leveling. A button on the side of the clamp operates a detent pin. Pushing the button lowers the detent pin, allowing you to slide in an Arca-type plate. Releasing the button causes the detent pin to rise. Most Arca camera and lens plates have 'pockets' in the bottom, so this detent pin typically comes up into one of these pockets, and prevents a plate from accidentally sliding out should the clamp accidentally come loose. If using a plate without a pocket, or if you don't get the plate lined up correctly, the button operating the detent pin stays pushed in, so it is obvious that the safety system isn't engaged.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-44NS_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Feisol_CT-3442_Rapid_Tripod_with_RAL_Anti-Rotation_Legs_Review ReallyBigCameras.com, the current CT-3442 is one of the most popular models, so the new CT-3442 Rapid seemed the perfect model to review.

Straight away the specs on the CT-3442 Rapid grab your attention. Despite having a respectable 22 lbs (10 Kg) load capacity, the CT-3442 Rapid weighs in at an amazingly light 2.31 lbs (1.05 Kg). Compare that to the Manfrotto 055MF4 I've been using for the past few years, which weighs almost double at 4.4 lbs, yet has a much smaller 15.4 lb load capacity. While two pounds difference doesn't sound much, try hiking several miles up a mountain when you haven't fully acclimatized to the altitude yet: I'll guarantee that unless you are younger or amazingly fit, you'll definitely notice a 2 lb difference.

It doesn't stop there. The Feisol CT-3442 Rapid is a 4-section tripod, so it folds away to a very compact 18.9 inches (48 cm), yet has a max height of 54.3 inches (138 cm). With no center column, the tripod has a minimum height of a mere 6.3 inches (16 cm), perfect for those low angle shots.

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The Photo Clam PC-69-UP3 has a remarkable number of features for a universal camera plate:

1. Six textured rubber pads to prevent the plate from being twisted off should the camera get accidentally bumped.
2. A cross-shaped channel for the screw used to attach to the camera. These 3/4" long channels gives a lot of flexibility in positioning the plate, both left/right and forward/backward, when mounting the plate on a camera or lens.
3. Two camera strap loops, so you can attach a wrist strap or neck strap directly to the plate.
4. The plate is bi-directional, meaning it has Arca style grooves running along the width of the plate, as well as along the length. A camera with a bi-directional plate can quickly and easily be installed into a clamp set up for long lenses (e.g. on a full gimbal head, or bean bag with a fixed clamp), making it much faster to switch between cameras with collared and un-collared lenses in the field.
5. The screw used to attach to the camera or lens features a wide screw driver slot, so the plate can be installed, tightened or removed using a key, coin or other flat object.

As of the time of writing, the PC-69-UP3 retails for approximately $45, although being a new product very few places are advertising it. The best places to get Photo Clam gear are from PhotoClam.com, or in the U.S. from ReallyBigCameras.com.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Universal_Camera_Lens_Plate_PC-69-UP3_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Pro_Gold_II_Easy_PQR_Review Over the past few years Photo Clam has been building a solid reputation with their growing selection of tripod heads, which include numerous ball heads along with the Multiflex Geared Head and Orion Gimbal Head. Photo Clam have kindly loaned us a sample copy of their latest creation, the new Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR, featuring both a lever operated quick release clamp and a panning base which can be leveled for panoramic photography.

The Pro Gold II Easy PQR is Arca compatible, and comes with a lever operated quick release clamp. Half opening the clamp allows you to slide a plate in, and fully opening the clamp allows you to insert or lift out the plate from the top. The clamp is adjustable via a thumb wheel to work with plates with from different manufacturers (despite being Arca compatible, there is a slight variance in plate size between manufacturers). For safety reasons, to fully open the clamp you have to slide back a safety button on the lever. The clamp also features a spring loaded detent pin, so between these even if the lever is accidentally knocked open, your camera shouldn't fall or completely slide out of the clamp.

The clamp also features three bubble levels so you can easily level the clamp in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

The maximum load capacity of the Pro Gold II Easy PQR is 77 lbs (35 Kg) according to Photo Clam. The ball head weighs only 1.08 lbs (477g), and is 4.22" (107mm) tall, making it a relatively compact unit. The ball is 38mm across (approx 1.5"), and the head mounts on a standard 3/8" x 16 tripod stud.

The Pro Gold II Easy PQR has all the standard features you'd expect from a modern ball head, including independent locking and friction controls, as well as a locking 360 degree panning base marked in 5 degree intervals.

But it doesn't stop there. In addition, a second panning base mounted on top of the ball directly beneath the clamp is also included, again marked in 5 degree intervals complete with independent lock. This will be of particular interest to anyone interested in Panoramic Photography - having a leveled panoramic base on top of the tripod gives you a platform from which you can easily build single row panoramas. Just add a rail to compensate for parallax errors and you are ready to go.

Overall this is a very well specified ball head indeed, comes available in Black with gold detail. The Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR retails for $395 (which is very competitive, especially when you consider RRS sells their PCL-1 Panning Clamp alone for $235, and this functionality is built into the Photo Clam). Photo Clam products are available from Photo Clam Directly or from ReallyBigCameras.com in the U.S.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Pro_Gold_II_Easy_PQR_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Vanguard_SBH-250_Ball_Head_Review Press Release for details).

With an impressive 44 lb load capacity, the SBH-250 has all the features you expect from a modern ball head, including an independent panning base with 360 degree scale and lock, as well as separate locking and tension controls for the ball itself. The SBH-250 also has a built in quick release clamp, featuring dual bubble levels, and a detent pin to stop the plates sliding out should they accidentally come loose. It also comes complete with two camera plates and a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.

The Vanguard SBH-250 features a slot so the clamp can be rotated 90 degrees to a vertical position (so you can quickly switch from landscape to portrait orientation). It is approximately 4.7" tall, and weighs only 20.5 oz thanks to its magnesium alloy construction.

So what does such a well specified ball head cost? $200? How about $300? More? How does $79.99 sound (see latest price at B&H Photo). There aren't many manufacturers that will sell you the two camera plates for under $80, let alone two plates and a full sized ball head.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Vanguard_SBH-250_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Acratech_GP_Ballhead_Review B&H Photo), takes the innovation part beyond just about any other ball head on the market today. Like other ball heads in its price range it is fully featured, complete with independent locking, panning and friction controls. It weighs less than 1 lb, yet easily holds 25lbs at any angle according to the manufacturer.

The Acratech GP Ballhead is Arca compatible, features a bubble level on the clamp, and has stainless steel hardware and captive rubber knobs. It has a satin black anodized finished, laser engraved markings, and is made in the U.S.A. So far sounds like everything you'd expect from a precision $400 ball head from a high quality manufacturer right? Well the GP Ballhead is just warming up.

As well as being rated to support lenses up to a 600mm f4, simply flip the clamp over into the slot and the GP ball head acts as a gimbal head. This is thanks to a sleeve around the ball stem that holds the clamp. As anyone that has used a long lens in anger will testify, once you've used a gimbal head to balance your telephoto lens, there is no turning back. As a gimbal, the GP ball head is rated up to a 400mm f4 lens (for reference, the Canon 400mm f4 weighs in at about 4.3lbs).

But it doesn't stop there. The GP ball head also has another surprise up its sleeve. Simply unscrew the clamp (you can use a key or coin), attach the clamp to the bottom of the head and flip it upside down, and you now have a leveling base with the panning control at the top. This makes it easy to level the clamp using the built in bubble level, and you now have a leveled panning base, perfect for single row panoramas.

This gives the Acratech GP Ballhead unprecedented functionality in a precision package that weighs less than 1 lb. Perhaps there is a Swiss Army Knife hidden somewhere in the Acratech GP Ballheads family tree.

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This review focuses on the following 3 plates:

1. 2164 fitting the Nikon MB-D10 (with D700, D300or D300s), Nikon D200 with MB-D200 and Canon 5D Mark II with Canon BG-E6.
2. 2167 fitting the Nikon D300.
3. 2170 fitting the Nikon D700.

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The camera plate is made from aluminum, with a channeled top surface (which helps grip if the cameras base is slightly curved). The plate measures 80mm by 60mm by 11mm, and weighs 110g (0.24 lbs).

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_BALPI_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_BALPA_Review B&H Photo).

The camera plate is made from aluminum, and the top surface features a cork layer for additional grip. The plate measures 60mm by 40mm by 11.5mm, and weighs only 55g (0.12 lbs).

Help Support DentonImages.com:

Please help support our site by clicking these links to start your online shopping: Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama

It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_BALPA_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_M-1_Superball_Ball_Head_BENTO_Review The Foba M-1 Superball (BENTO) is the smallest precision ball head from the Swiss company Foba, with a street price under $200 at the time of writing (see B&H Photo). The BENTO version of the M-1 Superball features an Arca compatible quick release clamp, and an even lighter BENTA version is also available with a ¼" x 20 tripod stud instead of the clamp. The M-1 Superball comes with a removable thread adapter so it will fit on both a 3/6" x 16 and ¼" x 20 tripod stud.

At 110mm tall, and with a load capacity of 8 Kg (17.6 lbs), this makes the M-1 Superball ideal for light to mid range tripod setups. The housing has been drilled internally to make the M-1 even lighter, so the BENTO version with clamp weighs only 405g (0.89 lbs). The BENTA version (the version without the clamp) is even lighter at only 275g (0.6 lbs), making this an impressively strong head for such a lightweight package, perfect for travel or long hikes.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_M-1_Superball_Ball_Head_BENTO_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Superball_Ball_Head_BALLA_Review The Foba Superball (BALLA) is the absolute top-of-the-line precision professional ball head from the Swiss company Foba, and is in use worldwide by professional photographers using everything from DSLR's to medium-format, and even large-format cameras.

The Foba Superball is substantial, weighing in at 3 lbs (1.4 Kg), with a diameter of 76mm and 130mm tall, making it perfect to pair with something like a 3 series or 5 series Gitzo tripod for maximum stability. Its load capacity is rated at 33 lbs (15 Kg), although we believe this number very conservative - it's generally regarded as one of the strongest tripod heads on the market today (indeed Wimberley rates it as capable of supporting their Sidekick with the biggest lenses, ahead of other ball heads with much higher load ratings - see full details on their Wimberley Sidekick Ball Head Recommendations page).

The Foba Superball comes in two variants, the BALLA (reviewed here) with an Arca-compatible quick release clamp, and BALLO with a reversible plate that has both ¼" x 20 and 3/8" x 16 tripod studs. At the time of writing, the BALLA Superball retails for just over $600 from B&H Photo

All the standard controls you'd expect on a top of the line professional ball head are present - an independent locking panning base, an independent tension (also known as "friction" or "drag") control for the ball, and a locking control, in this case a lever. The Superball allows you to tilt the head beyond 90 degrees (to quickly switch to portrait-orientation shots with a DSLR, and also permits the use of Gimbal adapters like the Wimberley Sidekick and CB Gimbal Basic). The massive 2.5" ball sits on a Teflon collar for ultra-smooth rotation.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Superball_Ball_Head_BALLA_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=A_Note_About_Reviews A sample size of one Everything is manufactured to tolerances, and products at one end of the tolerance range may behave differently to products at the other. In addition, quality control varies significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer - some manufacturers will check critical measurements on every single item, others will only check tolerances on a statistically relevant sized sample of each batch. Some manufacturers work to tighter tolerances than others. This has several implications:

1. Our reviews are typically based on a single product (as opposed to multiple versions of the same product). So if we say the fit and finish or action on an item is perfect, another copy of the same product may have some slack or marring. If we have a lens that front focuses, you may buy a copy that doesn't (and again, it may behave differently on different cameras).
2. As a general rule, the higher end (more reputable, more expensive) manufacturers build to tighter tolerances and maintain superior quality control standards, but there are exceptions. This is especially true with a number of the cheaper "knock-off" brands found on ebay and elsewhere, where you'll often find many highly satisfied customers mixed with a few less than happy ones. This is often due to poorer tolerances and slacker quality control letting a small number of bad units through.

Because of the above, we always recommend you read as many reviews as you can for a particular product (but please feel free to come back and use our affiliate links when making your purchase online!). If possible, handle the product yourself before committing to buy (or at least buy from a reputable dealer with a good return policy just in case).

Just because it doesn't work for us, doesn't mean it won't work for you.

Biases

1. I've always shot Nikon, and my familiarity with their products undoubtedly colors my opinion at some level, whether I realize it or not. Why did I choose Nikon? That was more luck than judgment, based on a used kit containing a Nikon F that I bought from a friend of a friend. If I'd have found a Canon kit first, chances are I'd be using Canon today. Does that mean I think Nikon are better than any other manufacturer? Absolutely not, in fact often Canon has had technically superior products (they pushed ahead with technologies including Autofocus, Image Stabilization, Sensor design and Video arguably more aggressively than Nikon, before settling into a pattern where the two brands tend to leapfrog each other with each new generation of product). Familiarity with a brand over time does set expectations for any new product we review, and this is the primary reason we prefer to do long term reviews instead of short term. Long term reviews allow us find out what the product is like to live with day in, day out, once the honeymoon period is over.
2. We get our gear from multiple sources - we have to in order to make this site as useful and comprehensive as we can. Some items we buy retail, others are supplied directly by manufacturers (sometimes at our request, sometimes at theirs). Other items are borrowed (from friends, manufacturers or retailers), bought used, or purchased at a discount. We treat gear the same, regardless of the source. We try to focus on reviewing gear that we have the ability to test long term (so primarily products that we would use for nature or studio type work), and that we think our readers would be interested in. We do not allow manufacturers to see our reviews before we publish them (the one exception we may make here is for technical accuracy if there is something we aren't clear on about the construction or usage of the product). We make no assurances or guarantees in any way to any manufacturer that we will like their products or give them a positive review, period. If a review features a product that was obtained from a source other than at market rates from a normal retail outlet, we clearly state this in the review.

We go to great lengths to treat every manufacturer exactly the same and give all products a fair shot.

Long Term Reviews vs. Short Term Reviews

We do occasionally do short term reviews (typically based on loaner equipment, usually on loan for about 30 days). In these short-term reviews you can actually get a reasonable feel for the product, and you'll usually find the short-term reviews more positive, since you are still in the honeymoon period with a new toy.

The long-term reviews are where we see the real value of this site - we typically do 4-6 big photographic trips per year, and go back and update our reviews accordingly. If a ballhead locks up with sand blowing in a desert, salt water destroys the finish on a tripod, a screw vibrates loose driving off-road, a certain component breaks or stops working after 2 years, or the performance of a product deteriorates as it wears out, that's what we want to report back on. Is the control layout of the product still functional in the dark at sub-zero temperatures with the wind howling halfway up a mountain? Is the gear impossible to clean and maintain in the field? How fast does it wear out? Is that exposed thread going to get clogged up and render the unit useless? These are the things we want to know.

In Conclusion

That all said, we are still dealing with a sample size of one, and we strongly recommend reading as many reviews as possible before making any big purchasing decision to get different perspectives. Just because a piece of gear works perfectly for us, doesn't mean it will fit your needs so well. Our reviews are based on our experience - your mileage may vary.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=A_Note_About_Reviews http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Bi-directional_Arca_Camera_Plates_Review has released two new Arca compatible bi-directional Camera Plates. These 2" long plates come in two basic designs, one with a flat top and one with a ridge to help prevent the plate twisting loose, depending upon your application.

The plates are made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and feature a center slot to give some flexibility in attaching them to different cameras. The plates have a hard anodized finish, and are made in the USA. Both Hejnar PHOTO bi-directional plates reviewed here also feature an additional ¼" x 20 socket, so a camera with one of these plates attached can still be used with a traditional non-Arca tripod or head without having to remove the plate.

Bi-directional Plates have a 1.5" square on the bottom, with an Arca compatible dovetail on all four sides. This allows the plate to be clamped no matter the orientation in the quick release clamp:

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The Hejnar PHOTO D300/s Camera Plate is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and comes with two removable Safety Stops installed (If you are not familiar with Arca-Type plates or Safety Stops, see our Arca-Type Systems Explained article for a full explanation). The plate also includes a camera strap loop, ideal for securing a wrist or other strap directly to the plate.

The plate itself measures approximately 2.9" long (plus another quarter inch for the camera strap loop). At 0.45" thick and almost 2" wide it provides a very strong base and large clamping surface for a quick release clamp to grip. The camera plate also provides a ¼"x20 tripod socket, aligned on the center of the lens axis, so a Nikon D300 or D300s camera with the Hejnar PHOTO plate installed can still be attached to a traditional, non-Arca tripod.

This camera plate has a black hard-anodized finished and is made in the U.S.A. At the time of writing, it retails at $39.99 directly from .

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Camera_Plate_for_Nikon_D300_and_D300s_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Gitzo_GT5541LS_Systematic_Tripod_Review The Gitzo GT5541LS Carbon Fiber tripod has an ultra-wide top platform for exceptional stability and features Gitzo's G-Lock (Gravity Lock) mechanism on the legs. The G-Lock mechanism is designed so that the heavier the load on the tripod, the stronger the lock. The GT5541LS is rated for an impressive 55 lbs, has 4-section legs made from 6 layer carbon fiber, and can be extended to over 60 inches.

The GT5541LS folds to a compact 23.6" length, and weighs in at 6.3lb - heavy if hiking any distance, but light given the strength and stability these legs offer. Leg angles can be set independently to 24°, 55° and 90° angles, and at 90° the tripod height is a mere 5.5 inches tall. At the time of writing, the GT5541LS retails for around $950.

The legs contain a bubble level for easy leveling, and the standard plate provided also features a hook underneath, allowing you to hang a counter weight to aid stability in windy conditions.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Gitzo_GT5541LS_Systematic_Tripod_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Giottos_MH_1004_Mini_Ball_Head_Review The MH 1004 Mini Ball Head is the smallest ball head Giottos makes. With its 5 lb working load, Giottos claims this ball head will support most 35mm or digital cameras. At just over 2" (52mm) tall, and weighing only 1.8 oz (52g), the MH 1004 is indeed tiny, as you can see in the picture below, photographed in between a Manfrotto 468MG and a Gitzo GH5380S.

The Giottos MH 1004 comes with a removable insert that allows it to be screwed onto either a standard 3/8" x 16 or ¼" x 20 tripod stud. Construction is from anodized aluminum and plastic, and the mini ball head features a slot to allow the camera to be rotated to a 90-degree (portrait) orientation. At the time of writing, the Giottos MH 1004 retails for around $12.99.

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According to Gitzo, the GH5380S is the first ballhead to use a revolutionary hydraulic locking system placed inside the ball itself, which can create over 1,000 lbs of locking pressure. Since this unit is currently on loan to us from Gitzo, we decided disassembling it to find out probably wouldn't be wisest move. When used with a Systematic tripod (more on that later), this makes for an ultra strong and stable platform for even the heaviest of cameras and lenses.

This head provides a full 360° pan and +28/-28° tilt (so no, it does not flip over to portrait mode) and weighs in at only 1.5 lbs. At the time of writing, the GH5380S retails for around $350, which is competitive for a ball head of this quality and strength. Gitzo's marketing aims this head at sports, wildlife and action shooters as a ball head for long lenses.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Gitzo_GH5380S_Systematic_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Upgrade_Kit_Review CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit converts the CB Gimbal Basic (see our full CB Gimbal Basic Review) into the full CB Gimbal (see our full CB Gimbal Review), turning a side mount gimbal adapter that works with a ball head into a full gimbal head.

The CB Gimbal has a modular design, consisting of 4 modules: The Upright (also known as the CB Gimbal Basic), a Panning Base, Arm, and Lens Platform. The CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit consists of those last three modules (Panning Base, Arm, and Lens Platform), as pictured below:

In our opinion, if you have the CB Gimbal Basic and are interested in a full gimbal head, the upgrade kit is the way to go: read the full CB Gimbal Review to see why.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Upgrade_Kit_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Basic_Review There are many choices if you are considering Gimbal Heads (if you have a large lens with a lens foot, a gimbal head allows you to easily and smoothly pan and tilt your lens while tracking moving objects). We recently reviewed the exceptional CB Gimbal head from Custom Brackets, now it's the turn of the CB Gimbal Basic.

The full CB Gimbal consists of 4 modules, one of which is the Upright, a.k.a. the CB Gimbal Basic, which is also sold separately and can be used on its own with an appropriate ball head. A CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit is also available, containing the other three modules that make up the full CB Gimbal.

The CB Gimbal Basic works in exactly the same way as the Wimberley Sidekick: You need an Arca-Type ball head, with a panning base, that allows you to position the Arca Clamp at a 90 degree angle. For this review we used our Manfrotto 468MG converted with a Wimberly C-10MG Quick Release Clamp. You also need an Arca-Type lens plate or replacement foot on your lens.

According to Custom Brackets, the CB Gimbal Basic has the capacity to handle all telephoto lenses, although a lot depends on the quality and strength of your ball head. The CB Gimbal Basic utilizes precision roller bearings, and has a black "hard anodized" finish for strength, light weight and scratch resistance. Made from aircraft aluminum and weighing 1.5lbs, the CB Gimbal Basic is just over 9 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 3 inches deep, making it very easy to pack.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Basic_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Manfrotto_079_Monopod_Review Monopods can be extremely useful. Lighter and easier to transport than a tripod, they also allow you to pan easily (just rotate the monopod), and offer some tilt movement (just tilt the monopod itself back and forth). While they don't offer the same ultimate stability as a locked-down tripod, they do offer more stability than just hand-holding (plus if you are shooting something like a sporting event, your camera can get pretty heavy after a while without one). You can also often use monopods in locations that ban tripods.

Pictured above is our Manfrotto 079 Aluminum Monopod (shown fitted with a Kirk Quick Release Clamp) that I must have been using for 20 years now. Are there newer, greater models available? Sure, just look at the selection of Manfrotto Monopods at B&H Photo Video.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Kirk_Arca_Type_Arca_Swiss_Quick_Release_Clamp_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=OmniPod_BeanBag_Review OmniPod make beanbags in several different styles, this review covers the larger 11"x7"x2" model. The OmniPod comes with a built in ¼" x 20 tripod socket to attach to cameras, camcorders or pretty much anything else you can put on a tripod. Beanbags can be useful in the field by providing a more stable base for your camera to help reduce camera shake, and allow the use of lower shutter speeds. The Omnipod can be draped over a car window for extra support, or with the built in strap can be attached to tree limbs, fence railings or just sat on a rock or the ground.

The OmniPod features a standard ¼" x 20 tripod stud, surrounded by a thick 1" rubber washer to firmly grip your camera. The OmniPod is filled with polystyrene beads, features a heavily textured non-skid bottom, and comes with a strap and buckle that can be used it secure it to objects. It comes in two sizes and two colors (black and camo). The larger version allows you to add or remove fill via a small tab that tucks under the buckle and velcro's closed.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=OmniPod_BeanBag_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Review Since the first Wimberley Head in 1991, Wimberley has been the gold standard when it comes to Gimbal Tripod Heads to support big telephoto lenses. However there is now a new player intent on changing that, with an innovative new design and their corporate tag line "Simply The Best". Introduced in 2009, the CB Gimbal from Custom Brackets brings a fresh approach to a 2-decade old concept, with an innovative maintenance-free modular design, built around precision roller bearings, and backed by a longer warranty than the competition. For those less familiar with Custom Brackets, they are a very highly regarded industry player with a reputation for designing and manufacturing a range of excellent wear-compensating rotating flash brackets, plates and other accessories since the 1990's.

If you use a larger telephoto lens for moving subjects, the only way to support it is with a Gimbal Head. A good Gimbal Head allows smooth, effortless, and just as important safe panning and tilting of the lens/camera combination about its center of gravity. While a loosened ball head will work, trusting up to $15,000 worth of camera and lens to a loose ballhead is one thing, and trying to pan and tilt such a top-heavy setup smoothly and accurately is yet another.

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The second reason, was to use it as a "low pod" - a shooting platform for Macro photography. Surely the Kirk WM-2 would be far easier to use that having a giant tripod looming over your macro-sized subject?

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Where does the Custom Brackets GLM-1 differ from other lens plates: instead of providing a hex key to install the screws, the screws instead have a built in 1" wide D-Ring for a tool-free installation.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_GLM-1_Lens_Plate_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Arca_Swiss_Multi_Purpose_Rail_Review The two rails used for this review are both 8" rails. The rail marked A2-80 below is a 3/8" thick rail, shown with the 3 supplied captive screws installed. The other rail shown is a thicker ½" version, with two of the screws removed and a Kirk Quick Release Clamp installed on one end. Both rails come with Safety Stops installed on the back and hex keys to install/remove the screws. Hejnar PHOTO sells many different sizes of rail, typically ranging from 6" to 12" long, and either 3/8" or ½" thick (See their Store for current inventory). They can also custom make rails to your specifications - for one customer they made a 1.25 inch thick, 20" long rail for an 800mm lens with teleconverter. Some rails have an engraved scale on them, others don't. The rails are made in the U.S.A. from 6061-T6 aluminum, and feature a double dove-tail (which means you can clamp to the top or bottom of them). Chances are, they have something that will fit your needs. At the time of writing, Hejnar PHOTO has several different rails available from 8" to 12", with prices starting under $40.

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This is a review of their Camera Plates, in particular based on one of their 2" Arca-Type Camera Plates. At the time of writing, Hejnar PHOTO has 3 different styles of 2" Plate available, as shown the photos below (the grooves for the ¼" Screw vary for maximum mounting flexibility). We are also told a new version is due soon with a loop for a camera strap.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 19 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Quick_Release_Camera_Plates_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Kirk_Universal_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_Review Kirk Universal Camera Plate is a 2 7/8" long Arca-Type camera plate machined from 6061T6 aluminum. It's available with both ¼" and 3/8" threads (DSLR's typically use the ¼" size). Kirk actually makes numerous sizes of quick release camera plates, many custom fit for specific cameras (see Kirk Photo for full list). We opted for the Universal Fit so we could switch it between the DSLR's and Video Cameras in our permanent kit as needed, as well as use it on gear we get in to test on occasion.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Kirk_Universal_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Nikon_ML-3_Remote_Control_Review Nikon ML-L3 acts as a remote shutter release for the pro and prosumer lines of Nikon DSLR's (D1 through D3 Series, and D100 through D700 Series cameras). The unit consists of two parts:

1. A receiver that screws into the 10-pin connector on the front of the camera, and has a hot-shoe plate so it can sit on top of the camera (we often find ourselves using a flash at the same time, so this unit is often left dangling instead).
2. A hand held transmitter that takes two AAA batteries.

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It's very small, lightweight, rugged, easy to throw into a corner of a camera bag or in your pocket, yet amazingly useful in the field for setting up landscape shots. We wouldn't go on a trip without it. The only potential downside of the Manfrotto 337 is the cost (about $30 at the time of writing), especially when there are no-brand versions selling on ebay from a Hong Kong seller for under $7. However we have been using Manfrotto brand gear for at least a couple of decades now, it is a brand we trust.

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The Nikon ML-L3 has a range of about 16' (just less than 5 meters), and has to be pointed at the front of the camera. We use ours with our Nikon D90 - 15 months in we are still on the first battery with light to moderate usage. It has been reliable in triggering the camera - if you are too far off to the side, sometimes it won't trigger (just like your TV remote), so on the rare occasion it's failed, it has been operator error.

Overall, if you have a consumer level Nikon DSLR (DXX or DXXXX, then this is extremely useful. If you ever use your camera on a tripod, the ML-L3 is pretty much essential, and we'd highly recommend it:

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The 468MG is rated for a robust 35.3lbs (16 Kg) for the base unit, down to 22lbs (10 Kg) for some of the RCX versions, so all versions should be able to comfortably hold a big DSLR with a heavy lens. The 468MG uses a hydraulic system to lock the ball in place (makes for a much tighter lock with minimal turning of the knob). It utilizes a cast magnesium head with a 1.25" Teflon coated aluminum ball. The controls are oversized to allow use with gloves.

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Being able to use a flashgun with your telephoto lens is ideal for putting a catch-light in a bird or animals eyes, or adding fill light to subject in the shadows, which can make or break a photograph. By attaching to the lens plate itself, the flashgun remains above the lens minimizing shadows, even when the camera is rotated to portrait orientation.

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Enter the Wimberley Sidekick, an innovative solution that can in seconds convert your ball head into a gimbal head, and for only around $250 (about half the cost of a dedicated gimbal head).

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For our needs, we wanted to be able to use our Nikon 200-400mm f4 AF-S VR with the Wimberley Sidekick. Kirk makes Lens Plates and Feet for just about every big lens from all the major manufacturers (see full list at B&H Photo or Kirk Enterprises).

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The BL-D300G is an exceptionally good fit on both the D300 and D700. The finish is excellent as you'd expect from Kirk, and the unit weighs in at only 4.7 oz thanks to its construction from light weight 6061T6 Aluminum.

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If you shoot sports/action, forget the D90 - buffers to small. The D200 isn't a bad choice, but the D300/D700 are much better choices due to a superior AF system, faster card write speeds and higher frame rates.

If you are a low light shooter, D700 is by far the best choice. The D300 is a better second choice than the D90 - the D90 may have a slight edge in ultimate image quality, but its autofocus system lets it down in low light compared to the D300. The D200 comes a distant 4th here.

If the camera is going to go into harsher environments, forget the D90 - plastic body and lack of weather-sealing may impact you.

For everyone else, any of these cameras are capable of outstanding results. The Nikon D90 is the smallest and easiest to use, and the Nikon D700 is probably the best all-rounder for a more advanced user that doesn't mind the extra weight and cost.

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For anyone considering purchasing one of these cameras, we always recommend reading as many reviews as possible - reviews often contain personal experiences and biases, and even though bodies are all most likely within tolerance, there can also be minor differences between bodies and with certain body/lens combinations that effect an individuals results (or least that's always a good excuse to use as to why your pictures aren't sharp enough!).

This review will focus on the cameras we have used day in and day out, rain or shine, over the past few years: the Nikon D200, D300, D700 and D90.

Shown here with the lenses most commonly used with a given body - left to right:
Nikon D90 with 18-200mm DX Zoom
Nikon D200 with 12-24mm DX Zoom
Nikon D300 with MB-D10 and 200-400mm f4
Nikon D700 with MB-D10 and 85mm f1.4 (not shown, but the 24-70mm f2.8 also spends a lot of time on the D700)

Background

I do travel a lot, so whatever equipment I use needs to be able to take some abuse - from being bounced around during extended off road driving, dealing with dust, sand, sea spray, the triple digit summer Texas heat, to camping half way up a mountain in 15F weather: whatever the conditions, the gear needs to perform.

For the first 20 years of using Nikon, I owned exactly four Nikon film bodies, so in 2006 when I decided to make the switch to digital, I looked long and hard at their lineup and digital history: a modern DSLR gets replaced or updated every couple of years as technology moves forward - a far cry from my 30+ year old Nikon F that could still use the latest films. As a result, the sheer thought of paying $4k-$5k per body for the current pro-level DSLR's, then likely replacing them every 4 years as major upgrades came out made my wallet ache.

The math is quite simple: if I pay $12k-$15k for 3 bodies that means $3k-$4k per year on bodies that on average get replaced every 4 years. Ouch. Don't even want to broach that one with She Who Must Be Obeyed.

By going with the mid-range bodies, I lose a little in performance (8 f.p.s. vs 9 f.p.s., and not quite as rugged for example), gain some (more portability, flash/built in flash commander), and have to deal with a few months delay before new technology comes available to me: the sensor out of the D3 was released in the D700 several months later giving the same final image quality and a very large percentage of the ultimate camera performance.

However for a 3 body mid-range setup, I'm looking at saving anywhere up to $2k per year: Over ten years, that saves me $20k. Holy cow, that's the equivalent of getting the following lenses for free: 600mm f/4, 200-400mm f4, and the three kings (14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm f2.8 lenses) - now that's compelling. Alternatively, having the extra cash for lenses, lighting gear, travel, classes, or generally keeping your spouse happier makes a real difference, and will almost certainly do more for your photography than having the better bodies/getting the newer sensors a few months sooner. At the end of the day, it's the images that count, not the gear. As an added benefit, the lenses generally have a much better resale value than out-of-date bodies also.

So the decision was simple: Mid-range bodies with pro glass will get the results I demand at a cost I can live with. As any pro photographer will tell you, you have to look hard at the cost/value of your gear in relation to the income it can generate, and even then, the key number to look at is your profit (sales less expenses), not just sales. If you are not a pro, very few of us have unlimited budgets, so while it's nice to have the latest, greatest and very best, you can still do a lot to maximize your end results within your budget.

The Cameras

Nikon D200 Back in 2006 rather than spending $3,500 on a D2x, a Nikon D200 became our first Digital SLR. While slightly inferior to the D2x, the Nikon D200 was less than half the price, and this turned out to be exactly the right move when a year later the D300 came out effectively making the D2xs obsolete for many users for a lot less money (How happy would you be if you'd just spent $12k on three D2xs bodies and then the D300 came out?). Even in 2009, the Nikon D200 is still a strong performer, capable of getting outstanding results at ISO 100 and 200, and has remained in heavy use as a reliable second/backup camera for us into 2009.

Nikon D300 A D300 was added to our kit in late 2007. The D300 with a Nikon MB-D10 grip instantly became my primary camera, with the D200 relegated to a 2nd body/backup, and effectively took the mantle as the leading DX camera in Nikons lineup from the Nikon D2xs. With the D300 we can go to ISO 400 (and sometimes beyond), combined with its amazing AF system and 8 f.p.s., it produces a much higher keeper rate for action/wildlife photography than my Nikon D200 can. Almost two years on, it remains our go-to camera for any telephoto work, and we don't see that changing any time soon.

Nikon D90 In 2008, we added a D90 - the video mode was interesting, and the logic being it had a slightly improved version of the D300 sensor, so would potentially make a better backup/2nd body than the D200. The Nikon D90 is capable of producing some outstanding videos, but in terms of ultimate quality and ease of use, its video mode is no match for my Sony Camcorder on a day-to-day basis. Also being smaller/lighter, the D90 appeared to be a very versatile and capable camera to add to our kit, especially if traveling light. It also turned out to be the first DSLR that She Who Must Be Obeyed has ever felt comfortable using, due to its small size and Auto modes, so my biggest challenge with the D90 is often finding a way to pry it out of her hands. When I can get hold of it, it's a solid performer, although the camera has frustrated me at times - more on this in the review later.

Nikon D700 When the D700 initially came out, I initially discounted it - most of my work is telephoto, the D700 puts far fewer "pixels on target" with any given lens than any of the other cameras mentioned here, and I didn't really need the low light capabilities (For over 2 decades, I very rarely shot anything faster than ISO 200). However, as of early 2009, the D700 price had dropped by over 25%. Having a FX camera would be very useful for doing future lens reviews on this site, and its high ISO abilities would open up new opportunities for us on occasion, so I finally broke down and added a Nikon D700 and another MB-D10 grip to our kit - a decision I haven't regretted. Since buying the D700, the D300 remains my go-to camera for telephoto work (which is 80%+ of our photography), but the D700 has become the default camera for just about everything else, it has certainly exceeded my expectations. It also means the D200 is getting very little use these days.

Over the coming weeks we'll be adding full field reviews/tests for each of these cameras, detailing how they've performed and what issues I've experienced with each one, followed by ISO comparisons and some more direct comparisons and conclusions. If you check back on this page, links will appear at the top and bottom of this article as new sections are added. We'll also periodically update these pages as the cameras continue to be used and abused, and add any new DSLR's that get added to our kit - the rumored D700x looks very interesting indeed, assuming I can sneak it in the house without the wife finding out.

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But what is the quality like? We tried our "No Expense Spared" test with some 4x6 inch prints for a mere 13 cents each, and a test 12x18 inch enlargement for $2.99, to see how they compared.

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My first camera was a Pentax SP1000 about 25 years ago. After taking my first roll of film, I remember very clearly the anticipation waiting to get that first roll back. Then the disappointment a couple of days later looking at a series of blurred, badly exposed prints, and not a single keeper.

My wife is a different story. Over the years she has expressed an interest in using an SLR. Back when my main camera was a Nikon F3HP, it was too big, too heavy and too complex. Back in 2006 when I got a D200, the camera was still too big, heavy, and complex for her. But that all changed last fall when the D90 arrived.

As she has proved, the Nikon D90 is perhaps the most versatile DSLR ever made, and perfect for a wide range of users.

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