DSLR Review 2008 – The Hits and Misses of the Year

February 6th, 2010 | Author:

2008 was an interesting year for digital SLR photographers in general, even if one ignores the ultra-high-end ads Leica Hassleblad and Red. The three main players in the DSLR space (Nikon and Canon, each with around 40% market share and Sony with 10%) all the cameras turning up. Here are their successes and failures.

Nikon

After his release in 2007 with the revolutionary Nikon D3 and D300, will put the bar high for 2008, but generally did not disappoint with four new bodies:

Nikon D60

Although not revolutionary, the Nikon D60 replaces the D40x in Nikon lineup of consumers in a smaller package better, becoming one of the smallest and lightest DSLR ever made.

Nikon D700

Coming almost a total surprise, the Nikon D700 was launched in mid-summer, which contains the full frame 12 megapixel D3 star, but with a body similar to D300. At $ 3,000, this camera was the Nikon FX commitment, and the camera instantly became the choice of many professionals who do not need the closing time, or the advanced features of the D3 (for example wedding photographers).

However, few months after its launch, the A900 from Sony came out with a 24 megapixel sensor full-frame MSRP for it, and the Canon 5D Mark II came out with a full frame sensor of 21 megapixels and video HD 1080p for $ 2,700.

Although the D700 is still the most complete package (better autofocus, and arguably the best measurement for most of 12 megapixels is enough), which has been under strong pressure from his rivals megapixels. Just four months after its launch, street prices have fallen 25% to the range of $ 2,300 for a U.S. model.

Nikon D90

Replacing the Nikon D80 in the lineup, the Nikon D90 took the D300 sensor respected, improved slightly, add video, and packaged in a small, lightweight body with scene modes and a more basic autofocus and metering.

The Nikon D90 was also the worlds first DSLR to feature video capture HD with its 720p/24 fps mode. However, a few weeks later Canon announced an offer of much more complete video with her Canon 5D Mark II, and the video remains the weakest element of the D90, lacking autofocus and gives very little control over key elements such as exposure.

A $ 999, this company helped Nikon lineup of consumers, creating a consumer DSLR exceptionally able progress in the Nikon D90.

Nikon D3x

After years of rumors, Nikon finally announced megapixel camera is high, the Nikon 24-Megapixel D3x.

The camera immediately provoked a violent reaction to its price of $ 8,000, which at the time of the release was almost double the selling price of the Nikon D3. This was the only fueled further scandal when it was revealed the only significant difference between the D3 and D3x were the sensor and the EXPEED processor slightly improved, combined with the fact Sony can produce a digital SLR camera with the same sensor size a megapixel only $ 3,000.

This camera is aimed squarely at the studio or landscape photographer, and initial tests have shown that the sensor is clean at high ISO than the Sony (but comparable with the 5D Mark II, which has fewer megapixels). So while it is clearly an impressive camera, remains to be seen how many photographers can really justify the price.

Canon

Apart from a certain entry level DSLR, you had two major launches in 2008.

Canon EOS 50D

Replacing the 40D, the Canon 50D filed a 15-megapixel sensor 1.6x crop, so it is now the highest density of available pixels (equivalent to a 39 megapixel sensor, full frame).

However, the initial reception has not been particularly positive.Due to the high density of pixels, the camera suffers more the effects of diffraction, it has high ISO capabilities of many expected it would, and shows the problems with the lenses, more than any previous model. However, it remains a solid camera in its current selling price of just over $ 1,000.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Probably the most significant release of the year, replacing Canon 5D incorporates a 21-megapixel sensor Full Frame, similar to ISO capability new Nikon D3x, and became the first DSLR to feature 1080p HD video capture. Despite some initial problems (like the famous "black spot" of the problem), for $ 2700 from Canon provides an impressive feature set, and seems to have hit a home run with what is possibly the best prosumer package on the market today day.

Sony

After consolidating its consumer line, Sony was after the advanced user market with the A900 Sony 24-megapixel full-frame sensor for less than $ 3,000.

Sony A900

The camera lacks basic elements expected today as Live View DSLR, but the next available camera with 24 megapixels is the $ 8,000 Nikon D3x. However, the biggest competition comes from the Canon 5D Mark II, which has a slightly lower resolution at 21 megapixels, but more than makes up for its lower price of $ 2,700, 1080p HD video mode and features such as Live View.

While clearly an impressive camera a solid price, unless you really need the extra resolution would be very difficult to choose the Sony over the Canon.

Abstract

With the cameras pioneered the Nikon D3x, Nikon D90, Canon 50D and Canon 5D Mark II, 2008 solidified full-frame sensors on the market, witnessed a continuous momentum towards more megapixels, and saw the introduction of video in DSLR's.

Looking ahead, 2009 should be an interesting year. With the adverse economic situation and fierce competition for market share, we should see prices fall, and applications like video mature several interesting, though not innovative cameras in the near future.

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DSLR Review 2008 – The Hits and Misses of the Year

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