Three Kinds of North: Book One of The Shattered Moon

Literature & Fiction

Sparks, Jon

Literary

Jon Sparks

A mid-range DSLR, the Nikon D5200—long awaited replacement for the D5100—is the next model up in line from the company's D3200 and intended for anyone seeking good quality images without the expense of a high-end DSLR. Apart from a new top-plate drive mode button and a stereo microphone in front of the hot-shoe, the D5200 is physically similar to its predecessor, although the neat, compact body contains many internal upgrades. These include a 39-point AF system that covers most of the frame, and a 2016 pixel RGB color-sensitive metering sensor. The D5200 features a 24MP CMOS sensor and offers a greater ISO range than its predecessor—25,600 compared to 12,800 (noise levels are low up to about ISO 6400)—and faster continuous shooting (5 fps compared to 4 fps). Video mode offers considerable creative control: you can manually adjust aperture, shutter speed and ISO levels, or optionally record Full HD movies at 30, 25 or 24frames per second at 1920x1080. The D5200 supports Nikon's WU-1a Wi-Fi unit that plugs into the camera's accessory terminal and allows images to be transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. The 18–55mm kit lens ideal for newcomers to DSLRs, while the K-mount enables the use of any other lenses from a Nikon DSLR. The camera's 3in. articulated LCD screen renders accurate colors, and features an anti-glare coating.

Nikon D5200 (Expanded Guides)

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

Ammonite Press

The D7100 DSLR camera is the latest model from Nikon, superseding the D7000 in the highly-advanced, enthusiast range and is the flagship DX-format APS-C cropped-sensor model in the company’s line-up. It’s a weather-resistant portable DSLR for the passionate and serious photographer seeking a remarkable level of sharpness. With the absence of an optical low pass filter (OLPF) images with greater detail can be achieved. The D7100 is a 24.1-megapixel camera with an EXPEED 3 image processor, capable of delivering lifelike full resolution stills at 6fps and full HD 1080p video recording.

Nikon D7100 (Expanded Guides)

The D5300 is the latest model in Nikon’s advanced “consumer” series, occupying a middle position in the DX-format camera range, between the entry-level D3200 and the “enthusiast” or “semi-pro” D7100. The series stands apart from all other Nikon digital SLRs in having an articulating rear screen for flexibility when shooting in Live View and movies. Nikon has retained its tried and tested F lens-mount (introduced in 1959), making it possible to use many classic Nikon lenses with the D5300, though care is needed and some camera functions (eg autofocus) may be lost. The D5300 may look like a modest upgrade to the D5200, but there are several enhancements. The camera is fractionally smaller and lighter, thanks to the use of carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics for structural elements of the body, while the rear screen is larger than its predecessors. The camera has a 24-megapixel sensor. The pixel count may be the same as the D5200, but there’s a major difference as the D5300 has dispensed with an “anti-aliasing” filter in front of its sensor. The effect of this should be to make images even sharper. Two other significant innovations on the D5300 are the introduction of WiFi and GPS. Like all Nikon SLRs the D5300 is part of a vast system of lenses, accessories, and software.

Nikon D5300 (Expanded Guides)

From the front it resembles an oversized Nikon FM, the mechanically operated, interchangeable lens, 35mm SLR that was produced between 1977 and 1982. In addition to the styling and external controls, the Df's other reference to Nikon's history is the retractable meter coupling tab, which allows the use of pre-1977 non-AI lenses. Much of what lies is beneath the Df's decidedly retro skin, however, will be quite familiar to current users of modern digital SLRs. While the "D" in the name stands for "digital," the "f" stands for "fusion," referring to the marriage of old and new. Despite its pretensions of being a fully manual camera, the Df also features front and rear electronic control dials in addition to the physical dials on the top-plate. The Df is built around the 16MP full frame sensor from the company's flagship D4, and uses the processor and AF system from the cheaper D610 model. The optical viewfinder is very large; the magnification is 0.70x and the coverage 100%. When a DX lens is attached to the Df, the viewfinder shows frame-lines indicating the DX image area. Most notably, and unusual for a modern DSLR, although the camera is based on a video-capable sensor, the Df cannot shoot video. This, according to the developers, is because the Nikon Df is intended to be a serious camera for people who want to produce "pure" photography.

Nikon Df (Expanded Guides)

The D3300 is Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR. It is designed to marry the versatility and image quality of an SLR with the simplicity and ease of handling of the best digital compacts. Nikon has always valued continuity as well as innovation. It has retained its tried and tested F lens-mount (originally introduced in 1959), which means it’s possible to use many classic Nikon lenses with the D3300. At first glance, the D3300 may look like a modest upgrade to the D3200, but there are some significant changes under the surface. The camera is almost exactly the same size as its predecessor, but significantly lighter. It has a 24-megapixel sensor; the pixel count may be the same as the D3200, but there’s a major difference as the D3300 has dispensed with an ‘anti-aliasing’ filter in front of its sensor to make images even sharper. The other significant innovation is not so much the D3300 itself as the lens that accompanies it. The collapsible 18–55mm F3.5-5.6 VR II kit lens makes the camera/lens combo smaller and lighter, but still delivers good optical performance.

Nikon D3300 (Expanded Guides)

Nikon’s high-end 36MP D800 and D800E DSLRs have been consolidated with the release of the D810. It is not simply an upgrade: major changes substantially extend its capabilities and make the camera more attractive to buyers considering a move to a full-frame camera. Some features from the D4s have been incorporated into the D810. Videographers, for example, will be pleased with additions to its video feature set. Other refinements include a redesigned shutter and mirror mechanism to reduce the shock of shutter actuation, which can reduce resolution. There’s also a new S-Raw mode for reduced-resolution raw capture.

Nikon D810 (Expanded Guides)

The D750 is Nikon's new full-frame DSLR, occupying a position between the D610 and D810 in the company's FX format line-up. It's designed for the serious photographer, and of particular interest to anyone stepping up to full-frame from one of Nikon's APS-C format models. For those who want to switch between stills and video with ease and who love to share their shots, this camera could be an ideal tool. Not only does it offer superb image quality, but also it features cinematic video capabilities in a compact fully weather-sealed design with a tilting 3.2 in., 1229k-dot Vari-angle LCD and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, two SD card slots, and 6.5 fps continuous shooting in both FX and DX formats. The D750 offers 24.3 megapixels in a FX format, and a 51-point AF system with Group Area AF mode, a powerful EXPEED 4 image processor, and Full HD video recording at 50/60p. The large sensor, together with the processor, enables stunning images and videos to be captured across a sensitivity range of ISO 100–12800 (expandable to 50–51,200).

Nikon D750 (Expanded Guides)

Nikon's D5500 DSLR is an update to the popular D5300, featuring a touch-sensitive rear LCD screen and improved ergonomics. In almost every other respect, it's a compact, lightweight 24MP entry-level DSLR similar to its predecessor. This is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the Nikon D5500 that includes a pull-out reference card. Author Jon Sparks provides practical tips on how to get the best from this versatile camera.

Nikon D5500 (Expanded Guides)

This comprehensive step-by-step guide provides practical tips on how to get the best from a Nikon D7200, and includes a pullout quick reference card For the passionate photographer or videographer, the professional in need of a fully-functioned second camera, or the enthusiast looking for a versatile and convenient tool, Nikon's new D7200 has a lot to offer. Improved image quality, low-light capabilities, and speed are supplemented by the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC). This high specification camera allows you to shoot in almost any light—from dawn until after dusk—and to capture everything from sports and action to wildlife and everyday moments. Images can then be shared easily with a compatible smart device. This high-end APS-C camera upgrades the popular D7100 (launched in 2013). Although not a radical upgrade, it adds some excellent new features. Its large buffer can produce up to 18 14-bit lossless compressed, 27 12-bit compressed Raw files, or more than 100 JPEGs. The maximum burst rate remains the same as the earlier model: six fps at full size and seven fps in 1.3x crop mode. Autofocus performance in low light is improved—the Multi-CAM 3500DX II still offers 51 AF points (the central 15 cross-type), but all are sensitive to -3EV (the D7100's were limited to -2EV), and the camera includes Wi-Fi with "SnapBridge" Near Field Communication (NFC) for pairing with Android devices. Also on offer is 15% better battery life, and 60p video (with Flat Picture Control, also available for stills), in 1.3x crop mode. The D7200 is the only Nikon DX format camera to support autofocus on screw drive lenses.

Nikon D7200 (Expanded Guides)

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