Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

64 new or used available from $390.00

After exhaustive research on many lens, I finally decided to plunk down the $500+ (at the time this was written) to purchase this lens. It may not be the best on the market but it compliments my Nikon 18-70mm DX lens nicely. I was looking towards Nikon's 18-200mm DX lens, however; the price pushed me to choose this one (as it was nearly half the price and my two lens can nearly cover all the range of the one 18-200mm). 


Build quality is cheap yet sturdy... the plastic is a little chinky but cuts down on the weight. My Nikon D200 has no problem handling the lens weight, however; I have heard (unconfirmed) reports that this lens is a little heavy for the lighter cameras (D80, D70, D40, ETC). The Ring Connector is metal and has a rubber gasket on the outside so as to provide minor protection (for the lens mount) from the elements.

You also have to keep this in mind, when discussing weight, quality & price; the bulk of the price of this lens is going into the glass elements (all 17 elements of them). It gets expensive when you place that many high-quality optics into a tube. I'm really not that surprised a the price, although $400 price-range would probably be more suitable for this lens. 

Sony Alpha A900 24.6MP Digital SLR Camera (Black)

Price:

$2,699.00

The Sony A900 is the top-of-the-line model in the Sony α (alpha) DSLR lineup. As befits a flagship model, the A900 raises the bar in a number of areas. In addition to being the first α DSLR to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor, it features the worlds highest 24.6-megapixel (MP) resolution and the worlds first body-integrated full-size SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization technology. The new full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor is significantly larger than traditional APS-C sized sensors, providing a larger capture area, improved wide-angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses for sharper, higher contrast photos. The A900 also features Dual BIONZ imaging processors that allow continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (frames per second) with superb image quality and ultra-low noise, a large, ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage, an Intelligent Preview function that lets you see the effects of manual adjustments on an image before you take the shot, and best-in-class viewing with a photo-quality 3.0” Xtra Fine LCD (921K pixels) display and HDMI output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.

Casio Exilim EX-S12 12MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)

List Price:$229.99

Price:$143.50

14 new or used available from $89.99

Taking advantage of the high-speed image processing abilities of Casio's state-of-the-art Exilim Engine 4.0, which is built into the Exilim EX-S12, the new Dynamic Photo function allows the photographer to cut out the main subject of interest in an image that has just been captured and then combine it with another image to form the background. You can also cut and paste several rapid-succession images to create a moving subject on a still background. This function makes it easy to create composite scenes from an image juxtaposition that exists only in virtual reality, or they can create a composite image that conveys a certain message. Casio technologies like these are creating whole new avenues of enjoyment that go far beyond mere picture-taking, delivering greater creative and viewing pleasure. 

The EX-S12 has a stylish body measuring just 3.7 inches wide, 2.1 inches high and .6 inches thin (.5 inches at the thinnest part). It boasts a 3x optical zoom and a super clear, 2.7-inch widescreen LCD monitor and has an effective 12.1-megapixel resolution. It is finished in a design with both the high-class feel and beauty of stainless steel. 

Fujifilm Finepix S9000 9MP Digital Camera with 10.7x Wide Optical Zoom

Real Photo Technology Real Photo Technology captures treasured moments just as your eye sees them. Combining the new RP Processor, 5th Generation Super CCD-HR Sensor and Fujinon Lens Optics, the S9000 delivers ultra-high sensitivity with low noise, faster operational speeds and reduced power consumption. This allows you to capture priceless memories of photographs with every nuance of light and color, even in low light situations without a flash. Fujinon Lens Technology and Zooming The S9000 features a 10.7x Wide Angle Optical Zoom with a focal range equivalent of 28mm - 300mm compared to 35mm film. With Super Macro mode, the S9000 can focus clearly as close up as 0.4". With the addition of a beam assist, the S9000 will be able to automatically focus even in low light conditions. Uniquely Tilted The S9000 has all its angles covered with a tilting 1.8" LCD making it easy to frame your shot from a variety of shooting positions. And thanks to the LCD gain up control, you'll be able to view the LCD in bright and low light conditions. The viewfinder is electronic with 235,000 pixel resolution and provides approximately 100% coverage. Memory Times Two Equipped with dual media slots for handling of xD-Picture Cards and Compact Flash/Microdrives, the S9000 lets you concentrate on shooting without worrying about storage space. You can even insert different types of media in each slot and then select which one you want to use to store each image as you shoot. Control At Your Fingertips Whether you choose Auto, Manual, Macro/Super Macro, Movie, Burst/Continuous or any of the 5 Pre-programmed Scene Position modes, the S9000 delivers higher level digital image quality.

Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

With incredible 14.2 MP detail, Sony¿s ¿ (alpha) DSLR-A350 raises the standard of excellence for step-up digital photographers shooting both family memories and fine-art photos. Live Preview in a large 2.7¿ LCD screen links you and your subject -- and you¿ll have special features like super-quick AF response, continuous shooting at 2 fps while you see your subject in the viewfinder, Creative Style modes for quick recall of custom settings, and in-camera Super SteadyShot image stabilization that reduces blur with every Sony, Carl Zeiss and legacy Minolta a-mount lens.


What A Great Camera
I don't have several hours to do a proper review on this excellent camera, but I can quickly share the high points. It has great "human factor" engineering, meaning it fits your hands like a glove and all the controls are easy to access. The camera/lens combo is very light and easy to handle. If you have any Minolta lenses, they fit. The ability to view the picture on the large, bright LCD instead of through the viewfinder is a definite plus in many situations. 14+ megapixels ... really, how many more do you need?

Here's the bottom line ... I worked for Kodak, I've been a serious amateur photographer for decades, I've shot thousands of pictures (hundreds so far with this camera) and it leaves nothing that I can think of to be desired. If you want to spend more bucks on a Nikon or Canon, have fun. But for my money, this little beauty is a clear winner.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Champagne Gold)

The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera's simple design and easy interface enable photographers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. 

The E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve. 

Nikon D5000 12.3MP DX CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR Lenses and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

A remarkable blend of simplicity and highly-advanced DSLR capabilities, the compact and powerful D5000 offers breathtaking 12.3-megapixel image quality, along with a flexible, Vari-angle, Live View monitor for fresh picture-taking perspectives. Nikon’s EXPEED image processing further enhances performance, contributing to split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4 frames-per-second to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly. 

The D5000’s 24-fps HD D-Movie mode with sound captures video clips with amazing clarity--offering new and exciting creative opportunities. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus with 3D Tracking, teamed with famous NIKKOR optics, assures incredible image sharpness, while active image sensor cleaning combats annoying dust automatically. Featuring a convenient built-in flash, 19 automatic exposure Scene Modes to make the impossible easy and 23 Custom Setting options to fit your preferences, as well as 14 in-camera image retouching functions, the D5000 is the perfect DSLR, beginning with performance to meet your picture-taking tomorrows. 

Outfit includes the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR lenses with image stabilization and legendary NIKKOR optical quality. 

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera. Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 image processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. 

New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust and weather resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities--not just with stills but also with video--are beyond amazement.