Category: Photography

Testing the Nikon D5000

I’ve been trying the new Nikon D5000. A camera that I would classify in the middle of the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D90 but with a little bit of “new style” because of the vari-angle color LCD monitor. It is awesome to be able to freely move the LCD monitor in a D-SLR camera!

The first thing I noticed is how light it is, and how compact it is compared to my Nikon D90, it weights only 560 grams. But it has the same sensor as the Nikon D90, it also has 11 focus points and it also can record video. But the LCD monitor quality is much worse, I could notice it in a second, they’ve got rid off the little LCD from the top (Like in the D40 and D60) and it also lack an internal focusing motor (Like the D40 and the D60). The main reason I moved from my D40 to the D90 it was because of the lack of internal focusing that forced me to buy my lenses selecting only among a very reduced number of new models but I could not buy old lenses.

It is a very simple, cheap and light camera, where the quality of the pictures is comparable to the Nikon D90, I find it as the best option for those who are looking for their first SLR. Why do you need a D60 if you can get a D5000?

If you want to read more about this new mini-SLR trend with incredible sensors able to record video continue reading this excellent article by the NYT.

nikond5000 d5000

Photography

Nikon D90

Last week I tried the new Nikon D90 that will be available in Japan from the 19th. After my experience, more than positive with my Nikon D40, my next camera will be a Nikon D90. I think it is the natural evolution from a D40 user who needs to go to the next level. I learned a lot with my D40, but I need more like for example being able to auto focus with old lenses. I’ve been thinking for a while to get a D300, but the D90’s release two weeks ago was like a blessing. I don’t have excuses any more, is cheaper and basically the same camera.

Nikon D90

I usually sell my used cameras in Softmap, but I think I’ll keep my D40. I love it so much, it is little, versatile, and perfect for traveling! If you want to take a look at my D40’s pictures this is my flickr account.

Photography

Daido Moriyama

Nobuyoshi Araki and Daido Moriyama are two of the most famous contemporary Japanese photographers. Nobuyoshi Araki is the bad boy, he likes colors and controversy, on the other hand Daido Moriyama shots almost always en b&w and his pictures are sad and melancholic. Daido Moriyama was friend with Yukio Mishima, and he confesses that his photographic style is very influenced by his melodramatic novels.

Daido Moriyama has been taking Tokyo’s pictures since 60 years ago, his pictures are one of the best ways to travel back to the past in to the post-war years of Japan. This weekend I visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum Of Photography where there is a great Daido Moriyama exhibition until the 29th of this month . Go if you have the opportunity.

Here there are some Daido Moriyama’s pictures I found goggling Daido Moriyama and 森山大道.