Azura Technologies

An unknown author one time wrote, “I believe a photography class ought to be a requirement in all instructional courses simply because it tends to make you see the globe as opposed to just look at it.” Certainly, taking photos can deliver out the soul and essence of every single thing it captures. Nevertheless, just before getting a photograph that exposes the heart of its subjects, one ought to possess the device that will allow it to be feasible for a great image to come to life. A camera that suits you as best as it can becomes necessary, do you agree?

Every digital camera has its very own advantages and drawbacks. An individual ought to not be deceived by a effective characteristic of a single one camera that the others do not have. Like people, no digicam is perfect! And so in determining amongst point and shoot digital cameras forjust one that fits you perfect, you need to determine first of all what you genuinely want and are in a position to complete with it.

After answering these, you must consider your budget. Can you pay for the expensive leading digital cameras, or the economical point and shoot digital cameras are all you genuinely want? Whenever you need to engage into expert pictures, what you require essentially is really a very good single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. Nevertheless, if you’re one of those who are into amateur photography, a lower priced high quality digital camera will do rather adequately as well.

It’s awkward to set up. Menu is like something from 20 years ago.
Firmware issues have yet to be addressed by the manufacturer. This is inexcusable as the camera has been available for sale for nearly a year.
Audio is useless. They could have saved weight and cost by just not including a mic. The only instance where it even sort of works is when mounted right near a loudish sound you want to highlight, such as an engine.
There are too many instances where “Macgyvering” is required to get the desired result. The quick release mount rattles so you need to tape the base plate, the non waterproof back allows too much wind noise, so you need to tape over the openings, the shutter button rattles, so you need to tape over that. Moral of the story: BUY TAPE.
The support by the manufacturer is not quite adequate. I realize it’s a small start up company, but for all the issues with the use of the camera and the handling/editing of the files, they really need to release some conclusive videos or articles to address these concerns.

The only reason I have not given it a full 5 stars is the difficulty in reading the small status screen with all the various modes it has. The same issue I have with the standard definition HERO. The icons that tell you if you are in burst, still, timed, or video mode are very small across the top of the display. The numbers to tell you the number of pictures or videos taken are much larger. It is just difficult if you have the camera mounted on top of your helmet and you try and look in the mirror on your bike to see if the camera is on and what mode it is. You have to use the select button on the front to both turn the camera on and select the right mode. The shutter button is on top and is easy to operator even with gloves. It is not difficult to read the display if you are holding the camera in front of you, but much more difficult when mounted on top of your helmet. You can unclip the camera from the mount, but that can be difficult when it is on top of your helmet.

I am looking forward to the expansion port options being available, like the LCD screen to view the videos in the field. I am also thinking of investing in the chest strap mount so I can get different view over the handle bars as will as making it easier to see the small status display. Other than the small icons telling you which mode, this is a very nice camera that takes very high quality action videos. It is very small and light and easy to use when you have it in the right mode. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone wanting action videos of their bicycling, motorcycle, or skiing activities.

People who might find this camera useful:
Auto racing enthusiasts
Mountain Bikers
Sailors
Hobbyist videographers looking for those unique shots

People who will likely be disappointed and frustrated by this camera:
Pretty much anyone who thinks they’ll be using it as a camcorder.
People who aren’t really tech savvy and/or have an older computer
People who don’t like to tinker and engineer solutions to make it do what they want.

I’ve owned (and subsequently got rid of) the Nikon 55-200mm and Sigma 18-250 OS. This lens beats them both significantly. The Sigma 18-250 OS was pretty nice when I needed to take only one lens with me, but that situation is rare.

I hardly shoot telephoto, but when I do, I’m glad I can turn to this new Nikon 55-300mm VRII lens. Low light focus hunts a little bit, but that’s expected – and it’s significantly better than the Sigma at equivalent low light.

This lens is much better than the older Nikon 55-200mm VR often sold as part of the kit. That lens feels like a toy with a plastic mount and cheap plastic feel. This lens has a much better build quality. Consequently, it’s also more expensive.

If you’re debating about the Nikon 55-200mm vs. this lens, I highly recommend you get this lens. I’ve been very happy with it.

The VR on this lens is great. The detail I get with hand-helds just amazes me. It has Nikon’s VRII image stabilization and it even has a tripod detection mode that reduces any vibration from shutter release when it’s on a tripod.

Colors are rendered accurately and the contrast is pretty sharp even at the max aperture. The lens is compact for a 300mm and it’s lighter than my AF-S DX 18-200mm which I use as my regular walk-around. I’m sure the new 55-300 will be used as my walk around pretty frequently also.

All in all for an APS-C lens, Nikon did a great job with this one – especially for the price. It’s a welcome addition to the DX line and I’m really glad I have one in my gear bag.