What is Extension Tube??

The more distance between camera sensor and the lens the closer you can shoot the subject. this is the reason many manufacturer produce the extension tube. extension tube is like a special thin lens which install between the camera and the lens make lens distance from camera sensor, it's make the minimum focus distance closer, so you can took a photo closer and beautiful like the real macro lens. The extension tube cost cheaper than the macro lens.

APERTURE PRIORITY !!

One of the mode in camera which photographer like to use is Aperture Priority (A in Nikon or Av in canon) the reason that make photographer like to use mode aperture priority is that it can make you choose how to create your image, for example ; you are taking photo of your friend  with telephoto lens and you want your friend who's in foreground in focus and let the background out of focus easily in aperture priority by choosing as large aperture as your lens can adjust (f2.8, f4 ,f5.6) then focus to your friend and and  your camera and your telephoto lens do the rest. to have your friend in focus and background out focus. 

There are 3 tips to learn to control the aperture  value

1. the larger aperture value with the longer focal length lens make the thing you focus in focus and the background more out focus.
2. how to make both foreground and background in focus is to choose the small aperture like f/8 or f/11  this two value make the photo seem as you see with your eyes but still the background that far far away from the subject you focus still out focus but not as much as larger f-stop value
3. which is the most value to make foreground subject and background in focus, choose the largest f-stop your lens can (f/22, f/36)

F-STOP

On your camera each f-stop represented as a number ,up to the lens, and they can vary greatly. The smaller number the larger aperture (the opening of Diaphragm). Each F-Stop decrease or increase the light enter the lens. These f number increase by following

f1.0, f1.4, f2.0, f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f11, f16, f22, f32, f45, f64, f90

As the size of the number increase the smaller aperture in diaphragm is, so the less light through the camera f5.6 allows x2 as much light through the lens as f8, f8 allows x2 as much light through as f11, and so on. Each f-stop can be divided into 1/3 or 1/2 stop which are as follows

(1/3 stop): f5.6, f6.3, f7.1, f8, f9, f10, f11, f13, f14, f16, f18, f19, f22

(1/2 stop): f5.6, f6.7, f8, f9.5, f11, f13, f16, f19, f22

The largest f-stop for this example is f5.6, allowing the most light into the camera and will also have the shallowest depth of field. This means that when focused on the main subject you want to photograph, the object on the front or behind it will remain out of focus (depending on how far they are from the main subject and on the focal length you use). As the f-stop decrease the surrounding objects become sharper

To get the full benefit of f-stop and Depth of Field you will need to understand the basics of light meter in you camera

-2..-1..{   }..+1..+2

•  

The • represents the current light meter. If it is positioned in the middle it means that the camera is set to correct exposure for the given amount of light. if the • goes to - side this means  that the camera is set to one or two f-stops under, if the • goes to + side this means  that the camera is set to one or two f-stops  over. So when photographing  and you see the light meter marker is at -1 and you camera set to f11, change the f-stop to f8 to open more aperture, like wise if at +1 change the f-stop to f16.

It's a good practice to take photo one stop under, one stop over and one at the correct exposure, so you can see the result which how each image come out; this call bracketing. some camera have an auto-bracketing mode which automatic took 3 or 5 photos at various f-stop. so you can choose the best photo you like.

To demonstrate the effect of f-stop affect the depth of field you will need to take about 5 photographs of the subjects with f5.6, f8, f11, f16 and f22 and you will notice that as  you decrease the f-stop the shutter speed will double, because the size of the aperture has decreased by half. Once you view the image above you will notice a slight difference between each image about depth of field ;  the larger aperture the less sharp background is. 

Some term and definition in this article

• Diaphragm : The device in the lens which control the amount of light entering the lens
• F-Stop : The size of the opening in the diaphragm of the lens, different f-stop allow a certain amount of light to enter the lens
• Depth of Field (DOF) : The amount of area in or out focus in the image.
• Aperture : The opening in the diaphragm which allow light in
• Shutter Speed :  The length of time the shutter remains open
• Exposure : The aperture and shutter speed combined

Nikon D3 official detail

Nikon D3 (2007 Release)

Main Features

• Nikon's original FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm image size; 12.1 effective megapixels
• Compatible with three image-sensor formats – FX format (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24) and DX format (24 x 16)
  
• Sensitivity range ISO 200 to 6400 at normal setting for exceptionally high-quality images; can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600
• Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept
• Nikon's original Scene Recognition system, utilizing the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
  
• New 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6
• High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 frames per second [FX format (36 x 24)/5:4 (30 x 24)]/approx. 11 fps [DX format (24 x 16)] ^*1
• Newly employed Picture Control System enables creation of desired picture with preferred tones
• Accurate focal-plane contrast AF^*2 available with built-in Liveview mode
• Wireless Transmitter WT-4^*3 (optional) realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them, and downloading of images selected
• CF card double slot accepts two CF cards
• Quick response with approx. 0.12 sec. startup time and 37 ms Shutter-release time lag
  
• Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
• High-definition (920,000 dots), 170˚ viewing angle, 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass
• Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
  

*1 With Continuous-servo AF, S or M exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 sec. or faster; other settings are set at "Default".
*2 When Tripod mode is selected.
*3 Specifications differ depending on country or area.

Nikon D3 Specifications

Effective pixels : 12.1 million

Image sensor : CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format

Image size (pixels) : FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S]

5:4 (30 x 24): 3,552 x 2,832 [L], 2,656 x 2,120 [M], 1,776 x 1,416 [S] 
DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]

Sensitivity : ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400

Storage media : CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA); Microdrives

LCD monitor : 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Exposure metering : TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 

1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data) 
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame 
3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus area (on center focus area when non-CPU lens is used)

Exposure modes : Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A), Manual (M)

Interface : Hi-Speed USB

Power sources : One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EL4, Quick Charger MH-22, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)

Dimension (W x H x D) : Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.)

Weight : Approx. 1,240 g (2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover

Thanks to www.nikon.com for information

Nikon D700 official detail

Nikon D700 (2008 Release)

Main Features

• Nikon's original FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0 (H) x 23.9 (V) mm image size; 12.1 effective megapixels
  
• Superior picture quality throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400; can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600
  
• Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept
  
• Continuous shooting speed is up to 5 frames per second with the included Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, and up to 8 frames per second when using the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries
  
• Nikon's original Scene Recognition System, utilizing the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
  
• Active D-Lighting automatically compensates highlights or shadows while you shoot, creating images with natural contrast — even in difficult lighting
  
• Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences
  
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting situation
  
• Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points offers fast, efficient and precise autofocus
  
• Two Live View modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor
  
• 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle
  
• Built-in flash with 24mm lens coverage and Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control
  
• Magnesium alloy used for the exterior cover, rear body and mirror box reduces weight and provides rugged durability
  
• Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls
  
• Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer
  
• Included Nikon ViewNX software makes browsing and organizing your images easy
  
• Optional photo-editing software, Capture NX 2 allows users quick and easy photo editing 
  

D700 Specifications

Effective pixels : 12.1 million

Image sensor : CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; total pixels: 12.87 million; Nikon FX format

Image size (pixels) : FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S] 

DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]

Sensitivity : ISO 200 to 6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6400

Storage media : CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA)

Monitor : 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Exposure metering : 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

Exposure modes : Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A), Manual (M)

Interface : Hi-Speed USB 

Power sources : One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4/3e, or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries

Dimension (W x H x D) : Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm (5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.)

Weight : Approx. 995 g (2.19 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or LCD monitor cover

Thanks to www.nikon.com for information

Nikon D300 official detail

Nikon D300 ( 2007 Release)

Main Features

• All-new 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output
  
• Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept
  
• Nikon's original Scene Recognition System greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance
  
• New 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6
  
• Viewfinder with approx.100% frame coverage and large approx.0.94 magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m^-1)
  
• Rapid 8 fps^*1 or 6 fps^*2 continuous shooting for up to 100 shots^*3*4 
  
• New Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences
  
• Quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 0.045 sec. shutter release time lag^*5 
  
• Two liveview modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor
  
• Magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability
  
• 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle
  
• Active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights
  
• Shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 30 s for full creative control
  
• Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls
  
• Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System
  
• Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer
  
• Includes Nikon’s Software Suite software for easy control over image adjustment and management
  
• Supported by Nikon Capture NX software (optional), to explore the extensive potential of NEF (Nikon Electronic Format)
  

*1 When using AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e 
*2 When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e 
*3 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1 GB card 
*４ When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster with other settings at default 
*5 When shooting in JPEG, TIFF or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

D300 Specification

Effective pixels : 12.3 million

Image sensor :  CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm ; total pixels : 13.2 million; Nikon DX format

Image size : 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Sensitivity : ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200

Storage media : CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II, UDMA compliant), Microdrive

LCD monitor : 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Exposure metering : 3D Color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

Exposure modes :  Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Aperture-Priority Auto (A), Manual (M)

Interface : Hi-Speed USB

Power sources : One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)

Dimensions (W x H x D) : Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)

Weight : Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

Thanks to www.nikon.com for information

Nikon D80 official detail

Nikon D80 (2006 Release)

Main Feature

• 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor
• High-speed continuous shooting: 3 frames per second (fps) in bursts of up to 100 consecutive JPEG (FINE M-size or smaller) or 6 RAW (NEF) images
• Advanced high-precision, high-performance imaging processing engine with color-independent pre-conditioning
• 3D-color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB sensor delivers consistent and dependable automatic exposure for ideal results in most lighting conditions
• Refined 11-area AF system with new Auto-area AF mode and center sensor that can be switched to wide-frame operation for broader coverage
• ISO AUTO mode automatically adjusts sensitivity between ISO 100 to 1600, maximizing available light to help achieve optimal exposure
• Seven automated Digital Vari-Programs (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape and Night Portrait) optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene.
• User-selectable choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-white image optimization options
• Near-instant response with 0.18 sec. power-up and approx. 80-millisecond shutter release time lag promotes fast handling
• Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and flash sync speeds up to 1/200 second
• Fast image transfer via USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and SD memory card
• Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Image Overlay, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype) and Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance)
• Multiple Exposure shooting option automatically produces an effect that resembles multiple exposure techniques used with film
• Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle for clear image preview and easy access to settings and information, including RGB Histograms
• Selectable Slideshow function (Standard or Pictmotion)
• SD memory card storage, SDHC compatible
• Lightweight, compact body
• High-energy EN-EL3e rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,700 pictures on a single charge and provides detailed battery status information. (Battery life figure determined by in-house test parameters)
• Built-in Flash with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System
• The D80 supports more than 43 AF NIKKOR lenses in addition to the growing family of DX NIKKOR lenses
• Includes Nikon’s PictureProject software for easy control over image adjustment and management
• Support for Nikon's new Capture NX software, which provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools that help tap the full potential of NEF images

Nikon D80 Specifications

Effective pixels : 10.2 million

Image Sensor :  RGB CCD, 23.6 x  15.8 mm, 10.75 million total pixels

Image size : L (3,872 x 2,592) / M (2,896 x 1,944) / S (1,936 x 1,296)

Sensitivity : 100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in step of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1

Storage media :  SD memory card, SDHC compatible

LCD monitor : 2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Exposure metering : 3D color Matrix Metering II, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering

Exposure modes : Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Macro Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]

Interface : USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector); SD card slot

Power sources : Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, MB-D80 battery pack (optional), AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)

Dimension (W x H x D) : Approx. 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)

Weight : Approx. 585g (1lb 5oz) without battery, memory card, or body cap or monitor cover

Thanks to www.nikon.com for information