"John Smith" wrote:

Many you can help me here... I read a article today that stated sensors
with photosites down to about 6.8 microns produce the highest quality....
and sensors with pixels between about 5 microns and 6.8 microns are
capable of excellent image quality, but are pushing the limits....

My question is how these statements apply to the various 6mp sensors used
in the various Nikon dslr's in simple terms ( I can't handle too much
math).

I'm a Canonista and never say nice things about Nikon.

That said, the D50 and D70 produce lovely images. As does the D200. (I've
not looked at any D40 or D40x images, but can't imagine there being any
problems.)

There isn't anything wrong with any of them. (Well, OK: the D2x is way
overboard on too many pixels. But other than that.)

While a 6MP camera will have lower per-pixel noise at higher ISOs, the D200
produces superb images at ISO 100. And with a bit of noise reduction, will
be far better for low-light work than film ever was. Presumably the new D40x
will match that performance.

The _only_ reason not to buy Nikon is that Nikon _claims_ that they'll never
make a full-frame camera, but Canon already does and claims that in the long
run only the entry level will be APS-C. If you want an immediate upgrade
path to full-frame, get a Canon APS-C dSLR and only buy lenses that will
also cover full frame.

If you want excellent images now, with great ergonomics lots of great lenses
to choose from, any current Canon, Nikon, or Pentax dSLR would be fine.
(Maybe Sony, too, but I haven't looked into the Sony dSLR.)

But my bet is that Nikon will come out with full-frame dSLRs, just not this
year.

David J. Littleboy
Tokyo, Japan