Eclectic Electronics » Digital SLR Photography

Nikon D300S flagship DX-format 12.3-megapixel digital SLR announced

blued888 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:00:36 +0000

Quite a number of announcements from Nikon today, the refined AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lenses, plus the entry-level D3000 digital SLR. Now, here comes the D300S.

The Nikon D300S is more of a refinement, rather than a revolutionary successor, of the tried and tested D300. It builds up on the features found on the D300.

The D300S features a 12.3-megapixel sensor (probably the same as that found on the D300), 720p video recording (stereo sound can be recorded through an optional external mic), 3-inch live view-capable high pixel density LCD screen, and a 51-point autofocus system.

The D300S also features dual memory card slots, one CompactFlash (CF) and one Secure Digital (SD) slot. You have the option to select the primary recording slot and there are three recording methods:

Overflow – uses the secondary card for recording once the primary is full
Backup – uses both cards to store the same images a.k.a. mirror copy
RAW primary, JPEG secondary – stores RAW files on the primary card and high quality JPEG on the secondary

The Nikon D300s camera body will be available from Nikon Authorized dealers starting late August 2009 for an estimated price of $1799.95.

[via Nikon USA Press Release]

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Nikon D3000 entry-level 10.2-megapixel digital SLR announced

blued888 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:00:45 +0000

Nikon’s latest entry-level digital SLR, the D3000, features a 10.2-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen which is 20% larger than previous Nikons, 11-point autofocus system and a new Miniature Effect Mode which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models.

While 720p video recording found on the Nikon D5000 is not present, there is a Stop Motion Movie Mode. The main highlight of the D3000 is the all-new Guide Mode which helps newbie digital SLR users along the ropes.

Intuitive Assistance On-the-Fly
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images.

Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000’s Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.

The Nikon D3000 kit, including a AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available from Nikon Authorized dealers starting late August 2009 for an estimated price of $599.95.

[via Nikon USA Press Release]

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Nikon redesigns AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II (11.1x) for 2009

blued888 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:00:54 +0000

Nikon is also updating their highly popular AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (11.1x) lens for 2009. The addition of a zoom-lock switch prevents the lens barrel from going downward during transport. And as previously mentioned, VR II technology provides shake compensation by four steps.

The same as the recently announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2.9x), the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II also features two VR (vibration reduction) modes. Normal for regular shake compensation and active for extreme shake compensation.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II will be available starting September 2009 for an estimated retail price of £729.99 / €887.00 / $849.95.

Compact 11.1x Ultra-High Ratio Zoom Lens with Zoom Lock Switch

TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the new ultra-high ratio zoom lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II for use expressly with Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras.

A number of unique Nikon technologies have been developed for, and applied to, including a high zoom magnification of 11.1x, a Vibration Reduction (VR II) image stabilization system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four stops, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), as well as a zoom lock switch. Designed expressly for use with Nikon digital-SLR cameras, exceptional image performance is assured.

As the compact AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II covers an extremely wide range of focal lengths (18-200mm, equivalent to 27-300mm in 35mm format; a zoom magnification of 11.1x), it offers excellent versatility for various scenes that include portraits and landscapes. The addition of a zoom lock switch allows photographers to secure the lens barrel at its minimum length, eliminating the natural gravitational effect that can draw the barrel downward during transport.

This lens offers superior optical performance in a compact size of just 77 x 96.5 mm, despite a high zoom magnification of 11.1x. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) assures fast and quiet autofocusing.

The Vibration Reduction system (VR II) provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps. Two Vibration Reduction modes are available.

NORMAL VR mode: Reduces ordinary camera shake. Panning is also supported.
ACTIVE VR mode: Reduces extreme camera shake, such as that which occurs when shooting from a moving vehicle.

Optics, optimized for use with digital-SLR cameras, utilize two ED glass elements and three aspherical lenses for optimum balance of chromatic aberration, astigmatism and distortion compensation, allowing for capture of images exhibiting extraordinary fidelity, with vivid color, high resolution and crisp contrast.

Note:
Although DX NIKKOR lenses can be attached to 35mm-format and IX 240-format film cameras, the smaller image circle they project on the film plane prohibits compatibility with these cameras. When this (or any DX NIKKOR) lens is mounted on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR, with the Image Area option set to Auto DX crop (default), the camera recognizes that a DX NIKKOR lens is in use and the DX crop mode is activated automatically.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Major Features

A zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio with magnification of 11.1x

Equipped with a zoom lock switch

Equipped with a compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM)

Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II)

Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) adopted

[via Nikon Press Release and DPReview]

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Nikon updates AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2.9x) for 2009

blued888 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:00:40 +0000

Nikon is updating one of its super-zoom lenses for 2009, the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED (2.9x). The updated lens, although a bit shorter than its predecessor, weighs a bit more at 3.4 lbs (predecessor was 3.24 lbs).

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G utilizes VR II Vibration Reduction technology which compensates for camera shake by four steps. The 2003 model’s VR technology only compensates by three steps. A Nano Crystal Coat is used in order to reduce ghosting and flares.

It also features two VR (vibration reduction) modes, normal for ordinary shake compensation and active mode for extreme shake compensation.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II will be available starting November 2009 for an estimated retail price of £1999 / €2430 / $2399.95.

Fast Telephoto Zoom Lens Utilizing Nano Crystal Coat

TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the new fast telephoto zoom lens AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II for use with digital- and film-SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been adopted for this lens, including the use of seven ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, a vibration reduction (VR II) system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
This fast telephoto zoom lens provides the excellent performance and superior image quality demanded by professional and advanced amateur photographers.

With release of this lens, Nikon has structured an incomparable NIKKOR zoom lens system that also includes the current AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED for complete coverage of focal lengths from 14mm to 200mm with support for a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire range.

The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II offers excellent performance throughout its range of focal lengths, from the natural rendering characteristics of mid-range telephoto positions to the compressed perspective of telephoto positions. The lens makes the most of a wide variety of scenes, from portraits to staged events as well as sports photography under nighttime lighting, press photography, and scenes that require soft rendering of out-of-focus portions.

The use of seven ED glass elements provides the ultimate in rendering characteristics for capture of images exhibiting excellent resolution and high contrast. The additional use of Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses ghost and flare for clear images. Adoption of the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allows for smooth and quiet autofocusing that makes the most of camera autofocus subject tracking systems. The lens also provides superior operation with three focus modes — M, A/M, M/A — for manual focusing or manually fine-tuning focus acquired with autofocus by simply rotating the lens’ focus ring.

The vibration reduction system (VR II) provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps*. Two vibration reduction modes are available.

NORMAL mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces ordinary camera shake. Panning is also supported.
ACTIVE mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces extreme camera shake, such as that which occurs with shooting from a moving vehicle.

*As determined in Nikon performance tests

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Major Features

Vibration reduction (VR II) equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps

A new optical design utilizing seven ED glass elements

Ghost and flare suppression with Nano Crystal Coat

A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for superior autofocus that is smooth and quiet

Three focus modes built in: M, M/A, A/M

Aperture diaphragm utilizing an odd number of rounded blades (nine) for natural blur characteristics

Shooting at distances as close as 1.4 m throughout the entire zoom range

High-quality exterior design

[via Nikon Press Release and DPReview]

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JVC Xiview LT-42WX70 42-inch Full HD 1080p 120Hz LCD TV boasts wider colour space

blued888 — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:15:21 +0000

A flat panel television that’s targeted to digital SLR users? Certainly the first time I’ve heard about that since photographers mainly use notebooks and desktop computers to view their photos.

The main thing that sets the JVC Xiview LT-42WX70 apart from other HDTVs in the market is its wider colour space. JVC certainly has a knack for coming up with unusual HDTVs, last time it was the 3D-capable 46-incher. While it remains to be seen if this product will truly deliver more colors as specified, it also depends on the user whether his or her eyes are sensitive enough to actually see the wider colour space.

The monitor features expanded color space capacity encompassing 100 percent of HDTV broadcasting’s (sRGB.904) color space and a coverage rate of 96 percent for Adobe RGB — a color space for still photographs taken on high-definition digital SLR cameras — to provide accurate reproduction of both video and still photographs. The LT-42WX70 also features 52 picture-quality adjustment properties for tweaking both still and video images source-by-source to the exact colors and tones the user prefers. In addition, JVC’s GENESSA Picture Engine produces video images without blur, color bleed or noise for clear images with smooth movement.

If your eyes hunger for more colors on a HDTV, then be prepared to fork out $2,399.95 for this digital SLR HDTV. Just in case you’re confused, this post is filed under digital SLR photography since JVC claims it as something that focuses on digital SLR users.

You can read more about JVC’s official press release on the Xiview LT-42WX70 here.

[via Imaging Insider and Trendy Gadget]

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Clear/transparent Nikon D5000 spotted on Flickr

blued888 — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:35:43 +0000

Ever dreamt of having a unique digital SLR camera that only a few people have? These guys over a Flickr have photos of a clear/transparent bodied Nikon D5000. Judging from the set and tags, this transparent-bodied Nikon D5000 is only available in Japan.

Update: Some of you might be wondering, doesn’t the transparent body result in excessive light entering the camera? No, because the part where you mount the lens onto is still enclosed.

[Images sourced from HAMACHI! and schaft9 on Flickr]

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Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm f/5.6L EF USM Autofocus Lens, only $120,000

blued888 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:30:41 +0000

Are you into bird photography? Or maybe wildlife photography (but the lions might think you’re about to shoot them with a canon!)? Then you might be interested in this Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm f/5.6L EF USM Autofocus Lens, or maybe not since it costs $120,000 for a rarely used one.

The Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm f/5.6L EF USM Autofocus Lens stops all the way down to f/32 and has a minimum focus distance of 45.9 feet. Of course, I probably don’t need to point out that a heavy-duty tripod is necessary if you ever plan on using this gigantic bazooka barrel lens. It weighs 36 pounds and measures around 33 inches long. It is the longest fixed Canon Telephoto Lens ever made.

If you’re filthy rich and have lots of moolah to burn, then head on over to B&H Photo Video, where they are selling a rarely used 9+ condition Canon Super Telephoto 1200mm f/5.6L EF USM Autofocus Lens for a jaw-dropping $120,000 USD! Or you could lease it out for around $4,000 USD monthly (or maybe spend it more wisely on getting a house).

And you thought those $2,000 lenses were expensive… Think again! Oh, and here are some sample shots of what you can do with this heavyweight Canon L lens.

[via CrunchGear and dv-depot]

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Nikon D5000 unboxed and tested, a day early, by Flickr member Kadath

blued888 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:30:55 +0000

A Flickr member going by the name of Kadath, got the Nikon D5000, a day early from the actual release date. Kadath was nice enough to take photos of the fresh and new Nikon D5000, almost from all angles you can possible imagine! Plus, some test shots showcasing the picture quality of the camera, are also posted.

Meanwhile, below is a YouTube clip for you streaming video addicts out there, who like seeing the product actually being held by a person.

It highlights the 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD screen and the guy in the video also discusses Live View mode, the different Live View modes and other features. A very informative video for those looking for reasons to purchase the Nikon D5000.

[via Gizmodo]

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Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

blued888 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:00:41 +0000

Wide-angle lenses are great if you like taking photos of scenery. They’re also useful for massive scale events.

The new Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle lens is compatible with multitudes of Nikon cameras (it will even work on the D40, D40x and D60 because it’s designated AF-S). It features internal focusing (IF) which means the lens barrel stays the same during focusing.

“Nikkor” is the brand name for Nikon’s lenses. It was taken from the original company name, Nippon Kogaku K.K.. It was abbreviated and then affixed with an “R.”

Expect this lens to be available on May 2009 for an estimated MSRP of $899.95.

You can find the official press release from Nikon USA here.

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Nikon D5000 12.3 megapixel DSLR with 720p video and swivel LCD screen

blued888 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:00:58 +0000

The successor to the Nikon D60 is now a reality. Presenting the Nikon D5000! The D5000 is the first Nikon DSLR to utilize a 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD. It is able to record 720p video just like the Canon T1i (500D).

Specifications include a 12.3 megapixel sensor (the same as that of the Nikon D90), expanded ISO ranges from 100 to 6400, 11-point autofocus system (a definite upgrade from the Nikon D60′s 3-point system). It also features four different Live View autofocus modes along with Subject Tracking autofocus (for those fast-moving objects! As to how well it works? Only time will tell).

The Nikon D5000 will start becoming available at retailers by the end of April 2009. Price will be $849.95 with the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens or $729.95 for the body alone.

No mention on whether the body has that autofocus pin to be able to use older Nikkor lenses. For the price they’ve given it, hopefully it has been integrated. Otherwise, big mistake Nikon! They also should’ve found a way to integrate the aperture dial on the front and ISO/white balance shortcut buttons. If you’d ask me, you’re better off getting a Nikon D90 body for around $850.

You can find Nikon USA’s official press release here.

Update: Same as with the D40, D40x and D60… the D5000 doesn’t have autofocus capability on the body! You can only use AF-S and AF-I lenses. Bad move, Nikon!

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