Nikon introduced D800 full-frame digital SLR. Is 36MP enough now?

Nikon has announced their new D800 full-frame digital SLR and what a camera it is.  This size sensor, has probably exceeded what film was ever capbable of showing, or at least matched it finally in the 35mm size.

•  36.3 Megapixel (!), full-frame FX-format CMOS sensor
• Expeed 3 processor
• Nikon F-mount; no crop factor with FX-format lenses, 1.5X with DX-format (resolution drops to 15.4 MP, as well)
• Very solid magnesium alloy construction, sealed against dust and moisture; shutter rated to 200,000 cycles
• 3.2-inch LCD display with 921,000 pixels, with live view
• Large optical viewfinder has magnification of 0.7X, coverage of 100/97 percent (FX/DX format)
• 51-point AF system, with fifteen cross-type sensors
• 91,000 pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering system
• Full manual controls (in case you were wondering)
  • ISO range of 100 - 6400, expandable to 50 - 25600
  • Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec
• Continuous shooting at 4 fps (FX mode), 5 fps (DX mode), or 6 fps (DX mode with optional battery grip)
• Electronic level
• In-camera HDR feature (two shot)
• Built-in flash can double as a wireless master; hot shoe and flash sync port for attaching something more powerful
• Records video at 1080p @ 24 or 30 fps, or 720p at 60 fps
  • Uses H.264 and B-Frame compression for super high quality, 24 MBps video (20 min limit); standard compression can be used for longer videos (30 min)
  • Full manual controls available while recording
  • A lens’ power aperture can be adjusted for changes in depth-of-field while recording
  • Dedicated movie recording button on top of camera
• Stereo mic input, headphone output
• Can output uncompressed video through its HDMI port (like the D4)
• USB 3.0 port (backward compatible)
• Dual memory card slots support SD and CompactFlash
• Uses EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery, 900 shots per charge
• Optional battery grip (which can use another EN-EL15, the D4’s EN-EL18, or AA batteries), wireless file transmitter, and GPS receiver
• Ships in late March for $2999, body only

 

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Nikon D4 FX camera to be announced this Friday, January 6, 2012

The Nikon D4, which is slated for February availability at a $6,000 suggested retail, will offer a full-frame 16.2-megapixel full-format CMOS image sensor that will shoot full-resolution images at up to a 10 fps rate.

The camera is also one of the first to support the new XQD Compact Flash memory card format, and will also offer a second card for more conventional CF cards.

The Nikon D4 has improved low-light performance, with an ISO range from 100 to 102,400 which can be expanded to 50 to 204,800 for both movies and stills.

The D4 also improves on the D3’s color matrix metering system with a third-generation 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor.

The unit takes the AF mode select switch from the D7000 and uses improved 51-point AF points with 9 cross-type sensor and a beefed up AF module allowing focus with an f/8 lens and faster (up from f/5.6). The AF detection range is now down to EV-2.0

The viewfinder features a full pentaprism with a 100 percent field of view.

The video section will record pixel-for-pixel Full-HD 1080p resolution with selections for 30p and 24p frame rates in this iteration, and 720p at up to 60p for slow-motion work. The camera now includes support for the H.264 B frame compression scheme.

The camera uses contrast detect AF in movie recording and features a low-pass filter optimized to maximize sharpness of HD video, meaning greater noise reduction when shooting full-frame movies.

Function buttons are illuminated this year, and a dedicated video button (user re-assignable) is added near the shutter button.

The D4 supports WTSA wireless control using the optional Nikon WT-5 wireless transmitter, and features an integrated Ethernet port and HDMI output enabling output of uncompressed video.

The D4 also introduces face detection/recognition into the flagship series

Another new feature is smooth aperture control for use while shooting video.

At the same time, the company introduced the Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8G FX format lens ($500 suggested retail).

Nikon Intros the new D7000 Digital S

Nikon today introduced the D7000, which is the follow-up to the very popular D90 digital SLR. The D7000 carries a lot of new features into an easy-to-use camera that’s priced from $1199.

The main bullets are:

• 16.2 effective Megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
• EXPEED 2 image processor
• Supports all Nikon F-mount lenses with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
• Magnesium-alloy body is sealed against dust and moisture; shutter rated to 150,000 cycles
• 3-inch LCD display with 921,000 pixels
• Optical viewfinder features 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.94X
• Full manual controls
• ISO range of 100 - 6400, expandable to 25,600
• Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec
• RAW (NEF) format supported, with in-camera editing
• Live view with contrast detect AF and subject tracking
• 39-point AF system, with 9 cross-type sensors in the center
• New 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor uses scene data to ensure accurate metering and flash output
• Continuous shooting at 6 frames/second
• Can record Full HD video (1920 x 1080 at 24 fps) for up to 20 minutes using H.264 codec
• Full-time autofocus and manual exposure control
• Can also record 720p at 24 and 30 frames/sec
• Stereo mic input
• In-camera video editing
• Built-in wireless flash support
• HDMI output
• Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots; second slot can be used for backup, overflow, and splitting up stills and movies
• Uses EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery, 1050 shots per charge
• Optional battery grip holds an additional EN-EL15 or six AA batteries
• Ships next month for $1199 body only, or $1499 with an 18 - 105 mm VR lens

I’ve posted a large number of shots of the D7000, so make sure you check them out below:

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Nikon updates 300mm lens and 2X teleconverter

Nikon has introduced updated versions of their 300 mm super telephoto lens and 2X teleconverter. The lens is an F2.8, 300 mm AF-S ED VR II super telephoto, whose image stabilization system offers a four-stop advantage (up from three stops on the old model). It also has weather-sealing, three ED elements, Meniscus glass to protect the front element and an ultrasonic AF motor (known as SWM).

Nikon press release:

MELVILLE, N.Y. (December 9, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today announced two new NIKKOR optics that deliver the pinnacle of image quality for professional photographers who demand super telephoto capabilities. The new, fast aperture AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II super telephoto lens and AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III deliver images with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Continued refinements and new technologies such as Vibration Reduction (VR) II and optimized autofocus (AF) modes in the lens enhance functionality and improve performance for discerning FX and DX-format digital SLR photographers.

“The latest edition of the NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 lens advances one of the most popular fast-aperture focal lengths for sports, nature and wildlife photography, demonstrating Nikon’s commitment to professional photographers through the continued development of the optical fidelity and sharpness for which NIKKOR lenses are famous,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Offering compatibility with a wide range of NIKKOR optics, including the new 300mm f/2.8, the TC-20E III teleconverter enables photographers to greatly extend the versatility of a variety of zoom and telephoto lenses they carry.”

Whether photographing nature in the wild or the battles at a line of scrimmage, the 300mm f/2.8 is an essential tool for photographers who require the highest level of image quality for publication and printing. This 300mm lens effectively leverages a host of Nikon core technologies, including Nikon VR II image stabilization, specifically engineered for each lens design for maximum performance. VR II instills confidence by counteracting image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification, allowing users to shoot up to four shutter speed stops* slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting. If tripod shooting is preferred, the Tripod Detection Mode will detect and compensate for tripod-specific vibrations.

This professional lens is constructed of die-cast magnesium for maximum durability and is strategically sealed to resist dust and moisture, with protective Meniscus glass to safeguard the lens’ front element. The optical formula features three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior sharpness, color and image quality, while minimizing chromatic aberration. Additionally, an aspherical element is used to promote image integrity throughout the frame, suppress coma and minimize distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology which enables high-speed autofocus performance with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat prevents instances of ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.

The AF-S 300mm f/2.8 lens features a host of professional focusing features that further enhance functionality. Photographers can now select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions, including manual mode (M) and autofocus with manual priority (M/A) mode, and the new A/M mode. The A/M mode enhances AF control with fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus to adapt to personal shooting preference and techniques. Additionally, users can also activate the AF Recall Mode at the press of a button that allows for instant return to a predetermined point of focus to capture anticipated shots confidently.

Nikon’s professional grade teleconverters, including the new AF-S TC-20E III are ideal companions to the new NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 and other select lenses to create an affordable and portable gateway to extended telephoto photography. The new TC-20E III effectively doubles the focal length of select lenses, and is the world’s first teleconverter to feature an aspherical element to virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations even at wide apertures.

Price and Availability
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers with an estimated selling price of $5,899.95. The Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III will be available for estimated selling price of $499.95**. Availability of both products is scheduled to begin in January, 2010. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Sony introduces full-frame Alpha DSLR-A850

Today Sony launches three more, covering the midrange and semi-pro markets. The one that is of most interest to me, is the Alpha DSLR-A850, which is essentially a slightly stripped-down version of Sony’s flagship A900 full-frame D-SLR. Here’s what it has to offer:

• 24.6 Megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor (same as the A900’s)
• Support for all Minolta and Sony Alpha-mount lenses, with no focal length conversion ratio
• DT lenses can be used, though the resolution drops to 11MP, and exposure and vignetting may be issues
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Dual Bionz image processors
• Optical viewfinder has 98% coverage and 0.74X magnification (A900 has 100% coverage)
• 3-inch LCD display with 921,600 pixels; camera does not support live view
• AF system made up of 9 main and 10 assist points
• Full manual controls (obviously)
• Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec, plus a bulb mode
• ISO range of 100 - 6400 when fully expanded
• Continuous shooting at 3 frames/second (compared to 5 fps on the A900)
• Hot shoe and flash sync port; camera does not have a built-in flash
• Dynamic range optimizer offers 5 steps of correction; user can also bracket for DRO
• Preview feature quickly takes a photo and lets you see the effects of adjusting white balance, dynamic range, and exposure compensation
• Dual memory card slots support CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo media
• Optional battery grip
• HDMI output
• Uses NP-FM500H li-ion battery; 880 shots per charge
• Ships in September for $2000, body only.

It’s about time Nikon and Canon comes up with an answer to the $2000 24+MP camera.  I’m a Canon owner, and the best Canon can do is the $2600+ 5D MKII.  I’m looking to spend less than that.

Nikon D300s official

The Nikon D300s has been rumored for a while now and has now been officially announced. It will be released in the US in late August. Below are the main specs.

• 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor (same as D300)
• Supports all Nikkor F-Mount lenses
• Sturdy magnesium alloy body with some weather-sealing; shutter rated at 150,000 cycles
• Dust reduction system
• 3-inch LCD display with 920,000 pixels
• Live view supported (now with dedicated button)
• Contrast and phase detection AF modes
• Face detection available
• Optical viewfinder has 100% coverage and magnification of 0.94X
• Full manual controls
• ISO range of 100 - 6400 (when fully expanded)
• Shutter speed range of 30 - 1/8000 sec (there’s a bulb mode too)
• RAW and TIFF formats supported
• 51-point autofocus system is faster and more accurate
• Can shoot continuously at 7 frames/second
• Quiet Shutter Release feature reduces sound of mirror action
• User now has the ability to bracket for Active D-Lighting, which restores shadow and highlight detail
• Hot shoe and flash sync port plus the ability to control up to 2 sets of wireless flashes
• New HD movie mode records video at 1280 x 720 (24 fps) for up to 5 minutes
• No manual control during filming, though you can use the Picture Mode feature
• Stereo microphone input and HDMI port
• Dual memory card slots: CompactFlash and SD/SDHC, with backup and overflow features
• Uses EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery; 950 shots per charge
• Optional battery grip gives you even greater battery life and faster continuous shooting (8 fps)
• Ships in late August for $1799, body only.

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DPreview has posted the Nikon D5000 review

Nikon D5000 Review
by Richard Butler

If for some reason you only want to jump to the end of the book to see how the story ends, this is it. But if you want to read the 30+ page review, hit the link at the bottom of this post.

Overall conclusion:

The Nikon D5000 aims to be a lot of things to a lot of people - stepping in above the D60 as an offering designed to attract upgraders from older entry-level DSLRs, as well as lending a welcoming hand-up to DSLR ownership for compact camera users looking to get more involved in their hobby. And, on the whole, it performs both tasks pretty well. The features and technologies passed down from the D90 make it a very capable camera but the difference in feature set - low-res LCD, smaller viewfinder, single control dial, fewer direct-access buttons, smaller battery and more limited lens compatibility - should mean it doesn’t tread on its big-brother’s toes too much.

Image Quality

It’s pretty impressive that so much of the D300’s technology has, in the space of just 18 months, gone from appearing in an $1800 camera to one that can be had for under $700. The image quality is undeniably impressive - the default JPEG settings might be a touch too tailored towards the D300 market but they can be tweaked to produce the bright, punchy output that former compact camera users are likely to expect. The high ISO performance is very good as is the dynamic range, with or without the useful Active D-Lighting feature.

Handling

The D5000 sits slightly awkwardly between categories - it’s a large camera but one that, in common with the much smaller D60, relies on menus or its info screen for accessing many settings. There’s a risk that this info-screen-driven operation will put-off more experienced users who will want to regularly play around with features such as Active D-Lighting and White Balance. It won’t be a problem for first-time DSLR users though, who are likely to be immediately familiar with the idea of multiple button presses to change semi-frequently used options.

In terms of handling, the D5000 is a much more elegant camera to hold than it is to behold - it might look a little lumpy but it sits well in the hand: something not always guaranteed at this level. Then there’s the swivel screen - which is likely to be the feature than makes you choose this camera or drives you away. The placement of the hinge can mean you have to position it carefully before mounting the camera on a tripod, for instance. It’s worth trying: you’ll either love it and have to buy this (or the E-620) or you’ll find yourself deciding that it’s not something you’ll use terribly often and that you’d prefer the high-resolution screen of the Canon EOS 500D or the more expensive Nikon D90.

The final word

Ultimately, whether the D5000 is the right camera for is likely to hinge on what you think of the flip-out/swivel LCD. In every other respect, the D5000 is exactly the solid product you’d expect of a camera put together from so many well-proven parts. It’s a camera packed full of features, including a good set of RAW and JPEG processing tools and effects, and video has been implemented in such a way that it’s there if you want it and doesn’t get in the way if you don’t.

More importantly, the underlying features are well done, so that it’s easy to get good picture out of - the autofocus is pretty sophisticated, reliable and easy-to-use and in difficult-to-meter situations, the camera’s exposure errs on the side of underexposure, to prevent detail being lost. Overall it’s a very good camera that’s up against some very good competition - whether it lands any knock-out blows is really down to how well it fits in your hand and how well its feature set suits your needs.

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
• 2.7” tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
• Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
• Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
• Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
• 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
• IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
• 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
• Expeed image processing engine
• Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
• Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
• New battery with increased capacity
• 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

The full, 33-page in-depth Nikon D5000 review.

Review: Nikon D90

When Nikon released the D90 DSLR, it promised a huge step towards the future of the mid-range digital photography with the release of a 12.3-megapixel camera that combined high image quality with options that would still appeal to beginners or simply curious creatives, such as live previews and (for the first time in a DSLR) HD video. Electronista takes a look at the D90 and its 18-105mm VR lens kit in a full review to see whether the camera succeeds on all fronts.

Nikon D5000 digital SLR preview

This from Digital Camera Resource Page:

This is a preview of the Nikon D5000 digital SLR, created to give you a quick overview of the camera. Look for photo samples in the next week or so, and a final review in the next month or so.

The Nikon D5000 is a new digital SLR that fits between the company’s D60 and D90 models. The best way to describe the D5000 is like so: it takes the D90’s guts and throws them into a D60-like body, adding a flip-down, swiveling LCD display. You get to keep most of the D90’s top features: its sensor, AF and metering systems, live view, and HD movie recording capabilities.

Hit the source link below for the thorough preview.

source:dcrp

Nikon updates firmware for D40 and D40x DSLRs

Nikon has released a firmware update for its D40 and D40x DSLRs. Version 1.12 for the D40 and Version 1.01 for the D40x improve compatibility of both cameras with Nikon’s new EN-EL9a batteries. With the updated firmware, the D40 should deliver approximately 510 shots in single-frame shooting mode using the EN-EL9a, according to CIPA standard tests, rather than 470 with the original EN-EL9 pack.

Nikon D40 firmware updates:

Click here to download firmware v1.12 (Windows)

Click here to download firmware v1.12 (Mac)

Nikon D40X firmware updates:

Click here to download firmware v1.01 (Windows)

Click here to download firmware v1.01 (Mac)