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Nikon Annouces D300s, D3000, 70-200 f2.8 VR II,and 18-200mm VR II

Nikon today, as you may have already heard, announced the long-awaited D300s (for speed! Kinda like the new iPhone), the new entry-level D3000 (which looks to replace the aging D40/D60 series, spec-wise), and two hot lenses, the newest revision of Nikon’s AF-S 70-200mm VR (now the AF-S 70-200mm VR II), and a new 18-200mm.

D300s

D300s

Up front and center is the new DX semi-pro body, the D300s, which now of course sports HD video. It is, probably unsurprisingly given its name, very similar to a D300 in most other regards. Which isn’t bad. The D300 at introduction was an astounding, revolutionary camera and I don’t imagine adding 720p @ 24 fps is going to be detrimental to that legacy.

D3000

D3000

The D3000 is a bit of a curveball, apparently forgoing the movie mode of its other recent Nikon kin (although the specs table still lists AVI as a format, mind fixing that, Nikon?). It is fairly typical specs-wise, sporting just over 10 megapixels and 11 autofocus points. Lacking the swiveling screen of its big brother, the D5000, and movie mode, I feel pretty confident saying this slots into their entry level division, and is priced accordingly, coming out around $600 with the 18-55 VR lens.

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

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

In a move many have been waiting for ever since the release of the D3 almost 2 years ago, Nikon has finally announced a revision to it’s 70-200mm 2.8 VR. Part of the holy trinity of pro zooms, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II slots in with the other newer pro lenses to (we expect) create a line-up from 14 to 200mm with enhanced performance for the increasingly more-demanding sensors Nikon has been churning out (D3x, anybody?)

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

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

And, lastly, the ever-popular consumer super-zoom, the 18-200mm VR, has been revised, and we’re expecting increased sharpness and overall optical performance out of this lens too. If its predecessor was any benchmark, this stands to be one of the hottest lenses Nikon currently offers.

As is the norm around here, these will all have wait-lists for them so we can handle requests in a rational manner. Call us up at 1-800-726-5544, ask for Mail-Order, and let us know which product you’d like. We’ll add you to our list, and once we start getting these in we’ll go through those lists in order, call you up, and if you still want/need it, we’ll do the sale then.



Glass LCD Screens

So, let’s start off-topic. I’ve been looking into buying a new MP3 player to replace my rather agéd Zen Xtra (a device roughly the size of an internal SATA drive it’s so old now). Not being a fan of the iPod culture, I’ve been doing my due dilligence on its practical competitor, the Zune, and I found the most amazing video ever.

It’s a guy talking about how he feels that for devices with glass screens, people are just wasting money on screen protectors. He then goes on to prove his point using the highly scientific approach of attacking the screen with various metal objects.

Now, to bring this around to topic. About halfway through I looked over at Nick, who had put down the game controller and was now watching the fun along with me, and said ‘you know, Nikon uses glass screens on their DSLRs.’ Which is true, I remember our rep making a big point about in in the D300 training, and the D700, D3, and D3x share that screen.

So, you Nikon pro users, watch below and understand why Nikon is so proud of the durability of that screen:

If anyone uses any other DSLR brand and can get me some documented proof they use glass LCDs (it’s quite possible, just no one else has gone out of their way to make it clear to me like Nikon did), I will more than gladly update this post.



Nikon D700: A Little D3

So, because we just had a call about this, I thought I’d throw it out here that in the world of Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D700 is seriously not all so different from the flagship D3. You got the same sensor, same AF, same lens compatability, same auto-cropping viewfinder when used with DX lenses. The changes?

  1. No integrated grip. Though, there is an available one (same as the D300, for convenience).
  2. Different continuous shooting rate (again, a la D300, and improved with the D3′s battery in the available grip).
  3. Built-in popup flash. This is here more as a wireless flash master than as a flash, before you all start ragging on the poor popup flash. Line of site remote TTL with Nikon flashes = awesome.

And… well, really, that’s mostly it. It’s been a while since I got to handle one, but it might only have 1 CF card slot. But, image-wise, you’re not looking at a heck of a difference.



Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On

While there’ll likely be a slew of nex-gen point-and-shoot cameras hitting my desk in the coming months, there’s a bit of an announcement lull going on right now. But, don’t let that fool you into thinking nothing is going on. At least not in the ol’ Circle City.

Those of you not in the habit of poking around our site might have missed the following things going on in Indy soon:

Under “Upcoming Events” we have several seminars coming up, including Amanda Arrick (last seen in this Raw Footage video) giving a seminar on the 40D and 50D Canon digital SLR cameras, and Nikon’s Jason Stewart giving two sessions of his seminar on the D300 and D700 Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Anyone in attending any of these seminars can find more details on the Upcoming Events page, and can reserve seats by calling 1-800-726-5544 and asking for “Classes and Events.”

And, don’t forget about our new Indianapolis Photo Calendar, which is starting to fill up with weekly club meetings, special seminars, and events. Check those out over here.

Still not enough to keep you busy this winter? Why not grab your camera (be it a Sony CyberShot camera or an Olympus digital camera like the E-410), and give our new monthly photo contest a go? Anyone can enter, and the prize every month is a 16×20″ print courtesy of our Online Photo Lab. The current theme is “Winter Wonderland,” so get out there and get shooting.



First Shipping Cut-Off Marks Beginning of the End

For those of you out there celebrating the Christmas holiday, today marks the last day we can guarantee an order placed on our website for ground shipping (in most states, IN, IL, OH, and KY have until next Monday for ground shipping) will arrive in time for the Christmas holiday. So, order up those Nikon lenses for that D300, find a Sony Cybershot camera for Auntie Bessie, or maybe get a nice, water-proof Panasonic camcorder for grandpa, who always manages to drop his in the lake while getting video of “that big one that keeps getting away.” Whatever your intents, today’s the day to get it ordered ground.

Of course, we’ll be happy to send things 2 day and overnight for all you hardcore slackers out there.



Industrial Design, Anyone Remember This?

http://robertsimaging.com/cmItemDetail.jsp?pid=12153So, month’s ago when the new Sony digital camera, the A900, was being introduced I wrote a blog where I started touching lightly on my love of industrial design and the different approaches to camera designs. I promised way back when I wrote that I promised I would discuss the that famous red triangle that adorns the grips of the Nikon digital SLR cameras.

So, let’s talk about automobiles. I’m sure everyone here has heard of the DeLorean (at the least everyone knows Doc Brown’s car in Back to the Future), and most probably know the Volkswagon Golf. These cars, as well as dozens of others (including many highly celebrated sports cars dating back to the 70s), have something in common with Nikons dating back to the F3. Namely, an Italian designer named Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Now, if you believe the internet (and for now we’ll assume it’s not lying to me too horribly), Giugiaro designed the first Golf, which used a red line around the grill and the headlights for emphasis. When he designed the F3 for Nikon, the brought that same simple concession to color to the world of black professional SLRs.

This line, once dated, would expand into the ellipse found vertically beside the grip on the F5 and the D1, and would with the D2 series condense into the red triangle that adorns so many cameras right now, including the D40, D60, D90, D300, D700, and the once-again Giugiaro-designed D3.

So, there we go, modern Nikon cameras come from a design heritage that also includes several iconic cars like Lotuses, BMWs, Alpha Romeos, Bugattis, Mustangs, and more. Addressing Nikon’s continued use of an element introduced back with the F3, Giugiaro said this:

“For the Nikon F3, I added a red line to the professional-use camera, which used to be entirely black. I sought to make that the hallmark of the Nikon F3 through a bit of graphic flair. In other words, I added a bit of fun to it. Fortunately, the company likes the addition of the red line. I am delighted that the company still uses it extensively to give a family feel to Nikon’s camera line.“

Next time, we’ll look at the history behind the current, sleek legacy of Canon digital SLR cameras, and continue my push into digital camera comparisons via industrial design.

Further reading on the Nikon designs can be found here and here.



Your Vote Counts

This year we are in a very heated race, with many worthy candidates. If you are looking for change it is here now. You have a chance for a better system, more efficient use of available resources and still place less demand on your pocketbook.

The two major candidates are both offering change, breaking with the past and the old ways is inevitable. Even though the goals of the the major parties are similar, there are differences and you have to decide which direction you want to go. Nobody can anticipate everyone needs, there may be sacrifices required to get an overall system that best suits you best and incorporates your plans for the future.

It is important to remember that there are more than two parties in this race, that you still have many choices to consider. With the economy being a major factor as well, it is incumbent upon you to make the right choices for your needs. In the next few weeks and months remaining there will be many deals to stimulate the economy and to bail you out of your usual last minute crazy holiday race.

We all know who the two main candidates are for your SLR dollars. Canon and Nikon are perennially favorites and are once again neck and neck. Between them they have brought out (or are soon bringing out) no less that 7 new platforms in the past three or four months. Recent Nikon Digital SLR offerings include the D90 with video worthy of a High Definition Camcorder, the high mega-pixel high end Nikon Digital Camera for more performance the D300, and the two new full size sensors models in the Executive branch, the D3 and the D700.
Canon digital SLR cameras you ask? They too have been bolstering their ranks. The Canon Digital Rebel camera lined has two recent additions the Rebel XS, and the higer mega-pixel Rebel XSi, but the most anticipated Canon Digital SLR camera news is the Canon 5D Mark II!  We are takin advanced orders for the new Canon. Like the new Nikon D90 the Mark II will also have High definition Camcorder quality video recording capabilities, a massive 21.1 mega-pixel image sensor and the new digic 4 processor.

Inspirational Poster ala Chuck

The true independent in this race is Sony. Sony manufactures every component of their DSLR cameras and lenses, so they control their own means of production. The new Sony Digital SLR that is getting rave reviews has the largest resolution full frame sensor to date in a “35mm” style camera body at 24.6 mega-pixels. The Alpha 900 is here now and is remarkable, add a comfortable grip and it is the equal of most any camera on the market, and at a price that is sure to put pressure on the other contenders.

Remember that Pentax and Olympus are also in the DSLR business, and there are many worthy offers and offerings to consider before you veto them from your agenda. This season we have killer Olympus Digital Camera deals. You be can walk out with a 10 mega-pixel E-410 with a 14-42 lens for under $400.00. The same Olympus digital camera with an additional 40-150 zoom, case with 3 year extended warranty, spare battery and 2 gb compact flash card, can be yours for 549.94. Talk about your stimulus package! Can we beat the competition for deals this season! Yes We Can!



New Nikon Digital SLR Camera announcement

Today, Nikon announced the D90 Nikon digital SLR camera.  Looks pretty cool.  Has the same chip capabilities as the D300 and has the same screen size (3 inch).  Uses an SD memory card.  The really cool thing is that it can shoot video!  That’s right folks, it is the first SLR to be able to shoot 720P, high definition video!  Of course, I have not tested this yet, but I hope the video feature works well.  I can only imagine what this will open up for people!

Here is a look at the top features:

  • 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
  • 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
  • Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
  • Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
  • Illuminated focus points
  • Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
  • IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
  • 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
  • Expeed image processing engine
  • 3D tracking AF (11 point)
  • Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
  • Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
  • Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
  • Improved user interface
  • New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
  • Same battery and vertical grip as D80
  • Vignetting control in-camera
  • 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback


Things are Looking Up!

blue angels 07 shot
The Blue Angels do a high speed belly to belly pass. Chuck Pace 2007

Last year I worked Roberts Imaging’s first Indianapolis Air Show.  I’ve got to tell you it was one of the best and most memorable events I have been involved with. Well this weekend is the 12th Annual Indianapolis Air Show, and I am working it again. Roberts Distributors is supplying a lucky 5 and a half score of our customers with a chalet on the flight line, as well as a catered lunch, bottled water and sodas. Several of our vendors are going to be on hand to assist the attendees with professional and amateur camera gear. Manfrotto, Gitzo and Induro will be there loaning tripods and mono-pods to the onlookers (up lookers). There will be Pros from Nikon, Canon and Sony loaning bodies and lenses as well and Roberts will be supplying CF & SD memory cards form Lexar, Sandisk and Kingston for a meager charge too.
Last year I borrowed a D200 Nikon Professional DSLR and a Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR and got dozens of rewarding shots including. If you have been visiting the Roberts Imaging web site in the past couple of months you have been seeing one of my shots, the B17 bomber with the smoke and bomb bay doors open is one of mine.
BA_Diamond image
Last year the Blue Angels were the “Headliners” this year the U.S. Air Force will be showing off the latest in avionics and engineering with the F-22A Raptor Demonstration Team. I can hardly wait to see the mastery in the air and the defiance of gravity itself.  My wife and I will both be carrying our Nikon Coolpix cameras all day and I hope to get may hands on a Sony A300 or 700 for some shots or one of the Canon DSLR’s or another Nikon, maybe a D300 this time.

Oracle_bi_plane imageIn addition to the Raptors there will be the historical ‘War Birds’ again, and Bi-Plane stunt flyers like last year.
The photo to the left is of Team Oracle’s Sean Tucker cutting a ribbon with his wings less than 20 feet from the tarmac. I’ve provided a link to the Team Oracle site and Sean Tucker bio. If you didn’t sign up to attend this year we will most likely be doing next years I recommend it highly.




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