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Nikon Updates Coolpix Line-up

Nikon decided to grace us with some announcements last night, although those of you waiting for word on if something will replace the D700 are going to just have to wait a bit longer. Instead, we got the annual fresher for the Coolpix line-up, with 2 L-series entries, 5 S-series ones, and two P-series revamps. But because that’s too easy, one of the S series is being lumped in with the L series at the bottom. Confused yet? Good. We don’t like being the only ones.

From the bottom up, we find ourselves starting with the L “Lifestyle” series of entry-level compacts. And one S. But we’ll let that slide for now. These are the cheaper, budget-conscious models,and they are also the ones that still use AAs for power, if you’re into that sort of thing. As usual, the marketing speak in these releases is just amazing, so, far be it for us to deprive you of the joy, we’ll introduce each model with Nikon’s promo line. Starting with:

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Then And Now, Pro DSLR Pricing

While there’s no doubt on paper that this year’s two big pro DSLRs, the Canon EOS-1D X and the Nikon D4, are monstrous superstars, you don’t have to look very far (or very long) online before you find an all-too-familiar cry against the “unfairly” high prices of these cameras (with announced initial retail prices of $6,800 and $5,999.95 respectively). And, while many a working pro knows that like it or not, that’s just the cost of a tool in their trade, a lot of hobbyists might not have the same perspective on such daunting price tags.

So, after seeing a used Canon EOS-1D body come in this morning, I got curious to sit down and see just how bad things have become with pricing, and what features you get for those prices. And, I came up with the following information:

Nikon

Nikon was the first of the big two out with a digital SLR. The D1 was introduced in the now-dusty year of 1999, and had a massive 2.7 megapixel sensor and a price tag of $5,500 body only (1999 currency). Because getting high-yield sensors was difficult and expensive, Nikon opted to use a lesser-known film size, the APS-C standard, for its sensor size, creating the 1.5x crop factor DX format that it still uses in many bodies to this day. If we compare specs and prices adjusted for inflation, this is how it stacks up next to its newest incarnation:

D1 (1999) D4 (2012)
Price $5,500.00 $5,999.99
Price (Adjusted to 2011 USD) $7,468.58 $5,999.99
Megapixels 2.74 16.2
Sensor Size 15.6mm x 23.7mm (APS-C DX) 36.0mm x 23.9mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
ISO Range 200-1,600 100-12,800
AF Points 5 51
Frames-per-second 4.5 (21 shots) 10/11 (depends on card)
Metering 1,005 pixel 91,000 pixel
LCD 2″ 120,000 dot 3.2″ 921,000 dot
X-Sync 1/500 1/250 (1/8000 FP)
Shutter Speeds 30 – 1/16,000 30-1/8,000
Movie None 1080 HD

Canon

Canon was a bit later to the DSLR game, coming out near the end of 2001 with its EOS-1D camera. It launched with a then-unusual 1.3x APS-H sensor packing 4.48 megapixels, and a 2001 price tag of $6,499.

EOS-1D (2001) EOS-1D X (2012)
Price $6,499.00 $6,800.00
Price (Adjusted to 2011 USD) $8,306.60 $6,800.00
Megapixels 4.48 18.1
Sensor Size 28.7mm x 19.1mm (APS-H) 36.0mm x 24mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
ISO Range 200-1,600 100-51,200
AF Points 45 61
Frames-per-second 8 (16 shots) 12 (unspecified)
Metering 21 zone 251 zone (100,000 pixel)
LCD 2″ 120,000 dot 3.2″ 1,040,000 dots
X-Sync 1/500 1/250 (1/8000 FP)
Shutter Speeds 30 – 1/16,000 30-1/8,000
Movie None 1080 HD

As you can see, with the prices adjusted for their relative purchasing power at the time, these new pro cameras are actually notably less than their predecessors, and feature generally dramatically improved specs at the same time. The problem with pricing perceptions has a lot more to do with an inattention to the declining value of the US dollar, and much less to do with any purported disconnects from the two big manufacturers. The relative cost of these imaging machines hasn’t changed drastically over the past decade (and the change that did happen was down in relative spending power, they cost less), but the amount of technology inside has. Which is pretty much as expected from technology (last year’s price, this year’s tech).



Nikon’s 85mm f1.8G is a Portrait Lens For The Rest of Us

If you’re looking for an 85mm portrait lens (something I was just recently doing), and don’t mind trading 2/3 of a stop maximum aperture for a pocket savings of, oh, $1,200 over the faster Nikon 85mm f1.4G, the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G might just hit a sweet spot for you. As always, the name tells you everything you need to knows. AF-S tells us it’s got a silent wave supersonic motor built-in, so it’ll focus quietly and on bodies without a built-in motor, like the D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, and D5100. 85mm, of course, is the classic portrait lens on full-frame cameras, and is an ideal head-and-shoulders portrait lens even on DX. f1.8 is slower than f1.4, sure, and you’ll lose some of that famous 85mm f1.4 creaminess wide open, but, you’ll also have an easier time nailing focus with the extended plane of focus.

And, did we mention it’ll cost just $500, and not the $1,700 of the 1.4. And, hey, you can preorder it now, too.



Nikon Announces Long-Rumored D4

Nikon has finally come clean with its new flagship DSLR, the D4. as you’d expect from a flagship, the D4 is quite a monstrous hunk of magnesium, glass, and silicon with weather-sealing and everything else a working pro needs to prolong the life of their gear. While there’s no major leap forward to be found like there was with the D3, the D4 does improve its metrics everywhere you look.

Of highlight, the FX full frame sensor is now up to 16.2 megapixels, and is tied to a new generation EXPEED 3 processing engine. The autofocus system is still the same 51-point cluster tied to the 3D active matrix metering, to do things like detect colors and shapes underneath the focus to aid in focusing for faces and in tracking focus, but it’s actually a new focus module with improved performance down to f8 for legacy lenses and teleconvertors (and not just f5.6 like the previous model), and the 3D matrix is up from a 1,005 pixel unit to a whopping 91,000 pixel one. Continuous shooting comes in at a reliable 10 frames per second. Native ISO continues the recent trend of starting at 100 finally, and extends natively all the way up to 12,800.

But, perhaps of biggest note is the D4 is the first model out to support the new XQD card format. XQD is a new not-CF not-SD protocol developed by Sandisk, Nikon, and Sony that uses PCI-Express (the same protocol that lets high-end graphics cards talk to computers) as its connection interface. They currently have theoretical performances up to 500mb/s write, 125 mb/s read, and over 2 terabytes of storage. But, since the market’s not exactly flooded with those yet (Sony has announced one, we’re going to try and get them), Nikon continues to support good old CF in the second slot until you can get upgraded.

So, now that the basic introductions are over, just how does the D4 compare to its predecessor, the D3s? Let’s consult the table:

Spec D3s D4
Format FX FX
Megapixels 12.1 16.2
Processor EXPEED EXPEED 3
ISO 200-12,800 (100-102,400 expanded) 100-12,800 (50-204,800 expanded)
Continuous Shooting 9 frames per second 10 frames per second
Autofocus Points 51 51
Cross-Point Sensors 15 (down to f5.6) 15 (down to f5.6, one down to f8)
3D Matrix Meter 1,005 pixel 91,000 pixel
Face Detection None Up to 16 faces
HD Video 720 HD @ 24fps 1080p HD @ 30/24fps, 720p @ 60fps
Video Format Motion JPEG H.264
Microphone Jack Stereo Stereo
Video Crop Modes ? 1x, 1.5x (DX), 2.7x (CX)
LCD 3″ 921,000 dot 3.2″ 921,000 dot
Card Slots 2 CF slots 1 XQD, 1 CF slot

Whew, that’s a lot. If I didn’t cover anything else you were wanting to know, why not peruse the press release after the jump? or, go to our PREORDER PAGE and read the full manufacturer specs?

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Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Now In Stock

Well, that was fast, wasn’t it? It seems like just the other day I was announcing Nikon’s SB-900 successor, and now it’s in stock and ready to ship out to you or yours in time for the holiday, or just the holiday gigs. If you’re not already clicking the link below to grab yours, well, I don’t know what else you expect me to say.

http://robertscamera.com/sb-910-speedlight.html



Nikon Announces SB-910 Flagship Speedlight

Nikon has announced a new upgrade to its flagship speedlight, in the form of the SB-910. For those of us keeping track, the SB-910 is officially ten more than its predecessor (unless we’re talking base cost, in which case it’ll be $50 more at launch.) The SB-910 isn’t exactly leaps and bounds over the SB-900, but that’s pretty alright since there wasn’t much about the SB-900 to gripe about.

And, in fact, it’s the few things you could gripe about that have seen changes. For example, Nikon’s claiming the LCD menu system has been reworked and is now easier and more intuitive to use. Which, well, it needed to be, frankly. Also, they’ve replaced the film gels of the SB-900 with hard gels this time, for more durability and ease-of-use. Both good ideas.

But the thing that’s going to perk up most of your ears, I suspect, is that they’ve made changes to the thermal cut-off feature. Whereas previous implementations just turned your flash off to prevent you from slagging the thing as you stood there firing flashes like they were bullets in a Bruce Willis flick, the new version will merely cut back on the power until things cool down enough. So, while not quite 100%, your flash will stilll be usable at all without taking the rather unadvised (and possible warranty-affecting) route of turning the cut-off off entirely.

Otherwise, you’re looking at a power output of 34GN (meters at ISO 100, 35mm zoom, FX, standard pattern), three flash patterns, a zoom range of 17-200mm, and auto-detection for FX or DX format, plus the two included gels and the foot. There’ll be an optional gel pack with more hard gels, and covers for “select camera models” to make a moisture resistant seal between the foot and the hotshoe for those drizzly days. MSRP will e sitting at $549.99 and availability is expected to start around the middle of next month, although as always we recommend you place one of our no-commitment preorders if you want to be among the very first to get one.



Nikon Announces 1 Nikkor Lenses

And just what would a new system be without some lenses to go with it? To go with its new Nikon 1 system, Nikon is introducing 4 new 1 Nikkor lenses, built for the new CX mount. The CX mount has a 2,7x crop factor, just as a reminder. The lenses are:

  • 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 – this is the standard kit zoom, with an effective focal range of 27-81mm. Notice the inclusion of VR, as well. This lens will come in colors coordinated to your chosen body. This lens is so far only available in a kit.
  • 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 - 81-297mm equiv. This is the expected telephoto brother to the standard kit zoom. It looks like if you buy this in a 2 lens kit it’ll also be color coordinated. If you want to pick one up separate later, it’ll set you back $249.95, and we’ll maybe carry it in either black or white. We’re still looking into that.
  • 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens - No mirrorless system is complete with a small pancake prime for the street photography crowd, and for the Nikon 1 system that’s this 27mm equivalent prime right here. It’s available in some 2-lens kits with the bodies where it’ll be, you guessed it, color-coordinated. You can add it separate for $249.95, same as the other lens, and also probably in black or white.
  • 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 - aimed at people wanting to shoot movies more, the 27-270mm equiv all-in-one zoom also features a powered zoom mechanism (ie, you don’t have to twist a zoom ring by hand, more like the rocker switch on point-and-shoots). The rocker switch can be seen towards the bottom of the lens, where you’d normally expect to see the AF/MF switch. This lens adheres to the Henry Ford policy and only comes in black, and so far as I can see can only be bought separately for $749.95


Nikon Announces Nikon 1 V1

Up second for today’s announcement-palooza from Nikon for its new 1 system is the V1 body, which is the higher-end body for this new interchangeable compact mirrorless system. It’s got the same 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor with that 2.7x crop “CX” format of the whole 1 system. It’s also got the 73 AF points using the hybrid contrast/phase detect system to achieve what Nikon is claiming to be the world’s AF system. You also get the 100-3200 ISO range with the 6400 push, and the 10fps/60fps with AF lock shooting speeds.

New to the V1 over the lower-level J1 are things like a 921,000 pixel LCD instead of the more pedestrian 421,000 pixel one, an all metal body build, an integrated EVF with 1.44 million dots of resolution, a flash hotshoe (though not on-axis, boooo), a mechanical shutter in addition to the electronic one (giving you a shutter speed range of  30 – 1/4000 with the mechanical), and stereo mic input.

Thanks to the advanced port and hotshoe, the V1 can take an external flash unit (the SB-N5) or a GPS unit (the GN-100), both custom-made for just the V1.

Following the Jody Factor, the Nikon 1 V1 comes in Henry Ford’s favorite color, black. Presumably only with matched black lens for the kits. As I understand, there’ll be several kits for the V1, including one with the standard 10-30mm VR (27-81mm equiv), one with the 10-30mm VR and a 10mm f2.8 pancake prime, and one with the 10-30mm VR and a 30-110mm VR (81-297mm equiv). Prices start at $899.95 for the one lens kit and go up to $1,149.95 for either two lens kit.

Press release after the jump (same as the J1):

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Nikon Announces New “Nikon 1″ System, Starting with the J1

Nikon today has finally come clean with its long-rumored mirrorless system, dubbed the “Nikon 1″ system. The system so far consists of 2 bodies and 4 lenses, with an additional flash unit and GPS module available for the higher end body.

Getting us started is the Nikon 1 J1. Snazzy name, I know. The J1 is the more “entry-level” of the two bodies, and features a 10.1 megapixel sensor with a 2.7x crop. Yup, 2.7x, or what Nikon is calling the new “CX” format. Like their FX and DX systems, any image stabilization to be had will be in-lens and not in-body. You see the picture around back on a 3″ LCD with a low-end 461,000 dots of resolution. The body is mixed metal chassis with composite parts, so, it’s a bit more rugged that your average entry-level DSLR, more on par with Nikon’s D7000 for build.

It seems that the thing to do for any new entry into this interchangeable lens compact market is to brag about having the world’s fastest AF, and Nikon doesn’t drop the ball. The Nikon 1 system is launching with a 73-point AF system that uses a hybrid process of switching between contrast-detect and phase-detect methods as needed to back up this newest claim to the world’s fastest.

The dial on the back only shows P&S style scene modes, but the specs table says there’s PASM up in here, so, we’ll have to get further clarification on that. It may or may not have proper manual modes. If it does, you’ll be diving through menus for them, though.

On the plus side, the J1 can pull off 10fps at full rez with AF every frame, if you lock AF at the onset you can get 60FPS (!). Additionally, there’s a Smart Photo Selector mode that’s shoot 20 photos at 30fps, discard everything with notable “bad” qualities, then look through the remainder for photos with “good” aspects and keep the best five for you.

The ISO range is 100-3200 native, and pushes to 6,400. Probably a reasonable stopping point giving the uniquely small size of this sensor for Nikon. The J1 includes a small built-in flash with a guide number of 5, and has no accessory port to expand upon this.

And, of course, the system does shoot 1080 HD video, and records to the now standard SD/SDHC/SDXC format.

The Nikon 1 J1 will come as a kit with a VR 10-30mm f3.5-5.6 (27-81mm equiv) lens in black, silver, white, red, or pink for $649 or so. And, as a bonus, the 10-30mm will be color matched to the body, for you fashion-conscious folks. (Or, if you and your buddy plan this, you can get two colored kits and swap lenses to rock that svelte two-tone look.)

Read more in the press release after the break:

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Six new Coolpix cameras announced today! Hot Dog! Part 3-in-1

Before we get to the P7100, let’s rub a peeper over the S6200, S8200, and S100.

The S100 is a touch-screen compact packing a 16MP CMOS sensor, lens specs that look similar to the AW100 (28-140 equiv, f/3.9-4.8), optical image stabilization, and MPO format 3d images. That touch-control screen is a 3.5″ 820,000 dot OLED. Shiny.

The S6200 is a compact sporting a 10x optical zoom (25-250 equivalent, f/3.2-5.8) in a 1″ x 2.3″ x 3.7″ frame. The LCD screen is 2.7″ diagonal and holds 230,000 dots.

The S8200 is a compact SuperZoom -and by Super I mean 14x Optical Zoom (because digital zooming is still kinda baloney) – which makes for a 25-350mm f/3.3-5.9  equivalent lens.  Shooting modes like HDR, Easy Panorama, and 1080p HD video all make an appearance.  Pictures after the break.

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