Sinar p-slr - use your Nikon DSLR as a view camera digital back

July 29, 2010 – 3:40 am
sinar_p3-slr-n_quer

Sinar logo If you're one of the (very?) few people who have a hankering to combine your Digital SLR with the flexibility and precision of a view camera, you're in luck; Sinar have just launched the solution you've been waiting for.

The new Sinar p-slr allows you to mount your Nikon (or Canon) DSLR on Sinar's range of view cameras, giving you access to the Rodenstock range of made-for-digital lenses and the ability to perform the traditional view camera tricks to give you precise control over perspective and focus.

The made-in-Switzerland p-slr is available for order now with delivery in August for 1,980 Swiss Francs plus tax (approximately $1,870).

Read more on the Sinar web site, or download the p-slr brochure (PDF link).

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New Coolpix on 8/17, DSLR and lenses on 8/19?

July 28, 2010 – 2:13 am
Aug 2010 Calendar

Nikon Rumors are reporting that there are two upcoming announcements from Nikon:

  • 17th August 2010 - For Nikon's usual mid-year CoolPix refresh. We'd like to see a Canon G11 killer, but expect that this model has been pushed back (or even cancelled).

  • 19th August 2010 - For the expected D3000 replacement (rumors have named it the D3100, we remain to be convinced of the model number) and some lenses. The lenses should be an 85/1.4 replacement, a 24-120/4 VR (FX), a DX 55-300/4.5-5.6 VR, and one other than sounds odd if true - an FX 18-200/3.5-5.6 VR.

Time will tell, and I'm sure there will be more leaks coming before the middle of August. Unfortunately we're not expecting to see a D700 replacement this time round - though we hope that (and the D90 replacement) may be ready for Photokina in September.

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Nikon Lens Mug redux (actually, Nikon Lens Thermos)

July 27, 2010 – 1:23 pm
Nikon Lens Mug Thermos

It seems like there's another source of mugs fashioned after a Nikon lens now available. The cap screws off this realistic-looking AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 to reveal the steaming hot (or cold, if you like) beverage within.

Actually, this looks like a pretty good replica - certainly a notch above other lens mugs that we've seen. Just one problem -- it's perhaps too realistic, we can see ourselves putting this in our camera bag by mistake only to arrive on set with a nice warm drink but no glass to shoot with!

Especially cool is the fact that it even comes in a Nikon-style gold box and a drawstring pouch. Yours now for $23.

See the thermos here via PDN.

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Sony to drop FX sensor production?

July 26, 2010 – 2:52 pm
D3_Cmos_1

Both Thom Hogan and Mirrorless Rumors are reporting that Sony may be planning to stop developing and producing FX-sized sensors. According to Thom, Sony management feel that full-frame sensors simply aren't providing the return on investment that was expected, and are unlikely to be profitable in the long term. Production of DX-sized sensors is estimated to cost 1/10th that of FX versions, so it seems likely Sony will concentrate more on their new NEX line of cameras.

But of course there's a Nikon angle to all this. Nikon have long partnered with Sony on sensor design and production - for example the D3x sensor is based on an improved Sony design, and is likely manufactured by Sony. If Sony stop developing the sensors that Nikon need, that means that Nikon may have to go it alone in designing future sensors.

Nikon designed the sensors in the D2H, D700/D3 and D3s, so this may not be an entirely bad thing - although there is yet no apparent Nikon-designed high-resolution sensor.

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Nikon D5000 - A Beginner's Experiences

July 22, 2010 – 11:19 am
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As part of our review process, we thought it would be interesting to get the D5000 into the hands of its target market - the kind of person who may be new to DSLRs, but thinks that the D3000 might be a bit too limiting or is attracted by D5000-only features such as the articulating screen.

So, we contacted Amy Walker, who kindly agreed to test the camera out for a couple of months along with the "kit" 18-55mm VR lens. These are her thoughts, as a keen beginner photographer.

Click to read Amy's thoughts on the Nikon D5000
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10 improvements the D700 replacement should have

July 19, 2010 – 10:48 am
ZZ129E3E93

If you look at Nikon's current DSLR lineup, there are a couple of bodies that are getting a little long in the tooth and in need of a refresh. The first is the ageing D90 (August 2008); the other is the D700 (announced in July 2008). At the time of writing, the D700 is over two years old and hence pretty much due for an upgrade any day now.

So, what should the D700 replacement look like? This is a list of what we think should be coming.

  1. Call it the D700s. We think it's too early for a complete replacement. Yes, competitors have more megapixels and more features, but as you'll see we don't think they're completely necessary.

  2. Use the D3s 12mp sensor. What, only 12mp? Well seriously, hardly anyone needs more - 12mp is more than enough for decent-sized prints, way more than is required for web use, and is a good tradeoff between resolution and file size. What the D3s sensor would bring is stunning low-light performance in a smaller body, something many people could make real use of. Who needs 24mp when those pixels contain more noise, even when downsampled, than a clean 12mp image? If you really want a 24mp sensor in a D700-style body, call it the D700x or D800, but give us what we need, not what the marketing department wants.

    3. What other features should the D700 refresh have? Click to see our opinions.

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Sigma launches image-stabilized 17-50mm DX lens

July 15, 2010 – 2:04 am
583_17-50mm_f28_EX_DC_OS_HSM

Sigma Corporation of America today issued a press release announcing the availability of a new lens, the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

This optic is a large aperture standard zoom designed for APS-C sensors (Sigma's DC designation), and features both a silent focus motor (HSM, or HyperSonic Motor, roughly equivalent to Nikon's AF-S) and optical image stabilization (OS, similar to Nikon's own VR), claimed to be good for 4 extra stops over non-OS lenses. Minimum focus distance is 11 inches, with maximum magnification of 1:5.

"This lens is a must-have for any photo opportunity," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "The fast aperture allows for shooting in low, existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This is an ideal, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting."

The MRSP of the 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is $980. Check the current price on Amazon here.

Read on for specifications and the full press release

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Nikon take the #1 spot in Japan

July 14, 2010 – 6:06 am
BCN_logo

BCN are reporting that Nikon have taken the number one spot in Japan for interchangeable lens cameras.

In the first half of 2010, Canon lost the top spot with 31.4% market share compared to Nikon's 34.0%. Last year's figures were quite the opposite, with Nikon gaining up from 31.3% and Canon dropping from 39.1%.

The other big winner was Panasonic, which now has 10.9% of the market, up from 8.7% previously - no doubt sue to it's excellent range of micro four-thirds models such as the fantastic Lumix GF1. HOYA (Pentax), Olympus and Sony are trailing with 7.8, 7.7 and 7.5 percent respectively.

What's interesting is quite how many so called "mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras" are in the top 20. We know this is a space that Nikon are planning on moving in to, but they need to be quick about it and to come up with a compelling product if they want to maintain their market share.

See the top 20 best-selling camera models after the jump
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Shoot 3D images with your Nikon DSLR

July 14, 2010 – 1:27 am
Loreo 3D lens in a cap

An interesting product is getting some buzz on the internet at the moment; a "3D lens in a cap" attachment from Loreo.

This "3D Body Cap", as Loreo like to call it, is a device that attaches to your DSLR in place of a regular lens and looks a lot like a dive mask. It contains two lenses and a system of mirrors to create a split-screen stereo image, with each image slightly offset. Using a special viewing device, photos taken using this system appear in three dimensions.

There are two versions of the Loreo 3D lens available, one model with the designation '9004A' for FX (film & full-frame digital) SLRs, and a newer "9005" model designed for cropped APS-C DSLRs.

Image quality doesn't look fantastic (chromatic aberration and softness abounds), but it's an interesting product. All of the viewers seem to be mechanical at the moment, but we don't doubt that someone will eventually come up with a software solution that works a treat when combined with the emerging class of "3D" stereoscopic monitors or LCD shutter glasses.

Have you used one of these, or tried another 3D camera system?

Read on to see the 3D viewing devices available and some sample 3D photos
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5 (Or More) Things You Didn't Know About Nikon

July 13, 2010 – 9:07 am
Advert for the Nikon I camera
  1. Nikon wasn't the company's name until 1988.

    Prior to this, the company was officially called Nippon Kogaku K.K. - many people believe the name changed earlier, but it wasn't until the late 80's. 1st April 1988, to be precise, Nikon Corporation was officially (re)born.

    Of course, they had been using Nikon as a trademarked brand for many years (history suggests the name Nikon was first invented in the mid 1940's), so why did they eventually decide to switch? Well, this little story direct from Nikon's website may shed some light.

    Then-president Shigetada Fukuoka met with former French President Jacques Chirac. On hearing the name Nippon Kogaku Kogyo, Mr Chirac simply tilted his head in bewilderment. When Mr. Fukuoka said the word "Nikon," however, the Parisian mayor understood immediately.
    President Fukuoka said "From hereon, I don't want us to be limited by the name Kogaku ("optics"). Let us work toward even greater advancements."

    2. Click here to read 4 more things you (probably) didn't know about Nikon
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