SB-910 Speedlight announced, is a SB-900 refined

November 29, 2011 – 11:23 pm

SB-910

Nikon have announced a replacement for 2008's top end speedlight in the new SB-910.

Main changes for the SB-910 include "hard" colour filters rather than the flimsy gels of its predecessor, and a "refined user interface". It is as yet unclear exactly how the UI differs, aside from the addition of a new Menu button. It doesn't appear to have the SB-700s quick access to different shooting modes and patterns via dedicated switches.

Neither, unfortunately, does it feature the much-requested built-in video light (as seen on the Nikon 1 series speed light for the V1 and several competitors' units). I also hope that the intrusive overheat protection warning of the SB-900 has been improved.

UPDATE: It has. To quote Nikon:

Additionally, the new SB-910 incorporates a new Thermal Cut-Out function, which offers protection against damage to the flash panel and body from overheating during continuous flash use. Now, the flash recycling time is automatically delayed if a significant rise in temperature is detected, rather than ceasing operation to protect the unit.

Guide no. etc is unchanged, though the unit is slightly different in size, shaving a mm or so in most dimensions but shrinking 5.5mm (0.3 inches) in depth.

The SB-900 has now been dropped from the Nikon range, so it might be worth trying to hunt down a bargain in the coming months.

See more at Nikon USA, or continue reading for images and full specs.

Full press release and more photos after jump
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Nikon DSLR Firmware Encryption Cracked, Let the Hacks Begin!

November 26, 2011 – 4:17 am

ZZ75B21A17

One of the things that I've always liked about Canon DSLRs is that there's an army of hackers out there, beavering away on projects such as the Magic Lantern firmware modification. This brings extra goodies to certain Canon DSLRs such as better movie modes, trap focus, very long exposures, and much more.

At the moment there is no such project for Nikon DSLRs, though that may soon change with the announcement by Simeon Pilgrim on his blog that the encryption used for Nikon firmware has now been broken.

An update yesterday reveals that, not only can custom firmware now be flashed on the D7000 and D5100 (and most likely all other Nikon DSLRs including the D3100, D3s and D300s), but that the process is reversible - meaning that the original, non-modified firmware can be flashed over the hacked version. This means that warranties can be preserved, without fear of Nikon refusing to service a camera if they notice it's running a hacked version.

There is no custom firmware available as yet, but it is now surely only a matter of time. I for one can't wait to see what those clever developers come up with and will be tracking this one very closely indeed.

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D700 replacement gets pictured, won't be long now

November 22, 2011 – 2:31 pm

Finally, some interesting developments in the ongoing quest for information on the successor to Nikon's D700 DSLR. Nikon Rumors have uploaded a couple of shots of what is purported to be the D800, Nikon's much-awaited followup to its successful FX shooter.

Nikon D800 front lighter full

The images are fairly convincing, though debate is (as always) raging as to their authenticity.

The camera is widely expected to have a full-frame 36mp sensor, full video capabilities, and of course all the goodness of the D700 turned up a notch. Me, I just hope it does indeed have a 100% viewfinder rather than the D700's 90%.

Whether these turn out to be true images of the D800 or not, I have little doubt that we'll know all about this camera for sure soon.

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Amazing time-lapse from the International Space Station

November 16, 2011 – 1:20 am

Wow. Just wow. Check out this timelapse video created by Michael König from images shot by astronauts aboard the ISS. EXIF from the original photos shows that they were taken using a D3s.

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

Source: Daily Mail via Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Nikon "Young Designer" video

November 12, 2011 – 2:47 pm

P300OK, so this YouTube flick may be a little cringeworthy in places, but also offers an interesting insight in to the human aspect of Nikon we don't often see.

The video tells the story of a 26-year old industrial designer working at Nikon who was responsible for the Coolpix P300. It has been around for about a month now, but worth a view if you have 9 minutes and your saccharine tolerance isn't too low...

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Nikon Q&A on financial results

November 10, 2011 – 11:05 pm

Nikon have published a Q&A on their latest set of financial results, and there are some interesting bits of information in there. For the full article visit the Nikon site, but here are a few highlights:

Q:What can you tell us about extraordinary losses and insurance coverage on the damage from the floods in Thailand?

A: At present, facilities are still submerged and we are unable to obtain an accurate damage bill and as a result, extraordinary losses resulting from damage caused by the floods in Thailand have not been included in these forecasts. Thorough survey of the damages will commence once the water has receded. Further, the facilities are covered by insurance therefore we do not expect the impact will be excessive.

Q:What can you tell us about the impact of the floods in Thailand and what measures are you implementing?

A: Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., our production base for digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses, suffered damage as a result of the recent floods and has suspended its operations since October 6. In order to recover production as soon as possible and fulfill our supply responsibilities as a manufacturer, we have already started the process of procuring new production equipment and procurement from alternative suppliers as well as production at our own other manufacturing facilities. From December 2011, we will commence production at alternative facilities of the Nikon Group both in Japan and overseas as well as at other partner facilities in Thailand with the aim of resuming the operation and increasing production at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from January 2012 and production of digital SLR and interchangeable lenses will return to the normal level by the end of March 2012.

Q:What can you tell us about the Nikon 1 series?

A: Following the launch on October 20, sales have been strong in all regions and at present, our supply cannot keep up with demand. Product assembly for the Nikon 1 series is conducted at our Chinese facilities and as a result, the floods in Thailand have had only a minimal impact. In order to compensate for the drop in sales due to our loss of production of digital SLR cameras, we are increasing our efforts to ensure production and increase sales of the Nikon 1 series.

Q:How are Imaging Products business earnings?

A: Following our rapid recovery from the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 in the 1Q period, sales have continued to perform strongly in the 2Q period for digital SLR cameras, interchangeable lenses and compact digital cameras. As a result, we posted record sales units across all product categories. Sales showed increase from the same period of the previous year while operating income recorded highest ever for the first half period. Annual sales units are expected to fall due to the restricted supply of digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses as an impact of the floods in Thailand. Every possible effort will be made to recover these losses by securing alternative production sites and with the help of strong sales from the newly launched Nikon 1 and compact digital camera sales. As a consequence, we have made a downward adjustment of unit sales for digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses and an upward adjustment of unit sales for compact digital cameras in light of the current environment. We have also made a downward adjustment of annual sales and operating income to 65 billion yen and 23 billion yen respectively due to the impact of the recent floods in Thailand and an upward revision of the yen exchange rate by five yen against the dollar and the euro.

Full results are available here.

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