SF Photo School is offering a FREE webinar this Wednesday, Jan. 25 that will outline Nikon’s new D4 DSLR. Presented by Uzair Kharawala & Mark Higgins of Nikon UK, this informal webinar will explore the exciting features (did you know you can control the D4 with your iPhone?) of new the new flagship of the Nikon DSLR lineup. Sign up now and get the inside scoop!

What: Nikon D4 Webinar
When: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 | 9am ET
Cost: FREE

SIGN UP HERE!

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It’s official! The Nikon D4 has been announced and will be available for purchase at the end of February.

Serving as the new flagship model in Nikon’s lineup of digital-SLRs, the D4 offers better video capabilities, higher resolution (16.2mp full frame sensor) and faster and more accurate AF with 51 focus points.

The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (imaging size of 36.0 x 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras, making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the ultimate in versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions with its image sensor supporting an incredible range of sensitivities from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.

The new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. In addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance (AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus point AF system has been improved with faster initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect and focus on subjects with less lighting. In addition, 11 focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording function is capable of recording full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent. The D4 also becomes the first camera to make use of the XQD memory card format.

If you happen to be in Las Vegas January 10 through 13, you can get a sneak peek at the D4 – Nikon will be exhibiting it (booth #11039) at 2012 International CES.

>> Read the full press release.
>> Read the Nikon D4 brochure.

Features:

• Extremely durable shutter that has passed testing for 400,000 cycles
• Magnesium alloy adopted for the very strong, durably body that is very resistant to dust and water
• Effective sealing using O rings and packing make the camera more resistant to dust and water
• Silent shutter-release mode for live view photography that almost completely eliminates the sounds of the mirror and shutter operation
• A time-lapse photography feature, with which the camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to record a time-lapse movie, which can be played back at 24–36,000x normal playback speed
• Operation optimized for both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) shooting
• Button backlights (illuminators) for increased visibility when working in dimly lit or dark situations
• High-performance viewfinder, utilizing a glass pentaprism, with a frame coverage of approximately 100% (FX format) and magnification of approximately 0.7x
• Four image area options for still shooting—FX (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24), 1.2x (30 x 20), DX (24 x 16)—with viewfinder indicator that identifies the current image area
• A 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with reinforced glass and wide viewing angle; integration of the glass and panel reduce internal reflections
• A virtual horizon that shows the degree to which the camera is tilted sideways (roll), forward or backward (pitch) with display in the monitor and viewfinder
• White balance that can be adjusted in units of 10 K; white balance can be specified separately for shooting (white balance applied to images) and monitor display with still-image shooting in live view mode

Available: late February 2012; MSRP: $5999.95

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Also announced today, is the release of the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G – a fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a focal length of 85 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with the Nikon FX-format.

Key Features:

• An all new optical design that enables maximum utilization of digital-SLR camera capabilities in shooting high quality images
• Enables shooting of portraits with pleasing background blur characteristics only possible with a fast, medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens
• Very lightweight at approximately 350 g, even with the large aperture
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing. Autofocus shooting is also possible when the lens is used with entry-level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras such as the D5100 and D3100, which are not equipped with an autofocus drive motor.
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)

Available: March 2012; MSRP: $499.95

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Just in time for the holidays, Nikon announced today the launch of the SB-910 – its latest flagship flashgun in the Speedlight family!

Replacing the SB-900, this newest model Speedlight features a number of improvements over its predecessor, including smoother operation, greater illumination precision, and the adoption of hard color filters.

Key Features

• Fully compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System
• Three illumination patterns (standard/even/center-weighted), with increased light distribution accuracy, are available to match every shooting environment
• Automatically detects Nikon FX and Nikon DX formats and selects suitable light distribution angles
• Power zoom function covers wide 17-200 mm (in FX format) or 12-200 mm (in DX format) zoom ranges
• AF-assist illumination, compatible with multi-point AF system, covers wide 17-135 mm focal length range
• New MENU button enables quick access to custom settings, while improved LCD panel GUI (graphical user interface) enhances operability
• Durable and heat-resistant, easy-to-use, hard-type color filters (fluorescent or incandescent) included
• Automatically detects color filter types and transmits filter information to camera for optimum white balance setting
• Guide number: 34/111.5 (m/ft.) at 35 mm and 53/173.9 (m/ft.) at 200 mm (FX-format, standard illumination pattern, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
• Minimum recycling time: approx. 2.3 seconds with Ni-MH batteries
• Automatically detects increases in flash head temperature and controls recycling time accordingly, thus preventing overheating
• Firmware updates via Nikon digital SLR cameras
• Compatible with High-Performance Battery Pack SD-9 and Power Bracket Unit SK-6/6A
• Optional Water Guards WG-AS1 (for D3 series), WG-AS2 (for D300 series) and WG-AS3 (for D700) protect camera accessory shoe contact when SB-910 is mounted on Nikon digital SLR cameras

Available mid-December; MSRP: $549.95

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Thailand plays host to a number of electronics manufacturing plants for hundreds of companies, including Canon, Nikon and Sony. Due to the widespread flooding that is occurring there, production at those plants is being disrupted. Supply is already becoming an issue with many retailers.

Like most camera stores, Vistek has a limited supply of cameras in stock. And, unfortunately, once that stock runs low there is no way of knowing when more will be attainable.

At present, however, Vistek does have a selection of the following DSLRs in stock: the Nikon D7000, the D5100 and the amazing new Nikon V1 mirror-less compact. There is also a selection of Canon 7D, T3i and T2i in stock.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee how long this stock will last – so, to avoid disappointing those on your list, we suggest (at least this year) you don’t wait until the very last minute.

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Nikon introduced today the new J1 and V1 cameras along with four new ultra-portable lenses: the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-33mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, 1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens, 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 power zoom lens.

The revolutionary Nikon 1 is an advanced camera system with interchangeable lenses built on a new set of innovative technologies: a remarkably fast new hybrid Autofocus (AF), Smart Photo Selector that will automatically capture the best possible image as well as tandem high-quality image &  full HD (1080p) movie capture. A new Motion Snapshot mode captures fleeting moments with a combination of moving and still imagery.

The V1 mount is fully electronic, allowing for amazing speed and response.  And while the  J1 features an electronic shutter,  the V1 also features an electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane mechanical shutter.

The 10.1 megapixel CX-format High Speed AF CMOS sensor has a 2.7x crop factor which means it’s  half the size of a micro four thirds sensor and only one third the size of the APS-C sensor found in most DSLRs (not to mention 4 times the size of those found in most compact cameras and 2.5 times the size of the 1/1.7″ type found in higher-priced enthusiast compacts.)

 
J1 Key Features

• Built-in flash
• Full HD MOVIE 1080/60i
• Smart Photo Selector mode ensures you will never miss those decisive moments
• Slow Motion Movie 400fps(640×240)/1,200fps(320×120)
• An optional mount adapter allows Nikon 1 cameras to be used with F mount NIKKOR lenses
• The camera is available in five colors, and color-coordinated lenses are bundled with the camera in lens kits
• The top face has a total of only three buttons, while the rear face features a simple mode dial
• LCD monitor with crystal clear resolution. 3-inch LCD monitor with protection glass and a wide viewing angle.(approx. 460k-dot)
• Easy-to-use movie editing software

 
V1 Key Features

• High-resolution, high-contrast electronic viewfinder
• Full HD MOVIE 1080/60i
• Smart Photo Selector mode ensures you’ll never miss those decisive moments
• An optional mount adapter allows Nikon 1 cameras to be used with F mount NIKKOR lenses
• Slow Motion Movie 400fps(640×240)/1,200fps(320×120)
• Available in very iconic color represents design philosophy, solid black and white.
• The top face has a total of only three buttons, while the rear face features a simple mode dial
• LCD monitor with crystal clear resolution. 3-inch LCD monitor with protection glass and a wide viewing angle.(approx. 920k-dot)
• Short motion Creator, Easy-to-use movie editing software

 
The Nikon 1 lineup will be available October 20, 2011
Nikon J1 MSRP: $649.95
Nikon 1 V1 MSRP: $899.95
1 NIKKOR 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens MSRP: $259.95
1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 zoom lens MSRP: $259.95
1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 power zoom lens MSRP: $779.95
SB-N5 compact speedlight MSRP: $159.95
GP-N100 GPS module MSRP: $159.95
 

View the Nikon 1 Brochure

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Did you know that a flash won’t work in a vacuum? Of course you did, you’re all clever like that. But did you ever wonder what the good folks at NASA do when they need the enlightenment of a flash in order to take photos?

Charlie Sorrel just posted a Wired blog piece that answers this very question. And it involves something a bit more involved that a MacGyver’d ziplock bag or some underwater housing.

Check out the Nikon SB-800 in its NASA-made Space Suit.

Check out how NASA packs their camera gear for a trip!

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See it at ProFusion 2011!

 
Brian Young, Product Manager for Video & Production Technology at Vistek Ltd., introduces the revolutionary new Super 35mm, interchangeable-lens NXCAM camcorder from Sony. In this video preview, Brian provides a detailed list of the new features found on this highly anticipated camcorder, as well as describing the benefits of this new feature set for both amateur and professional videographers.

The NEX-FS100 is the first prosumer camcorder to offer a full Super 35mm CMOS sensor. This sensor is complemented by Sony’s E-Mount interchangeable lens system. This system allows videographers to attach any of Sony’s NEX lenses or, through the use of adapters, lenses manufactured by Canon, Nikon, Carl Zeiss and others, to the camcorder. By attaching these photographic lenses, videographers can achieve the coveted shallow-depth-of-field look of Hollywood cinematographers. The FS100 records full 1920 x 1080/60p, AVCHD video at 28 Mbps. For the first time on a camcorder at this price level, the FS100 also features 1920 x 1080p Slow & Quick Motion which allows over- and under-cranking to be performed in-camera, producing high-definition slow- and fast-motion effects.

The FS100 employs a modular design. The viewfinder/diopter can be detached to reveal the 3.5” XtraFine LCD screen; the side grip can be detached to expose a mounting hole for mounting the camera vertically for portrait-style displays and digital signage; and there are numerous 1/4” and 3/8” mounting holes on both the top and bottom of the camera to accommodate any rigging system. The camcorder also features Memory Stick or SDHC/SDXC recording, dual XLR audio inputs, and an HDMI 4:2:2 uncompressed output.

The NEX-FS100 will be shipping in June and will also be available as part of Sony’s K kit, which includes their NEX 18-200mm 20x Zoom Lens.

See it at ProFusion 2011!

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The Nikon D7000 has been made official – complete with: 39-point autofocus system, 100 percent viewfinder coverage, 1080/24p and 720/30p video options, dual SD card slots & 6fps burst mode for up to 100 shots.

The new new mid-class DX-format camera features a compact body along with top & rear covers made of a magnesium alloy — adding that extra bit of increased durability.

Other functions & features of the D7000 include:

• A glass pentaprism for viewfinder frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.94×
• High-speed continuous shooting of up to 100 shots at approximately 6 fps, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles
• New U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial allow users to assign frequently used settings, including ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation, to these positions for instant recall of the registered settings by simply rotating the mode dial
• Live view function that can be smoothly enabled with the dedicated live view switch
• Double SD memory card slot that enable use of two SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC also supported)
• The Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15, which enables capture about 1,050 shots when fully charged
• Support for the new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries
• Nikon’s image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, supplied with purchase

With an estimated release date of mid-October, the D7000 is available now for pre-purchase, either on its own or as part of a kit that includes the AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens.

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This photographer demonstrates the future movie-recording standard, D-Movie, capturing precious moments quickly and beautifully in full HD size.

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Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR certainly packs a punch… have a look!

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