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Nikon Unveils the D7000 DSLR

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:46:54 +0000

MELVILLE, N.Y. (September 15, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D-SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies. Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images. “The D7000 D-SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control [...]

Carl Zeiss Presents the Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:42:44 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 08.06.2010. Wide-angle lenses capture a large depth of field: A dragonfly that lands on a water lily while you can clearly make out the numerous blossoms behind its shimmering body; rocks, moss and cracks which create designs and formations extending to the horizon. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 lens from Carl Zeiss can create such unusual perspectives—in more than just nature photography. Now this popular and time-tested wide-angle lens is also available in a ZF.2 version for single-lens digital reflex cameras with F bayonet. With its very small focal distance, this newcomer to the ZF.2 lens series offers all the creative possibilities of manual focusing in photography. The ZF.2 has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever). The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is therefore ideal for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images alongside the comfort of automatic exposure control. You no longer have to manually set the data for focal length and speed in the cameras menu because the lens passes on these parameters to the camera. In addition to standard data such as lens [...]

Cosina Voigtlander announces APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL-II Close Focus Lens

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:38:29 +0000

Cosina Voigtlander introduced today the fourth lens in its SL-II DSLR lens lineup. The CV APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL-II Close Focus lens brings a short-telephoto/macro lens to their ever growing stable of fine DSLR lenses. Specifications Focal length / 90mm Maximum Aperture / 1:3.5 Minimum Aperture / F22 Lens / 5 groups of 6 elements Field of View / 27 ° Number of diaphragm blades / 9 Minimum focusing distance / 0.5m (with close-up adapter / 0.5 ~ 0.32m) Maximum magnification / 1:3.5 (with close-up adaptor / 1:1.8) Maximum diameter (Ai-S mount) / 63mm Filter Size / 52mm Overall length (Ai-S mount) / 48.2mm Weight (Ai-S mount) / 320g Type mount / Ai-S (CPU chip), KA / EF Other / special close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood Retail price (without tax) Nikon mount (Ai-S) ￥ 55,000 (~$600 USD) Pentax mount (KA) ￥ 55,000 (~$600 USD) Canon mount (EF) ￥ 58,000 (~$640 USD) Only close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood. Expected delivery date: march 2010

Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm/3.5 Aspherical SLII Review

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:25:19 +0000

Last year, Cosina's Voigtlander division introduced a new lens in it's SL II lineup. This tack-sharp 20mm wide angle lens produces stunning results and is a very good addition to any enthusiast's lens collection.

PhotoPlus 2009 Show Report

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:02:11 +0000

Once again, New York City and the Javits Center played host to the PDN PhotoPlus Expo. This year’s show had a very good turnout in spite of the fact that major players like Adobe, Panasonic, & Pentax were not in attendance. I attended (and I spotted some of my fellow bloggers there as well) and came across several interesting tidbits I’d like to share with you after the jump. Nikon and Canon As usual, visitors were greeted by the Nikon and Canon booths (the largest in the show). Both companies had their latest wares out for show and I headed straight for the Nikon testing booth to get some hands-on time with the recently announced Nikon D3S. The reps were kind enough to let me insert my own CF card in the camera to take some test pics. I am very happy to report that (preliminarily, and only based on in-camera JPGs) the high-ISO performance of this camera is everything they claim. ISO 12,800 shots were at least as good as ISO 3200 shots from my D700. This is very exciting for me as a stagecraft photographer. This camera also adds a "Quiet Shutter" option. Basically, the shutter will not [...]

Carl Zeiss Updates ZF Line of Lenses for Nikon

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:52:44 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.11.2009. Optics specialist Carl Zeiss today announced its introduction of a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU), these new ZEISS lenses support all- important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. These quicker and faster handling capabilities of the ZF.2 lenses are especially useful under hectic shooting conditions. ZEISS lenses truly come into their own in situations that demand extreme photographic creativity and maximum image quality. Carl Zeiss’ established fixed focal length lenses are known for their high light sensitivity and precise manual handling, leaving the photographer in full control. The new ZF.2 series will be especially interesting for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images combined with the comfort of automatic settings. Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG: “The ZF.2 lenses are ideal tools for photographers [...]

Nikon Announces the D3S

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:05:25 +0000

Nikon Once Again Redefines Possibilities with D-SLR Photography with Six-Figure ISO Sensitivity for Stills and Video While Enhancing Overall Performance MELVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the FX-format D3S D-SLR, providing professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high speed performance inherited from the groundbreaking D3. The D3S enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. Additionally, expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible. The Nikon D3S builds upon the success of the Nikon D3—the professional digital SLR that set new standards for D-SLR performance and utilizes a newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that also integrates its amazing low-light ability to High Definition (HD) video, creating a uniquely capable multi-media tool to meet the needs of a changing imaging landscape. “When the Nikon D3 was released, it ushered in a new era of [...]

Ballet Etudes Grand Ballet Gala 2009

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:52:04 +0000

Just finished a shoot for the Ballet Etudes Company of South Florida. The show was presented at the Miramar Cultural Center/Artspark. Here is a slideshow:

Collins Ave at Dusk

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:16:14 +0000

This shot was taken from the balcony of my friend’s condo on the 29th floor. Shot handheld using my Nikon D700 and Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom in 12-bit NEF and processed using Apple Aperture 2.1.3. This condo happens to be the tallest building in Miami Beach with total of 48 stories right on the beach. Amazing place. This shot will be part of my collection going on display in early October of this year in Coral Gables, FL. I will post more details as they become available.

Nikon Further Refines DX and FX Lens Favorites

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:50:38 +0000

The Professional 70-200mm f/2.8 and the Wildly Popular 18-200mm DX Receive Optical Enhancements and VR II to Benefit a Variety of Photographers MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) – Nikon today announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II and the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, two telephoto zoom lenses further refined to provide photographers with exceptional optics for outstanding image clarity and sharpness, both featuring Vibration Reduction (VR II) image stabilization. The 18-200mm, Nikon’s best-selling premium high-ratio zoom ever, offers enthusiasts excellent versatility. The 70-200mm f/2.8, now benefiting from Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat, retains its status as a preeminent choice for discerning professionals in a multitude of shooting disciplines. Both of these lenses use Nikon’s VR II image stabilization technology, which is engineered specifically for, and optimized to, function most effectively for each lens design to substantially reduce camera shake-related image blur. VR II allows photographers to shoot handheld at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, better assuring dramatically sharper images—even in challenging lighting conditions. Two VR modes are available: “Normal” mode, ideal for everyday use and panning a subject; and “Active” mode, for use in instances where more [...]

Nikon Announces D3000

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:45:15 +0000

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30th July 2009 – Nikon announces the simplest, most accessible DSLR to date, the D3000. Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe says: “The D3000 dispels the view that DSLR cameras are complicated and makes taking great pictures simpler than ever before. You can really concentrate on having fun with photography and the Guide mode helps you to get the best results with the minimum of fuss.” DSLR, pure and simple The D3000 is designed for anyone who wants to take pictures without worrying about settings. You can select from a choice of subject parameters and the camera will do the rest, and the instant response time means you never miss a moment. The 11-point autofocus system ensures everyone is in focus, and the bright viewfinder means you get what you want, when you want it. Great pictures, automatically The 10.2 megapixel sensor, powerful EXPEED processing system and brilliant NIKKOR lenses ensure excellent pictures wherever you are, whatever you or your subject is doing. The comprehensive exposure metering system, ISO 1600 sensitivity and built-in pop up flash make light work of dark places. Guide the way For the DSLR first timer, the intelligent Guide mode helps you [...]

Nikon Announces D300s

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:22:28 +0000

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30th July 2009 – Nikon announces the D300S, a camera to broaden the possibilities for today’s creative image makers. The D300S brings HD movie capability, a faster frame advance rate of 7fps and dual CF and SD memory card slots to offer new opportunities to explore creative imaging. Built upon the widely acclaimed D300, the D300S incorporates the same DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, professional 51-point autofocus system and commended EXPEED image processing in a discrete compact body. Robert Cristina, Manager, Professional Products for Nikon Europe, comments: “The D300S is designed for today’s generation of creative image makers who want to combine brilliant stills in photography with the creative potential of video capture. The DX format has the advantage of lens magnification, compact size and affordability making the D300S a really exciting package for anyone looking to take their photography to another level”. Capture and Edit HD Movies in stereo The D300S comprehensively extends DSLR HD movie capture by adding external stereo sound input, autofocus capability and premieres in-camera movie editing. External stereo microphone support adds more realistic sound to shooting movie clips, and a new dedicated LV button makes switching between stills and movies easier than [...]

Rumored Sony Alpha 800 – Hint to upcoming Nikon as well?

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:47:47 +0000

LCD display ▪ Pop-up flash ▪ Flash sync (1/500) ▪ Camera level ▪ 23 AF sensors ▪ Quick Live View ▪ Video Full HD ▪ Dust/splashes sealed ▪ Aluminum-magnesium alloy body ▪ Released early September, 2009 Similarly, the rumor mills are now abuzz with a tidbit that states that Nikon will not repeat the successful formula of stuffing their top-end pro sensor into a more compact semi-pro body (Nikon D3 --> Nikon D700) and instead will introduce another pro level body (even money says it will be the D3H). Now seeing as the Nikon D3X and Sony Alpha 900 share the same base sensor (the surrounding electronics and image processing engines are vastly different), it is not too large a stretch of the imagination that the D3H and any semi-pro offspring will sport a similar sensor.

PhotoPlus Expo 2008 – Day One

Carlos Echenique — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:04:00 +0000

The PhotoPlus Expo opened today in New York City. Hot on the heels of Photokina 2008, PDN’s PhotoPlus Expo brings new cameras, lenses and other goodies introduced in Germany a couple of weeks ago. Greeting visitors at the entrance was Nikon’s rather large booth. Featuring a complete collection of Nikon’s cameras and lenses, visitors were allowed to mount and test any one they wanted even on their own cameras. The Coolpix section featured every model currently available including the P6000 top end point and shoot model. This model features RAW capture and built-in GPS for easy geo-tagging of images. Also present was a display sampling a cross-section of bling-bling add ons available for the Coolpix lines. This is a prime example of the ubiquity of point and shoot cameras as they have achieved a critical mass that is able to support this kind of secondary market. Asking around the Nikon booth for any news on the rumored MX platform get me a lot of shifty looks and expressions of discomfort (PR people love to talk incessantly about their products. Restricting them from doing so causes them to go against their basic nature.), leading me to believe there is more than [...]

Nikon MX Rangefinder musings…

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Rumors have been flying about the blogosphere regarding an earthshaking product introduction by Nikon. Nikon took out a half-page ad in Rangefinder Magazine about “Something Big” to be announced at the WPPI convention in February 2009.NikonRumors has been tracking this for quite a while and even Wired picked up on this. So far the rumors have Nikon introducing a new format sensor called MX. The MX sensor is 48 mm x 48 mm and has 40.7 megapixels. These pixels are the same size and pitch as the ones in the D3/D700 so the camera should have spectacular low-light capabilities. The sensor can be masked for portrait or landscaped images without having to rotate the camera. The camera will be able to mount DX and FX lenses with and adapter. Here are some observations and deductions I have made: 1. Nikon wants in on the lucrative MF/Wedding market and will lowball the competition severely. Phase One is currently offering a P45+ back for $29,990 and they are throwing in the rest of the camera kit (Body, Viewfinder, & 80mm Lens – an $11,000 value) for free. Rumors place the price of the MX in the sub $10k range. 2. The RF [...]

Nikon Unveils Coolpix P6000

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:53:00 +0000

NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and “Geo-tagging” Capabilities with built-in GPS MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera. “We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design,” said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon’s COOLPIX line, as it not only provides expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity.” The P6000 knows where the “best shots” are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users [...]

Cosina Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f2 SL II Review

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Cosina Voigtlander (CV) is a japanese camera maker that specializes in 35mm film rangefinder cameras. They also make their own lenses and are quite good at it since Cosina is the manufacturing partner of Carl Zeiss, AG. While the lion’s share of lenses they make are for Leica Thread Mount (LTM) and Leica M-mount, they do make a few SLR lenses in Nikon F and Pentax KA mounts. Today I present to you the CV Ultron 40mm f2 SL II. Specs Two surface Aspherical Element lens for maximum correction CPUs for metering compatibility with Nikon or Pentax digital SLRs Compact Pancake lens extends only 24.5mm from lens mount (Nikon AIS) Six elements in five optical groups 9 Aperture blades Size 200 grams, 63mm diameter, 24.5 length from lens mount (AIS) Filter size 52mm Close Up to .45 meter (1:7) without close up, close up range of .38 to .25 meter (1:4) with close up lens Angle of view with film 57 degrees Smallest aperture f/22 Included with the lens is the dome shape lens hood and the close up lens. Features The CV Ultron 40mm is a pancake lens, very short and compact by design. Made completely out of metal [...]

Zeiss announces a new SLR lens – Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f3.5

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:58:00 +0000

Zeiss 18mm Distagon f3.5 – Side Originally uploaded by Carlos Echenique On June25, 2008 without too much fanfare, Carl Zeiss Company announced yet another lens for the Nikon (ZF) and Pentax (ZK) DSLR mounts. The Distagon T* 3,5/18 is a super-wide lens with 99 degree field of view (on film and FX sensor Nikons like the D3 and recently announced D700 – on DX cameras this lens is equivalent to 27mm). This lens is of rectilinear design and provides dramatic perspectives for architecture, landscape and close-up photographers. The all-metal body houses eco-friendly lens elements all sporting the Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating to minimize flaring and other stray light artifacts. The lens also includes Zeiss Color Matching Technology which provides homogenous color renditions. The lens takes 82mm filters on the front. A non-CPU, manual focus lens, the 18mm Distagon can be programmed into newer model Nikons (D300, D700, & D3). The lens will be available in early July 2008 (ZF mount) and Q3 2008 in ZK mount. Suggested list price is 960 Euro ( about $1500 USD ). Technical Specifications Focal length: 18 mm Aperture range: f/3.5 – f/22 (1/2 stop intervals) Number of elements/groups: 13/11 Focusing range: 0.3 m (0.98 [...]

Nikon Releases D700 Ahead of Schedule

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:05:00 +0000

Ending many months of speculation, Nikon has announced the existence of the long rumored D700, an FX sensor DSLR in a compact body. Aimed squarely at the Canon 5D, the D700 has several features that surpass the current Canon 5D: Features 12.1 megapixel FX (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range, and built-in self-cleaning sensor unit that minimizes dust. ISO 200 – 6400: extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent). 5fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries). EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb detail and tonal gradation. Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images. Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling the pre-set customization of image parameters such as sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes. 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle. Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images by use of the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: [...]