Photokina day 0

Those are the Nikon related news from the first "press day" at the 2012 Photokina show:

• Three new Sigma lenses with Nikon F mount:
  • Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM
  • Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM
  • Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

• Eight new Schneider-Kreuznach lenses (Nikon F-mount adapter available).

• 0.45x wide angle conversion lens for Nikon 1 mirrorlress camera from Emolux.

• 360 degrees rig for Nikon DSLR camera from GSMsolutions

• Check out this Elicar 300-600mm lens.

• Emoblitz D728V TTL flash with built in LED video light for Nikon DSLR cameras.

Photokina day 1

Just a quick update with few images and videos of the Nikon booth from the first day of Photokina:

There were several presentations at the Nikon booth. The first was the keynote delivered by Adobe evangelist Jason Levine.

The other presentation, which drew an enormous crowd was delivered by Sandro Miller, accompanied by Tony Ardent. Mr. Miller is the photographer and film maker who produced the short film "Joy Ride", which launched the Nikon D800.

Images credit: Alaa Esmaiel

The latest Nikon patents

Side view of the adapter

Nikon filed patent 2012-155026 in Japan for a lens adapter with adjustable flange back. The helicoid ring allows to further close focus the lens (similar adapter already exists for using Leica lenses with Sony NEX camera). In this patent the flange back will automatically be adjusted by the camera (CPU).

Patent 2012-156644 is for reducing motion blur:

• Object recognition is performed for each frame, face recognition is used to detect the direction of movement.
• The camera automatically zooms when the distance to the subject is changed to offset the blur.
• The camera can also detect when the subject is stationary and then takes an image.

Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/09/08/the-latest-nikon-patents-6.aspx/#ixzz2656ToBpN

Nikon press conference in Dubai on September 13th

According to this post on dpreview, Nikon will have a new product launch in Dubai on September 13th, 2012:

I just got invited to a Nikon product launch event in Dubai on the 13th. They aren't telling me what they will be launching just the following:

"Nikon is delighted to invite you to a showcase event celebrating the launch of the latest additions to its DSLR range."

My initial information was also for a September 13th announcement. At that point I am convinced that the D600 will be introduced next week. The big question mark is still the price - if Nikon manages to keep it under $2000, I think the D600 will be a huge success (Sony's a99 24MP full frame camera will sell for $2,800) and will probably greatly surpass D800 in terms of sales and pre-orders waiting time.

Nikon NEF Codec v1.15.0 released

Another software update: Nikon NEF Codec v1.15.0 is now available for download and includes support for the latest Nikon 1 J2 camera (Windows only).

Nikon NEF Codec makes Nikon RAW (.NEF) files as easy to work in a Windows environment (similar to JPEG and TIFF images).

Nikon press conference in Thailand on September 13th Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/09/06/nikon-press-conference-in-thailland-on-september-13th.aspx/#ixzz25teVH0Vu

If anyone still has a doubt about the Nikon announcement on September 13, here is the invitation from Nikon Thailand:

"Nikon Sales Thailand Co.,Ltd pleased to invite the media attended the press conference Thursday, September 13, 2012."

Real or fake?

This screenshot of a Nikon DSLR camera was taken from BMW's Facebook page. As far as I know Nikon never had such a model in their line-up. This is either a new, unannounced camera or a photoshop job.

Compatibility of Nikon software with Mac OS 10.8 Mountain Lion

Nikon issued a compatibility update for the various Nikon software packages with the latest Mac OS 10.8 Mountain Lion:

We are pleased to announce the following regarding compatibility testing of our Macintosh software product with Mac OS X version 10.8.

• ViewNX 2 - compatibility available with Ver. 2.5.0 and later.  The latest version is available for download.

We plan to test the Macintosh versions of the following software applications for compatibility with Mac OS X version 10.8 (some older applications will not be tested).  We will announce our plans regarding full compatibility once testing is complete.

• Capture NX 2
• Camera Control Pro 2
• Short Movie Creator
• Nikon Message Center 2
• Wireless Transmitter Utility (previously WT-4 Setup Utility)
• Thumbnail Selector
• GP-N100 Utility
• IPTC Preset Manager
• Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0

We do not intend to provide compatibility with the following applications.

• Capture NX Ver. 1.x
• Camera Control Pro Ver. 1.x
• Nikon Capture series
• ViewNX Ver. 1.x
• Nikon Transfer Ver. 1.x
• PictureProject
• Nikon View series
• Nikon Scan series
• PictureProject COOLPIX Remote Control
• WT-3 Setup Utility
• Wireless Camera Setup Utility
• Wireless Connecting Utility
• Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0
• PC-PJ Transfer

Via Photographybay

Adobe Lightroom 4.2 and Camera Raw 7.2 RC contain several Nikon updates

Adobe's latest release candidates contain several updates for Nikon equipment:

• Adobe Lightroom 4.2 release candidate will fix the tether issue with Nikon D4 and D800.
• Adobe Camera Raw 7.2 release candidate adds support for Nikon 1 J2 and the following F-mount lenses:

Lens Mount	Lens Name
Nikon	Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon	Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
Nikon	Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
Nikon	Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD A007N
Nikon	Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 ZF.2
Nikon	Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZF.2

FYI: Lightroom 4 is now part of Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription is still available for the intro offer of $29.99 per month for qualified customers).

This is the Nikon Coolpix P7700 advanced compact camera – the replacement of the P7100

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 advanced compact camera will be the replacement of the P7100. I am still not sure if the P770 will have the same 1" sensor from the Nikon 1 camera. The official announcement should be on or around August 22nd, 2012.



As some of you already noticed, the P7700 does no longer have an optical viewfinder.
Update: On the picture of the front of the camera, you can read the zoom range 6.0 - 42.8mm, this indicates that the sensor size is the same as the P7100.

The current Nikon US instant rebate program will expire on August 25th

The current Nikon instant rebates will expire this Saturday (August 25th, 2012). You can get up to $450 savings on DSLR + lens combo purchases. The new D3200, D800/E and D4 cameras are also included:

DIY: How to upload your RAW/JPG files to the Internet without a computer

 

Today's guest post by GfK from Patras, Greece will show you how to share RAW/JPG files with an Android phone:

Except the Nikon D4 that has Ethernet connection and Nikon D3200 that is compatible with a WiFi transmitter, I am not aware of a DSLR that can share images directly on the Net. Here's a description on how one can download the images to the mobile phone and share them instantly (or later) on the Internet.

All you need is a card reader, Android phone, USB On-the-Go cable (the black cable in the images), USB Y-splitter cable (those that come with some external hard drives so they provide more amperes at their input) and USB battery charger.

Connectivity

Most smartphones and tablets have microUSB port for connecting peripherals. By using a USB-OtG cable and if a suitable drivers exist (Android OS is based on Linux, it has embedded drivers for USB storage devices and for other peripherals as well) one can read the contents of a flash drive or a SD/CF/MS card.

The problem is that mobile phones don't provide current at their microUSB port. With Y-splitter or other ways (check here) we can provide +5V simultaneous power to the flash drive and to the microUSB port of the phone. To check if everything is connected, make sure the phone is charging and the lamp of the flash drive/card reader is on. In my setup the current is provided by USB solar battery charger (around $15 on eBay), but if you're in the office you can use a PC USB port.

Using the mobile phone's file manager, navigate to the flash drive (usually at /mnt/usb, if you need to mount it read this link). Convert the RAW into JPG in the camera or in the phone and share the image on the Internet via 3G:

Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/08/18/diy-how-to-upload-your-rawjpg-files-to-the-internet-without-a-computer-guest-post.aspx/#ixzz23xsm38zC
 

That's all. Now if somebody ask you to instantly upload a photo, you have a solution. Of course there are also the Eye-Fi memory cards, but they are expensive and it's rather unlikely that all of our cards are of that kind. Eye-Fi cards are however tested and reliable.

Nikon will be at the heart of this year’s Photokina with ‘I AM Life’ theme

Nikon will be at the heart of this year’s Photokina with ‘I AM Life’ theme - Nikon issued a press release about their Photokina 2012 presence:

Amsterdam, August 9th 2012: Nikon will once again be the premier booth at Photokina, bringing the theme ‘I AM Life’ to the world’s leading imaging show. Expect hands-on access to the latest products and exciting presenters in the most spectacular booth in Halle 2.2 at the Koelnmesse. Photokina is open to the public between 10am and 6pm from the 18th to 23rd September.
Takami Tsuchida, President, Nikon Europe, comments: “In 2010, the theme of the show for Nikon was ‘I AM Photokina’. This year, we are taking the theme one step further as we introduce ‘I AM Life’ with the largest interactive booth, inspiring presentations, movies and visuals.”

Central to the Nikon booth will be a giant interactive multimedia ‘heart’. In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy the huge I AM Nikon video screen and presentation area throughout the day. Nikon Europe has assembled some of the world’s finest photographers and filmmakers, including Sandro Miller and Anthony Arendt, who will be presenting their Nikon D800 ‘Joy Ride’ video. Adventure sports photographer, Rainer Eder, and renowned pet photographer, Carli Davidson, will also introduce their work, educate, entertain and inspire visitors with their presentations. A full schedule of English and German speakers will be available at www.facebook.com/NikonPhotokina.
In 2010, Nikon delighted Photokina visitors who entered the show, via the South Entrance, by taking their photograph and projecting the resulting image on to a giant screen. This year, Nikon is planning to surprise guests once again, taking over the South Entrance to offer more photo fun, with the option to email, print or share the results on the Nikon booth.
Furthermore, Nikon will be showcasing its full range of products – from stylish compact cameras to high-end professional D-SLRs including the Nikon D800 and Nikon D4 flagship cameras. Visitors can take advantage of the interactive video area which demonstrates the outstanding video capabilities of the must-see cameras.

Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/08/11/nikon-will-be-at-the-heart-of-this-years-photokina-with-i-am-life-theme.aspx/#ixzz23ty06mTN

Next Nikon announcement: Coolpix cameras

Next Nikon announcement: Coolpix cameras - The next Nikon announcement will be for the new Coolpix cameras and will probably include the high-end compact and the new Android models. I am still not sure about the exact date - the official introduction will be on or around August 15th or August 22nd.

I believe Nikon will have at least one more DSLR related announcement before Photokina (September 18-23).

Codes of unannounced Nikon cameras leaked on website

Codes of unannounced Nikon cameras leaked on website - For a short time today the German support website listed the internal product codes of several not yet announced cameras that are supported in the latest version 2.5 of ViewnNX. The X1030 code is probably for the new Nikon 1 J2 and one of the other codes must be for the new Coolpix L610. It is unclear what the remaining codes stand for - maybe the upcoming Adroid camera, Coolpix P7200 or maybe even the D600?

If anyone is familiar with Nikon's internal product codes, please drop me a line.

The new Nikon 800mm f/5.6 lens spotted in the wild

The new Nikon 800mm f/5.6 lens spotted in the wild - N-Photo posted on their Facebook page the first image of the Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 lens that was announced two weeks ago. The picture was probably taken at the 141st Open Championship golf tournament.
Nikon did not provide any specifications, price or release date for the 800mm f/5.6 lens.

Nikon D4 shipping to NPS member in the US

Dear ***,
I wanted you let you know that your D4 camera is preparing to ship to the dealer you specified on your priority request.
You will receive 1 camera on this order. If this completes your D4 order, your name will be removed from the list. If you still have additional D4's on order you will be notified as each one ships, until the complete order is shipped.
We are sending a copy of this notice to *** so that they can be on the lookout for the camera. It will arrive with your name on the packing slip.
Please contact your dealer to discuss with them when you plan to pick up the camera.
Regards,
***
General Manager NPS

The new Nikon instant rebates (US)

 

This time Nikonreview will share information about the new Nikon instant rebates (U.S.) Those are the latest Nikon instant rebates for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The body only D7000 and D5100 cameras (both in stock) also qualify for the instant savings. Those rebates will expire on March 31, 2012. After the D4 and D800 announcements, Nikon stopped the rebate program for the D3s/D700 models and I don't think they are coming back.

Source by : Nikonrumors.com

Nikon News Flash

• Rare complete set of Macro Nikkor lenses for sale on eBay (includes 19mm, 35mm, 65mm and 12cm Macro Nikkor lenses). See this related review of the Nikkor 19mm f/2.8 Macro lens.
• More Nikon D800 samples/crops at different ISO.
• Flickr to up camera file-size limits in response to the 36MP Nikon D800.
• Nikon will host several shooting activities during SXSW.
• Some stores in Canada reduced the price of the D800 by $300.
• In Australia (JB HiFi) consumers are now able to buy a genuine Nikon cameras online at the same price as a grey imports (source).
• Rob Galbraith tested in-camera write speed of the Sony XQD cards on the Nikon D4 (the XQD cards were also delayed till March 30th):
• Thank By nikonrumors.com 

New Nikon Coolpix S2600 camera listed on Imaging website

Under today's date (December 14th, 2011) there is a new Coolpix S2600 camera listed on Nikon Imaging website:


Not sure if this is a mistake or a late announcement. Full specs and sample images can be found here.

Effective pixels	14.0 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. type CCD; total pixels: approx. 14.48 million
Lens	5x zoom NIKKOR; 4.6-23.0 mm (35 mm [135] format angle of view: 26-130 mm); f/3.2-6.5; Digital zoom: up to 4x (35 mm [135] format angle of view: Approx. 520 mm)
Focus range (from front of lens)	50 cm (1 ft 8 in.) to infinity (∞), Macro mode: 10 cm (4 in.) to infinity (∞)
Monitor	6.7 cm (2.7-in.), approx. 230k-dot, TFT LCD
Storage media	SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card*1
Image size (pixels)	14M (high image quality) [4320 x 3240★], 14M [4320 x 3240], 8M [3264 x 2448], 4M [2272 x 1704], 2M [1600 x 1200], VGA [640 x 480], 16:9 [4224 x 2376]
Vibration Reduction (VR)	Electronic VR
ISO sensitivity	ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*2, Auto (auto gain from ISO 80 to 1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 80 to 400, 80 to 800)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL19 (supplied), Charging AC Adapter EH-69P (supplied), AC Adapter EH-62G (optional), Battery Charger MH-66 (optional)
Battery life*3	Approx. 220 shots with EN-EL19 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 93.8 x 58.4 x 19.5 mm (3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.) excluding projections*4
Weight	Approx. 121 g (4.3 oz) with battery and SD memory card*4
Supplied accessories*5	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL19, Charging AC Adapter EH-69P, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap, ViewNX 2 Installer CD
Optional accessories	AC Adapter EH-62G, Battery Charger MH-66