Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for August 2007

New Nikon Super-Telephoto Lenses Announced – 400mm, 500mm, 600mm

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New Lenses Feature Remarkable Optics, Vibration Reduction (VR II) and Rugged Construction

MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced three new super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses that offer professional photographers the latest innovations in lens technology and optical design. The new AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR, and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR all offer unprecedented image quality, responsiveness and versatility along with new features such as Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction technology and Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. These new lenses are designed for use with Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras and together with Nikon’s current AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR lens, they complete Nikon’s range of super-telephoto lenses. [Read more…]

 

Popular Science Nikon D3 and D300 Leak

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Nikon Strikes Back!!! It appears that Popular Science may have jumped the gun on the release of their article for the Nikon D3 and D300. The article was apparently up for a few minutes and then pulled. Too little too late, because Technorati captured the intro to the article which reads as follows:

Nikon’s Pro Camera Assault [IMG D3_85_ambiance_i] Just three days after Canon announced a pair of pro cameras, Nikon unleashed it’s own duo of high-end digitals: The ultra high-end D3 and the still really high-end D300. It leads with the Deathstar of SLRs, the D3. The biggest change is, in fact, one of bigness. Nikon equipped the new camera with a 36×23.9-millimeter image sensor that’s nearly as large as an old 35-milimeter film frame.

Note that the tone of the article speaks of the Nikon announce for the D3 and D300 in past tense. Apparently, PopSci knows something the rest of us don’t. Make a note to check back here in the morning to find out if a Nikon D3 and D300 really exist.

[tags]nikon, d3, d300, popular science, leak, release, announcement, specs[/tags]

Nikon D3 Image?

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This is another image that’s surfaced in a long stream of Nikon D3 rumors over the past few days. Apparently, this originally surfaced in the HK forums. While this image has caught some criticism as a fake, it’s also been accepted as well – perhaps in light of recent rumors…? (via DPReview.com)

[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, d3h, dslr, news, rumors[/tags]

NASA Orders 76 Nikon D2Xs Cameras

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______________________

Seriously:

The NASA order specifically comprises of 76 D2XS digital SLR cameras, 39 NIKKOR Lenses (in two types), 64 Speedlight flashes, batteries and other accessories which will support both flight and training requirements. Except a change to NASA-specified lubricants, the D2XS models to be used for EVA are almost identical to those commercially available on the market. The D2XS models will undergo stringent NASA testing before they are qualified to be manifested for a particular mission. (read more of Nikon’s press release)

Maybe the Nikon D3 isn’t coming anytime soon after all? At $4300, the Nikon D2Xs isn’t exactly cheap (well over $300,000 for 76 of’em). Maybe NASA just didn’t want a D3? Your thoughts?

Canon 1Ds Mark III Reviews and Resources

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This page is dedicated to Canon 1Ds Mark III reviews and other resources. As the reviews come rolling in, I’ll post links to them below. In the mean time, you can keep an eye on the Canon 1Ds Mark III’s availability at Amazon.com, or check on other vendors like Adorama and B&H Photo on this page.

Reviews

DP Review

It is undeniably impressive, and though it appears on the surface to be a fairly low key update to the Mark II, the more you use it the more you realize how all the little improvements add up to a significantly better camera (and that’s aside from the resolution hike).

Ken Rockwell

The Canon 1Ds Mk III is a solid brick of a camera, has extraordinarily high technical image quality, but is hindered by sucky ergonomics and a mediocre LCD.

Let’s Go Digital

Canon started from scratch with the Mark III. And that is obvious with the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. It is much more than a Mark II with a new image sensor. There has been thorough thought about the whole camera and the entire structure has been altered without making the photographer used to working with a Canon EOS-1 lose his way.

Photo.net

The EOS 1Ds Mark III is a remarkable display of engineering prowess. Do you need a weatherproofed camera that is strong enough to drive nails while producing the world’s best image quality? If so, the 1Ds is a bargain. If not, the Canon EOS 5D, $2150 (buy from Amazon) is a better value.

Cnet

The 1Ds Mark III can capture beautiful, amazingly detailed images. Colors are extremely accurate and, as mentioned above, the automatic white balance system does a great job of keeping color neutral across a wide range of lighting.

PopPhoto

Color accuracy on the 1Ds Mark III also lands in the top tier, with an Excellent rating based on an average Delta E of 6.98 (compared with 7.3 on the 1D Mark III and 7.28 on the Nikon D3, also Excellent ratings.) The color accuracy remained similarly high all the way up through ISO 1600, while resolution dropped only 15 percent when we applied full noise reduction at ISO 1600 and 3200 in Canon’s sophisticated (and included) Digital Photo Professional software.

The Digital Picture

I could show you examples to make either of the two 1-series bodies appear to be slightly better than the other. If you plan for the 1Ds III and 1Ds II have a similar amount of noise, you will not be disappointed. Up to and including ISO 400, they are about the same. Above ISO 400, the 1Ds III more frequently begins taking a very slight lead (less noise) and this lead increases to slight at ISO 3200.

Photo Business Forum (Comparison to Nikon D3)

For large commercial jobs, where I am thinking I want a higher native resolution, it’ll be the Canon I reach for. For low light situations, which are all too common, it will, without a doubt, be Nikon. In fact, with the noise issue out of the way, and most client deliverables needing to be down-rezzed anyway, I can see that the Nikon not only would be a better solution to speeding up my post-production process, but moreover, storing the RAW/DNG files will save me significant hard-drive space in my archives over the larger Canon files.

Phil Holland

After shooting with the camera with a few days under numerous conditions I can confidently say the Canon 1Ds Mark III is easily the most versatile full frame digital SLR currently available. Currently the only thing similar on the market is the camera it’s replacing. The 1Ds Mark II. In terms of pure image resolution the only cameras that come close are digital medium format bodies and backs. I’ve used a range of PhaseOne backs now and I know they can squeeze out more detail. That said you lose a lot of flexibility for that gain in resolution and in price point.

Northlight Images first impressions

Does the 1Ds3 obsolete lenses? Well, I tried the garage doors photo with my 24-70 2.8L and it shows up a slight lack of edge detail and softness that I just didn’t notice much with the 1Ds. That’s bad then? Well it depends – were the shots I took with the 24-70 sharp enough for the work I was using it for? – easily. So, will I carry on using it? yes, it’s a very useful lens for travelling round with. Will I be looking for Canon to bring out an even better 24-70 2.8L IS? most definitely :-)

Luminuous Lanscape first impressions

As for overall image quality, I’ve only done about 400 frames so far shooting fall colour in Algonquin Park. I’ve made about a half dozen 20X30″ prints on the new Epson 11880 printer, and the results are generally excellent.

Auto white balance is as good as I’ve ever seen. Tonal renditions are excellent, and it appears that the 14 bit processing capability is of definite value, especially when working on files which require some extensive manipulation.

Catch some video footage of the Canon 1Ds Mark III via YouTube.

Official Canon Resources

Firmware Updates.

The Canon 1Ds Mark III white paper (.pdf).

The official Canon 1Ds Mark III page with specs, features and sample images taken by the new flagship.

The official Canon Press Release for the 1Ds Mark III.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]canon, eos, 1ds mark iii, 1ds, mk, mark, iii, reviews, photos[/tags]

New Nikon D3, D300 and Lens Specs

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Here’s the scoop from a Japanese blog that claims to have an inside track to Nikon. Forgive me, but I’ve lost the link. Let me know if you’ve got it. (Thanks Doc)
First off, Nikon will be bringing us a full frame D3X at 16MP and 9 frames per second. The D3X has a crop mode to DX-size at 12MP and 11 frames per second (that would make it industry leader).

Next the Nikon D300 will be 12MP (with a DX sensor) at 6 frames per second. The optional battery grip will boost the shooting rate to 8 frames per second (again, class leader).

Reportedly, both cameras will operate at ISO 200-6400.

Finally, five new lenses are in store for Nikonians. They are as follows:

  • 14-24mm f/2.8 G AF-S
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 G AF-S
  • 400mm f/2.8 G AF-S VR
  • 500mm f/4 G AF-S VR
  • 600mm f/4 G AF-S VR

Note the AF-S feature in all of them. Expect this to be standard in the future due to the popularity of the Nikon D40 and D40x.

Keep your eyes on this page and I’ll be sure to fill you in on all the goodies if and when the real deal surfaces from Nikon.

[tags]nikon, d3, d300, news, rumors, release, lens, vr, features, specs[/tags]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3

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PRESS RELEASE: SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2007 – For parents looking to capture and re-live their children’s back-to-school memories, Sony is introducing a super-zoom digital camera small enough to carry to any school activity.

The new 8-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-H3 camera has a powerful 10x optical zoom lens for those close-up shots you don’t want to miss, and yet features a super compact form so you can take the camera along anywhere. [Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot T-200 and T-70

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PRESS RELEASE: SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21, 2007 –Memorable photos are at your fingertips with two new slim, yet powerful Sony Cyber-shot® T-series cameras. Both offer an intuitive touch screen that allows you to instantly select the subject you want to focus on (in shooting mode) and what you want to view or where you want to zoom (in playback mode).

The cameras also feature a new smile shutter function, which helps capture the most important part of a photo – the smile.

The ultra-thin, 8-megapixel DSC-T200 model raises the bar with a 3.5-inch wide LCD touch-panel that controls all of the camera’s settings and a 5x Carl Zeiss® optical zoom lens. This model will be available in silver, black and red.

The 8-megapixel DSC-T70 camera features a 3-inch wide LCD touch panel and a 3x Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens. It will be offered in silver, black, white and pink. [Read more…]