Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2007

Nikon Reporting Record Sales

By

Forbes has the info:

Nikon chief financial officer Ichiro Terato told a press conference: ‘High-margin single-lens reflex digital cameras and interchangeable lenses are selling well thanks to the aggressive release of new models such as the D-80, D-40 and D-40X.’

He remarked: ‘The entry into the SLR digital camera market of Sony (nyse: SNE – news – people ) and Matsushita Electric helped increase the size of the market.’

Nikon sold 2.09 mln SLR digital cameras in the last fiscal year, up from 1.34 mln the year before.

It sold 2.64 mln interchangeable lenses for SLR digital cameras, up from 2.02 mln.

‘Brisk sales of high-end digital cameras and interchangeable lenses more than offset sluggish sales of our compact digital cameras,’ Terato said.

Raise your hand if you have something to do with this.  I know I’ve enjoyed my new D40!

I think its pretty clear from these numbers that the release of the D40x over a D3 was more beneficial to Nikon’s bottom line.  We all want a D3 though… or two of’em.

[tags]nikon, sales, profits, d40, d80, d40x, slr, digital, camera, news, money, financial[/tags]

 

Understanding Exposure, DIY Backdrops, Viewfinder Shots and an Itty Bitty Pretty Camera

By

I’ve always recommended the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson because it does a great job of putting together all of the elements that go into a properly exposed photograph and explains it for the Average Joe. Consider picking up a copy. It’ll be the best $15 you spend in photography. Likewise, take a look at this resourceful tool, an interactive camera that demonstrates the effect that camera settings have on your photograph. You can see instant results for exposure and depth of field components. If you don’t quite get it yet, then check out these two useful tools for honing your skills as a photographer. If you do “get it”, I think both are probably still worth your time.

Need a backdrop and strapped for cash? Consider doing it yourself. Here’s how to.

If you haven’t read Rich Legg’s “Through the Viewfinder” post, go check it out now.  It’s pretty cool stuff!

Check out this review of the new Fuji F40fd. Fuji has finally caught on and made way for SD memory cards.  Kudos to Fuji.  For more on why that’s important, check out my prior post on Memory Cards and Cameras.  Finally, memory cards are still dirt cheap.  Even big ones.

[tags]bryan peterson, exposure, tools, software, memory card, fuji, f40fd, sd, card, backdrop, diy, through the viewfinder[/tags]

Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS Review

By

SLR Gear has a nice review of the Canon 70-200 f/4 L IS lens.

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight, compact L Series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer. The optical Image Stabilization in the new EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens provides up to an incredible four stops of shake correction – a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements provides excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. These features, together with its water-and dust-proof construction, provide both the performance and portability to meet user demands. Read more . . .

[tags]canon, f/4, f4, L, 70-200, is, usm, review, lens, test[/tags]

Nikon D3 Due “Around Fall” 2007

By

Here’s the latest and greatest from the long string of rumors dug up from the forums over at DPReview.com from someone who knows someone in the know:

I was today on a major event from a camera store (big one at VA region), and the Nikon representative that I know was there, also the Canon guy with a Mark III demo.

I teased my Nikon guy friend about the June 1st (Canon III date), and he told me that Nikon will have a BIG answer for that around fall, and will be BIG.

He was the one that gave me some tips around the D200 launch day.

Right, I know. Real solid stuff here. The post author does catch a little flack from the certainty of his prediction. Certain or not, its more for the rumor mill and that’s what we’ve got to deal with until Nikon makes an announcement.

[tags]nikon, d3, rumor, news, dslr, d3x, d3h, d2, successor, 2007, digital, camera, may[/tags]

Photo of the Day

By

Red Squirrel in the Early Snow

Originally uploaded by stellaretriever.


Think you need to spend a serious chunk of change to get great wildlife shots? Think again.

This awesome shot was captured with a Canon S3 IS. It was captured at 1/250s and f/3.5. The focal length was 72mm, which transfers to the long end of the zoom ~420mm (a 6x multiplier).

[tags]photo of the day, photo, pics, photgraphy, canon, s3 is, wildlife, nature, close-up, digital, camera[/tags]