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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Lens Shipping in China; Next Week in US

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 Nikon 800mm f/5.6

Evidence that Nikon’s new 800mm behemoth is shipping to customers in China appeared earlier this week on the Mobile01 forums, where a user posted images of his new $18,000 lens. This should serve as good news to US customers who have pre-ordered the super-telephoto lens, as B&H Photo currently lists it as expected to ship next week on April 4.

Nikon 800mm Close Up

[via NR]

Apple Pushes Out FCP X Update w/ Sony XAVC 4K Support; Bigger Stuff Coming Soon…?

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FCP X

Apple has just updated Final Cut Pro X to version 10.0.8 and includes support for Sony’s XAVC codec used in its 4K cameras. The XAVC codec is used for 4K capture on the Sony F55. (Recall that I also detailed XAVC and the potential to use XQD cards to capture 4K XAVC footage in Sony’s new “consumer” 4K camcorder back at CES.) It’s a relatively minor update with additional support for the ARRI Alexa and some other fixes and improvements.

Along with the release of the FCP X update, however, Apple is nudging back at the pro market with a campaign to get us back on board the Apple video editing train. It is certainly no coincidence that NAB 2013 kicks off in a little over a week though. [Read more…]

Mastering the Nikon D600 – New Book

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D600 Book

Mastering the Nikon D600 is a new book from photographer Darrell Young, who has authored several other books in this series on Nikon DSLRs.

“This book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles.”

Mastering the Nikon D600 retails for $39.95; however, it is currently available for $21.07 from Amazon.com.

New Canon 7D Mark II and 100-400mm Lens Rumors

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Canon 7D Mark II

Rumors of the Canon 7D Mark II continue to trickle out as the original 7D approaches its fourth birthday. Alongside a set of rumored specifications for the pro-level APS-C DSLR, it appears that a refreshed version of the Canon EF 100-400mm IS lens may also join its ranks on the eventual announcement date (currently rumored for the September/October time frame).

The current 100-400mm lens is available at the moment for $1459 with Canon’s existing rebates. Based on Canon’s recent pricing strategy, I would surmise that pricing for a new version of this lens would be north of $2500. Not cheap, but Canon doesn’t seem to be having much of a problem moving the new 24-70mm f/2.8L at over $2k per unit.

Below are the most recent 7D Mark II specs, which are purportedly based on a prototype of the camera that is in the wild. [Read more…]

Hasselblad Lunar: “Read My Lips, Five Thousand Dollars”

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Hasselblad Lunar

The Hasselblad Lunar is expected to go on sale for $5,000 or so in April. In its promotion of the upcoming camera, Hasselblad is detailing the five models in the Lunar collection based on their stylistic exterior features – as opposed to what kind of images the Sony NEX-7 internals can produce.

The Lunar Collection consists of:

  • Black Leather
  • Brown Leather
  • Carbon Fiber
  • Mahogany
  • Zebra wood

Axel Foley Hasselblad

In the words of Axel Foley, “Read my lips, five thousand dollars.” [Read more…]