Video of the Nikon D3:
I know it’s not the best but it’s all that’s out there right now.
[tags]nikon, d3, video, review[/tags]
Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
By Eric Reagan
Video of the Nikon D3:
I know it’s not the best but it’s all that’s out there right now.
[tags]nikon, d3, video, review[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Eight years after Nikon’s D1 camera changed professional digital photography forever, Nikon today introduced the D3 – a new digital SLR camera that is poised to once again revolutionize photography for professionals. The 12.1 effective megapixel D3 features Nikon’s new FX-format CMOS sensor, measuring 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. With the fastest startup time, shortest viewfinder blackout time, and shortest shutter lag of any digital SLR camera as well as the capability to shoot up to nine frames per second at full FX-format resolution, the D3 is the world’s fastest digital SLR camera in its class.*
Designed with sports photographers and photojournalists in mind, the Nikon D3 introduces an astounding list of brand new features and technologies that make it the most sophisticated and advanced Nikon digital SLR to date. In addition to the new FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3 incorporates Nikon’s new EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to the blazing speed and processing power needed for many of the D3’s new features.
Images taken with the D3 reflect exceptional overall quality, broad tonal range and depth, along with extremely low-noise throughout its normal ISO range of 200 to 6400. By setting the camera to its built-in options of Lo-1 or Hi-2, the ISO range of the camera can be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 100 or ISO 25,600 respectively, offering unmatched versatility in practically any shooting situation. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced its most advanced DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300. Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3 effective megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon’s newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.
Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera’s new features. The D300 features a new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as found in the D3 that promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
Nikon Introduces the World’s First 14mm Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with a Constant f/2.8 Aperture and a Highly Versatile 24-70mm f/2.8 Zoom, Making Professional Lens Selection Easier Than Ever
MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today announced two new high performance NIKKOR lenses that offer remarkable sharpness, clarity and contrast. The new AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is one of the fastest 14mm ultra-wide angle zoom lenses available today while the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens is a highly versatile lens ideal for a broad range of applications and lighting conditions. While designed for use with either of Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras, these new lenses truly maximizes the potential of Nikon’s recently announced D3 FX-format professional digital SLR camera. Combined with Nikon’s venerable AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR, these new lenses now offer professional photographers the ideal three-lens solution with a constant f/2.8 aperture across all three lenses. [Read more…]
By Eric Reagan
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…]
By Eric Reagan
These photos of the Nikon D3 and D300 have purportedly been leaked out on a Korean website:
These are the cleanest looking photos that I’ve seen to date. Still, officially, this is a rumor . . . but maybe not for long?
[tags]nikon, d3, d300, photos, images, release, announcement, rumors, news[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
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]
By Eric Reagan
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]
By Eric Reagan
______________________
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?
By Eric Reagan
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]