Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Just last week, we saw a Nikon D4 surface on an online store, alleging that it was coming soon. Now, another site (Thai camera cafe) has jumped on the Nikon D4 bandwagon with a product page for the camera, as you can see from the screen shot above.
[via Nikon Rumors]
Here’s a few videos that show off the new Nikon D300s and give you a little taste of what you can expect from the video capabilities.
I don’t know that we needed the subtitles on the last one; however, it was nice to see a little more of a home cooked version of video from the D300s. More info about this camera is available on Photography Bay’s Nikon D300s Reviews and Resources.
Several folks have emailed in regarding a Nikon D5000 recall. It’s been a few weeks since the “recall” and we didn’t post an update when it came out. Nikon refers to the occurrence as a “service advisory.”
While Nikon takes great measures to assure high quality in its imaging products, it has come to our attention that an electronic component related to power control in some Nikon D5000 digital SLR cameras does not meet factory specifications and may, in certain circumstances, prevent the camera from turning on, thus preventing operation of the camera.
Indications of this issue include:1. The camera cannot be operated when the power switch is on, even with a fully-charged battery.
2. The camera cannot be operated with the EH-5a AC Adapter connected through the EP-5 Power Connector and the power switch on.The solution:
Nikon has isolated the issues related to this and has effectively resolved them. Preparations have been made at a special Nikon repair facility to streamline the processes associated with the solution. Service related to this issue, including the cost of shipping affected D5000 cameras to Nikon, as well as their return to customers, will be free of charge. To further minimize customer inconvenience, Nikon will return serviced cameras to customers promptly, employing (whenever possible) transportation that limits transit time to two days.
There’s a way to check the serial number on your Nikon D5000 and get more details on this page.
This is a little out of left field and little off the release calendar; however, I got a tip on it and the post went up fresh today. I think this is a little off-base since we just saw the Nikon D300s and D3000 released a couple weeks ago.
I think it’s more likely that the site is just fishing for attention, but that’s a juicy camera model, so I’ll bite. It’s been close to 2 years since the D3 came out; however, I still don’t think that’s long enough – at least not according to the Nikon DSLR Roadmap.
What do you think?
Pretty often these days I receive questions in regards to cameras, photography, tech etc. Earlier today I received a Facebook message from a college friend who wanted and needed Nikon advice. Here’s what he had to say:
I always see your status updates about cameras, so maybe you’re the right person to ask about this….I have a Nikon N55, and something is wrong with it, I ended up buying up to a used N75 just so that I can keep using film, until I decide to spend some serious money on a digital camera…But, should I look into fixing the N55, or should I bury it, and say my prayers?
hope all is well man.
I’d be grateful for any help you could provide.
Sincerely,
Camilo.
Truthfully Camilo, you’re much better off replacing it with something along the lines of a D90, D300 or even a D700 depending on your photography habits. There are chances that Nikon may not support those cameras anymore as they try to focus mostly on their digital photography and replacing units like that is hard to do as pieces and specific parts aren’t made anymore. I had a similar problem while trying to fix/replace my mom’s Olympus OM77. [Read more…]
Pocket-Lint got some hands-on time with the new projector point and shoot camera from Nikon, the Coolpix S1000pj.
At the moment we can’t see a killer selling point other than “Wow! That’s so cool!”.
I couldn’t agree more…
Also, check out Pocket-Lint’s gallery of images showing off the new camera.
For more on the S1000pj, see Photography Bay’s Nikon Coolpix S1000pj Reviews and Resources.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj is a 12.1 megapixel point and shoot camera, which includes a built-in projector for displaying images directly from the camera. The projector can produce images and video up to 40-inches in size. The S100opj also features a 5x optical zoom, Nikon’s VR Image Stabilization System and an ISO range of 64-6400.
The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $429.95.
Check availability on Amazon.com.
In use, the projector does not really disappoint, although its modest VGA resolution and dull colours mean it’s no match for a traditional slide show created using a good old 35mm slide projector.
The picture quality should not be too much of an issue with smaller prints or indeed if you are planning to set up a slideshow, but larger sized prints may begin to highlight one or two problems.
I was pretty surprised at how well Nikon implemented a mini-projector into the Coolpix S1000pj.
Despite the naysayers opinion of the S1000pj as a mere novelty, Buy-n-Shoot rate this unit as a breath of fresh air within a saturated compact camera market.
Pocket-Lint (hands-on review)
At the moment we can’t see a killer selling point other than “Wow! That’s so cool!”.
More details in the press release below.
NEW COOLPIX S1000pj FEATURES WORLD’S FIRST BUILT-IN PROJECTOR, YOUR PERSONAL THEATER ON THE GO
Providing consumers with new exciting ways to share images, the COOLPIX S1000pj transforms photo-sharing into a multimedia experience. With the touch of a button, users can project images and videos as large as 40 inches, and with the camera’s unique slideshow function, playback pictures with music, effects and creative transitions. Additional features of the S1000pj include: 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO from 64-6400***; a 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.
The COOLPIX S1000pj will be available in Matte Black, in September 2009, for $429.95 MSRP.
The Nikon Coolpix S70 is a 12.1-megapixel point and shoot camera, which features a 3.5-inch touchscreen display. The S70 allows users the ability to touch the subject they wish to focus on and the camera will then autofocus on the subject and capture the image.
The S70 also offers a 5x optical zoom and Nikon VR Image Stabilization System. The S70 will be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $399.95.
Check availability on Amazon.com.
As a digital compact camera, it is average – it has some nice functions, such as the Touch Shutter feature that lets you focus on your subject and take a picture very quickly; but enthusiast photographers will likely bemoan the limited level of user control over the picture taking process as well the lack of a pre- or post-capture histogram to check exposure.
The Nikon Coolpix S70 is a capable touchscreen camera which deserves my recommendation. It excels at shooting outdoors and in bright light, has a basket of neat features and takes good quality photos.
NEW COOLPIX S70 FEATURES SUPERIOR STYLING AND OLED TOUCH-SCREEN INTERFACE
Built on the success of Nikon’s previous touch-screen models, the COOLPIX S70 features Nikon’s newly developed 3.5-inch Clear Color Display and a new generation of touch-screen controls that offer an enhanced shooting and playback experience. In addition to its photographic technology and stylish dual-texture design, the S70 captures stunning HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels (720p).
New to the COOLPIX line, OLED technology offers the benefits of vivid color reproduction, sharp contrast and the absence of afterimages. The capacitive touch-screen provides an immediate response at the lightest touch of the display for a fun and intuitive feel to every camera operation. For example, using the Touch Shutter feature, users can have a completely “button-free” experience and focus on and photograph a subject by simply touching it on the camera’s display. The touch-screen also makes viewing and retouching images more fun and efficient. With the swipe of a finger, users can scroll through images and use a pinching motion with two fingers to zoom in or out on displayed images, switching between thumbnail and full screen views. Additional new touch-screen controls include on-screen sliders for adjusting brightness and Scene Effect Adjustment, which offers controls specific to the scene mode in use.
The COOLPIX S70 features 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR lens; ISO 6400***; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and an ultra-stylish design.
The S70 will be available in September 2009 for $399.95 MSRP in a choice of colors and textures including Red & Red, Champagne & Beige, Black & Black, or Champagne & Light Brown.
The Nikon Coolpix S640 and S570 are two point and shoot cameras which feature 12.2- and 12.0-megapixel sensors, respectively.
The S640 offers a 5x optical zoom and ISO range of 100-6400, while the S570 also features a 5x zoom and ISO up to 3200. Both cameras offer full resolution images at their max ISO, which is a rarity among point and shoot cameras at this high of an ISO setting. The two cameras also feature Nikon’s VR Image Stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD.
The S640 and S570 will be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $249.95 and $199.95, respectively.
Check availability for the Nikon Coolpix S570 and S640 on Amazon.com:
The Nikon Coolpix S640 is a solid offering. It looks good and is very straightforward too.
Image quality is very good, with more than acceptable results in terms of noise from ISO 100-800, although the faster settings of 3200 and 6400 aren’t worth using.
All-in-all both the S570 and S640 are slim, stylish units from the Nikon Coolpix range that offer ease-of-use, great portability and excellent image quality for compact cameras within this affordable price range.
All-in-all both the S570 and S640 are slim, stylish units from the Nikon Coolpix range that offer ease-of-use, great portability and excellent image quality for compact cameras within this affordable price range.
NEW COOLPIX S640 IS SLEEK, FAST AND FULLY-LOADED WITH ENHANCED SPEED CAPABILITIES
For consumers who never want to miss a moment, the all-new COOLPIX S640 is Nikon’s performance leader in the S-Series lineup. High performance features include ultra-fast auto-focus, the fastest start up time in its class** of a mere 0.7 seconds and short shutter release time lag. Additional features of the S640 include: a slim, stylish all metal body; 12.2 megapixels; a 5x Wide Angle NIKKOR lens; ISO from 100-6400 at full resolution; a 2.7-inch Clear Color LCD Display; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.
The COOLPIX S640 will be available in September 2009 for $249.95 MSRP and will be offered in various colors including: Calm Black, Velour Red, Precious Pink and Pearl White.
NEW COOLPIX S570 OFFERS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AT AN ECONOMICAL PRICE POINT
Where style meets simplicity, the new COOLPIX S570 is ideal for entry-level consumers looking for a carefree shooting experience. The S570 features 12.0 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO 3200 at full resolution; a bright 2.7-inch LCD Display; 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.
The COOLPIX S570 will be available in September 2009, for $199.95 MSRP and will be offered in various colors including Black, Red, Blue and Pink.
Nikon VP650 is rumored to be a code name for a new Nikon camera that features a built-in projector. A tipster sent Nikon Rumors some details on the new shooter from the new issue of Chasseur d’image (a French magazine that has a history of getting the scoop on new products):
In their august issue, they’re talking with A LOT of confidence (as if it was a sure thing) of a new Nikon product with the code name Nikon VP650 that should be announced in August and shipped in September. This camera would be a compact camera with a LED projector that could project up to 8×12 images in good quality in the dark.
While I can see an interesting social spin that this could generate in the digital imaging world, it also seems a little gimmicky if this rumor is to be believed. This report of the gadget’s functionality just makes it seem like something is missing (e.g., additional features, implementation, etc.). I suppose we will know soon enough though, as Nikon is rumored another press event set for August 4.
[via Nikon Rumors]