Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Nikon Mount Lens Rumor

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Rumors are swirling that Voigtlander will soon release a 20mm f/3.5 lens for the Nikon mount.  Rumored specs are as follows:

  • Expected Release Date: February 28, 2009
  • Focal length: 20mm
  • Angle: 94 degrees
  • Relative aperture: 1:3.5
  • Minimum aperture 6 of 9 pieces: F22
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.2m
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 9 pieces
  • Weight: 205g
  • Maximum total length × diameter: 63 × 28.8mm
  • Filter size: 52mm
  • Mounting: Ai-s

[DPR forum via mapcamera.com] I’m questioning the release date, and as a result, the source, a bit.  February 28 is a Saturday.

 

Nikon D400 Ads Surface

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I was checking to see if anything had surfaced on the Nikon D400 and I noticed that an “exact match” (when you put your search term in quotes) search for “Nikon D400” produced a number of new stories about the rumored camera, but also revealed that legitimate retailers, like B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com, are buying ads in Google’s search results for the exact match term “Nikon D400”.

Here’s a screen capture of the search results for “Nikon D400”:

I recalled that B&H and Amazon did the same thing with the D90 back in August, just prior to its release.

For now, the links are going to search results pages for Nikon D400.

B&H Photo Nikon D400 Ad Link

Adorama Nikon D400 Ad Link

Amazon.com D400 Ad Link

And, here’s the search query that I used.

The rumors and chatter are in full force now.  If anything new is coming from Nikon at PMA, I’m strongly leaning toward the Nikon D400 as their DSLR release.

As for specs, I’ve seen several rumors lately that compare it the Canon 50D, which if true, the Nikon D400 will stack up quite nicely:

  • 15 megapixels
  • 6 frames per second
  • ISO 12800
  • 51 point AF
  • 1080p video

While none of the sources I’ve read indicate substantial reliability on the specs, I think these make sense and are quite reasonable.  First, it crushes the Canon 50D, particularly if high-ISO performs anywhere near the D700.  Second, it’s enough of a step up from the D300 to be a true replacement as opposed to an “oh, we’ve got an upgrade” kind of release.

For the latest news on the D400, stay tuned to the Photography Bay front page and the Nikon D400 Rumors page.

What do you think?

Anyone heard of, seen, touched or dreamt of the Nikon D400?  Fire away in the comments below or email me at pic at contact [at] photographybay.com.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens

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The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G lens is designed for use exclusively with the Nikon DX-format (1.5x crop factor). With a wide aperture of f/1.8, the AF-S 35mm lens is equivalent to 52mm on a 35mm frame, which makes it the ideal “normal” lens replacement for Nikon DX-format DSLRs. The inclusion of the a AF motor inside the lens makes it a great prime lens for D40/D60 users.

The AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 lens should be available in March 2009 for $199.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below.

[Read more…]

Nikon D300 Review at Beyond Megapixels

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Beyond Megapixels has posted a review of the Nikon D300.

This is an excellent camera. It was easy enough to pick up and go with, it was sturdy and worked with my existing lens collection so that’s a huge plus, I loved how the photo information and the amount of photo information provided with graphs.

For more reviews and info, see Photography Bay’s Nikon D300 Reviews and Resources.

Nikon D400 Book on Amazon.de

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Amazon Germany has a listing for a Nikon D400 book that is a hardcover book and appears to be set for release in July 2009.  A search for the ISBN numbers noted on the product page reveals nothing more than forum posts and blog chatter about this particular listing on Amazon.de.

Here is the link to the product page while it’s still up (copy and paste into your browser):

The screen capture above is the actual page on Amazon.de.  The below screen capture is just and automated translation of the same.

While the Nikon D400 clearly remains a rumor for now, this adds a little fuel to the fire that’s been building for a few months.  If you recall, there was a similar “leak” of a book on Amazon.com for the Canon 5D Mark II prior to its release way back in May 2008. Remember this.  After the leak, the author issued a statement vehemently denying any legitimacy to the rumor.  We all know how that one turned out.

For the latest news and rumors on the D400, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D400 page.

Nikon D700x / D800 Rumor Update

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PMA 2009 rumors sure are heating up, as we get more “reliable” rumors of a Nikon D700x / D800 release.  Presumably, this will be the rumored high-megapixel junior sibling to the D3x – in the same way the D700 relates to the D3.

Here’s one site’s purportedly reliable info on the new D700x / D800:

An extremely reliable source for RYC has confirmed a camera being field tested by Nikon to directly compete against the Canon 5D MKII. This camera will be announced at the PMA show this year.

[RYC via DPR forums]

Stay tuned for more on the Nikon D700x / D800 Rumors.

Nikon P90 Reviews and Resources

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The Nikon P90 is a 12.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a 24x optical zoom and 3″ LCD screen.  It also boasts a 15 frame per second capture rate.  Of course, with the superzoom lens, it features optical vibration reduction to reduce camera shake blur.  In the “why bother” category, Nikon gives the P90 a max sensitivity of ISO 6400.  The Nikon P90 should be available in March 2009 for $399.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon P90 Reviews

Imaging Resource

For most people the Nikon P90 will produce good enough output for common print sizes, despite the overaggressive noise suppression, but Auto white balance will often disappoint, and the lens could use a hood.

Let’s Go Digital

The Nikon Coolpix P90 is a versatile mega zoom camera with advanced features.

Cameras.co.uk

I have few complaints about the picture quality offered by the camera. Watch out for purple fringing from time to time. It may need to be cleaned up with a tool such as Photoshop.

PhotographyBLOG

The Nikon Coolpix P90 is an almost kind of camera, offering an attractive overall package but ultimately falling short in certain key areas when compared to its main rivals.

Trusted Reviews

The Nikon Coolpix P90 is a superb camera, certainly one of the best super-zoom bridge cameras on the market, with plenty to appeal to the enthusiast while still retaining some ease of use for the novice.

More info in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix S630, S620 and S220

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Nikon has released a family of new Coolpix S-series cameras – the S630, S620 and S220.  Each should be available February 2009.

Nikon S630 Key Features

  • 12 Megapixels
  • 7x Optical Zoom
  • 2.7″ LCD
  • 11 Frames Per Second
  • Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • ISO 6400 Max
  • Price $279.95

Nikon S620 Key Features

  • 12.2 Megapixels
  • 4x Optical Zoom
  • 2.7″ LCD
  • Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • ISO 6400 Max
  • Price $269.95

Nikon S220 Key Features

  • 10 megapixels
  • 3x Optical Zoom
  • Vibration Reduction
  • ISO 2000 Max
  • Price $149.95

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]