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Nikon D3x Hands-On Review at Digital Rev

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Digital Rev has published a hands-on review with sample images of the Nikon D3x.

For Nikon users, they have finally got a pro DSLR body that could offer them high resolution beyond the measly 12.1 megapixels ceiling that had to live with before without having to consider going medium format.

For more news and reviews, visit Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x Reviews and Resources.

Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700 High ISO – Quick Comparison

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I put together a few quick frames from ISO 1600 to ISO 25600 for the Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II tonight.  Nothing scientific, just a few shots snapped off at my desk.

Settings: tripod, aperture priority @ f/8, evaluative metering, auto white balance, ISO 1600-25600 in full stops – lenses used were 50mm f/1.8 on the Nikon & 50mm f/1.4 on the Canon – RAW capture – exported to JPEG via Lightroom with no edits other than the 100% crops

As you’ll see, the 5D Mark II tended to underexpose a bit, which I left alone for the purposes of this quick test. I’ll go more in-depth in a later post on these two cameras.

Click on any image to enlarge to full size (Note that I mildly resized the 100% crops to fit into the post, so you’ll need to click to get the 100% crop, which are between 650-800px wide for both cameras)  Also, bear in mind that the 5D Mark II full image files go up to 32MB+ in file size, so dial-up readers need not apply. [Read more…]

Zacuto’s Great Camera Shootout

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Zacuto has been in the photography new headlines several times since the announcement of their accessories for the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D90, which are specifically geared and the video capabilities of these cameras. (See this post for more.)

Now, Zacuto has put together a shootout of a number of video cameras, including the Canon 5D Mark II and the Nikon D90. Check out the video and the press release below.


Zacuto’s Great Camera Shootout ’08 from Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA on Vimeo.

Chicago, IL – DECEMBER 12, 2008 – When DP Joe Stunzi came to Chicago to test all of the new HD cameras on the market against each other, he initially had hopes of making a short video using the new Canon 5D Mark II. However, Zacuto’s Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn & Scott Lynch decided that another 5D MKII fluff piece is not what was needed. “We needed to see the 5DMKII in relation to other cameras”, says Steve Weiss. So the “Great Camera Shootout of ’08” was born. In this video you will hear Joe, Steve, Jens & Scott discuss what they liked and disliked about each of the HD cameras and DOF adapters. “This test is really for independent filmmakers and web cinematographers who are creating content with the look and feel of a 35mm motion picture.” In this video you will see a same shot comparison of: 35mm motion picture, RED, EX3, HVX200, HPX170, HPX3000, Sony EX3, Nikon D90, Canon 5D Mark II, Letus35 Ultimate and Elite DOF adapters, RedRock Micro and more. Follow a discussion by four filmmakers ranging in age from 18-46. They discuss what’s best. You won’t believe the conclusions. Read Specifications of Shoot at zacuto.zenfolio.com/p82280286/h1429ae6c#h1429ae6c and watch the video at www.zacutovideo.com.

Rumor: Nikon D400 at 14.8 Megapixels

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Sure as tomorrow is coming, a Nikon D400 will come . . . some day.  When?  I can’t say for sure.  I’d wager that PMA 2009 (in March) would be a good place to announce it.  Frankly, I’m surprised that we haven’t seen more rumors on this camera lately.  As far as DSLRs go, it’s the next big thing for Nikon.

Nikon Rumors is reporting some rumored specs of the Nikon D400 (at a price tag of $2000) from an anonymous source, which are as follows:

  • New 14.8 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor effective 14.3 megapixel
  • Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
  • ISO 100 – 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 50)
  • 14-bit A/D conversion
  • Movie capture at up to 1080p 24 fps with stereo sound
  • Nikon EXPEED Plus image processor 30% faster than previous EXPEED image processor
  • Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 40 ms, black-out 90 ms)
  • Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 200,000 exposure durability
  • Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
  • Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
  • Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
  • Vignetting control in-camera
  • Automatic chromatic aberration correction
  • Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
  • Seven frames per second continuous shooting (nine frames per second with battery pack)
  • 3.0? 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
  • Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast-detect AF, face detection
  • ‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
  • Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
  • Buttons sealed against moisture
  • Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D700
  • Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
  • Picture Control image parameter presets
  • UDMA compatible single CF card slot
  • Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
  • Extensive in-camera retouching
  • HDMI HD video output
  • Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture

[via NR] Plausible?

I think so.  These specs seem like a solid response to both the Canon 50D and Canon 5D Mark II.  Given the bargain price of the Canon 50D, however, I’m not too sure how bad it will hurt the 50D.  $2000 is a bit of a magic number for prosumer DSLRs and it may be enough to sway those Nikonians looking to switch to the 5D Mark II if these specs and price point turns out to be true.

For now, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D400 coverage for the latest news and rumors.

Nikon D3x Features Sony-Manufactured Sensor

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Nikon has been dodging a direct answer to the question of sensor origins of its D3x since the camera was announced.  Nikon has finally admitted that Sony manufactured the sensor; however, Nikon points out that it designed the sensor.  Here’s Nikon’s own words:

The Nikon D3X’s 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor was developed expressly for the D3X in accordance with Nikon’s stringent engineering requirements and performance standards, with final production executed by Sony. Featuring refined low-noise characteristics, 12 and 14 bit output, Live View capability and more, the D3X’s unique sensor design was carefully blueprinted to perform in perfect concert with proprietary Nikon technologies including EXPEED Image Processing and the Scene Recognition System. Meticulous efforts allowed the sensor to become one of the many essential components and technologies which contribute to the D3X’s superior image fidelity.

[via Rob Galbraith]

So, is Nikon saying that this sensor is a different one than the one found in the Sony A900?

Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x Reviews and Resources for the latest news and reviews.