Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony Announcement on August 14

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Photoclub Alpha has confirmed that Sony will be announcing an “exciting digital camera” on August 14.

They go on to say that they don’t think this will be the announcement for the Sony A900 and expect it to come closer to Photokina at “an international Sony Alpha press trip on Sept 9/10th to Edinburgh.”

No other word on what the “exciting digital camera” for August 14 could be. It’s just a little over a week though, so we’ll probably see some more leaks and hints. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted when more is known.

 

More Nikon D90 Rumors, By the Numbers

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Thom Hogan may be having a little fun with us based on info that he’s received from sources within or close to Nikon.  In a recent forum post, Thom threw out some numbers while discussing the rumored Nikon D90.  These were tossed around by Thom in response to a silly lottery number question.

Try something like 12, 4.5, 3, 11, 90, and 105. For the bonus number use 1080.

While it may seem rather trite, Nikon Rumors has read a little deeper into these and given us their interpretation of the winning numbers:

12mp, 4.5FPS, 3″ LCD, 11 point AF, D90, 105mm lens and 1080 video recording.

I think Thom is enjoying himself (and probably passing along good info too).  Kudos to NR for reading between the lines.  I remain a bit skeptical on the 1080 video “recording”.  I would expect if that number is for real it has to do more with the interface and compatibility with high-def devices – much like Sony has done in recent history.

DPR via NR

Nikon D90 to Include GPS?

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Nikon D90 Mockup - yeah, it's a fake

Discussing the upcoming Nikon P6000, Thom Hogan hints at the possibility of GPS in the Nikon D90 and other coming Nikon DSLRs.

It appears that Nikon is making a concerted effort to embrace GPS and WiFi across their product line (hint: this won’t be the last time you see me mention GPS support on an upcoming product you might not expect to have it).

Hogan also hinted at this “surprise” in a recent posting on DPR forums.

For the latest news and rumors on the Nikon D90, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D90 page.

Nikon 70-200mm VR – New Version Coming

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I’ve seen two different sources indicate the coming of an updated Nikon 70-200mm VR lens at Photokina. Nikon Rumors published a story yesterday regarding word from a Nikon VP. Additionally, I recently read a quote from Graham Watson (renowned Tour de France photographer and Nikon shooter) as he spoke in a matter of fact way that a replacement 70-200mm lens was coming from Nikon.

The 70-200mm will be replaced in September by a newer version, the ‘N’ series – I can’t wait to get hold of one!

(GW via NR)

Nikon D700x / D800

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It didn’t take long after the announcement of the Nikon D700 for rumors of the next big thing to take center stage.  Aside from the Nikon D3x and D90 rumors, many sites and forums have begun to report on rumors of a Nikon D800 at 24+ megapixels.  I’m not sure where the Nikon D800 rumors began; however, there doesn’t really seem to be any credible evidence thus far.

Most of the info on the Nikon D800 seems to come from Nikon Rumors, who to their credit have been digging up mocked up images and rumors from their readers.  However, this recent entry shows off some copy take from the September issue of Chasseurs d’Images.  The article seems to discuss (it’s in French) the coming Nikon full frame camera in light of the Sony A900, which is bound to be announced around Photokina.  The article mentions the Nikon D800:

dont celle d’un Nikon D800, qui n’est pas qu’une rumeur.

Google’s translator says this means:

including a Nikon D800, which is not just a rumor.

However, at least one human translator says the end phrase should translate as:

. . . which is nothing more than a rumor.

Anyone that’s fluent in French feel free to clear this article up a bit in the comments below.

UPDATES

2/3/09: Rumors of a PMA 2009 release to compete with the 5D Mark II.  Read more.

Nikon P6000 Reviews and Resources

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Nikon P6000Nikon has been fallling a little short of Canon’s more advance featured G9, which features RAW capture – a rarity in point and shoots these days. This is no longer the case. The Nikon P6000, a follow up to the Nikon P5100, includes RAW capture along with a number of other advanced features.

Nikon P6000 Key Features

  • 13.5 megapixels
  • 4x optical zoom (28mm-112mm comparable)
  • Vibration Reduction
  • RAW image capture
  • Built-In GPS
  • Flash hotshoe w/ iTTL support
  • Ethernet port
  • SDHC support

Where to Buy the Nikon P6000

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.

Nikon P6000 Reviews

Scott Wyden

As a consumer I would say it is an overall good camera.

Let’s Go Digital

The lens of the Nikon P6000 delivers an outstanding performance. Nikon shows its true force with the excellent sharpness, over the entire focal length, in the center as well as to the edges, of this lens.

Photography Review

Well, as one might expect from a 13.5-megapixel camera, the P6000 produces excellent images at low ISO and acceptable quality at higher ISO settings.

DC Resource

The Coolpix P6000 also gets mixed reviews in terms of photo quality. Overall, exposure was accurate, though the P6000 and it’s tiny CCD tended to clip highlights here and there.

Digital Camera Info

Our impression of the P6000 at first blush is that it’s a very capable camera. It handles well and manual features are in easy reach.

Nikon P6000 Press Release

NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA

New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and “Geo-tagging” Capabilities with built-in GPS

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon’s exclusive EXPEEDTM image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera.

“We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design,” said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon’s COOLPIX line, as it not only provides expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity.”

The P6000 knows where the “best shots” are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users will be able to record “geotags” of the location where their images are captured based on latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This further heightens the photographic experience, allowing users to pinpoint the location via maps available in Nikon ViewNX Software, my Picturetown, Nikon’s photo sharing and storage website, or any other software or website that recognizes GPS data.

Additionally, the P6000 makes my Picturetown connectivity for uploading and sharing photos simple and easy, thanks to added wired LAN support via a dedicated Ethernet port built into the camera. Users can upload their images and data directly from the P6000 with an Ethernet cable to the secure Picture Bank service on my Picturetown.

In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings.

Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon’s original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW* (RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities.

Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon’s new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon’s i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.

The P6000 features a quality finish and a front panel constructed of solid Magnesium alloy, as well as a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for streamlined performance. The new P6000 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The P6000 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images.

The Nikon COOLPIX P6000 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $499.95.** For more information about the P6000 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

* COOLPIX Picture Control NRW (RAW) files can only be processed in-camera. NRW (RAW) files are compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only, available early October 2008) or with WIC-based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images.
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon D3x and D90 Updates

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Thom Hogan has piped up on bythom.com with some thoughts and possible insider info on the coming Nikon D3x and D90 cameras.  Word is that a D3x with the rumored 24+ megapixels should be announced around Photokina in September.  The D80 replacement (the D90) may creep out past Photokina (perhaps PMA 2009).

I received a message out of Japan that the high-resolution camera is in the D3 body. I trust that message more than my guess, though please note that having one (usually good) source does not mean something is verified. . . .  It seems that a D80 replacement should also be in that set of announcements, which should come just before Photokina, but we just haven’t seen any of the kinds of leaks and rumors we have with previous consumer bodies out of Thailand, so maybe the D80 replacement is going to be later than Photokina.

I don’t have any insider info myself; however, my money is on a for sure showing of the D3x (or whatever they call it) at Photokina.  I’m also starting to wonder whether or not Nikon will replace the Nikon D80 at all.  I’m beginning to think that they’ll let the D40/D60 line handle the entry-level consumer and let the D70/D80 line die off.

Canon 5D Mark II Rumor Update

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The rumor mill is in full swing after the announcement of the Nikon D700. A poster on DPR, claiming to have “inside” info has posted “spoiler” specs of the Canon 5D Mark II. With a big grain of salt in hand, take a look at the following info:

– Will be announced Monday, September 8, 2008
– MSRP: $2,399.95 (SSP: $2,199.95), body only
– 16MP FF sensor
– 6 FPS
– Max ISO 25,600 (for what it’s worth…it’s more for marketing)
– Full weather sealing

– VGA-resolution display (from same supplier Sony uses for their new Handycams, except in 4:3 aspect ratio here)
– Pop-up flash
– Anti-dust features
– NO Live View
– NO pro AF from 1D (although all points are cross-type)
– NO video mode whatsoever (silliest rumor I’ve ever heard)
– NO compatibility with EF-S lenses (physically impossible anyway)
– NO electronic crop mode for faster shot rate
– NO HDMI-out
– NO UDMA CF support

As you can see, it’s by no means ground-breaking. It’s not going to out-do the Nikon D700 in performance or features (although overall IQ will be very close or indistinguishable). But it will be significantly cheaper. It’s aimed at the more “manual” shooter.

Original 5D will continue to be sold at $1,799.95 (SSP) without any rebates until stock is depleted.

[via DPR forums]

For the latest word on the Canon 5D Mark II, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II page.

Sony A900 and Zeiss Lens Updates

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The Sony A900 has been officially unveiled. See Photography Bay’s Sony A900 Announcement and Sony A900 Reviews and Resources for more info.

We all know that Sony’s flagship, the A900, will be announced at or around Photokina in August. Other than the announcement time frame, info has been hard to come by. Sony has been short on further details about the A900 since it announced the 24 megapixel sensor at PMA in January of this year. A big question that photographers seem to have surrounding the announcement of new, cutting edge cameras relates to their actual release date. Sometimes it can take quite a while for the camera to actually hit store shelves, which can be quite frustrating.

With that in mind, I recently received some info from a source, who wishes to remain anonymous, regarding the availability of the upcoming A900 and new Zeiss lenses.

First, the A900 will be available for purchase around the end of September or first of October.

In addition to the A900, we can expect at least 2 new Zeiss lenses:

  1. Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8
  2. Zeiss 35mm f/1.4

Many Sony Alpha users have been begging for more high quality primes, so the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 should fit the bill just fine. Additionally, it’s nice to see the 16-35mm zoom in Zeiss glass for those wide angles on the new full frame 24 MP sensor. At 24 megapixels, the A900 is going to need some high quality glass to make full use of all those pixels.

Finally, the price should be very competitive compared to the other DSLRs in the range of the A900. This adds a little more credibility to the previous rumors regarding the A900’s sub-$2000 price point.

For more on the Sony A900 flagship DSLR, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Sony A900 page.