New Nikon D7100 digital SLR

The arrival of the 24MP D7100 comes two-and-a-half years after the announcement of its predecessor theD7000, and it’s a pretty serious upgrade. Significantly, Nikon Europe’s presentation of the camera describes the D7100 as the company’s ‘flagship DX model’, and omitted mention of the D300S in the company’s DSLR lineup. Certainly, the gap between the D7100 and D600 now leaves little obvious room for a ‘D400.’

It was only a matter of time before 24MP resolution became standard across Nikon’s entire range of DX-format APS-C DSLRs, and lo and behold – the 24MP D7100 is the latest in the series, but this isn’t just the sensor from a D5200 packaged a newer body. In fact, this would be a fundamental misunderstanding of the new camera.

The critical thing here is that despite the fact that the D7100 is Nikon’s third DX-format 24MP DSLR, its sensor is new, and unique in Nikon’s stable. In a first for Nikon, the D7100′s sensor lacks an optical low-pass filter (OLPF). The D800E, Nikon’s highest-resolution DSLR has the effect of its OLPF ‘cancelled out’, but the D7100, like the Pentax K-5 IIs, omits it altogether. The result should be higher resolution than is possible from the conventional 24MP sensors in the D5200 and D3200, and Nikon clearly feels comfortable with the associated higher risk of moiré in fine patterns – one of the few black marks against the 36MP D800E when we tested it last year. Read more here

Nikon D5200 new camera

With only a few weeks of the year left Nikon have decided to release a new camera, the D5200. From the BJP we learn:

The Nikon D5200 is an upper entry-level DSLR that improves on the D5100 by offering a 24MP CMOS sensor, 1080i60 movie capability, a side-articulated 921K dot 3.0″ tilt/swivel LCD and new processing filters. Interestingly, the D5200 is equipped with a significantly upgraded AF system, based around the same Multi-Cam 4800DX AF sensor that is used in the D7000, and the same 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor.

Less than two years after the launch of the D5100, Nikon has unveiled its successor – the D5200. But, in a press presentation held yesterday in central London, Simon Iddon, product manager for DX products at Nikon UK, says that D5100 will continue to be sold alongside the D5200.

“The D5200′s target audience is for the real hobbyist,” adds Iddon. “It’s skewed towards the male [user], in the age range of 25 to 50 years old, with a very big interest in photography. The focus for this audience is on creative expression rather than recording moments. It’s all about the artistry of the shot. They want to focus on special moments rather than everyday snapshots.”

The D5200 weighs 505g and will retail from £720 (body only) or £820 with a 18-55mm VR lens. The camera will be available in time for Christmas, however, Nikon has yet to communicate an exact release date.

Surely any camera allows for “artistry” it is the user that creates, if Nikon have been making dslr cameras that eschew this as an intention we have to consider why and how they see themselves in the market place. For me this press release just sounds like marketing bollocks but I do think Nikon should feel a bit ashamed at marketing a camera at a male audience and one that claims to get back to artistry as a reason for taking photographs, what have they been making cameras for otherwise.

There is the usual excellent preview and review at dpreview.com        You can buy it here

Nikon D600 Released September 18th

New cameras come along at an alarming rate, is it true that we are expected to buy a new camera every three years, I am sure I read that somewhere. There is no doubt that as technology improves daily it is very tempting to want the latest and best, not because it is the latest but because we can produce better images under more difficult conditions. One thing I don’t particularly like about the march of technology is the way that the camera manufacturers always seem to want to wrest control from us, the photographers, and have us use their, the cameras, automatic functions more. The idea seems to be that the camera knows best and can make better judgements about the picture we are about to take. WRONG. A camera that delivers better quality, images with smoother tone, less noise, better colour, able to handle subject brightness range better, all the things that make an image just better are to be applauded but e.g. some auto focus gizmo that means it is harder for me to focus where I want is not a help, it is a hindrance.

There is a new Nikon camera that will no doubt have many salivating. It is a full frame dslr 24 megapixel with HD video, sounds like a competitor for the Canon 5D.

Here is a bit from a Nikon website The D600 is a new model added to the Nikon FX-format digital SLR lineup with a smaller size and lighter weight–approx. 141 (W) x 113 (H) x 82 (D) mm, 760 g*¹ for excellent portability, yet offers the superior image quality and rendering performance, operation, and durability of high-end FX-format D-SLRs. The D600 is a compact and lightweight camera that offers excellent cost performance. In addition to a new FX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels and the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into high-end models, the D600 inherits a number of advanced features from its high-end cousins, including an optical viewfinder with frame coverage of 100%*², a large and clear, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle for superior visibility, and the same dust- and water-resistance as the D800

The best go to site for camera reviews DP Review only has a preview so far but anything they have to say is always worth reading, you can find that here

Nikon D600: Key Specifications

• 24.3MP Full-frame CMOS sensor (10.5MP DX-format crop mode)
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 50-25,600 equivalent)
• Maximum 5.5fps continuous shooting
• 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type AF points
• 3.2in 921k-dot LCD screen
• 1080p30 full HD video mode with stereo sound recording
• Headphone jack for audio monitoring in movie mode
• Uncompressed video recording via HDMI
• Single-axis electronic level in viewfinder, duel-axis (pitch and roll) in live view
• Dimensions: 141mm x 113mm x 82mm (5.5 × 4.4 × 3.2 in).
• Weight: 760 g (1.6 lbs) (camera body only, no battery)
• Calumet here in the UK say the camera will be released on September 18th the price listed in the US is about $2100 so expect to pay about the same in pounds here
  

Best DSLR Cameras 2012

If you want to understand why you would buy one camera rather than another you would not do worse than consulting Ken Rockwell to start, however if you know little about why a camera is better you might just want to be told the best in a top five or ten and then be guided by other factors, here we give you a selection of sites that will help you to decide which camera is best for you.

From Tech Radar we get this summation of the current cameras offered.

Choosing the best DSLR for your needs can be a decision fraught with difficulties, not least because there are so many capable models on the market that it’s hard to know which camera is the top digital camera for your needs.

At one end of the scale manufacturers compete fiercely to provide the easiest entry point into DSLR photography, with intelligent exposure modes and in-camera guides to make the journey as painless as possible, while at the other they battle to deliver the most environmentally-sealed, fastest-shooting models complete with high-resolution sensors, detailed LCD screens and, of course, video recording.

Buying guide

Such variety means that you as the consumer are more likely to end up with a camera tailored to your requirements, but finding the best camera for your needs is a question of weighing the many pros and cons attached to each.

The following guide has been designed to make your decision easier. See here for the cameras recommended

CNET has a list of Best entry-level digital SLR cameras here and Top 10 Reviews lists about every camera you are likely to consider as entry level here

Squidoo lists the best cameras based on numbers sold here

What Camera has information on The Best Semi Pro DSLR Cameras 2012

The ever informative and intelligent Ken Rockwell has a lot of information and advice, here is some of what he has to say

Forget Resolution and ISO

Resolution and ISO are silly numbers used to try to sell you more expensive cameras.

Resolution, expressed in megapixels, hasn’t been relevant since the 1990s. I’ve made great 12 x 18″ (30 x 45cm) prints from a 3MP camera, and 40×60″ (100 x 150cm) prints from a 6MP camera. 6 Megapixels is all anyone needs for anything, and every camera here has two or three times that today.

Resolution is nothing more than a sales pitch to get you to pay more.

Now that every camera has double-digit megapixels, camera makers invented another meaningless number they use to extract more money from the innocent, called ISO (pronounced eye-ess-oh).

ISO is a rough measure of low-light sensitivity. It only matters if you shoot in the dark, and then shoot without flash. As soon as your flash pops up, the higher ISOs aren’t used anyway. Even if you learn how to use the higher ISO settings (few people do), there isn’t much difference between cameras of the same type and era, regardless of cost! All the higher ISO settings do is make the picture look grainier, and the cameras that sport the highest ISO settings look horrible at those settings!  READ MORE FROM KEN HERE

When  you have chosen and bought that new camera you may wish to take a course, our new schedule for the autumn is just out and you can have a look at what we currently have on offer here

Send us an email and receive the new course dates as soon as they are available Understanding Your Digital SLR Evening Classes:start dates 17.9.12; 7.11.12 Understanding Your Digital SLR Saturday Morning Classes start date 3.11.12 Understanding Your Digital Compact Camera – starts: 26.9.12 Introduction to Photoshop and Photoshop Elements starts 25.10.12 Composition In Photography – Seeing Pictures - starts 15.10.12 Portrait Photography: starts: 25.9.12 Intermediate Photography - starts: 23.10.12 Black and White Digital Photography – starts 27.9.12 Travel Photography next start March 2013 One Day Understanding Your DSLR - 23.9.12; 21.10.12; 18.11.12; Most courses are 4 sessions one per week, (Photoshop and Intermediate Photography are 6 sessions) all run on consecutive weeks from start dates. 1 Day DSLR is a one day course, there are 4 dates this term To book a place please send us an email with the course title and start date you wish to attend.

Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras, Spring 2012

By Mike Perlman on May 9, 2012 in Photography

The Point-and-Shoot market has evolved substantially within the past few years. Pocket-sized models can shoot better in low light, are faster with up to 10fps full resolution burst modes, have enhanced optics and focusing capabilities, to name a few general improvements. But it wasn’t until the end of last year that we began to see a major shift in the point-and-shoot market: the bigger sensor. Up until then, even advanced point-and-shoot models were saddled with smaller sensors, but that’s not the case anymore. While manufacturers continue to crack the code that enables them to outfit portable, fixed lens models with sensors from DSLRs, we’re only in the beginning stages of the point-and-shoot revolution.

That’s why it’s harder to buy a point-and-shoot now than it ever was. I guarantee in a few years, most serious point-and-shoots will have DSLR sensors inside of them. But for now, I’ve rounded up my top point-and-shoot models to prevent you from a bogus buy. These are models that have raised the bar time and again. Some models I’m in the midst of testing, but they are proving themselves worthy adversaries. So, if you need to buy a decent point-and-shoot before the summer, have no fear! Heed my Best Point-and-Shoot list and all will be well...Read the reviews here

Relates Links

Squidoo

PRweb

PCWorld

DPReview forum

Nikon D3200 – new dslr camera

Nikon have announced their new entry level camera the D3200. The strapline for advertising this new camera is “I am easy for everyone” when did anything good come out of it being easy. Anything that has value and worth and is satisfying requires skill and attention to the process, a camera that is easy for everyone sounds like a camera I would not want to be associated with. Why not just sell them a basic compact camera? Surely anyone with the mindset of buying a camera because it is easy would prefer something light, portable, technically and intellectually undemanding and pocketable, we have those they are called compact cameras.

“A party. A smile. A memory you don’t want to forget. Capture those not‑to‑be‑missed moments with the new Nikon D3200. The D3200 is packed full of features to give you professional‑looking photos, without any of the complications. Its Guide Mode acts as your in‑built expert, giving you brilliant results step by step. While its 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor helps you create images with incredible depth of detail ‑ you’ll soon have the photos and videos you always wanted. ” Nikon advertising

Can I ask when did having more pixels to play with generate ….”you’ll soon have the photos and videos you always wanted. “ I thought pixels were just part of the deal and the most important component of any decent image was what was behind the camera.

Nikon seem to have lost the faith; that professional looking photos come from professional photographers with professional equipment. If this camera were able to turn the unknowing into professional photographers what is the point of the super professional D3X Nikon camera at nearly £5,300 without a lens (add another £1,000)

The simplification of the use of cameras does not make for professional photography, cameras are/were simple enough in the first place. Understand aperture, shutter and ISO and you are pretty much there, how hard can it be?

If you don’t understand these basics take one of our DSLR courses

So the new D3200, what does it offer?…. this is what Nikon chose to highlight in the email they sent out

24.2 mpx

Guide Mode to ensure brilliant results every time

Full HD (1080p) Movie to always capture those special moments

Turn your images into something really special with a selection of special effects

This link takes you to the Nikon website with the details

Sorry to sound so sour but this new DSLR sounds like an over large compact camera, I am surprised it doesn’t have a button to allow for uploading directly to a plethora of social networking sites……. Too soon, I spoke too soon, while researching more about this “I am easy” camera I found details in the BJP of an accessory that “Nikon has unveiled a new accessory, which combined with the new D3200 announced today, will allow users to share their images on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter via their smartphones” I might puke. Why would you want 24 megapixels if you aim is to upload to Facebook? Further information from the BJP here

The excellent DP review has already details with the full specification here

Nikon D800 Review

From the very much trusted folk at DP Review

“There’s a lot of hyperbole in the camera industry, but every now and then it is justified. Specifically, we have no problem with describing the FX format Nikon D800 as one of the most keenly anticipated DSLRs in a long time. Coming a full 3 1/2 years after its predecessor the D700, Nikon’s newest DSLR offers a significantly more advanced feature set, including a pixel count of 36.3MP that – for now at least – bests the competition by a comfortable margin, and is comparable only with high-end medium format digital equipment.”…………..

“In terms of its core functionality, the D800 incorporates an extraordinary feature set, taking some of the most interesting technology from the D4 and coupling it with the highest resolution 36x24mm sensor on the market. At 36.3MP the $3000 D800 makes the $8000 D3X look distinctly irrelevant, and is right up there with medium format digital equipment in terms of output size (and file size – 36.3MP .NEF files will take up approximately 76.5MB on a memory card). This makes it very attractive, potentially, to studio and landscape photographers who value resolution over speed. This is even more true of the D800E, which without a low-pass filter should in theory get very close to the sort of output that studio photographers would expect from much more costly medium format digital equipment.

Exactly how good the D800′s image quality turns out to be is something that we’re very keen to establish. On balance, increased pixel count generally counts as a good thing in everyday photography. The most important ‘headline’ benefits, all other things being equal, are that you get more detail in your images and greater scope for cropping. But there are potential downsides, too. The D3X, Nikon’s current flagship, makes very high demands on lenses at ‘only’ 24MP and we wouldn’t be surprised if some of the optics which D700 owners love so much don’t shine quite so brightly at 100% on screen when bolted on front of a 36.3MP sensor…”………Read the full report here

Nikon D800 and D800E announced – 36 megapixels – shipping in March $2999

Nikon has announced its long-awaited D800 FX-format DSLR. The camera offers a staggering 36.3-megapixels — the world’s highest in a 35mm DSLR. Other specs include an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600), 91k RGB 3D color metering, a speedy 51-point AF system, a 3.2-inch LCD screen, 4fps continuous shooting (5fps for DX shots), 1080/30p HD video recording, and… in-camera two-shot HDR.
FULL SPECIFICATIONS HERE

It is expected The D800 will start shipping in late march for $2,999.  The D800E will cost $3,299 and will ship in mid April

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 36.3 effective megapixels

The D800/D800E render levels of texture, nuance and detail to your photography that, until now, have been the exclusive domain of the complicated medium-format system. Define every eyelash, every line in tree bark, and every shimmer of light. Savor the exceptional depth in your still images —an astounding 36.3 effective megapixels, the world’s highest

The ultimate attention to detail — the D800E

D800E

Nikon engineers have developed a unique alternative for those seeking the ultimate in definition. The D800E incorporates an optical filter with all the anti-aliasing properties removed in order to facilitate the sharpest images possible.
This is an ideal tool for photographers who can control light, distance and their subjects to the degree where they can mitigate the occurrence of moiré. Aside from the optical filter, all functions and features are the same as on the D800.

Note: The D800E carries an increased possibility that moiré and false color will appear, compared to the D800. IR cut and antireflective coating properties of the optical filter remain the same with both versions.

Standard ISO 100 to ISO 6400, range expandable to ISO 50 to 25600 equivalent

High-resolution, studio-quality images shouldn’t be restricted to the studio. The D800/D800E set a new benchmark for high-resolution D-SLR cameras, with crisp clean images across a wide ISO range. Flexibility like this opens up new imaging opportunities for both still photographers and cinematographers alike during the “magic hour”, the time just before dawn or at dusk when available light is often beautiful but scarce. Even at high ISO settings, the camera’s intelligent noise reduction systems manage noise without sacrificing fine details, giving the D800/D800E the edge. The difference can even be seen in low-contrast subjects such as hair and grass textures, which are often essential elements of cinema as well as high-resolution portraits and landscape images. High image quality at higher ISOs also means that you can shoot still images handheld more confidently, knowing that fast shutter speeds will reduce blur.

ISO 100

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO 800

ISO 1600

ISO 3200

ISO 6400

THIS IS THE PRESS RELEASE FROM NIKON IN TOKYO

A new Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera with the world’s highest effective pixel count–36.3-million pixels–for noteworthy definition and image quality

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D800 FX-format digital SLR camera. The D800 offers the world’s highest* effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, and is equipped with the new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine and a 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor for overwhelming definition and image quality. Nikon will be exhibiting the D800 at the CP+ CAMERA & PHOTO IMAGIING SHOW, to be held Thursday, February 9 through Sunday, February 12 in Yokohama, Japan. This exhibition is open to the public.

• *Among interchangeable lens digital SLR cameras equipped with image sensors conforming to the 35-mm film size as of February 7, 2012

The D800, a new FX-format model offers an noteworthy effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels. At its core is superior image quality equal to that achieved with medium-format digital cameras. The D800 is also equipped with a number of new functions for a high level of added value, all in a compact and lightweight body.

In addition to a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor and the new EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, specifically optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D800 is equipped with a new 91K-pixel (approximately 91,000 pixels) RGB sensor that supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System with its noteworthy advances in scene recognition performance. The camera is also equipped with a number of new functions, including Multi-area mode Full HD D-Movie that enables movie recording using either the FX-based movie format or the DX-based movie format.

For users who demand an even greater sense of definition, Nikon also releases the D800E, a model that offers increased resolution for images with more dimension.….MORE

Hands On with the New 16.2MP Full-Frame Nikon D4 Professional DSLR

Things just got interesting again. Yes, as has been rumored and leaked for several weeks (months?) now, Nikon just officially unveiled its new flagship professional digital SLR: the Nikon D4, which uses a 16.2-megapixel FX-format (aka full-frame) CMOS sensor that can shoot at up to 11 frames per second and capture full 1080p HD video.

“The D4, which is the successor to the 12.1MP D3s announced back in 2009, will start shipping in late February 2012 for $5999.95. So start counting your pennies now!

The announcement of the new Nikon D4 comes several months after Canon also announced a new flagship professional DSLR, the 18MP Full-Frame EOS-1D X. Though the 12-frames-per-second shooting, 1080p-capable Canon 1D X was announced back in October, it won’t start shipping until March 2012 and will sell for quite a bit more than the Nikon D4: $6,800.

The Nikon D4 will makes its debut at the CES show in Las Vegas next week.” By Dan Havlik..………..MORE

Nikon D4 Specs

• 16.2MP Full-Frame (FX-format) sensor, sized at 36 x 23.9mm

• 91,000-pixel sensor dedicated for 3D Color Matrix metering to assist with autofocus and scene recognition

• EXPEED 3 image processor

• Back-illuminated buttons

• 51-point AF System which is same as in previous model but with new cross-type sensors

• ISO range from 50 to 204,800

• 10 frames per second still shooting for up to 200 JPEGs; 11 fps shooting but focus and exposure are locked at the first frame

• Full 1080p HD video at 30p; 720p shooting at 60p for slow motion

• 0.012 second start time; shutter lag rate at 0.0042 second (same as previous model)

• Two memory card slots: one for CompactFlash cards, the other for new XQD memory cards

• 3.2-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen on back

Nikon D800 – more information seeping out

From Cardinal Photos we have picked up this information regarding the much awaited Nikon D800, as with all rumours it might be true

“Details continue to emerge about the expected Nikon D800. Reportedly a couple shooters have early versions and are confirming that the camera will indeed feature a 36MP full-frame sensor, while being smaller than the D700. At first this seems a little looney, as such a high-resolution camera is unlikely to be able to match the low noise capability the D3/D3s/D700 pack of full-frame sensor cameras have come to be known for. But maybe Nikon is crazy like a fox…

If we look at the resolution of the excellent Nikon D7000, it is 16MP shoe-horned into a DX format sensor. Full-frame, or FX, is 50% larger on each side. That means that an FX sensor as over twice the area of a DX sensor – making a full frame 36MP sensor the same pixel density as is found in the D7000. Couple that with another two years of innovation in electronics, and it is entirely plausible that the D800 will have similar, or perhaps slightly better, noise characteristics than the D7000.

Of course, that isn’t as good as the noise rejection in the D700 or D3, and nowhere near as good as the D3s, so unless Nikon has some serious magic up its sleeve in the sensor department, those hoping for the quality of a D3s sensor in a smaller form factor (me, for one!) are likely to be very disappointed. Similarly, the new Nikon D800 is rumored to be only 4fps, a step down for those used to any of the D3 family or even the Nikon D7000’s 6fps or the Nikon D700’s 5 fps.

The camera is supposed to feature Nikon’s high-end Auto-focus system, but with a 4fps frame rate, it won’t win many fans among action shooters in any case. And then there is the price. The Nikon D800 is rumored to price out at $3,900. That is almost exactly three times the price of a Nikon D7000, and over $1,000 more than a Nikon D700. For studio, catalog and portrait shooters who need to squeeze the last bit of resolution out of their cameras, the nearly $4K price tag may well be worth it, but for most photographers, unless they just want the rush of saying they have a 36MP camera, it’s hard to see a big rush to purchase.

Video recording will be improved on the D800, which makes sense as Nikon is still playing catchup with Canon in that area. Of course all this is still in the rumor stage, and with the lingering effects of the tsunami in Japan and the current flooding in Thailand resulting in delays to the D800, there might well be more changes in store before the time it is actually available.”

This is what the ever useful Nikon Rumors site says

“Supposed pictures of the upcoming Nikon D800 have been leaked to NikonRumors, and show the camera is slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Nikon D700.

The D800 has been anticipated for release from Nikon for several months, with several rumours circulating that the recent floods in Thailand have pushed back the official announcement date.

Specs have been emerging from the upcoming camera for several months now, with the new pictures revealing little that wasn’t already known. A 36 million pixel sensor is thought to be on board, along with 4fps continuous shooting and full HD video recording in 30p.

If reports are to believed, the Nikon D800 has been extremely unlucky in coming to the market, first affected by the Japanese earthquake and recently affected by the Thailand floods.

Nikon has one of its key factories in the affected area of Thailand, and has suffered profit losses as a result of the damage caused.

Key specs

Other specs of the D800 include a larger display, dual Compact Flash and SD card memory slots, an autofocus system identical to the D3 and D700 and a sensitivity range of 100-6400, expandable down to ISO 50 and up to ISO HI-2 at 25,600.

Some reports have also suggested that there will be two versions of the D800, one with the anti-aliasing filter removed. It seems likely however that even if this were true, they would share the same body construction and shape.”

The pictures of the camera could be almost any Nikon really but here they are courtesy of Nikon Rumors