Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II Zoom Lens Launched
Nikon announced last week the upcoming release of the new fast telephoto zoom lens AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II for use with digital- and film-SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been adopted for this lens, including the use of seven ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, a vibration reduction (VR II) system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to an increase in shutter speed by four steps, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
Nikon AFS Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII Telephoto Zoom Lens
This fast telephoto zoom lens provides the excellent performance and superior image quality demanded by professional and serious photographers.
With the release of this lens, Nikon has structured an incomparable NIKKOR zoom lens system that also includes the current AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED for complete coverage of focal lengths from 14mm to 200mm with support for a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire range.
The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II offers excellent performance throughout its range of focal lengths, from the natural rendering characteristics of mid-range telephoto positions to the compressed perspective of telephoto positions. The lens makes the most of a wide variety of scenes, from portraits to staged events as well as sports photography under nighttime lighting, press photography, and scenes that require soft rendering of out-of-focus portions.
The use of seven ED glass elements provides the ultimate in rendering characteristics for capture of images exhibiting excellent resolution and high contrast. The additional use of Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses ghost and flare for clear images. Adoption of the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allows for smooth and quiet autofocusing that makes the most of camera autofocus subject tracking systems. The lens also provides superior operation with three focus modes — M, A/M, M/A — for manual focusing or manually fine-tuning focus acquired with autofocus by simply rotating the lens’ focus ring.
The vibration reduction system (VR II) provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps. Two vibration reduction modes are available.
NORMAL mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces ordinary camera shake. Panning is also supported.
ACTIVE mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces extreme camera shake, such as that which occurs with shooting from a moving vehicle.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Major Features:
* Vibration reduction (VR II) equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps
* A new optical design utilizing seven ED glass elements
* Ghost and flare suppression with Nano Crystal Coat
* A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for superior autofocus that is smooth and quiet
* Three focus modes built in: M, M/A, A/M
* Aperture diaphragm utilizing an odd number of rounded blades (nine) for natural blur characteristics
* Shooting at distances as close as 1.4 m throughout the entire zoom range
* High-quality exterior design
Source: Nikon.com
Nikon Announced New DX-format D3000
Nikon recently announced the newest addition to its family of popular DX-format DSLRs, the D3000. Combining in-camera assistance and supreme ease-of-use , the D3000 is the ideal model for those looking to upgrade from their point-and-shoot camera to a DSLR.
The D3000 features a new Guide mode – a hassle-free way for less-experienced photographers to master the capabilities of DSLR cameras. Through its intuitive user-friendly interface, Guide mode assists users in choosing shooting modes for a variety of situations and, if they choose, in exploring advanced photographic techniques. From close-ups and landscapes to portraits with soft backgrounds and fast-moving action, Guide mode eases users into the world of digital SLR photography. In addition, settings made with Guide mode can even be fine-tuned before the shot in order to achieve the best possible results.
Nikon D3000
Despite its simple interface, the D3000 delivers exceptional picture quality. Thanks to 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon’s DX-format CCD sensor, exclusive EXPEED image processing system, and compatibility with an extensive selection of legendary NIKKOR lenses, the D3000 produces finely detailed images that can be freely cropped and enlarged while retaining sharpness.
Extending the D3000’s excellent performance is Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, continuous shooting up to 3 frames-per-second, advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and 11-point selectable autofocus.
For comfortable viewing when playing back images and retouching photos, the D3000 features a bright 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor also improves readability of menus due to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60.
Extensive in-camera image control is available using Nikon’s Picture Control System, which allows users to customize key digital image characteristics to suit personal preferences. For additional creative control, the D3000 includes comprehensive in-camera editing functions via its Retouch Menu that enhance photos with a variety of effects — without the need for a computer.
Whether it’s grabbing point-and-shoot snapshots or exploiting techniques commonly used by more advanced photographers, the D3000 offers an easy, inviting way to experience the world of digital SLR photography. Here’s the full Nikon D3000 review.
Nikon D3000 Feature Highlights
New Guide mode – employs an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for first-time users to select shooting modes.
Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels
EXPEED image processing system – EXPEED realizes excellent resolution, long tonal scale, and superb color while also making possible fast processing of the D3000’s advanced imaging functions such as Scene Recognition and Active D-Lighting.
Scene Recognition System – This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus by analyzing color and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting.
Active D-Lighting – improves details in the shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes.
11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module – delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame.
3.0-in. LCD monitor – Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever thanks to the 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor.
Picture Control System – gives users the ability to customize key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences.
In-camera photo editing – allows for in-camera retouching, lessening the need for a computer to enhance or modify images.
Integrated Dust Reduction System – reduces generation and accumulation of dust and also provides measures to remove dust.
Source: Nikon.com
Nikon D40X – Arguably The Best Budget Digital SLR
High Resolution Imagery
A high resolution leaves room for creative cropping. A fast 0.18 second startup combined with split-second shutter response and rapid-action shooting at up to 3 frames per second makes it easy to freeze special moments instantly. 2.5-inch, 230K Color LCD Monitor with 170-Degree Wide-Angle Viewing Playback images are easy to see and function menus are easier to use with a larger and brighter color LCD monitor. The large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification and has large type fonts with easy-to-view menus. The D40x’s Image Optimize setting lets photographers adjust color, contrast and sharpening, as well as other image settings, according to the type of scene or output desired. The supplied EN-EL9 rechargeable battery will allow for shooting up to 520 images per charge based on CIPA battery testing standards.
Fast startup with instant shutter response
A fast 0.18 second startup combined with split-second shutter response and rapid-action shooting at up to 3 frames per second makes it easy to freeze special moments instantly.
Build and handling
Being an entry level camera also means that it has to be as small as possible. Having a large handgrip makes it comfortable to hold and use. While the body has a plastic finish, it feels quite solid.
Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL automatic flash control
Nikon’s innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. The built-in Speedlight is always ready and brings beautiful exposured shots in darkened conditions. In low-light or back-light situations, added illumination from the built-in Speedlight can make the difference between an average snapshot and a dazzling picture.
Lens Included : 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
This ED glass element lens features ultra-high speed autofocusing and Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating minimizes ghosting and flare to provide even higher contrast and more vivid images, even in challenging light conditions. A new compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation.
Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera
The camera body is technically slightly smaller in all dimensions compared to those of the D70s, but current owners will find the design very similar. Most of the buttons are the same and in the same places, and there are dedicated buttons for many commonly used functions. True to Nikon’s commitment to intuitive operation, the size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.
Nikon D70s Digital SLR Camera
We found the D70s to have superb image quality and vibrant colors from ISO 200 to ISO 800. Even at ISO 1600 the image quality is smooth and extremely low visual noise noise. Its autofocus is extremely fast in bright light and still very fast in moderately low light, but it lags the competition slightly at very low light levels.
