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Nikon D4 Ethernet tethered shooting hands-on (video)
After getting our eager mitts on Nikon's long overdue D3 successor, aptly named the D4, we got a second chance to revisit our fat-bodied, photo-taking friend at the company's CES booth. The 16.2MP DSLR features a 3.2-inch LCD screen and is capable of 1080p video capture at 30fps. But that's not why we went back for more and it's not why you're reading this right now. We were keen to put the D4's big, bad networking capabilities to the test -- one of which links an array of up to ten of the cameras together for simultaneous, remote shooting over WiFi. Unfortunately, this feature requires use of the WT-5A wireless dongle, which is still awaiting FCC certification and could not be demonstrated. Neither could the imaging company show off the one-to-one connection that allows an auxiliary camera to be controlled from a primary unit. We did get to briefly interact with the camera's native web server running on a laptop, from which you can snap shots, toggle settings (like ISO and shutter speed), playback and download your recordings. You can catch a peek of the interface and an extra look at this sought after shooter after the break.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 interchangeable lens camera preview (video)
The interchangeable lens camera market grew by one this week, following Fujifilm's confirmation of its new X-Pro1. The 16 megapixel APS-C ILC may be in fact be a mirrorless model, but company reps prefer that you don't use "the M-word," insisting that the shooter stands alone in its own category as a "premium" interchangeable lens camera. And after spending an hour with the oversized, solidly-built ILC and viewing a variety of comparison samples, it's not difficult to confirm that the assessment may not be far off. The entire hands-on experience was in line with that premium claim -- from the white gloves we were required to use when handling the camera to the Japanese design lead taking care to make sure sample models were clean of markings and positioned just right, it's clear that Fujifilm is taking this launch very seriously, and you should, too. Join us past the break for an early CES look at what may very well be the sharpest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera to date.
Nikon D4 hands-on and manufacturer sample images (video)
With the onslaught of CES launches still several days away, the big news today is the D4, Nikon's brand new full-frame digital SLR camera. The 16.2 megapixel DSLR offers 1080/30p video capture, an extended ISO range of 100 to 204,800, a 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a top high-speed shooting option of 11 frames-per-second. And with the D3 first hitting stores nearly five years ago, this FX-mount successor was long overdue. Earlier today, Nikon held its D4 launch event in Asia, previewing the camera before a group of journalists in Hong Kong. We were on hand for a first look at the massive $6,000 pro body, and were quite pleased with what we saw. Jump past the break for our impressions.
Nikon announces D4 DSLR camera: full-frame 16.2 MP sensor, 204,000 extended ISO, $6,000 price tag
More than two years after the D3S began shipping and roughly a half-decade after we first got a peek at the D3, Nikon has finally announced the full-frame DSLR's long-awaited successor. As expected, the Nikon D4 boosts both megapixel rating (to 16.2) and extended ISO (204,800 at Hi-4), and includes a brand new full-frame FX-format sensor. Video capture also jumped from 720/24p to 1080/30p, but so did the camera's somewhat-out-of-reach price tag -- you'll be dropping $5,999.95 when the D4 hits stores in late February. You're clearly not spending all that hard-earned photo dough for nothing, though. There's also a 91k-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Meter III, compared to a 1,005-pixel meter in the D3S, enabling the camera to evaluate the color and brightness of a scene with much greater precision, yielding much more accurate results. And since the D4 reportedly offers phenomenal low-light performance, you'll probably be using it quite often in the dark -- letting you get good use out of the new back-lit controls. Photographers can preview images using the 921k-dot 3.2-inch LCD, which offers a 170-degree viewing angle and ambient light sensor. HD video can be previewed on the display as well, or directly through the HDMI port, which also supports uncompressed 8-bit preview video output with optional overlay. Naturally, the D4 is fast. It can power on and be ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, and can capture 10 fps stills at full resolution with full auto focus and exposure. Willing to lock both AF and AE? The D4 goes to 11. A new 51-point AF system offers full cross-type focusing that's compatible with all Nikon lenses, even when paired with a teleconverter. The D4 includes two card slots with support for both UDMA-7 CF and the recently-announced XQD format, which brings write speeds of up to 125 MB/s -- enough to capture 105 consecutive RAW images at 10 fps. You'll find full details and specs on the D4 just past the break, along with an overview of Nikon's new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens, which is set to ship in March for $499.95.
Sony Alpha NEX-5 in the wild, plays David to A330's Goliath
Talk about envy. One of our lucky tipsters just wrote in to talk about the training he did this week for -- and here's the kicker -- Sony's brand new Alpha NEX-5. Just to prove his conquest, he also managed a picture of the compact DSLR next to the Alpha 330. Yep, it's still really, really small. If that's not enough, the tipster apparently also will be able to use the SAM and SSM Sony lenses, both with functional autofocus. We know what you're probably thinking: the pre-order details are right here. Update: Perpetual Radio has some hands-on impressions and a video (embedded after the break). Go forth!
Panasonic Lumix GF1 banner ad hits the web, still not official
So much for subtle, ambiguous leaks. As a great follow-up to the first blurry pics we saw of Panasonic's Lumix GF1, someone over at dpreview apparently pulled the trigger a little early and posted a vertical banner ad for the micro four thirds camera, with the tag line "DSLR photo quality in ultra compact flat design." 4/3rumors has some of the other ad variants if you're curious -- so now that its ad campaign is primed for launch, anyone care to take a guess how much longer we'll be waiting for its full debut? [Via Photo Rumors; thanks, Ren K]
Canon EOS 7D now official, coming end of September for $1,899
Now everyone pretend to be surprised here. Canon's gone official with what everyone has already seen and read about in detail, the EOS 7D. Specs look to be exactly what we heard, too: 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with 8 frames per second continuous shooting, 1080p 24fps HD video with full manual control, a 3-inch LCD, 19-point AF system, and wireless flash control. Mum's still the word on pricing and availability, though. Hit up the read link for the full press release, as well as some hands-on impressions care of Digital Photography Review. Update: Canon's press release has now gone live. Price is $1,699 body-only or $1,899 with an EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens, and target launch is set for end of September. Read - Press release Read - Hands-on
Pentax's K100D and K110D DSLRs
Pentax just announced their K100D and K110D Digital SLRs today which hopefully kick that ridiculous, google-hating *ist naming convention to the curb once and for all. The two DSLRs are in fact, the same 6.1 megapixel digital cams only the K100D packs in Pentax's CCD oscillating Shake Reduction technology to keep your pics clean while shooting with a telephoto lens or under low-light conditions. Each camera remains compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses, and features ISO 200 to 3200 sensitivity, a 2.5-inch LCD, and SMC Pentax DA lens with 12x zoom. Expect the K100D to ship for $699 in July with the K110D set to drop in August for an entry-level enthusiast's price of $599.
