Nikon
Latest
Nikon is making its high-end DSLRs much better at video
Nikon's best DSLRs will soon be able to record sharper video, making them much more useful for videographers. The Japanese company says its D4s, D810 and D750 full-frame DSLRs will get "greater support for recording high-definition, uncompressed data" to external recorders via the HDMI port. In addition, you'll be able to send start/stop commands to supported video recorders and edit video more efficiently, presumably via the addition of timecode or other metadata. There's no word on exact video specifications or whether RAW output would be supported, but the company promised to reveal more at NAB tomorrow (the firmware is due this summer). Considering that Nikon was the first to put video on a DSLR, we're glad it's not treating it like the ugly stepchild anymore.
Nikon legitimizes the selfie stick once and for all
Like 'em or loathe 'em, selfie sticks have probably done enough to ensure that they won't be a passing fad. "Proper" camera makers have pretended that they don't exist, but Nikon has broken ranks to announce the N-MP001. This particular wand of narcissus has been designed to work with the company's latest Coolpix point-and-shoots, comfortably carrying cameras weighting up to 14 ounces. Unfortunately, top level engineering and Nikon branding comes at a price, specifically $59.95, a far cry from the $7 selfie sticks you can grab on Amazon. Just remember that, no matter how luxurious the stick, the number of locations where you can safely use them gets shorter by the hour.
Nikon's dive into 4K starts with the 1 J5 mirrorless camera
Nikon's bread-and-butter business may be its entry-level and high-end DSLRs, but the point-and-shoot and mirrorless models are equally as important to the company. This is particularly true now more than ever, as these cheaper cameras begin to lose ground to smartphones with great photography features -- like the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6. Still, Nikon isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. Today, it is introducing the J5, a compact, yet powerful camera that's part of its 1 series of mirrorless hardware. The J5 comes with a brand-new 20.8-megapixel, VFI CMOS sensor (DC format), an XP5A image processor, ISO range of 1600 to 12,800 and support for NFC and WiFi.
Nikon's latest lightweight DSLR is the D7200
Over the past few weeks, Nikon has introduced two DSLRs: the D5500 and D810A. And it doesn't look like the company plans to slow down its rollout of new cameras. Now, Nikon is introducing the D7200, a successor to the relatively popular D7100, which was introduced back in 2013. The D7200 is the latest to be introduced to the Nikon's line of lightweight DSLR, packing a 24.2-megapixel DX CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, an EXPEED 4 image processing chip, a 51-point autofocus system and a 3.2-inch fixed LCD. Video-wise, the D7200 can shoot 1080p at up to 60 fps, albeit in the 1.3 crop mode; in DX mode, meanwhile, the options are 24, 25 and 30 fps. It's also the first Nikon DSLR to have both WiFi and NFC, which should make it extremely easy for people to share their images wirelessly.
Nikon Coolpix P900 point-and-shoot has a monstrous 83x zoom
If you're a fan of superzoom cameras, you may have to look no further than Nikon's Coolpix P900 to find the category's new king. This compact, yet powerful point-and-shoot features a remarkable 83x optical zoom, the equivalent of 24-2000mm, which is quite outstanding for a camera this size. While the whopping zoom range is the obvious highlight spec here, there's a lot more to the Coolpix P900. Namely, a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, an autofocus system with support for up to 7 fps continuous shooting, NFC, WiFi and a 3-inch, articulating LCD display. Sure, those seem like standard features found in most entry-level cameras nowadays, more or less -- but not so much the super, super 83x zoom. Either way, Nikon's making its Coolpix P900 available next month for $600, in case any of you are into it. Are you?
Japan's big photography show focuses on top-end cameras and distant prototypes
There were selfie sticks. There were even a handful of drones, but Japan's annual CP+ camera show remains, unmistakably, a truly big camera show. It's one for the masses too: press and business visitors mingle alongside the Japanese public, most of whom took Thursday or Friday off to see this year's big camera launches. 'Big' encompasses both the substantially-sized DSLRs that were on show as well the accompanying price tags. While camera companies had plenty of entry- to mid-level point-and-shoots (still!) for customers ignoring the existence of smartphones, it's those substantially pricier models from most of the camera companies that caught our attention most. "See the next groundbreaking models from Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Pentax... but no touching." Having said that, a depressing trend for anyone attending the show: most of the interesting cameras were cocooned in glass cases. Come to CP+ 2015 and see the next groundbreaking models from Nikon, Canon, Olympus and Pentax! But no touching.
Nikon's D810A DSLR is designed for shooting stars
If you think that astrophotography is just slapping a camera onto a telescope, Nikon wants to expand your horizons with its latest DSLR. The D810A is a special version of its full-frame sensor D810 aimed squarely at the starshooting and scientific set. In fact, Nikon goes so far as to say that it's "not recommended for general photography" thanks to a modified infrared filter that may distort colors on regular shots. However, the IR tweaks help it "capture the brilliant red hues of diffuse nebulae and constellations" thanks to optimization in the so-called H-alpha spectrum, according to the company.
Nikon's D5500 is its newest mid-range DSLR
It's been a while since Nikon introduced its D5300 DSLR, so what better time to upgrade that model than during CES 2015? Meet the Nikon D5500, the company's new DSLR, geared toward people who, perhaps, have just started to get into photography. Having said that, the D5500 is no slouch, and should have no trouble appealing to prosumers as well. Nikon's D5500 features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor without an optical low-pass filter, aka OLPF, which is great for producing high-quality, sharper images. To tie it all together, there's a 3.2-inch, adjustable LCD touchscreen on the back -- an upgrade from the D5300. Nikon says the D5500 can handle up to 820 shots per charge with 60 percent flash usage, or 3200 without any at all. While it may look very similar to the D5300 from the outside, the D5500 is a definite improvement over its predecessor. It'll be available for $900 next month (body-only), and you'll have the option to choose between the traditional black hue or a spicier red.
Lumera lets you post high-res snapshots on Instagram with one click
You are done (DONE!) taking selfies with a phone like some plebeian -- you only take DSLR selfies now, even though it's a pain transferring photos using a camera without built-in WiFi. A camera attachment called Lumera wants to solve that problem by giving you a way to upload high-res snapshots to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with a single click. To integrate the WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy device with a DSLR, you need to attach it via the tripod screw and plug it into the camera's mini-USB port. So long as you define the social networks of your choice on its accompanying app, you won't have to take out your phone to upload pics anymore. The app itself is pretty useful, though: it can stream whatever the camera's viewfinder is looking at, set timelapses and access the DSLR's settings remotely.
Nikon's mid-range D750 DSLR acts pricier than it actually is
I first cut my teeth on a Nikon D40, but I've spent the past few years picking the up basics of photography with a handful of Canon SLRs. I'm not great by any stretch, but I've got just enough experience under my belt that I'm itching to trade in my more basic gear for something with a bit more oomph... which makes me the sort of person Nikon had in mind when it started putting together its new D750. We've covered the basics here, but let's dig a little more into what it's like to use the thing.
Nikon's full frame D750 packs a tilting LCD and WiFi for pros on the go
Rumors of the full frame Nikon D750 have been floating around for a little over a month now, and where there's smoke there's usually a fire. To wit: Nikon just officially pulled back the curtain on its latest SLR, and it packs quite a bit of oomph into a body that's only $2299. The D750's foundation is awfully solid with its 24-megapixel FX format CMOS sensor, an Expeed 4 image processor (the same one seen in bodies like the much pricier D810), a more light-sensitive 51-point autofocus system, and an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12,800. Oh, and did I mention it packs better battery life and some carbon fiber trim to keep the weight down? What might really put the D750 over the top for some of you, though, are some of the firsts that it boasts.
Nikon's new D810 SLR favors evolution over revolution
It's been two years since Nikon's D800 and D800E SLRs hit the scene, and that's just about an eternity for gadget nerds. What exactly has Nikon been doing since then? Well, aside from working on top-tier beauties like the D4 and D4S, it's also been working on a proper successor to the D800 line. Surprise, surprise: it's called the D810, and it's about the sort of leap forward you'd expect from a modest model number jump.
Nikon's latest high-speed mirrorless cameras come to the US
After a (thankfully brief) wait, Nikon's super-speedy J4 mirrorless camera is coming to the US -- and it's bringing along a low-cost counterpart, the S2. You should see the J4 arrive later this month for $650 with a standard 10-30mm zoom lens, or about $50 more than the outgoing J3. It'll also be available in an $850 kit with a more flexible 10-100mm lens, and a $1,050 bundle is on tap if you want both the 10-30mm glass and a long-range 30-110mm telephoto lens. As you'd expect, the hardware hasn't changed in the few weeks since Nikon first unveiled the J4. You're still getting the new 18.4-megapixel sensor and Expeed 4A image processor that, combined, let you pump out photos at a steady 20 frames per second with advanced autofocusing (171 contrast detection points and 105 phase detection points). You'll also enjoy relative luxuries such as a touchscreen and WiFi photo sharing.
Nikon's J4 mirrorless camera has more megapixels, 20fps burst speed
Good things happen when you cram a fast image processor into a small camera body, as Nikon has shown with its new mid-range 1 model, the J4. With the latest Expeed 4A imaging engine, the CX-sensor camera can now pump out 20 images per second in burst mode with continuous AF, which Nikon claims is the world's fastest (along with the pricey new V3). That's also a big bump over last year's J3, and most other specs have also improved: there's now 18.4 instead of 14.2-megapixels, 1080/60p video in lieu of 1080/60i (with 120fps at 720p), a 105 point PD/171 point contrast AF, a new touchscreen and built-in WiFi. One change photographers may not like is the use of MicroSD memory cards instead of industry standard SD cards, but at least the J4 is slightly smaller and lighter than the J3. It'll come in black, white, silver and orange (with an optional underwater housing) but there's no word on when, where or for how much. As a rough starting point, though, last year's model was $600 with the 10-30mm kit lens.
Nikon's Coolpix S810c is a second attempt at an Android compact camera
Liked the idea of Android apps with a proper camera attached? Still itching for a Nikon camera over a Samsung one? Then perhaps the new S810c will win you over where its predecessor didn't. To start, the rear touchscreen is bigger (3.7 inches this time) while the body of the camera is thinner than the S800c that came before it. There's also a longer 12X zoom with a 16-megapixel sensor, while on the non-imaging side, it gets GPS and a headphone jack if you're looking to check audio quality on video or simply play things back and use the point-and-shoot more like a media player than a camera. Compared to the model that appeared two years ago, this one's running Android 4.2.2. Not the latest, sure, but way beyond the Android Gingerbread OS we wrestled with on the older camera. Nikon has also tacked on its own commenting system too, meaning you can type your thoughts and attach 'em as soon as the photo's taken. If your missives simply can't wait for uploading to Facebook and Twitter, you'll have to wait until early May, when the camera arrives for $350.
Nikon to replace some defective 'dust spot' D600s with brand new cameras
After offering up several solutions to a sensor spotting problem on its full-frame D600 DSLR -- with limited success -- Nikon has now said that it will replace any defective cameras that can't be repaired. When reports of the oil and dust spots first cropped up, Nikon suggested that photographers clean the sensors themselves or send them for cleaning under warranty. However, when some users found that the shutter was ejecting difficult-to-clean oil on the sensor, it began to offer free shutter mechanism replacements. Recently, some owners also reported that they were sent brand new Nikon D600s and even newer D610's instead of a repair. Nikon has now admitted as much in a letter of apology, and said it will continue to repair or replace the model as needed, even out of warranty. It may also explain why it brought the very similar D610 to market so quickly.
Nikon 1 V3 camera unveiled: $1,200, 120fps slow motion, 20fps continuous shooting
Tonight Nikon is unveiling the latest edition of its 1 series of mirrorless cameras, the Nikon 1 V3. Compact yet powerful, it follows up on the V2 by packing an 18.4MP sensor, built-in WiFi, 1080/60p video capability and a new image processing chip. Standout features for pros and amateurs alike include the V3's ability to shoot stills continuously at up to 20fps with autofocus -- the fastest we've seen from an interchangeable lens cameras -- 720p slow motion video recording at up to 120fps and 171 "densely packed" focus points that Nikon claims give it better ability to track moving objects than DSLRs. It also adds a touch-panel tilting 3-inch LCD and arrives alongside two new 1 NIKKOR lenses -- a 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 are available for $300 and $1,000, respectively. Last year the falling prices of DSLRs reportedly had Nikon reconsidering their ILC lineup, but judging from the V3 the company is plowing full steam ahead. A full kit with camera, 10-30mm lens, viewfinder and grip will go on sale in April for $1,200 -- check Nikon's website for more details on specs and features or look after the break for a brief demo video.
Nikon's new D4S DSLR improves speed and focusing, adds ISO settings up to 409,600
The Nikon D4S has been teased, displayed in a plastic case and now, it's official -- and we even got to play with it. There's a substantial list of what hasn't changed (the same 16.2-megapixel image size, to begin with), but if you're a high-level photographer already in possession of a D4 (or perhaps even a D3S), you'll be more interested in those differences. Firstly, while the sensor will offer the same sized images, but it's a newly developed piece of hardware, with a focus on better noise reduction. ISO now ranges from 100 - 25600, with its Hi4 setting cranking that up to a mind-boggling 409600. If you're currently handling a D4, you can also expect to see substantial noise reduction: the D4S' ISO 1600 will be comparable to the D4's ISO 800 setting. Nikon's new DSLR also delivers changes to to the auto-focus system for both photos and video. Behind the lens, there's improvements to both the tracking system and the algorithms that govern how the D4S focuses. A new Group AF mode tracks five separate points, meaning that a moving subject (and even a moving photographer) should pose less of a threat to crisp imaging. On video, (where you can now capture uncompressed 1080p resolution at 60 frames) tracking has been bumped up to 11 frames per second on full auto-focus and exposure. Hopefully fixing one of our major issues with the D4, the new model also comes with a more substantial battery pack, up from 2,000mAh to 2,500mAh. The new unit actually weighs more, but reductions on the D4S' body means it adds just seven ounces, total, over 2012's D4. Expect the camera to land on March 6th, and prepare your bank account for the hit: it's expected to retail for $6,500. We've got some early impressions and details on some minor hardware changes, including more substantial grips, right after the jump.
Mirrorless cameras, pricey point-and-shoots shine at Japan's CP+
While Japan's prominence continues to wane when it comes to consumer electronics in general, the country remains enormously relevant in the digital imaging space. Canon and Nikon dominate the market, alongside other mainstream players like Sony and Panasonic. Manufacturers like Casio, Fujifilm, Olympus, Sigma and Ricoh continue to release compelling models, too -- your own camera probably got its start in an office tower near Tokyo, as other shooters will for years to come. Each year, Japanese consumers gather at CP+ in Yokohama, a four-day trade show that's served as a venue for camera makers to show off their new products to local audiences for more than 50 years. Following the final PMA show in 2010, CP+ has been an important event for us as well -- CES hasn't caught on with the camera industry, and with Photokina held only once every two years, this February photo fest is the place to be.
Camera and photography deals of the week: 2.7.14
If you're still looking to make good on that New Year's resolution to kick your photography habit into high gear, we might have a few options that can help. From an entry-level Nikon DSLR to a Wacom peripheral to aid with edits, there are a few options for spicing up those snapshots. Head on past the break and peruse the full lot. Just window shopping? No worries. Join us and add the gadgets you're shopping for to your Want list; every time there's a price cut in the future, you'll get an email alert!
