Category Archives: News

Nikon Unveils D3x 24.5MP Digital SLR

nikon d3x

Nikon has announced the D3x, its newest full frame professional DSLR. With 24.5 megapixel sensor the D3x has double the resolution of the sports / news oriented D3 model.

The Nikon D3x aimed at commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers, features an all-new 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor, ISO range of 100 – 1600 extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent), 5 fps shooting, 920,000 dot 3 inch VGA LCD monitor with Live View, 51-point autofocus, EXPEED image processing and HDMI output.

Key Features

  • 24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
  • ISO 100 – 1600: extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent).
  • 5fps consecutive shooting (7fps in DX Crop mode)
  • EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
  • Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
  • Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
  • Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
  • 920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
  • Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
  • Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
  • Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
  • Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
  • Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
  • Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
  • HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
  • Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
  • Durable magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
  • Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.
  • Optional GPS and wireless transmitter

Other features

  • Lateral chromatic aberration reduction creates images with a clear periphery using original image processing technology to significantly reduce color aberrations
  • Vignette Control effectively prevents reduction of light at the periphery
  • Optical viewfinder achieves approx. 100%*6 frame coverage and 0.7x*7 magnification in FX format
  • Three sensing areas: FX format (36 x 24), DX format (24 x 16), and 5:4 (30 x 24)
  • Customizable function button
  • Choice of black or white letters for shooting information display
  • AF fine adjustment with professional standard of accuracy
  • Compliant with HDMITM for high-definition image playback
  • Lets you shoot up to approx. 4,400 frames on a single battery charge*8

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.

Nikon D3x

Nikon D3x back

Nikon D3x Top

Nikon D700 Available for Pre-Order

Amazon has wasted no time getting product pages up for the Nikon D700, and they are now accepting pre-orders. See the following links below for the respective pre-order pages and prices for the D700:

Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Read more about the Nikon D700

Canon Produced 40 Million EF Lenses

Canon has achieved a lens manufacturing landmark with production of Canons EF lenses passing the 40-million mark.

Canon’s proprietary EF lens was born in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system. Canon celebrated the production of its 10 millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20 millionth in February 2001, its 30 millionth in January 2006 and, a mere two years and three months later, has now surpassed the 40-million-unit mark.

Canon’s current EF lens line-up comprises 64 models.

Canon EF Lenses

Press Release

CANON CELEBRATES PRODUCTION OF 40 MILLION EF LENSES

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 29, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc. is proud to announce that Canon Inc. has achieved a new lens-manufacturing milestone as production of the Company’s EF lenses passed the 40-million mark.

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) single-lens reflex cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Canon commemorated the production of its 10 millionth EF lens in August 1995, its 20 millionth in February 2001, its 30 millionth in January 2006 and, a mere two years and three months later, has now surpassed the 40-million-unit mark. This achievement reflects users’ high level of satisfaction with the innovative technology and quality offered by EF lenses, as well as with Canon’s marketing operations and service.

Canon’s proprietary EF lens, born in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, marked a new direction in the future of AF systems and soon garnered attention for it use of a large-diameter fully electronic lens mount and an internal autofocus motor. In November of the same year, Canon introduced the industry’s firsti Ultrasonic Motor-powered lens: the EF300mm f/2.8L USM. In September 1989, the EF50mm f/1.0L USM, featuring the world’s largest apertureii of f/1.0, was launched, and in September 1995 the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, equipped with the world’s firstiii Image Stabilizer to compensate for the effects of camera shake, made its debut. Further, in December 2001, Canon introduced the world’s first super telephoto lens to employ a diffractive optical element for camera lensesiv: the EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM. Canon’s EF lens lineup, through the incorporation of innovative technologies, has consistently led the industry.

In conjunction with the launch in September 2003 of the highly acclaimed EOS Digital Rebel SLR camera, Canon expanded its EF lens lineup with the introduction of the EF-S series of lenses, optimized for use with digital SLR cameras that incorporate APS-C size image sensors.

Canon’s current EF lens lineup comprises 64 models, the most extensive selectionv in the industry. The Company’s diverse range of EF lenses include standard and super-telephoto zoom lenses, Image Stabilizer-equipped lenses, large-aperture lenses, macro lenses, and TS-E lenses, which include a special tilt-shift mechanism that permits the manipulation of image perspective and distortion. The comprehensive product lineup effectively caters to the wide-ranging needs of a broad user base, from novice photo enthusiasts to advanced amateur and professional photographers.

Looking to the future of the total EOS system, including EF lenses, Canon will continue to promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering, with the aim of contributing to the creation of a new photo culture through attractive products to satisfy the needs of all users.

For more information on Canon lenses please visit, www.usa.canon.com/dlc
 

Samsung Full Frame DSLR

Samsung Full Frame DSLRAmateur Photographer are reporting that Samsung is working on developing a full frame professional digital SLR camera. Canon and Nikon already have full frame imaging sensors in their DSLR line-up and Sony has also announced a full frame prototype in January at the PMA show. If Samsung is to become a serous player in the DSLR market is makes sense follow the big players with a full frame sensor. Samsung has made it clear they have an ongoing relationship with Pentax, which may mean we could see two very similar Samsung and Pentax cameras featuring full frame sensors released around the same time, like we have with the current Pentax K20D and Samsung GX-20 (pictured) cameras. Continue reading