The Nikon 1 system of cameras and lenses marks quite a radical leap of change for Nikon. Having used the F-mount on their SLR’s for 55 years, spanning both the film and digital age, the Nikon 1 marks many firsts for the brand.
On paper, many things about the Nikon 1 system are simply mind blowing. To me though, on the flip side of the coin, many specs defy logic. And I suspect that I’m not the only one who sees it that way. As a result, it has taken a lot of global criticism since it’s launch, but I’ll speak more about its negative attributes later. Continue reading »
Here is the press release everyone has been waiting for (drum roll please), the announcement of the 16.2MP, full frame, 11fps and broadcast video shooting Nikon flagship, replacement for the D3s, the Nikon D4!
PRESS RELEASE
Johannesburg, South Africa - Nikon in South Africa today announces the launch of the D4, its new flagship D-SLR for photographers who need the ultimate in photography.
Made to shatter limits and realise every shooting opportunity, this professional FX-format camera brings new levels of image quality, speed and precision to both still photography and video. Continue reading »
Nikon have released a replacement for the their flagship flash which was a little unexpected. The new Speedlight SB-910 is said to have an easier to use interface and a new thermal protection to slow down recycle times when the flash starts getting to hot and threatening to overheat. The older SB-900 would simply shut down till it had cooled down. Check the full press release after the break.
The guys at Nikon Rumours have posted images and specs of what they claim to be the upcoming D800. I am seeing DNA from a few different Nikon bodies in its design but you can check it out at this link and tell me what you think.
Nikon have today issued a third announcement relating to the impact of the Thailand flood on their business. As it stands the first floor of all buildings at their premises are still submerged. They report that water levels are down 40 centimeters from their highest recorded period. The company is reporting that for the financial period ending March 21, 2012 net sales will be down 65 billion yen and operational income 25 billion yen. You can see the full press release here.
In case you have missed the updates on our Facebook Page or Twitter, the November issue of PhotoComment magazine is now out on the counters and shelves of photographic retailers, colleges and clubs across the country. You can also check it out online. We are pleased to announce that the magazine is now in testing for the iPad. If you would like to try it out please use this link but be aware it is still in testing, though we would like your feedback.
Before we dive inside this issue, please accept my apologies for the several typos that crept into this edition. There were more distractions and interuptions than usual in October which had a major impact on our deadline and with a slight bit of dislexia on my side there were some spelling mistakes that slipped through to print which should not have. I promise to be more “Discilpined” in future sorry Eric Palmer.
Finally out of editing is our interview with Marli van Schalkwyk, PR Manager for Nikon South Africa which we shot at the global launch of the Nikon 1 range. Interesting to see their view on the new camera and where Nikon want to position it locally in South Africa.
Following yesterday’s controversy over a statement made by Nikon on their Facebook page, the company issued an apology. As we said, we think their wording could be a little better and that no offence was intended by them but the post got a lot of attention being a topic of discussion on numerous websites and attracting over 3700 comments. The apology:
We know some of you took offense to the last post, and we apologize, as it was not our aim to insult any of our friends. Our statement was meant to be interpreted that the right equipment can help you capture amazing images. We appreciate the passion you have for photography and your gear, and know that a great picture is possible anytime and anywhere.
Two news stories are doing the rounds at the moment about Nikon. The first one which caught our eye – as we wait for our review units to test ourselves – is the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 have been reviewed over at DxO Mark. There are some interesting things to not here. As expected the smaller sensor on the Nikon is struggling against the bigger APS-C sensor in cameras like the Sony NEX-C3. On the flip side the new CX sensor in the Nikon’s is holding it’s own against the Micro Four Thirds sensors in the Olympus PEN range or Panasonic.
We have just returned from the South African launch of the Nikon 1 series and got to go hands on with the new J1 and V1. Nikon claim this is the most important announcement they have made in 14 years when they first announced their entry to digital cameras, but is it all they hope it to be? Read on for our first impressions. Continue reading »
The photographic world is a buzz this morning with the announcement from Nikon of their entry into the mirrorless camera market with the new Nikon 1 series and the first two cameras in the range, the V1 and J1. It is hard to put into words what these new cameras are all about and since we are attending the South African launch of it a little later today – at least we hope that is what today’s event is about – we wont try to explain it till we go hands on. In the meantime check the video above for an explanation on the V1 or read the full press release here.
Nikon 1 – Cameras that are one step ahead
Nikon introduces new camera system, Nikon 1, the world’s fastest, smallest, lightest
Johannesburg, South Africa, 21st September 2011: Photography will never be the same again. Nikon today introduces a revolutionary new digital camera system, Nikon 1, with the launch of two new cameras, the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1. This next generation pioneers amazing photography features such as pre-post capture technology that starts before you – enabling ground breaking new shooting modes that mean you’ll never miss a moment again. Moving subjects like children are captured with ease, and photos become ‘living’ images.
“This is Nikon’s most significant announcement since we introduced the digital camera 14 years ago” said Takami Tsuchida, President, Nikon Europe, “With the launch of Nikon 1, we’re unveiling two ground breaking interchangeable lens cameras that are packed with revolutionary technology.”
Romi Jacobs, Chief Brand Officer for Nikon in South Africa said: “Our engineers have managed to house an incredibly powerful processor and sensor in a sleek, minimalist Nikon 1 body design: people will be able to take shots they didn’t believe were possible. These are not only the world’s fastest cameras – they have features that have never been seen before: shooting modes like Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector are going to let people capture images in ways they could never have imagined, and the 1 NIKKOR lenses are unique in the way they’ve been designed with portability and movie making in mind.”
Nikon’s market-changing Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens (A-CIL) has been specially designed to help photographers perfectly capture a moment in time, by combining images and movies. With the development of Nikon’s cutting edge technology, you’ll never miss a thing.
Captivating new features
The Nikon 1 range has a processor that is many times faster than the most professional cameras and this unprecedented speed powers some never-before-seen functions. Motion Snapshot is a new concept in picture-taking. It captures fleeting moments and plays them back in a way that makes your picture appear that it is alive. It simultaneously records a slow motion movie and a still image, then instantly combines the two to deliver an evocative moving photo, capturing the story of a moment as never before. For the first time, you can record a snapshot of time, whether it is waves lapping at the shore, your best friend’s smile, or a child blowing out the candles on their birthday cake.
Another innovative feature powered by the cameras’ impressive speed is Smart Photo Selector which helps you to take the best possible full resolution picture. How many times have you tried to take an action shot, like your dog catching a ball or your child playing on the swing, only to miss the essential moment, because you took your shot a fraction too soon or too late? These intuitive cameras do the thinking for you. Press the shutter button once and the camera records 20 high resolution images at high speed and automatically selects the five best shots based on facial expressions, composition and focus. It then displays the best image on the high-resolution LCD screen. If you are not happy with the shot, the camera will suggest other images to choose from, meaning you’ll never take a bad picture again.
Two exciting new cameras
The Nikon 1 J1 is ideal for those who want a camera that effortlessly captures vivid personal and family memories. It is easy-to-use, has an in-built flash and is small and light enough to carry around – anywhere, anytime. The Nikon 1 J1 is available in five striking colours: matt black, high-gloss white, silver, high-gloss red and hot pink, with accessories to match. Kits range from R6499 (VAT inclusive).
The Nikon 1 V1 with its tough body construction is the perfect camera for technology lovers and trendsetters who want to take their photography to the next level. Its high resolution viewfinder helps you to frame shots in bright light and is It also has an expandable multi accessory port which lets you attach an external flash and other accessories. The Nikon 1 V1 is available in matt black or high-gloss white. Kits range from R8999 (VAT inclusive).
Quality without compromise
Nikon has created a camera system with revolutionary new features without compromising on size, usability or image and movie quality. These cameras have the fastest autofocus in their class, which means they are ready to capture the action as soon as you are. Its high-speed continuous shot with 60 fps (frames per second) lets you take a steady stream of photos without taking your finger off the shutter button – all while producing professional-quality still images with a sharp 10 megapixel resolution. And if you have ever struggled with low lighting, the camera’s CX-format CMOS sensor delivers still images with vivid colours.
Having a still or Motion Snapshot image won’t always be enough, so both Nikon 1 cameras give you Full HD movie capability, where you can film at 60 or 30 fps3. You can take a high resolution still image4 while continuing to take a movie. You can even capture the action in extreme slow motion and play back a two or three second clip over a couple of minutes for some really creative filming – be it a water droplet hitting a surface or your friend jumping in the air.
Beautifully simple design
You will be as delighted with how Nikon 1 looks as you will be with how it performs. Both cameras share a simple design, with clean lines and minimal buttons to enhance their sleek form. They also boast a high-quality, strong, yet light-weight aluminium body, for a durable and premium feel. The Nikon 1 V1 even has magnesium alloy covers.
New interchangeable lenses
When crafting Nikon 1, Nikon’s engineers didn’t just focus on the new. In fact, when it came to the new 1-mount, they drew on more than 50 years of expertise: the last time Nikon created a totally new lens mount was the F-mount in 1959. The 1-mount is what allows you to use the Nikon 1 system’s range of interchangeable 1 NIKKOR lenses. Engineered to ensure each lens communicates perfectly with the camera, it’s a key factor in the ability of Nikon 1 cameras to deliver still image and movie recording without compromise.
The new family of four interchangeable 1 NIKKOR lenses deliver outstanding precision, resolution and contrast and have been created in perfect proportion to the camera’s small body. They all boast a slim-line, light-weight design for superior portability and balance and are incredibly easy-to-use for stunning, effortless photography and movie recording in any situation.
The wide range of lenses has been designed exclusively for the 1-mount. This first generation line-up covers a range of focal lengths including the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm (standard 3x zoom lens), offering enjoyable shooting anywhere, the retractable 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm (telephoto zoom lens) to capture a wide variety of scenes, the ultra-thin 1 NIKKOR 10mm (fixed-focal length lens) for wide-angle shooting, helping you get everything in the shot, and the 1 NIKKOR 10-100mm PD-ZOOM (power-drive zoom with adjustable speed) which is ideal for those who enjoy shooting movies. And all of this is just the beginning. Nikon know that the best lenses lead to the best images and future 1 NIKKOR lenses are already in development.
Expand your system — Stay compact: Nikon 1 system accessories
The Nikon 1 range of optional system accessories help you get the most out of your shooting without weighing down your bag.
The tiny SB-N5 Speedlight flash is a convenient way to control the direction and quality of light, or get creative with shots by ‘bouncing’ the flash off the ceiling or walls. Compatible with the Nikon 1 V1, it can be rotated vertically or horizontally, and a capture illuminator (LED) on the front of the unit provides extra light when using Motion Snapshot or Smart Photo Selector in the dark.
The ultra-compact GP-N100 GPS unit is the easy way to tag images on the go. Compatible with the Nikon 1 V1, it attaches directly to the camera’s multi-accessory port and automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time as ‘geotags’ in the image data (EXIF).
The F-mount adapter lets anyone use any NIKKOR D-SLR lens with a Nikon 1 camera. Compatible with both the Nikon 1 V1 and the Nikon 1 J1, it offers limitless possibilities to match a lens to the shooting situation and all AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses are compatible with the Nikon 1 autofocus system.
But the complete range of Nikon 1 accessories doesn’t stop there. A whole range of Nikon 1 branded camera and lens cases and straps, as well as lens hoods and camera grips are available to protect your equipment and contribute to more comfortable shooting. You can use Nikon’s external stereo microphone, the ME-1, with the Nikon 1 V1. And both Nikon 1 cameras come with Nikon’s new Short Movie Creator software, which automatically creates short movies from still images, movie footage and music — as well as your Motion Snapshots.
Tilt lenses open up great possibilities for getting creative with your images. But because of their high prices, they’re out of reach of many photographers budgets. Lensbaby, however, have been making affordable alternatives for a few years now. I recently got to play with the newest addition to the range, the Tilt Transformer for Sony’s new NEX mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras range. As is customary with most of Lensbaby’s models, the internal optics are intechangable, allowing one to swap the desired glass inside the body of the lens, thereby changing the focal length or affect. But Lensbaby went one step further than they did with the regular composer by allowing the element body section of the lens to be completely removable, opening up the mount part of the lens. On the remaining part still left attached to the camera is a tiltable Nikon F-mount adapter allowing you to use any D generation Nikon lens, be it fixed or zoom, as a tilt lens, opening up a vast amount of possibilities.
Well to the horror of many Nikon fans out there, Nikon have announced several new compact cameras and not pro model DSLR bodies. Here is a summary of what has been announced.
The AW100 is Nikon’s – late possibly – entry into durable compacts. It features a 16mp CMOS sensor, 5x zoom, 10m waterproof and 1.5m drop proof. The Coolpix P7100 is the replacement for the P7000 and has a 10mp CCD with 7.1x zoom and can shoot in RAW. The S1200PJ is the new projector camera with a brighter projector, 14mp CCD and 5x zoom. The Coolpix S100 is 16mp CMOS sensor with 5x optical zoom and available in pink. The S6200 and S8200 come with 10x and 14x zooms respectively. Both sport 16mp sensor. The S4150 is a touch screen 14mp marvel with 5x zoom and the S6150 adds a 7x zoom and 16mp to the touch screen. That is about it.
Photokina 2010 had some incredibly exciting camera announcements, the Fuji X100, the Sony A33 and A55 with their Translucent Mirror Technology and the Nikon D7000, a successor for the D90 which two years prior had launched as the first DSLR to shoot video.
The July 2011 issue of PhotoComment Magazine is live on our site as well as hitting the shelves of stockists throughout this week. Here is a breakdown of what you can find inside. Don’t forget you can buy a postage paid subscription of the print magazine if they running off of shelves faster than you can get to them.
Meet The New Editor
You may have seen his portfolio and cover image in the April 2011 issue, and last month his image was on the cover again following his review of the Fujifilm Finepix X100. This issue is the first of what we hope to be many more for Armani Quintas our new magazine editor. From this founding father, a big “Welcome Aboard”.
Nikon have won 4 Red Dot Design Awards. While one was for a set of Binoculars, 3 of them went to their cameras. Firstly the D7000 which was our best DSLR in 2010 (though we still wait for a chance to do an in depth review of it). Next was the P7000 – one starts to wonder if the model number has anything to do with the awarding of red dots – and lastly the Coolpix S1100pj and no ‘pj’ does not standard for Pajamas, it means Projector. Full press release here.
You see that picture above, its not a Photoshop job, its the Nikon D5100 in the wild. We managed to be in a camera shop the same time the product manager brought it round for the guys to check out. So what are my first impression on it? Continue reading »
sorry Eric Palmer.
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