21 Sep 08 Nikon(R) Introduces the D2xs(TM) Professional Digital SLR Camera, Delivering Performance Advancements and Enhanced Features
* 12.4-Megapixel D2xs Offers Unique Combination of Extraordinary Image Quality, High-Speed and High-Resolution in a Single Camera Body
* Internal and External Refinements Make D2xs a Commendable Successor to Nikon’s Flagship D2x Digital SLR Camera
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 1 — Nikon(R) (http://www.nikondigital.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the new D2xs(TM) professional digital SLR camera, incorporating an impressive range of refinements that improve overall camera performance and enhance the user experience. The D2xs shares many performance and design innovations with the current and highly successful D2x camera, including the 12.4 million pixel DX format CMOS image sensor that renders images with high resolution and sharp detail, necessary for demanding professional assignments. The D2xs also hosts a range of upgraded features that make operation significantly more responsive — including refined viewfinder performance that makes for easier composition when shooting in Nikon’s exclusive High-Speed Crop mode, a new 2.5 inch LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle, individually calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity, significantly increased battery life and a wide range of firmware enhancements.
With its numerous refinements, the D2xs is truly equipped to meet the widely varied demands of today’s professional photographers who strive to create photographs that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Not only does the camera successfully combine high resolution, speed and quality, but it also incorporates exclusive technologies that enable unfettered creativity. Options such as the WT-2A Wi-Fi transmitter achieves full wireless remote camera control and transmission, while the revolutionary i-TTL Speedlight technology included in the D2xs ensures radical new possibilities in creative lighting.
“Increasingly, professional photographers have chosen the D2x as their primary workhorse camera due to its remarkable performance and versatility, making it Nikon’s best selling professional digital SLR camera. With the introduction of the D2xs, Nikon has built upon the proven performance of its predecessor and added new technologies and refined features that will
offer professionals an enhanced overall experience,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, Nikon Inc. “The D2xs is poised to become the next Nikon DSLR of choice among professional photographers.”
Versatility Refined
Many of the capabilities that made the D2x such a success have been retained. The D2xs is capable of capturing 12.4 megapixel JPEG or RAW (NEF) images at a rate of up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, and maintains a rapid start-up time, the world’s shortest shutter release time lag of just 37ms, as well as a viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds. The D2xs also inherits the popular High-Speed Crop mode that uses a specific central area of the sensor to capture 6.8 megapixel resolution images at an incredible rate of up to 8 frames per second. A newly developed viewfinder in the D2xs automatically superimposes a mask over the cropped area within the viewfinder while in the High-Speed Crop mode, for easier and more confident composition.
The D2xs features Nikon’s acclaimed Mutli-CAM2000 high-speed AF system, with eleven autofocus sensors — nine of which are cross-type and placed in the rule of thirds layout. The D2xs offers improved subject acquisition and tracking capabilities as well as a new option for controlling the duration of Lock-On(TM) focus tracking, making it easier to adjust for shooting
different types of scenes and action.
New Image Rendering and Menu Options
With a combination of powerful image-processing technologies and Nikon’s exclusive 1,005 pixel 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, the D2xs makes it possible to capture beautiful 2.4-megapixel images that meet and exceed professional photographers’ needs for larger files that are rich in detail, color and smooth tonal range. The D2xs has also been refined so demanding photographers can take advantage of Nikon’s 3D-Color Matrix Metering II even in the High-Speed Crop mode. Professional photographers will appreciate the ability to select Adobe RGB in any of the three color modes — making it possible to work with a wider range of colors to match highly diverse assignments and workflow environments, while ideally complementing the NEF file. In-camera creative possibilities are extended even further through the addition of a new Black & White (sRGB) color mode.
Photographers shooting in RAW (NEF) will have the ability to shoot in black and white and still retain the color information in the RAW image data, allowing them to easily reverse a black and white image to color using Nikon’s new Capture NX software.
RAW and JPEG images taken using the D2xs can be trimmed within the camera to produce images of reduced display sizes ranging from 640 x 480 to 2,560 x 1,920 pixels. The resulting smaller files can help improve workflow efficiency by eliminating the time required to download and perform software editing within a computer.
New ISO sensitivity options offer greater convenience to photographers who work under constantly changing lighting conditions such as weddings. A new Auto ISO feature allows photographers to maintain a specific shutter speed while letting the camera automatically select an appropriate ISO setting, within a predefined range of sensitivities, based on the existing lighting conditions. This feature helps achieve optimum exposure while freeing the photographer to concentrate on composition. ISO sensitivity can also be manually set between ISO-equivalent 100 and 800 in increments of 1/3 EV, or boosted using HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 or HI-2 settings when high sensitivity is a priority. The 3 settings between 800 and HI-1 are newly added to give the D2xs finer control over sensitivity.
Refined Ergonomics and Design
The D2xs body is consistent with the exterior styling of the D2-series, adopted from a design created by famed industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro*. The body is proportionate and well balanced, with a well designed interface that is intuitive and seamless.
The D2xs improves upon its predecessor’s energy efficient design, and when combined with the newly developed high-energy EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the camera boasts an unprecedented 3,800** shots per charge. Nikon’s highly sophisticated, real-time battery Fuel Gauge system in the D2xs allows photographers to determine the precise level of remaining charge, number of shots taken per charge and the overall life of the battery — all at the touch of a button.
A new 2.5-inch, 235,000 dot LCD monitor in the D2xs allows a 170-degree wide viewing angle, and is individually calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity. The D2xs also features a new color scheme for menu displays.
Expanded Software Options
The D2xs features a unique Image Authentication feature that, when used with Nikon’s new Image Authentication Software, marks the authentication of an image captured by the camera and can determine whether or not it has been altered since capture. Image data is a critical link in the “chain of evidence” for verifying image authenticity, and D2xs’s hardware and software-based image authentication solution allows easy, secure authentication of images for a wide range of requirements. The softwareenables verification of JPEGS, TIFF and NEF (RAW) images taken with the Nikon D2xs.
A new remote control software called Camera Control Pro is also available for the D2xs, enabling unprecedented remote control operation of many camera functions from a personal computer. Camera Control Pro software is the next generation of camera control software, previously bundled with Nikon’s Capture 4 software, and features substantial advanced features that offer limitless creativity to photographers who need to control their camera remotely. Camera Control Pro can control the D2xs remotely tethering a high-speed USB cable or optional WT-2a wireless transmitter.
The D2xs is also compatible with Nikon’s soon-to-be-released Capture NX(TM) software — a highly versatile yet elegantly simple photo editing solution that provides easy, yet powerful and visually intuitive image-editing and enhancement tools. With Capture NX, photographers will be able to tap into the full potential of D2xs’s RAW (NEF) files, while also apply powerful photo image processing and editing tools to JPEG and TIFF files.
The D2xs will be available from Nikon authorized retailers in late June for an estimated street price of $4699.95***. For more information, please visit http://www.nikondigital.com
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX(R) compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
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21 Sep 08 NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor Al Satterwhite This November
MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 17 — In the field of advertising photography, it is widely known that photographers must adapt to the changing times. Al Satterwhite chooses to make adjustments while staying true to his own vision through his sense of composition and bold use of color. It is for this reason that NikonNet’s inspiring monthly showcase, “Legends Behind the Lens” will honor his work this November. Satterwhite is an esteemed advertising photographer who works with both still photography and film.
Satterwhite has had a busy career. While still in high school he shot for the St Petersburg Times, then moved on to ten years of freelance magazine work, shooting assignments for Fortune, Car & Driver, Life, Time, Newsweek, People, Sports Illustrated and Travel & Leisure, among other top magazines. In 1980, he began a 15-year run of national and international advertising photography. His clients included American Express, Kodak, Porsche, Saab, Coca Cola and Nikon. He also found time to lecture, conduct workshops, work on book projects, including A Day in the Life of Spain, Lights! Camera! Advertising! and Satterwhite on Color & Design.
“Al Satterwhite is a unique talent in the world of both still photography and film,” notes Anna Marie Bakker, director of Communications for Nikon Inc. “His work is creative, inspiring and irreplaceable. NikonNet is pleased to honor Al Satterwhite for his distinguished work and accomplishments.”
Currently, Satterwhite is doing both still and film work. Film, he says, provides him with a new appreciation for still photography. “Film is about images serving a story, telling the story; it’s not necessarily about the image itself,” states Satterwhite. “But with stills it’s usually the other way around. You usually have one picture, and you have to get the story crammed into that one picture, and it has to stand out. So it’s all about the technique you use for that one picture.”
It is this thought that brings him back to the thoughts of styles, trends and the nature of commercial photography. Regarding his work, Satterwhite comments, “Basically I like what I do, and I’ve pretty much kept on doing it. With advertising photography you can go out of style, and later you get rediscovered and people go, oh, it’s new and exciting. Well, it’s the same vision I’ve had for a long time with maybe a little twist.”
Today, Satterwhite’s tools for composites are likely to include a D2X digital SLR camera, an F5 film SLR camera, and a COOLSCAN 9000 to digitize new and older slides. Among his favorite Nikkor lenses are the 28mm f/1.4D AF, 55mm f/2.8 Micro, 85mm f/1.4D IF AF, 135mm f/2D AF, 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF and the 300mm f/4 ED-IF AF-S. He also uses SB-800 and SB-26 Speedlights. To learn more about Al Satterwhite, visit NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.
About “Legends Behind the Lens”
NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into photography. Nikon has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet.
This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous photographers. “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries with a new photo added each day of the month, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.
Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.
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21 Sep 08 Nikon and President George W. Bush Honor Outstanding Photojournalists at The White House News Photographers’ Association Annual Award Gala
Supported by Nikon for the 12th Consecutive Year, The White House News Photographers’ Association Awards Top Achievers at its Annual Gala Dinner, As President Bush Takes Center Stage to Recognize Award Recipients
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 26 — As part of its ongoing commitment to recognize and support photojournalists, the Nikon Spirit Initiative sponsored the White House News Photographers’ Association’s annual gala awards dinner for the 12th consecutive year on May 21, 2005. Special guest, President George W. Bush, presented a humorous slideshow of photographs and honored the top photojournalists, including the Washington Post’s Andrea Bruce Woodall, who was named Photographer of the Year, and veteran photographer Chick Harrity who took home a lifetime achievement award.
“Nikon is proud to continue its support of the White House News Photographers’ Association as part of the Nikon Spirit Initiative,” said Anna Marie Bakker, General Manager of communications for Nikon Inc. “The WHNPA provides an invaluable service to our world by being our eyes into some of the most historic moments ever. Nikon is grateful to WHNPA, and especially President Bush, for making this endeavor such a success.”
Woodall, a first-place winner in the organization’s Eyes of History 2005 Still Photography Contest, was named Photographer of the Year by WHNPA for producing a tremendous portfolio that included breathtaking images from Iraq during the recent war. In honor of her work, Woodall was presented with a Nikon D2x digital SLR camera and lens.
A lifetime achievement award was presented to Chick Harrity, whose 48-year career included 35 years in Washington with the Associated Press and U.S. News and World Report. In an emotional surprise to Harrity, his award was presented by the young woman whose image he captured in the famous, “Baby in the Box” image which he captured while she was an orphan in Vietnam. She was later adopted by an American woman.
President Bush’s slideshow featured a number of photographs of members of the White House press corps, and even the President himself, in humorous poses. In the end, though, the President echoed the sentiment that ruled the night. “When people think of historic events, they don’t usually remember the words that were written. They remember the images. One photo may not provide a complete history, but it gives us a glimpse of history and that’s important work.”
For more information about the Nikon Spirit Initiative, and Nikon’s ongoing efforts to support professional photographers, please visit http://www.nikonspiritinitiative.com.
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21 Sep 08 Nikon Introduces F6 as Pinnacle of 35MM SLR Photography
Nikon F6™ Becomes the Next Legendary F-Series Camera That Offers Cutting-Edge Technologies to 35mm Film Photography
MELVILLE, NY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 - Responding to the demands of professionals and enthusiasts around the world, Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced the F6™ 35mm professional SLR - a flagship film camera that seamlessly blends cutting-edge new technologies and uncompromising craftsmanship to offer film enthusiasts the finest shooting experience an SLR camera can offer.
The F6 benefits from the aggressive advancements in camera technology Nikon has made in response to an explosive demand for high-end digital cameras. It embodies Nikon’s latest technological advancements, such as the Multi-CAM200 11-area AF system for exceptionally high-speed autofocus operation with outstanding accuracy, and the i-TTL Creative Lighting System for incomparable flash photography. The F6 features a newly refined proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering system for improved accuracy in scene recognition and exposure. The camera also operates at highly subdued noise levels to ensure the ultimate shooting experience. For film shooters, the F6 undoubtedly represents the epitome of 35mm SLR photography and cutting edge performance.
“While many professional photographers have rapidly adopted digital photography in their workflow, there are several who enjoy the choice of using 35m film, depending on the situation or circumstance they are photographing in. Nikon recognizes this, and with the F6 and the newly announced D2X digital SLR camera, we are offering photographers the best cameras in both categories, for a seamless experience in performance, features and usability,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of Marketing, Nikon Inc.
The F6 is the sixth model in a legendary series of F-series professional film SLR cameras from Nikon. First introduced with the Nikon F in 1959, the series has transcended newer challenges over the years with successive new models. The original Nikon F was succeeded by the F2 (1971), F3 (1980), F4 (1988) and the critically acclaimed F5 in 1996. Each of these cameras inherited select elements from its predecessors, including the legendary Nikon F mount and a consistent design philosophy to offer professionals tools of the highest caliber and performance. Each successive model also raised the bar for innovation and technological advancement to meet the increasingly diversified needs of professional photographers. Today, tens of thousands of Nikon F-series SLR cameras and Nikkor lenses are put to test daily around the world, helping photographers make great pictures. The new Nikon F6 promises to uphold Nikon’s tradition of innovation and enduring value.
F6 offers New Features for Film Fanatics
The Nikon F6 35mm film SLR camera earns its right to become the next flagship Nikon F-Series professional camera by incorporating remarkable new technologies and design enhancements that give photographers who prefer film the highest level of performance in an SLR camera. In addition to incorporating Nikon’s new Multi-CAM2000 11-area AF system and powerful i-TTL Creative Lighting System, the F6 also incorporates several fine refinements in design and construction. It features an improved Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering system for greater accuracy in scene recognition and exposure, as well as a new shutter unit crafted from DuPont™ KEVLAR® and a special aluminum alloy for unparalleled reliability, lighting-quick movement and precision. Nikon engineers have successfully subdued the camera’s operational sounds by using a professional echoic chamber to measure sound and vibration meticulously and then craft the camera with parts that have been highly refined for absolute minimum vibration, and frequency of movement attenuated to a level below that detectable by the human ear. Constructed on an aluminum-alloy die-cast chassis with magnesium-alloy front body and covers (top, bottom) and strategically placed rubber surfaces, the F6 is built like a tank, and has undergone several reliability and rigidity tests to ensure flawless performance. A self-diagnostic shutter incorporated in the camera has undergone testing to assure accurate release up to and beyond 150,000 cycles, even in the most extreme environmental conditions. The F6 undoubtedly goes beyond Nikon’s uncompromising standards of quality, durability and rigidity that photographers around the world expect and trust.
The F6 also features a variety of exciting, innovative control options such as a customizable function button, built-in data back functions, shooting data memory and compatibility with a new Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40. This new power pack boosts the camera”s framing rate from a native 5.5 frames per second to a full 8 frames per second, allowing Nikon engineers to reduce the size of the F6 significantly from its predecessor, the F5. With the convenience and versatility afforded by 41 Custom Settings, photographers can also fine-tune the F6 to suit their individual shooting preferences and requirements.
The new flagship film SLR also boasts a number of dedicated accessories. These include the Multi Power Battery Pack MB-40, interchangeable focusing screens (seven types), Data Reader MV-1 and camera cases. The Nikon F6 is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers in October 2004.
Nikon F6 Feature Highlights
High-precision shutter unit
No shutter unit in any other camera comes close to matching the precision and durability of the F6’s assembly. Created from cutting-edge materials - DuPontTM KEVLAR® and a special aluminum alloy - the blades of the shutter unit offer unparalleled reliability and are extremely lightweight, for lightning-quick movement. For enhanced accuracy, the movement of the blades was carefully analyzed during the design process using a high-speed video camera and computer simulations, enabling unprecedented precision even at shutter speeds of up to 1/8,000 second.
DuPontTM and KEVLAR® are trademarks and registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Minimized operational sound and vibration
Nikon engineers were so intent on subduing the camera’s operational sounds that they used a professional audio room to properly gauge the sound quality and frequency. The degree of vibration to which every part of the camera would be subjected was measured. This meticulous approach has resulted in a camera comprised of parts that have been highly refined for absolute minimum vibration, and frequency of movement attenuated to a level below that detectable by the human ear.
Highly efficient mechanics
The development of the F6 marks the first time 3D computer movement analysis has ever been applied to an SLR. This technique reveals the degree of power distributed to or generated by particular parts in specific directions. This made it possible for Nikon to optimize the mechanical operation of the camera with fewer parts, leading to lower power consumption and higher durability
Harsh environmental testing
To ensure the camera could withstand the most severe conditions and environments, the F6 has been subjected to rigorous testing. The F6’s astonishing reliability is a function of Nikon’s “the right material for the right place” approach. Nikon engineers considered countless situations for camera use, then submitted the F6 to real-life testing to virtually guarantee exceptional dependability wherever and whenever photographers shoot.
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