21 Sep 08 NIKON’S NEW D80™ DIGITAL SLR CAMERA BRINGS ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED CREATIVE CONTROL TO PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS

* 10.2 Megapixel D80 Offers Outstanding Performance, Ease Of Use, Versatile Personal Control and Exciting In-Camera Editing Tools
* All New 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens Included with the D80 Outfit Creates a Compelling Option for Photo Enthusiasts

MELVILLE, NY, AUGUST 9, 2006 - Building on the extraordinary success of the D70 and D70s, Nikon® (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the new D80™ digital SLR camera - an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments. With a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor and an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine inherited from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, the D80 can render images with incredible resolution, sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these images fast - at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera’s always ready for the next fleeting moment.

The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a picture with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto-focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject. The D80’s large, bright 0.94x viewfinder affords a remarkable view not found in many digital SLRs, making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera’s rechargeable battery can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the battery at all times. And like all Nikon digital SLR cameras, the D80 feels solid and substantial while being both compact and comfortable. But more experienced photo enthusiasts will admire the D80 most for its bevy of creative controls and features that make photography with the camera so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Its new Optimize image menu, for instance, offers complete control over the look and feel of your pictures, allowing you to boost saturation and create pictures with vivid color, or shoot black-and-white pictures with a choice of four filtration effects, or even create your own custom look that expresses personal style and creativity. Other creative tools include an all-new image Retouch menu for in-camera image editing, built-in i-TTL flash control with the ability to control up to two remote groups of Speedlights, as well as over 32 Custom settings to customize several attributes of the camera’s performance.

“The Nikon D70 and D70s cameras proved to be extraordinarily successful due to the excellent value they offered to passionate photo enthusiasts when each was introduced. They offered an ideal balance of features, performance, innovation and price, making them appealing to a very broad range of photographers. With the introduction of the D80, Nikon is significantly raising the bar for a camera in this class,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “By bringing high-end features and technologies inherited from our professional line of cameras to the passionate photo enthusiast, while making the camera simpler and more enjoyable to use, we believe the D80 will represent the ’sweet spot’ for anyone looking for a new level of digital SLR camera performance and value. Paired with the new 7.5x 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, the D80’s performance and versatility becomes even more compelling for consumers,” he added.

Unrivaled Image Quality
At the heart of any digital camera lies its image processing engine - a sophisticated processor that determines, among other things, the overall color rendering and image quality of pictures taken with the camera. One of the key advances developed for the D80 is Nikon’s own high-resolution image processing engine that inherits best-of-breed technologies from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, including color independent analog pre-conditioning and high-precision 12-bit digital image processing algorithms, which combine to produce natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. A new dedicated high-performance processing chip greatly accelerates performance on all levels, while also achieving lower power consumption, assuring more pictures per battery charge.
The D80 also benefits from Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, to ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Evaluating, rather than merely measuring or averaging the true content of each scene, input from the system’s frame-wide 420-pixel sensor is automatically referenced against an onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography to calculate final exposure value. Variable Center-Weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available, as are exposure compensation and auto exposure bracketing. Sophisticated exposure automation combined with options for complete user control help to make the D80 an ideal high-performance digital SLR for passionate photography enthusiasts.

Speed to Burn
One of the hallmarks of Nikon’s digital SLR cameras is how fast they operate, not only when capturing images, but also when processing them. The D80 proudly carries this tradition forward. Not only is the camera powered up and ready to shoot in only 0.18 seconds, it also reacts at blazing speeds when the shutter button is pressed. With a minimal shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds), and the ability to shoot 3 frames per second up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), the camera is ready to shoot whenever that priceless expression or special moment presents itself. Images shot are processed instantly and recorded rapidly to the inserted SD memory card. Preview images are also displayed near instantly.
The D80’s new 11-area auto-focus system also fulfills its role in the overall speed of the camera, delivering fast and precise focus under varying shooting conditions. Adopting a refined version of Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system with center area wide-frame operation adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot. An all-new Auto-Area AF mode measures all eleven focus areas and automatically determines which of them are on the primary subject.

Creativity Comes Standard
The Nikon D80 is designed to inspire creativity at every level. For this reason, the camera includes a wide assortment of features and tools to empower all kinds of users, ranging from the novice to the seasoned pro, to pursue their creative vision, instantly and right from within the camera.
D80 photographers will enjoy the camera’s built-in Multiple Exposure mode for unique composite image effects, or the Optimize menu options that closely tailor results to the scene at hand or the intended use of an image or to a custom preference of the photographer. Optimization of sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue is controlled by the user-selected choice of Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black-and-White. The black-and-white mode can be customized using red, green, yellow and orange filter effects as well as image sharpening and tone compensation.

The D80 also features an all-new image Retouch menu, with exclusive in-camera editing functions that will certainly keep D80 users engaged when they’re not busy shooting. Options within the Retouch menu include:

* D-Lighting: Automatically balances underexposed portions of an image to enhance detail in these areas, without affecting the highlights of the picture
* In-camera Red-eye Correction: Automatically removes the annoying red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash.
* Trim: Images can be trimmed within the camera to produce smaller files with reduced display sizes for easy sharing or greater efficiency for specific end purposes.
* Image Overlay: Merges a pair of selected RAW files taken with the D80 to create a composite image within the camera as a RAW or JPEG file. This feature is especially useful when trying to create a soft-focus effect with two similar images
* Monochrome settings: Monochrome settings can be applied to any color image in the camera, to convert it to a pleasing monochromatic picture, either in black-and-white, sepia or cyanotype
* Filter Effects: Can be used to emulate and apply the effects of a Skylight filter or a Warming filter to any image stored on the inserted SD card. A Customized Color menu within filter effects can also be used to make subtle shifts in color to any image in the camera.

For anyone just beginning to enjoy the added performance and versatility of digital SLR photography, creative shooting is as simple as rotating the Digital Vari-Program mode dial on the camera. The D80 has seven preconfigured program modes to optimize the camera for specific shooting conditions and greatly increase the chances of taking a great photograph. In “Portrait” Mode, for example, the camera automatically optimizes the color, hue, and saturation levels to capture the most flattering skin tones, softens the focus of the background images to emphasize the face and applies a milder form of in-camera sharpening. Users can choose from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Landscape or Night Portrait.

The D80 also offers creative ways to share pictures, with its built-in Pictmotion slideshow feature, which includes style selections that control transitions and background music. Shows can be enjoyed on the 2.5-inch LCD, or complete with audio on a television when connected via the supplied AV cable.

Creature Comfort
The D80 features refined ergonomics and design, borne from Nikon’s extensive experience designing successful SLR cameras for over 50 years. As a result, the camera is incredibly comfortable to use and handle, and incorporates several new features that enhance its usability. The D80 features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition. Included is a built-in diopter adjustment control knob also makes it easier to fine-tune the view to match eyesight. The viewfinder’s integrated grid display can also be turned on to assist with composition.
A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions. Navigating the spacious preview of your images is easy with a new dedicated Zoom button, magnifying images on screen up to 25 times their original size. A new RGB histogram display aids in evaluating exposures with greater precision. Other playback options include single frame, 4 or 9-image thumbnail display, an improved histogram display and highlight point display. A new menu interface featuring refinements to the carefully chosen color scheme and increased font size makes navigation easier on the eye, easier to understand and easier to use. Menus can be customized to display only selected items using the new “My Menu” set.

The D80 is slimmer and more compact than its predecessors, and remains true to Nikon’s commitment to intuitive operation. The size, layout and operation of all buttons and controls are designed for maximum ease of use.

System Strength
With the D80, users also have complete and seamless compatibility with Nikon’s extensive Total Digital Imaging System, and the camera is designed to take advantage of many of the technologies built into Nikon accessories. The D80’s powerful built-in Speedlight is compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, and can wirelessly control up to two groups of Speedlights in full TTL mode, taking the guesswork out of multiple flash photography. Compatible Speedlights within the Creative Lighting System include the SB-800, SB-600 and Nikon’s Wireless Close-up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200.
The D80 also offers unprecedented compatibility with Nikon’s extensive selection of AF Nikkor lenses as well as new DX Nikkor lenses, which are designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. Nikkor lenses, famous for optical superiority, add to the D80’s ability to deliver outstanding images.

The D80 will also have an optional MB-D80 battery pack available, extending the shooting capability in an ergonomic design that adds shooting stability. Able to run on either one or two EN-EL3e rechargeable batteries or six AA-size batteries, the pack also features an additional command dial and alternative buttons for shutter release and AE-Lock/AF-Lock that make vertical shooting more comfortable.

The D80 is also fully compatible with Capture NX software (available for purchase separately), Nikon’s highly versatile and elegantly simple new photo editing solution designed to help photographers tap the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. Featuring an innovative user interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools, Capture NX’s powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

The D80 will be available beginning September 2006 for an estimated selling price of $999.95** for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit, including the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® 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™, 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 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 NIKON® INTRODUCES THE 70-300MM F/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS

New Lens Offers Enhanced Nikon VR (VRII) Vibration Reduction System in a Compact, 4.3x Zoom Lens for Nikon DX Format Digital and 35mm Film SLR Cameras

MELVILLE, NY, AUGUST 9, 2006 - Nikon Inc. (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, a 4.3x zoom lens that is ideal for telephoto shooting opportunities. It incorporates many of Nikon’s most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a design engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. With a high-powered 70-300mm focal length range, the lens is ideal for sports, action, wildlife, travel and portrait photography, among other telephoto applications. When used on a Nikon DX format digital SLR, this lens approximates the picture angle performance of a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera.

“Nikon’s range of Nikkor lenses with Vibration Reduction technology has grown substantially and the new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is another excellent addition, offering both Nikon digital and 35mm SLR photographers an advanced high-powered zoom lens in a surprisingly compact, lightweight design,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “High quality lens design requires a challenging blend of art, science and, of course, photographic experience. With the new 70-300mm AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon engineers have again met that challenge, producing a lens whose optical performance delivers clarity and contrast typically found only in lenses costing substantially more,” he added.

Beyond the lens’ incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction - an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon’s advanced VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling characteristics.

The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be available beginning October 2006 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $669.00**. For more information about Nikon and Nikkor optics, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® 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™, 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 www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

** Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are for reference only. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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21 Sep 08 NIKON® INTRODUCES NEW 18-135MM F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS

MELVILLE, NY, AUGUST 9, 2006 - Nikon® (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the versatile, affordable new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, further expanding Nikon’s successful line of DX Nikkor lenses, engineered for use exclusively with Nikon’s DX format digital SLR cameras. Developed for use with all Nikon D-series digital SLR Cameras, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be included as the compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens in the recently announced Nikon D80™ 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera Outfit.

The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX has a broad focal length range (providing picture angle performance approximating a 28-200mm lens on a 35mm film SLR camera) that is suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations, ranging from wide-angle landscapes to portraits, recreational sports, action and close-ups. This new lens offers a selection of Nikon’s highly regarded technologies such as compact Silent Wave motor (AF-S) for super fast and quiet autofocus operation, Extra-Low Dispersion glass (ED) for minimized chromatic aberrations, and Internal Focusing (IF) for convenient and balanced handling.

“The new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX is an excellent, all-encompassing lens that can be an ideal companion to any Nikon digital SLR camera, especially the recently announced D80,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX demonstrates remarkable optical performance along with wonderful compactness,” he added.

Designed exclusively for use with DX Format digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses deliver a versatile range of angle-of-view, higher performance, and outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while making possible smaller and lighter designs.

The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be available beginning September 2006 for a suggested retail price of $485. The lens will also be sold packaged with the recently announced D80 10.2-megapixle digital SLR camera. The packaged outfit will have an estimated street price of $1299.95*, offering photographers substantial savings when purchased together.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® 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™, 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 www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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Tags: 35mm, compact digital, compact digital camera, compact digital cameras, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, digital slr, digital slr camera, digital slr cameras, dispersion glass, film, film scanners, focal length, focal length range, image quality, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, new lens, nikkor lenses, nikon, nikon coolpix, nikon d80, nikon digital, nikon digital slr, nikon digital slr camera, nikon inc, nikondigital, nikonusa, optical performance, optics, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photographic equipment, picture, pictures, pixel, professional digital, slr camera, slr cameras, slr systems, zoom

21 Sep 08 NIKON® BEGINS SHIPPING ACCLAIMED CAPTURE NX™ SOFTWARE

Capture NX - A Powerful and Intuitive New Software That Dramatically Simplifies Photo Editing for JPEG, TIFF and Nikon RAW (NEF) Format Images - is Now Available at Nikon Authorized Retail Locations Nationwide

MELVILLE, NY (August 9, 2006) - Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) has begun shipping the highly acclaimed new Capture NX™ software to Nikon authorized retailers across the nation. Capture NX™ is new software that is designed specifically for photographers, providing a unique and easy to understand interface with tools that photographers need, but without the level of complexity and clutter of other image editing applications. The software can be used with JPEG and TIFF format images from any source, and its patented new U Point™ technology offers photographers a dramatically simplified way to edit their pictures by enabling them to enhance specific areas of a picture selectively, without the use of masks, selections, or layers. Capture NX also works with Nikon’s RAW (NEF) format images, and inherits Nikon’s robust RAW processing capabilities for the highest quality results from NEF files.

Capture NX is designed to appeal to a broad range of consumers. Users with compact digital cameras such as Nikon’s Coolpix series will enjoy the simplicity of using U Point technology to quickly enhance their JPEG pictures, eliminate any red-eye using the Automatic Red-Eye Correction tool and even resurrect underexposed images with the software’s D-Lighting feature. Professional and advanced photographers will appreciate the time they can save using U Point technology to make edits to their images, as well as fully utilize over 25 new tools in the software, including powerful batch processing capabilities, advanced color management features, Distortion Correction enhancement and the ability to make every edit non-destructively (when a JPEG, TIFF or NEF image is saved in NEF format). A detailed online demonstration of how Capture NX works is available at www.capturenx.com or www.nikondigital.com.

A 30-day trial version of Capture NX software is available for download at www.nikonusa.com, in the Software Download section. Full version software is available for purchase at select Nikon authorized dealers nationwide, as well as on Nikon’s online store at www.nikonmall.com. Capture NX is available for an estimated selling price of $149.95**. A special limited-time upgrade price of $89.95 will be offered to current owners of Nikon Capture 4 software in the U.S. market. This upgrade will only be available online at http://www.nikonmall.com/captureupgrade/ for registered Nikon Capture 4 owners and will be limited to one upgrade per legitimate Nikon Capture 4 product key. The upgrade will require certain customer verification of ownership. Customers who have not already registered their version of Capture 4 will receive instructions to do so at the site.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® 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™, 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 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 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 Nikon COOLPIX Makes Memories Easy and Affordable

User Friendly Cameras with High-Quality Components

MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006) - The Nikon COOLPIX family of digital cameras is pleased to announce the addition of three new cameras in its L, or Life, series. The Nikon COOLPIX L2, L3 and L4 combine high-quality design and construction with easy to use features available at affordable prices. All three cameras boast a sharp 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, a big, bright 2.0-inch LCD and lightweight, compact body style (slimmest in it’s class with AA-type batteries) while offering high resolution of 6.0 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L2, 5.1 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L3 and 4.0 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L4.

“The COOLPIX L-series cameras are ideal for entry-level to intermediate users who are looking for easy to use, beautifully designed cameras” says Bill Giordano, General Manager of Consumer Product Marketing for Nikon, Inc. “Each of these cameras feature Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which helps users improve their images in-camera. With these attractive price points and easy operability, anyone can take better pictures right out of the box.”

Nikon has developed the L Series with the snapshot consumer in mind and created well-featured cameras that can easily turn those snapshots into lasting memories. Unique to COOLPIX digital cameras, and now for the first time available throughout the line-up, is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which gives users the power to automatically improve recorded images in-camera. This combination of in-camera features provides a quick, easy and seamless answer to dark pictures, blurry or out-of-focus shots and red eyes. The system includes:

- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. You may never see red eye again.
- Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
- D-Lighting: selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
- Blur Warning: alerts the user that a shot has resulted in a blurry picture allowing for it to be retaken before leaving the scene.
- Best Shot Selector (BSS): automatically identifies and saves the sharpest shot from ten sequential shots.

Additionally, the L Series cameras include handy features such as, TV Quality Movie Mode** function (recording movies at up to 30fps with sound on the L2 and L3), Single and Continuous AF, Choice of White Balance and Noise Reduction to ensure better color reproduction in darker lighting conditions.

The COOLPIX L2, L3 and L4 all have a streamlined, easy to carry design that features a smooth, stylish finish and a curved grip that contributes to both design elegance and shooting stability. Adding to the cameras’ convenient portability, all of L-series models are AA-size battery and SD memory card compatible, with 32 MB of internal memory for the L2 and L3 and 16MB for the L4. If the user is unsure of which camera setting to use, the on-camera Help button can be pressed to display simple explanations for functions in the main menu. Each camera is packaged with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject™ Software.

The big, bright, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD features new icons, function selection and color scheme and a choice of 15 Scene Modes - including four with Scene Assist, which displays useful framing guides in the monitor helping the user to compose the shot with optimal results - providing users with the ability to achieve crisp, clear images in a variety of situations such as Beach/Snow, Fireworks, Museum, Party/Indoor and more.

The COOLPIX L2 and L3 will be available in late February 2006 with MSRP’s of $199.95 for the L3 and $249.95 for the L2. The COOLPIX L4 will be available in March 2006 with an MSRP of $149.95. For more information about the L-series cameras and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

*Face-recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
** COOLPIX L4 does not record sound in the Movie Mode.

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Tags: batteries, Battery, coolpix l3, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, flash, flash photography, images, internal memory, megapix, megapixel, megapixels, memories, memory, memory card, new camera, nikon, nikon coolpix, nikondigital, optical zoom, photo, photograph, photography, picture, pictures, pixel, red eye, resolution, sd memory card, snapshots, white balance, zoom

21 Sep 08 COOLPIX P3 and P4 Offer Powerful Performance

Nikon Incorporates SLR-Inspired Technology Into a Compact Digital Camera

MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006) - Nikon today announced the COOLPIX P3 and P4, an expansion to its more advanced and feature-rich P, or Performance, Series of digital cameras. Designed for the photographer who enjoys a high level of control, advanced imaging technologies and the ability to take creative control of their photography, these two exciting new cameras combine 8.1 effective megapixels with a wide range of advanced in-camera technologies, taking compact digital photography to the next level.

“The COOLPIX P3 and P4 are the perfect camera for consumers who are looking for a customizable photography experience,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager of Consumer Product Marketing for Nikon, Inc. “These cameras take many technologies first available in Nikon’s SLR line and makes them readily and easily available to consumers looking for a capable, compact digital camera at a very attractive price.”

Nikon has added its Vibration Reduction (VR) system, a feature adapted directly from Nikon’s world-renowned SLR lenses, to the P Series cameras allowing them to capture rock-steady images at shutter speeds of up to three stops slower that could normally be hand held. VR capability is available at the push of a button in two modes (Normal and Active) in order to compensate for camera movement. VR Normal compensates for minor movements, most often associated with handheld shooting, while VR Active compensates for more pronounced movements, such as the vibration of a moving vehicle. An electronic adaptation of Vibration Reduction also applies to movie shooting, allowing for sharp video in low light conditions and keeping subjects clear during panning while helping to support faster framing on the cameras’ incredible, bright 2.5-inch LCD.

COOLPIX P Series digital camera users will enjoy the flexibility of a full array of exposure control settings similar to Nikon’s SLR models. Covering a broader area of the frame, the new 11 wide-area AF achieves better results in more diverse compositions - leaving photographers free to concentrate on the shot while the camera automatically achieves superior, sharp focus almost anywhere in the frame. In addition, there are 17 shooting modes, including nine advanced scene modes that allow photographers to produce pictures better suited to their own personal tastes - through the use of three effects that vary brightness, color intensity, sharpness, noise reduction and more.

To add even greater control, both cameras offer Aperture-priority Auto mode to let photographers benefit from aperture control in 1/3EV steps. Users can select large apertures for attractive background blurring or stop down to small apertures to extend crisp focus into the distance - all while the camera automatically selects the most appropriate shutter speed for optimized exposure.

To help photographers capture the action as it happens, both cameras feature continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second, which is complimented by a five shot buffer that allows users to shoot in a continuous burst, with the camera recording the last five images taken. This speed allows the P Series cameras to be a great companion for SLR shooters looking for a smaller but powerful camera to take anywhere.

An addition to the successful COOLPIX P1 and P2 cameras, the new P3 also comes equipped with the ability to transfer images wirelessly through the camera’s built in Wi-Fi feature*. Nikon’s wireless solution is fun and convenient and allows consumers to send their pictures wirelessly to a computer. In addition, pictures can be sent wirelessly to any PictBridge-enabled printer**. The Wi-Fi feature to transfer images to a computer is built into the camera and requires no additional accessories.

Unique to COOLPIX digital cameras, and now for the first time available throughout the line-up, is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which gives users the power to automatically improve recorded images in-camera. This combination of in-camera features provides a quick, easy and seamless answer to underexposed pictures due to excessive backlight or insufficient flash, blurry or out-of-focus shots and red eyes. The system includes:

- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. You may never see red eye again.
- Face-Priority AF***: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
- D-Lighting: selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary
- Blur Warning: alerts the user that a shot has resulted in a blurry picture allowing for it to be retaken before leaving the scene.
- Best Shot Selector (BSS): automatically identifies and saves the sharpest shot from ten sequential shots.

Additionally, the P Series cameras include handy features such as, TV Quality Movie Mode
function (recording movies at up to 30 fps with sound limited only by the available memory, Single and Continuous AF, Choice of White Balance and Noise Reduction to ensure better color reproduction in darker lighting conditions.

The COOLPIX P3 and P4 will be available in March 2006 with a MSRP of $449.95 and $399.95, respectively. The Wireless Print Adaptor (PD-10) is currently available and has an MSRP of $49.95. For more information about these models and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

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Tags: compact digital, compact digital camera, digital cam, Digital Camera, digital camera user, digital camera users, Digital cameras, digital photograph, digital photography, exposure control, flash, flash photography, images, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, megapixels, memory, new camera, nikon, nikon inc, nikondigital, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, picture, pictures, pixel, red eye, sharpness, shutter speed, shutter speeds, white balance

21 Sep 08 Nikon COOLPIX Style Series Adds Slideshows With Your Music and Wave Design

Nikon’s New 6.0-megapixel COOLPIX S5 and S6 Perform As Great As They Look

MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006) - Nikon today announced a stylish and edgy addition to the Nikon COOLPIX S, or Style, Series of digital cameras. The new COOLPIX S5 and S6 combine high-quality imaging performance with impressive new Pictmotion™ photo sharing technology to make the S5 and S6 the must-have compact digital camera. Both the S5 and S6 have sleek, slim wave designs, appealing to users who want their cameras to look as great as the pictures they take. Each camera boasts 6.0 effective megapixels and features a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass lens.

“Along with other products of great design, Nikon’s new COOLPIX S Series encompasses all things desirable. It’s a great union of form and function,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager of Consumer Product Marketing for Nikon Inc. “Beyond style, the introduction of Pictmotion technology, huge, bright LCD screens and a new Rotary Multi Selector turn the S5 and S6 cameras into fun tools for taking and sharing digital images.”

Unique to COOLPIX digital cameras, and now for the first time available throughout the line-up, is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which gives users the power to automatically improve recorded images in-camera. This combination of in-camera features provides a quick, easy and seamless answer to dark pictures, blurry or out-of-focus shots and red eyes. The system includes:

- In-Camera Red-Eye Fixâ„¢: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. You may never see red eye again.
- Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
- D-Lighting: selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
- Blur Warning: alerts the user that a shot has resulted in a blurry picture allowing for it to be retaken before leaving the scene.
- Best Shot Selector (BSS): automatically identifies and saves the sharpest shot from ten sequential shots.

Making it simple and convenient to take stunning portraits, a standalone One-Touch Portrait Button featured on both the S5 and S6, gives users instant access to the Face Priority AF and In-Camera Red Eye Fix options. To ensure quality photos in various shooting environments, users have the option of 16 scene modes,17 for S5 with Underwater mode**, including four modes with Scene Assist and a TV Quality Movie Mode function that records moving memories at 30fps with sound.

Sharing digital images is made easy with the new Pictmotion technology, which puts a creative new spin on the average in-camera slide show. By allowing users to select their favorite recorded images and matching one of five royalty-free, pre-installed music files on the camera, or your own choice of music***, Pictmotion automatically analyzes all the elements to produce in-camera slide shows that look great and are fun to share with others. The COOLPIX S5 and S6 provide quality playback of sound and the bright, sharp expanded 2.5 and 3.0-inch LCD’s – with an impressively wide 170-degree viewing angle - make it easy for everyone to see.

With the incorporation of a new Rotary Multi Selector, users can easily scroll their way through the newly designed menu system or breeze through picture playback at up to 10 frames per second. Another new feature for the COOLPIX S5 and S6 includes a calendar function that automatically sorts images according to the date that they were taken. For added in camera assistance, Nikon created a Help button, which is now standard on all Nikon’s new COOLPIX cameras. This component provides easy-to-understand explanations for functions on the main menu.

Supporting both 80211.b and 80211.g WiFi standards, the built-in WiFi on the COOLPIX S6 allows for wireless transfer and printing of pictures to any PictBridge-enabled printer. For wireless printing of pictures without a computer Nikon offers the accessory Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10.

The COOLPIX S5 and S6 will be available nationwide in March 2006. The S5 has an MSRP of $349.95 and the S6 $449.95. For more information about this and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

* Face-recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
**Requires new FJ-CP-1 Field Jacket Price TBD
***Via PictureProject for Windows only.

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Tags: compact digital, compact digital camera, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, digital image, digital images, flash, flash photography, images, lcd screen, lcd screens, megapix, megapixel, megapixels, memories, nikon, nikon coolpix, nikon inc, nikondigital, photo, photograph, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pixel, quality photo, quality photos, red eye, zoom

21 Sep 08 Nikon Introduces All-New Capture NX Software

Powerful and Intuitive New Software Simplifies Workflow While Reducing the Time and Effort Required to Edit and Process Images

MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006) - Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced Capture NX, an all-new image processing and editing software that gives digital photographers powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation that streamlines their workflow. Capture NX, the next generation of Nikon’s popular Capture software, inherits the robust RAW (NEF) processing capabilities from Nikon Capture 4.4, and combines these with brand new features such as Nik Software, Inc.’s revolutionary, patented U Point™ technology, seamless image-browsing and advanced batch-processing capabilities, superior color management control and comprehensive system compatibility with Nikon’s Digital Imaging System. Capture NX’s intuitive interface design offers photographers a rewarding experience and delivers powerful performance while maintaining an ease-of-use that is welcomed by enthusiasts of all skill levels.

In addition to providing cutting-edge features and capabilities for Nikon’s Electronic Format (NEF) files, Capture NX also makes editing and processing of JPEG and TIFF files created by virtually any digital camera simple and easy*. With its wide-ranging features, user-friendly interface and powerful performance, Capture NX makes image editing visually intuitive, allowing you to immediately see the effects as they are applied as well as providing access to a wide range of enhancement tools.

“With the introduction of Capture NX, Nikon offers photographers an exciting new way to edit and process images that is both powerful and visually intuitive while speeding up their workflow,” said Michael Rubin, senior manager for Software Products at Nikon Inc. “Capture NX continues the NEF file link between our digital SLR models while adding revolutionary U Point editing technology that benefits all digital camera owners. We’re confident photographers will find great use for this amazing new technology,” he added.

Exclusive New U Point Technology

Nikon Capture NX’s exclusive U Point technology is revolutionary in its approach to enable edits to portions of an image, or an entire image, without requiring the photographer to manually outline or mask the editable area. U Point technology achieves this by using “Control Points” - simple, interactive points that can be placed anywhere in an image and can be instructed to affect very specific characteristics of the image. For example, if a photographer wanted to enhance the tone of a certain color that appears in an image, without adversely affecting the neighboring portions of the image, he or she can do so by simply placing a control point on the color and defining the enhancement, which can be reflected locally or globally. Enhancements can be instantly adjusted, canceled or added with ease, without compromising the original quality of the image. Control Points powered by U Point technology are perfectly compatible with the NEF file’s Instruction Set structure. Control Points include Color Control Points, Black, White, and Neutral Control Points and Red-Eye Reduction Control Points.

Capture NX software is further complemented by a suite of features and tools that include the following:
- Sophisticated Edit List: A master control list of Capture NX features and enhancements. Anything that affects an image will have an Edit List entry. Entries can be removed, altered, or duplicated from this list without any destructive effects on the integrity of an image.
- Expanded Power of the NEF file format: Capture NX further extends the NEF file format by incorporating U Point technology, giving users the ability to save and undo the effects of Control Points on an NEF image at any time. JPEG and TIFF images saved in the NEF file format can also take advantage of this feature.
- Powerful Image Browser: Capture NX’s Browser is capable of labeling, sorting and editing, all while browsing images. Users can apply most of Capture NX’s features and editing capabilities directly onto images via thumbnails within the Browser, saving a great deal of time while allowing users to bypass opening each file in the Capture NX’s editor.
- Improved batch processing: Capture NX supports various batch processing methods, and is especially useful in applying a predefined series of adjustments to several images at once.
- Selective tools: Capture NX includes selective tools for enhancements including Selective Application Brush, Lasso and Marquee, Gradient and Fill/Remove.
- Color Management control: Capture NX features a reinforced color management system with on-screen Soft Proofing for advanced control of how colors from an image correspond to colors that a printer can produce. Options for this feature include Perceptual, Saturation, Relative Colorimetric and Absolute Colorimetric.
- Exclusive Nikon Capture Features: Capture NX inherits powerful functions from Capture 4.4 software, including Color Aberration Control, D-Lighting, Image Dust-Off, Vignette Control and Fisheye-to-Rectilinear Image Transformation. A new Distortion Control has been added to help control pincushion and barrel distortion effects.

Nikon’s new Capture NX software represents the nexus of Nikon’s integrated digital imaging components, such as cameras, lenses, software, Speedlights, and accessories, and allows photographers to yield the highest performance from their equipment.

Capture NX new software is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2006. Pricing, availability and upgrade information will be released prior to delivery. Nikon will preview the new Capture NX software from February 26-March 1, 2006 at the PMA trade show in Orlando, Florida, Booth #2603 and at additional shows throughout the year.

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21 Sep 08 Nikon Unveils the New D200 Digital SLR Camera

10.2 Megapixel D200 Digital SLR Delivers Outstanding Image Quality with Blazing Speed, Rugged Construction and Intelligent Features

MELVILLE, NY (November 1, 2005) - Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the highly anticipated new D200 - a precision-engineered, high performance digital SLR camera designed to satisfy the requirements of passionate and demanding photographers. Combining brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon’s venerable D2X professional digital SLR camera, the D200 incorporates more must-have features than any other camera in its class, enabling photographers to capture images in a way once reserved only for professionals.

The D200 promises an extremely satisfying shooting experience, with a winning combination of quality, performance, construction and advanced system features. Employing a newly developed 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor, the D200 captures images with remarkable resolution and clarity. Its sophisticated 1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II system ensures ideal exposures while an advanced Nikon image processing engine renders images with superb clarity and smooth color gradations. The D200 reacts with lighting speed, powering-up in a mere 0.15 seconds, and firing in an imperceptible 50 millisecond shutter release lag time. It can shoot five frames per second with a drastically shortened viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds between shots. Its large, bright viewfinder offers 0.94x magnification for comfortable and precise composition while a new 2.5 inch LCD screen provides ultra-wide 170 degrees viewing angle from all directions. With an all new 11-area Autofocus system, robust control of Nikon’s i-TTL Creative Lighting System and advanced Wi-Fi image-transmission options*, the D200 is a perfect fit for discriminating photographers and a natural choice for wedding, event and action photographers.

“Nikon has spent considerable time and effort to truly understand the qualities and features photographers desire in an advanced digital SLR camera. The D200 embodies this research and delivers a camera that’s built to the requirements of passionate photographers, and meets demands for resolution, speed, precision, and ultimate image quality. The D200 represents an unmatched combination of quality, performance and value that’s hard to resist,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “The D200 is hands-down the most capable digital SLR camera in its category.”

SMARTER

The D200 embodies a host of intelligent technologies that deliver remarkably precise control and accurate automatic features. Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive 1,005 pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, the D200 seamlessly determines ideal exposures even in complex lighting conditions. Capturing scene elements including brightness, contrast and color content with a unique 1,005-pixel RGB-enabled sensor, this advanced system employs further improved algorithms for even better evaluation of large area highlight and shadow detail. The 3D Color Matrix Metering II light metering system also uses an onboard database of detailed exposure information from over 30,000 actual images against which instantaneous real-time comparisons are made as part of determining exposures. Rather than merely looking at light levels, a complex, yet transparent evaluation of overall scene content takes place, ensuring highly accurate exposures, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The 10.2 effective megapixel image sensor on the D200 incorporates a high-speed 4-channel data output and a new Optical Low Pass Filter that significantly reduces any incidence of moir© as well as color fringing and shifting. Furthermore, 4-channel output allows the D200 to inherit the advanced image-processing engine of the Nikon D2x professional digital SLR that combines color-independent preconditioning prior to A/D conversion with advanced digital image processing algorithms to deliver fine color gradations with smooth, consistent transitions. Photographers can take advantage of the D200’s advanced image optimizing functionality that allows them to fine tune image characteristics such as sharpness, tone, color, saturation, and hue. Photographers can also select from preset options like Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait and Black-and-White.

One of the most notable new features of the D200 is its all new 11-area AF system, convertible to a 7-wide area AF system, both based on Nikon’s advanced Multi-Cam 1000 AF Sensor Module. Not only does this AF system support the photographer with fast and precise auto focus under a variety of shooting conditions, but it also offers a pleasing array of functions for greater flexibility - allowing an individual area to be selected from either the 11-area AF or 7-wide area AF sensors for Single AF or making use of multiple sensors to enable Dynamic AF, Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF and Group Dynamic AF.

Running out of power on the D200 is harder than ever, since in addition to its remarkable capacity of up to 1800 shots per charge, the D200 also features an intelligent power management Fuel Gauge feature that constantly monitors the battery’s precise remaining power in 1% increments. It also displays the total number of shots taken on each charge as well as overall life of the battery, so photographers can easily tell when to replace a battery.

The D200 is a wireless whiz, and features Nikon’s advanced i-TTL wireless Speedlight control built right into the camera, as well as wireless image transfer over a 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network built into the optional WT-3 Wireless Transmitter (available Spring 2006). The camera’s powerful built-in Speedlight, capable of coverage for lenses as wide as 18mm, features a Commander Mode that can wirelessly control up to two separate groups of an unlimited number of i-TTL speedlights such as the SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200. The Commander Mode in the D200 can adjust flash compensation settings for each of the two groups on the fly, making light output control from speedlights placed in hard to reach locations simple and effortless.

FASTER

The D200 is faster than any other camera in its class, making its handling exceptionally responsive. The D200 can shoot continuously at up to five frames per second, capturing up to an impressive 37 JPEG images** or up to 22 NEF (RAW) images, making it ideal for action, wedding and event photography. Featuring an industry leading power-up time of 0.15 seconds, the D200 is ready to shoot when the photographer is ready. Its reduced shutter release time lag of 50 milliseconds is nearly undetectable and when shooting in its continuous burst mode of five frames per second, its shortened viewfinder blackout time (between each successive shot) of just 105 milliseconds proves especially useful in keeping an eye on a moving subject.

STRONGER

The D200 is designed with long term durability, ruggedness and precision in mind. Built on a magnesium alloy chassis and body cover, the D200 combines light weight with high-level durability and protects performance integrity. It also features an enhanced environmental sealing system that helps protect exterior seams from potentially damaging moisture and dust. The D200’s double-bladed shutter unit is tested to well over 100,000 cycles, ensuring highly reliable performance year after year. The shutter unit also employs a refined mirror balance mechanism that allows the mirror to complete its motion cycle and reach a complete stop with virtually no image degrading mirror bounce.

The Ultimate Shooting Experience

Nikon is renowned for the distinct usability and handling of its digital SLRs, and the D200 continues this tradition. Photographers handling the camera will immediately notice its large, bright viewfinder with 0.94x magnification that ensures the clearest view possible for precise composition. Viewing excellence is taken further with an expansive 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD that provides an ultra-wide 170? viewing angle from all directions. It also offers the ability to magnify images by up to 400% to enable photographers to closely inspect images for fine details while offering a selectable RGB histogram display, which allows photographers to make better-informed exposure decisions through the viewing of a composite RGB histogram, or a separate histogram for each individual color channel. The D200 also features the largest top LCD panel among cameras in its class to convey maximum information at a glance with easy access to shooting data including shooting mode, battery condition, card information, gridline display, shutter speed, F-stop and number of remaining shots.
Refined menus on the D200 offer a streamlined and visually enhanced view of camera setup and custom setting options. Photographers can access an expanded on-board Help feature to view brief descriptions of every one of the camera’s menu items. The D200 also features a “Recent Settings” menu that reflects the last 14 settings adjusted, offering a quick way to revisit these settings.

Nikon’s Digital Imaging System

Like all Nikon SLR cameras, the D200 also offers the advantages of compatibility with Nikon’s superior and comprehensive Digital Imaging System. High image quality is assured through compatibility with over 50 outstanding AF Nikkor lenses, including Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses engineered exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLRs and an extensive array of AF Nikkors designed for use on digital and 35mm SLRs. The D200 also offers compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, enabling high-precision flash photography with SB-800, SB-600 and the Nikon Wireless Close-up Lighting Systems. Outlined below are groundbreaking technologies and system features that enable photographers to achieve results not possible with any other system:

New Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (Available Spring 2006)

Nikon is leading the imaging world with wireless image transfer technology via Wi-Fi. The D200 marks the announcement of the Wireless Transmitter WT-3, offering photographers creative new ways to set up their workflow. The new IEEE802.11b/g compatible Wireless Transmitter WT-3 provides fast image transmission with improved security and compatibility with the latest protocols. It also provides alternative buttons for shutter release and AF-start as well as an extra command dial to facilitate more comfortable shooting in vertical format.

i-TTL Speedlight Technology

Nikon’s i-TTL speedlight technology is arguably the most robust and advanced speedlight system in the world, and holds limitless possibilities for all kinds of photographers using creative lighting. i-TTL technology built-in to the D200 allows photographers to wirelessly control in full TTL, up to 2 groups of Speedlights, with any number of individual speedlights in each group. Photographers can shed all cords and cables or the need to ever calculate flash and distance ratios, because the i-TTL systems is capable of making all exposure calculations in real time, wirelessly, during the exposure to deliver a perfect flash exposure in any situation. Photographers can even maintain full output control of each group of speedlights from the D200’s built-in speedlight. This technology can potentially distill an entire portrait lighting system into a small set of multiple SB800, SB600 or SB-R200 Speedlights.

Nikkor® Lenses

As a company that built its reputation with the superb quality of its lenses, Nikon’s renowned Nikkor® brand of optics offer D200 users a tremendous choice of over 50 high quality lenses ranging from highly specialized exotic ones such as the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED to broad zoom range lenses for everyday photography, such as the newly announced AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. The D200 is compatible with DX Nikkor lenses that are optimized for Nikon’s digital SLR camera sensors as well as legendary AF Nikkor lenses, delivering outstanding system digital SLR flexibility. This ensures that D200 users will always find a high quality Nikkor lens that’s just perfect for their photography.

Nikon PictureProject and Capture 4.4 Software

The D200 will include a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject software, a $49.95 value, and an easy-to-use yet powerful software application that provides image transfer, organization, editing, and design functions for JPEG and NEF (RAW) images produced with the camera. PictureProject can also convert NEF (RAW) files to JPEG or TIFF format finished files, as well as save in the original NEF file format. PictureProject is an essential accessory and is compatible with the new D200 and all prior Nikon digital SLR models and COOLPIX Models. The D200 is also compatible with Nikon Capture 4.4 software (sold separately), a new version of Capture that has the specifications to open NEF files from the D200 and all other Nikon digital SLR models. This newest version features greatly enhanced NEF (RAW) processing capabilities as well as Nikon Capture Camera Control that allows remote camera operation when connected to a computer via the included USB cable or wirelessly using the new Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (sold separately). This versatility is especially useful when photographers may need to continue shooting with their D200 while simultaneously having someone else edit incoming images.

The NEF (RAW) files from the D200 comprise not only the RAW image data captured by the 10.2 effective megapixel image sensor but also a thumbnail image and a Nikon “Instruction Set” of the cameras settings at the time of shooting. NEF allows the Instruction Set data - such as white balance, color balance and tone curves and more - to be adjusted for each recorded image at any time after shooting through the use of Nikon Capture software. Use of Nikon Capture also allows a NEF file to be saved as a NEF, ensuring a record of the original Instruction Set is always preserved, even if several newer Instruction Sets are saved to the file. This ensures that photographers never loose the original settings and image data of a NEF (RAW) file, and reverting back to the original image requires just a few clicks in Capture software.

Version 4.4 of Nikon Capture software offers a flexible, stable and creative workflow approach for any photographer in both professional and personal use through Nikon’s unique approach referred to as the “Camera to NEF to Capture Dynamic Link” performance. Newly added features for Capture include automatic highlight recovery when using Exposure Compensation at values lower than 0 EV and Black and White conversion support in Tone Compensation.

The D200 will be available in late December 2005 for an estimated selling price of $1699.95***. For more information, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

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