6.1-Megapixel D70s Features Internal and External Refinements to Become a Worthy Successor to the Venerable D70 Digital SLR Camera
MELVILLE, NY, APRIL 20, 2005 - Incorporating upgrades based on user feedback and advancement in technologies, Nikon® (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the D70s™ 6.1-effective megapixel digital SLR camera. The D70s builds on the success of its popular predecessor, the D70, with multiple internal and external refinements including an improved autofocus system, larger LCD monitor, the addition of a remote cord port, new graphic user interface, among several other enhancements. Designed for a broad range of consumers from experienced and amateur photographers to beginning photo enthusiasts and hobbyists, the D70s offers a proven track record of superior image quality, robust performance, and advanced new features.
The Nikon D70s maintains leadership in its class of cameras and offers tremendous value to customers by combining various new and existing technologies into a comprehensive feature set. Its DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness and clarity. An improved autofocus system delivers enhanced performance, especially in Dynamic area AF and Dynamic area AF with closest subject priority modes. This combined with Nikon’s unique Dynamic Buffer technology (that allows the camera to continuously take up to 144 pictures at a speed of three pictures per second*) makes the D70s even more responsive and when photographing fast moving subjects.
“Nikon’s commitment to its customers is exemplified with the introduction of the D70s. Nikon has taken an internationally best-selling digital SLR camera and made it even more appealing to hobbyists and photo enthusiasts by incorporating a range of enhancements and new features that were based largely on the feedback we received from our customers and research findings,” said Steve Heiner, general manager of Digital SLR Systems for Nikon Inc. “The D70s now represents the best combination of performance and value for photo enthusiasts, and offers superb image quality, advanced speed and simple, intuitive usability. We are confident the D70s will continue to build on the popularity of the D70.”
Smart New Enhancements
The D70s incorporates a host of new enhancements and refinements internally and externally, in addition to all of the advanced features and innovations found in the D70:
- A refined 5-area autofocus system now has an all-area search priority to go along with the camera
- single area, dynamic area, and close subject priorities, improving the camera’s ability to acquire focus on fast moving subjects within the frame.
- The camera now boasts a larger 2.0″ LCD monitor, making it easier for users to review images and access menus.
- A new remote port for the MC-DC1 electronic cable release (optional) allows users to trigger the camera and hold the shutter open via an electronic cable release
- A built-in Speedlight with a wider angle of coverage, supports 18mm lenses.
- A new easier-to-read menu design in the D70s uses color-coded menus, and a larger type-face.
- A higher capacity EN-EL3a battery offers users more pictures per charge. The EN-EL3a battery comes with a new, smaller MH-18a battery charger. Both the new battery and charger are included with the D70s.
System Versatility: DX Nikkor Lenses
The D70s joins Nikon’s current selection of digital SLR models and inherits the popular DX format sensor and Nikon F-Mount, making it seamlessly compatible with all AF Nikkor lenses and Nikon’s exclusive DX Nikkor lenses. Designed exclusively for use with DX Format digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses deliver a wider picture angle, higher performance, and outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while realizing smaller and lighter designs. All DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle comparable to that of 35mm format lenses with a 1.5x factor. Since the introduction of the DX Nikkor lenses, the series has grown to include six lenses. These include:
- New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
- New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
- AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 IF-ED
- AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
- AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
Simplified Creativity: Revolutionary Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL
Taking its cue from the D70, the D70s’ built-in Speedlight offers a level of performance that is unrivalled in any other digital SLR camera in its class. Designed to be a part of Nikon’s growing Creative Lighting System, the D70s’ built-in Speedlight adopts Nikon’s exclusive i-TTL flash control technology. In addition to normal on-camera use, the D70s’ built-in Speedlight can also be used in Commander Mode to remotely control one group of multiple SB-600 or SB-800 Speedlights wirelessly, offering users remarkable creative lighting control while still maintaining point-and-shoot simplicity. Alternately, an SB-800 can be mounted on the D70s and used as the Master Speedlight for even more control of up to three remote groups of wireless Speedlights, with each group consisting of any number of Nikon SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlight units. The D70s lets you shoot at synchronized speeds up to 1/500 second for great fill effects under brighter light conditions, while FV Lock maintains the measured flash value while recomposing the shot so you still achieve the appropriate flash output for the subject.
Powerful Software: New Nikon PictureProject™ and PictureProject In Touch
Software is a key component of the digital photography experience, and a key component of Nikon’s Total Imaging System. After conducting exhaustive worldwide research into customer expectations, requirements and work habits, Nikon has developed the new PictureProject 1.5 image management and editing software. Based entirely on a new software architecture that empowers customers of varying skill levels to maximize their digital photography experience, Nikon PictureProject 1.5 boasts powerful features wrapped into a brand new interface that navigates quickly and is easy to master. While PictureProject 1.5 is already a dynamic new addition to Nikon photography, the software also supports plug-ins, allowing users to add new features, as technology and the digital camera market evolve. The software allows users to easily transfer images to PC’s or MAC’s and browse, organize, and share them. With support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files, PictureProject 1.5 works in close unison with Nikon Capture 4.2 as the ideal companion to its powerful feature set.
With Nikon’s PictureProject In Touch™, users can share photos without attaching them in an email or uploading them to a website. PictureProject In Touch is a free desktop software application, available via download on www.nikonnet.com and included with the newest version 1.5 of PictureProject™ software. It enables the fast, seamless and easy transfer of pictures between a sender and one or more recipients and can be viewed as full-screen slide shows with the click of a button. With this powerful software, Nikon can ensure that its customers will always keep ahead of the technology curve.
The Nikon D70s will be available either as an Outfit or a Set. The D70s Outfit includes the camera body, rechargeable battery, charger, new Nikon PictureProject™
software, neck strap and the new high-performance AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens. The D70s Set includes all items mentioned above except the lens. The D70s Outfit will be available for an estimated street price of $1199.95, while the D70s Set (body only) will be available for an estimated street price of $899.95*1. The camera will ship in early May 2005.
MAJOR FEATURES OF THE NIKON D70s DIGITAL SLR
Accurate, vivid color
- 6.1 effective megapixels Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.
- Advanced digital image processor uses advanced algorithms to optimize image quality, while also controlling auto white balance, auto tone and color control, as well as real-time processes to diminish digital noise and produce beautiful long exposure shots.
- Accurate white balance achieved by Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel for highly precise control over white balance under widely varied lighting conditions.
High Performance and Quick Response
- Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures (When using JPEG NORMAL - Large setting, and a SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III), or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash™ card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth. (The number of
continuous shots possible in a single burst may be fewer depending on the type of CF card used.)
- Ultra-short shutter time lag is hardly noticeable and offers very quick response.
- Immediate power-up has the D70s ready to take pictures before your finger can reach the shutter button.
- High-speed, high precision 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™ ensures quick response and sharp focus, while an AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top performance in dark situations.
- Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/8,000 sec. for full creative control.
- Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. available for great fill-effects under brighter light conditions.
Optimized and Predictable Results
- Seven Automated Digital Vari-Program selections easily accessed from the Mode Dial deliver automatic operation that optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.
- Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, contrast, tone, color, saturation and hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], [Aperture-Priority Auto A], or [Manual M] exposure modes to best match the scene or intended use for the picture. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or Custom optimization
- Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL exposure modes, including Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted Meter and choice of Spot Meters.
- Nikon’s built-in iTTL automatic balanced Fill-Flash can shoot at synchronized speeds up to 1/500 second for great fill effects when shooting in brighter lighting conditions; compatibility within Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.
- Flash exposure compensation; a comprehensive selection of compensation tools enable more versatile picture taking; tools for ambient light, flash illumination and the two combined are provided.
- New Generation Color Reproduction System offers a choice of three color modes to ensure the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
- JPEG and NEF Combination Filing System enables simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG data for the same shot to optimize and accelerate workflow.
- Exclusive use of Compressed NEF files to maximize number of raw images possible for each
CF card used.
Creative and Versatile System for Subtle Expression
- High-Quality Nikkor lenses: The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses expand creative possibilities to the maximum.
- Built-in auto pop-up flash features exclusive i-TTL flash control, fast 1/500 sec. flash sync shutter speed, and supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System for wireless control of remote SB-600 and SB-800 Speedlights. Also supports wide-angle lenses up to 18mm.
- ISO flash shoe makes it easy to attach an SB-600 or SB-800 Speedlight directly to the camera.
- Integrated Nikon Software Solutions:
Nikon Capture 4 (optional) is a comprehensive image editing and remote camera control package that fully supports NEF* (compressed and uncompressed) (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal control; D-Lighting for scene-specific automatic dodge and burn control; and transformation of shots from the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens to ultra-wideangle images.
Picture Project is Nikon’s versatile bundled software that simplifies and improves data transfer, as well as browsing and editing of image files. Picture Project introduces an entirely new intuitive user interface, and supports exclusive Nikon plug-ins for added function.
Improved Overall Performance
- Large 2 inch LCD monitor with user-friendly menus located directly below the viewfinder displays bigger menu fonts and icons that use familiar keywords for ease of understanding. A protective clear LCD cover is also included with the D70s.
- Versatile LCD playback options include Single frame, Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), Zoom playback (up to 4.7x), Slide show, Histogram indication, and Highlight point displays with automatic image rotation for vertical shots.
- 25 Custom Settings allow you to personalize the operation of your D70s to match your shooting style or the demands of different shooting conditions
- Remote control operation made available with optional ML-L3 (IR) or MC-DC1 electronic cable release.
- Direct printing from the D70 to any PictBridge compatible printer using the supplied USB cable.
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- D50’s Ease-of-Use and Attractive Pricing Set to Bring the Thrill of Nikon Digital SLR Performance to More Consumers than Ever Before
- 6.1-Megapixel D50 Arrives in Stores in June 2005 for an Estimated Street Price of $899.95 (D50 outfit, with the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens)
- Two New DX Nikkor Lenses Offer More Options and Versatility
MELVILLE, NY, APRIL 20, 2005 - Nikon® (www.nikonusa.com) has taken another bold step forward in redefining the digital SLR landscape today by introducing the highly anticipated D50™ digital SLR camera. The D50 is the smallest, lightest and easiest-to-use Nikon digital SLR camera to date, and is designed for the broadest range of consumers including family memory-keepers looking to take advantage of the image quality, speed and responsiveness Nikon digital SLR’s offer, as well as photo enthusiasts and amateur photographers who want to capture brilliant digital pictures with vibrant color and immaculate sharpness. The new entry-level D50 makes exceptional digital SLR photography a reality for everyone.
“With the new D50, Nikon intends to bring a fulfilling digital SLR photography experience to more consumers than ever before and help them capture their most precious memories with great quality and ease. The D50 inherits the high image quality, responsiveness and speed consumers have come to expect of Nikon’s digital SLR cameras, while also embodying a simple, intuitive and compact design, so anyone in the family can use it without hesitation,” said Steve Heiner, general manager for Digital SLR Camera Systems at Nikon Inc. “The attractive price for the D50 will expand the market substantially and ensure many more people can enjoy shooting with a Nikon digital SLR this year.”
The Ultimate Family Camera
The D50 stands out as ideal for families searching for that perfect camera to capture timeless memories during important occasions and life events such as weddings, first homeruns, birthdays, prom night, and golden anniversaries, among others. The D50 is the perfect combination of intelligent, easy-to-use features and impeccable image quality, and at an estimated street price of $899 (for the D50 outfit with the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens), it represents an excellent value for its capabilities. The camera’s seven Digital Vari-Program modes make capturing the moment easier than ever, and the new “Child” mode, for example, assures that moms and dads don’t have to be photography experts to capture the most vivid color and contrast when taking pictures of their children. The D50’s “Child” mode automatically adjusts several of the camera’s settings, including ISO, shutter speeds, and white balance, to produce optimized images when taking pictures of children. The D50 promises to be an ideal tool for parents who refuse to let memories pass them by.
The D50 also includes a full range of manual controls and custom settings, so users can grow with the camera, and advanced photo enthusiasts can find themselves right at home with a D50 in their hands.
Hallmark Nikon Image Quality and Performance
The D50 incorporates several important new Nikon technologies to ensure a rich, yet simplified experience for consumers. With a new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced image processing engine, the D50 produces dazzlingly faithful images capable of tremendous enlargement, yet manageable in overall file size. Nikon’s new 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control in all types of lighting situations by automatically comparing input from its frame-wide 420-pixel metering sensor for each scene to a large onboard database of over 30,000 scenes from actual photography. Professionals and amateurs alike rely on Nikon’s exclusive light metering technologies that produce ideal exposures instantly. Newly developed exposure evaluation methods detect highlights and shadows in the frame, and compensate for them to help prevent inaccurate exposure. Shutter speed choices in the D50 extend from 30 seconds to an action-stopping 1/4,000
second. A high-speed flash sync speed up to 1/500 second makes great fill flash photography possible and Nikon’s i-TTL flash technology makes it automatic.
Simple Sophistication
The next evolution of Nikon’s popular scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes simplifies picture taking, and helps users take incredible pictures with very little effort. The Digital Vari-Program modes also free up the user to think about capturing special and fleeting moments instead of getting overwhelmed with buttons and dials. Selecting one of the seven simple icons from the handy exposure mode dial optimizes otherwise complex settings and ISO-equivalent sensitivity to produce consistently remarkable results. The newly added “Child” mode mentioned earlier makes it easier to take memorable pictures of the little ones complete with vivid color and contrast that are ready to print without the fuss of adjustments within the computer.
Instant Gratification
Unlike lesser systems, the Nikon D50 is always ready to shoot when that special moment or expression presents itself. From the moment the power is turned on, the D50 is ready to shoot in an imperceptible 0.2 seconds. The shutter responds almost instantly when a picture is taken, thereby minimizing “shutter-lag” and virtually eliminating a common frustration of digital photography. Continuous shooting at 2.5 pictures per second can be maintained for a burst of up to 137 pictures, making action photography a reality. Pictures taken are instantly processed and recorded to a compact SD (Secure Digital) memory card, and a new USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface supports faster transfer of images when connected to a computer.
Compact, Lightweight and Designed to Go Everywhere
The D50’s compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry the camera anywhere there’s a good moment to capture. Its smart design and easily accessible controls provide handling efficiency and ease of operation, helping bring the fun back to picture taking. Newly designed plain-language menus are displayed clearly on the large 2.0-inch LCD screen, and intuitive help menus are available for on-the-spot reference.
A high capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery helps extend mobility and convenience by delivering the power to shoot up to 2,000** images on a single charge.
Interchangeable Lenses: The Nikkor Advantage
One of the unique benefits of shooting with a Nikon digital SLR is the ability to take advantage of the expansive creative possibilities offered by interchangeable Nikkor lenses. With the introduction of the D50, Nikon also introduced two new DX Nikkor lenses that are ideally paired with the D50 to offer consumers a broad zoom range, while maintaining a lightweight and ultra- compact size. Designed exclusively for Nikon’s D-series digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses are optimized to achieve outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, when used with any of Nikon’s digital SLR cameras. Nikon’s DX Nikkor range now includes six high performance lenses that offer unmatched wide-angle coverage and versatility:
-New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
-New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
-AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 ED-IF
-AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF
-AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF
-AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
The D50 also offers seamless compatibility with Nikon’s extensive family of over 50 high-performance AF Nikkor lenses, providing the same superb color reproduction, razor-sharp image clarity and fast and accurate autofocus performance relied upon by the countless number of professional photographers who use Nikon’s pro digital SLR cameras everyday.
Managing and Sharing with Nikon PictureProject™ Software
Sharing pictures is fun, and Nikon’s new PictureProject software is designed to eliminate the complexities typically associated with sharing, managing and editing pictures on a computer. After conducting exhaustive worldwide research into consumer habits, expectations and requirements, Nikon developed its PictureProject software to be a simple, easy-to-use, and powerful application that addresses most frustrations associated with managing pictures on a computer. PictureProject boasts powerful features wrapped into an intuitive interface that navigates quickly and is easy to master.
The software allows users to easily transfer images to PC’s or MAC’s and browse, organize, and share them. Pictures taken in vertical orientation are automatically rotated. Controls for retouch tasks including brightness and red-eye correction, are intuitive and fast. PictureProject’s In Touch™ plug-in allows users to share photos with friends and relatives without attaching them in an email or uploading them to a website. Instead Pictureproject in-Touch facilitates a direct transfer of the pictures from the sender’s computer to a recipient’s computer. PictureProject In-Touch is included in the newest version 1.5 of PictureProject software and can also be downloaded free of charge via www.nikonnet.com.
With support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files, PictureProject also works in close unison with Nikon Capture 4 as the ideal companion to its powerful feature set. Capture 4 is Nikon’s advanced image management and editing software designed to offer the most robust and comprehensive performance with Nikon’s NEF (RAW) files. While PictureProject is already a dynamic component to Nikon photography, the software also supports plug-ins, allowing users to add new features, as technology and the digital camera market evolve.
As part of Nikon’s Total Imaging System, the D50 inherits the advantages of the various components of this system, including high-quality AF and DX Nikkor lenses, the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights, which enable use of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, as well as versatile software options, to deliver a new level of operating ease, expanded creative possibilities, and pure enjoyment. The Nikon D50 presents the perfect opportunity for anyone to start enjoying the advantages of Nikon digital SLR photography today.
The Nikon D50 outfit, including the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens, will be available in June for an estimated selling price of $899.95***.
MAJOR FEATURES OF THE NIKON D50 DIGITAL SLR
Vivid color and sharp details straight from the camera
- New 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with accurate color, high resolution and sharp details for great pictures capable of significant enlargement, or cropping for creative effect. File sizes remain manageable, making it easier to take and store more great pictures.
- Advanced digital image processor that marks a further evolution of analog and digital processing and pre-conditioning technologies, producing images that require no preparation in a computer and are ready to print straight from the camera. Image quality is optimized, including auto white balance, auto tone and color control, and real-time processes diminish digital noise to produce beautiful long exposure shots.
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control and white balance.
Instant, precise response
- Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release lag (response) time.
- Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 137 pictures without having to wait for the camera to record the images to the SD memory card. (Using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk Ultra II 256MB SD Card) The number of continuous shots possible in a single burst may be fewer depending on the type of SD card used.
- Fast 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™ delivers greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking to capture all the action as it happens. Automatic AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top AF performance in dark situations.
- Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/4,000 sec.
- Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. for great fill-effects under brighter light and back lighted conditions.
- Fast data transfer and recording to SD memory cards keeps the D50 always ready to shoot in any situation.
Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
- Seven Digital Vari-Program selections for automatic adjustment of all the settings necessary to produce incredible digital photographs including ISO-equivalent sensitivity, white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, and Night Portrait.
- Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation or hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], or Manual [M] exposure modes to best match the picture taking situation. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or Custom optimization.
- Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600; can also be set manually.
- Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL (Through The Lens) exposure modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted Meter, or choice of Spot Meters.
- Auto exposure bracketing helps achieve the exact results desired.
- Flash exposure compensation.
- A choice of three color modes ensures the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
- Simultaneous recording of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG image files for the same shot helps by providing a smaller JPEG image file that can be quickly sent via email and a compressed NEF (RAW) file for more creative flexibility using Nikon PictureProject or Capture software for further enhancement.
Intuitive handling and operating ease
- Light and compact:
Dimensions (W x H x D): 133 x 102 x 76mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight: Approx. 540g (1 lb. 3 oz.) without battery.
- Intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including the handy multi selector and mode dial.
- Quality optical viewfinder features diopter correction and information display.
- New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the viewfinder displays the large fonts of the easy-to-view easy-to-understand menu design, and the intuitive help system dialogs that make understanding camera settings easy.
- Versatile LCD playback options include Single image playback, Thumbnail image playback (4 or 9 pictures at a time), Zoom playback, Slide show, easy Histogram indication for determining highlights and shadow values, and Highlight point displays for even quicker highlight information, with automatic image rotation for vertical shots.
- LCD control panel on camera top makes it easy to confirm settings and camera status.
- Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery with power to shoot up to 2,000 images*1 on a single charge.
- Custom Settings for personalizing camera operation to match the individual’s shooting style, or different picture taking conditions.
- Wireless remote control of the D50 can be achieved with the optional ML-L3 remote control.
Easy image handling
- New Small Picture function for saving photos within the camera at the reduced sizes of 640×480, 320×240, or 160×120 for Internet use - either for mail attachments or placement on web pages.
- In-camera page setup support makes it easy to print directly from the D50 to any PictBridge compatible printer via the supplied USB cable.
- Up to 36 alphanumeric characters can be entered in each image’s EXIF header (file information) for personal identification when images are viewed in PictureProject software.
- Video connector and supplied video cable makes it easy to connect the D50 directly to a television for playing slideshows or viewing individual images
Creative and versatile system components
- High-quality Nikkor lenses: The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses greatly expands creative possibilities.
- Built-in auto pop-up flash features exclusive i-TTL flash control, fast 1/500 sec. flash sync shutter speed, and coverage for lenses as wide as 18mm.
- Supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System when using a SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlight mounted on the ISO flash shoe for additional on camera flash output in large rooms, or for longer distance picture situations. Also allows off-camera multiple flash lighting with iTTL Technology with SB-800 and SB-600.
- Integrated Nikon Software Solutions:
Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.3) (optional) is a comprehensive image editing and remote camera control package that fully supports NEF, (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal control, D-Lighting for scene-specific automatic dodge and burn control.
PictureProject is Nikon’s versatile bundled software that simplifies and improves data transfer, as well as browsing and editing of image files. PictureProject features an intuitive user interface, and supports optional plug-ins that add functionality and creative options.
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New SB-600 Expands Nikon’s Creative Lighting System Featuring i-TTL; Offers Versatile Wireless Functions With SB-800 & D70 Built-in Speedlight
MELVILLE, NY, JANUARY 28, 2005 - Nikon® (www.nikondigitalusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the versatile new SB-600™ Speedlight, the latest addition to Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Featuring Nikon’s next generation i-TTL™ flash control technology, the SB-600 delivers automatic balance fill-flash and advanced wireless lighting capabilities for outstanding results and creative possibilities. The SB-600 is seamlessly compatible with the newly announced D70 digital SLR camera’s built-in speedlight as well as the Nikon D2H professional digital SLR. The SB-600 effectively integrates with the recently announced Nikon SB-800 Speedlight, both individually and in arrangements of multiple SB-600/800 speedlights, offering consistent i-TTL control for automatic and accurate lighting for creative and complex situations.
Designed for a variety of customers ranging from experienced and amateur photographers to beginning enthusiasts, the SB-600 incorporates a host of new features designed to make flash photography simple, accurate and creative. As part of the newly evolving Nikon Creative Lighting System, the SB-600 includes support for Nikon Advanced wireless TTL operation, and can function as a remote flash when controlled by the SB-800 Speedlight or the D70 digital SLR camera’s built-in speedlight set to Commander Mode. Additionally, the SB-600’s Auto FP High Speed Sync Mode allows it to fire at shutter speeds as high as 1/8000 second when used with the D2H professional digital SLR camera. Other major features include Flash Value (FV) Lock, flash color information, wide area AF illuminator and built-in modeling flash.
“When developing the Creative Lighting System, Nikon’s goal was to deliver a powerful lighting system that was easy to use, offered tremendous creative control without being overly complicated and integrated the advantages of digital technology to make flash photography more accurate than ever before. With the introduction of the SB-600, Nikon is realizing that goal,” said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems at Nikon, Inc.
“Nikon’s i-TTL technology is the backbone of the Creative Lighting System, and the SB-600 inherits this inventive technology. Together with the recently introduced Nikon SB-800 Speedlight, and the D70’s built-in speedlight set to Commander Mode, the SB-600 will unleash tremendous creativity and excitement among all kinds of photographers,” he added.
SB-600: Continuing Advanced Wireless Lighting
The SB-600 speedlight features wireless TTL technology first introduced in Nikon’s SB-800 Speedlight. Photographers using the SB-800 as the Controller can employ up to three groups of compatible Speedlights, with any quantity of compatible SB-600 and SB-800 speedlights within each of the three groups, to achieve Advanced Wireless i-TTL exposure control. Most major functions of the
SB-600 can be controlled remotely by the master SB-800. Photographers using the D70 digital SLR camera’s built-in speedlight as the Commander Speedlight can employ any number SB-600 speedlights within one group for wireless i-TTL operation. The SB-600 can be remotely controlled either in i-TTL mode or manual mode for maximum creativity. Used with the D2H, the SB-600 can employ up to four individual frequency channels, and three groups of flash units.
The selection of channel settings help photographers avoid inadvertently triggering flashes not being used by them. Used with Nikon’s D70 camera’s built-in i-TTL speedlight as the Commander, the SB-600 settings require use of Channel 3, Group A.
In addition to the wireless capabilities, the SB-600 offers a host of additional features for Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Highlights of the features are:
* FV-Lock: FV-Lock (Flash Value Lock) is comparable to the way an
AE-Lock functions in a camera for ambient light exposure metering. Once the camera measures a correct flash value, the SB-600 locks this value until the photographer resets it — helping to maintain the flash value exposure as the photographer adjusts composition for a scene.
* Auto FP High-Speed Sync Flash: The SB-600’s Auto FP function can be used with the Nikon D2H to automatically fire the speedlight in i-TTL mode at shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second, offering excellent opportunities to use flash in brighter light, with faster aperture lenses and for faster action scenes.
* Modeling Flash: A modeling flash feature in the SB-600 fires a stroboscopic burst of light for approximately one second, allowing photographers to visually confirm lighting and shadow effects before shooting.
* Auto White Balance Adjustment using Flash Color Temperature
Information: The SB-600 achieves a high level of color accuracy when used with the D70 or the D2H. With changes in the duration of light emitted by any speedlight, there are always slight variations of color temperature. Using the D70 or D2H in Auto White Balance mode, the SB-600 communicates these slight variations in color data back to the D70 or D2H and the camera’s auto white balance system implements the fine adjustment needed for overall excellent white balance.
* Manual Mode: The SB-600 also offers a full manual mode with power ratios from full power to 1/64 power, in 1/2 step increments for independent flash output control and creative lighting effects.
* Custom Settings: Custom settings in the SB-600 allow photographers to personalize the speedlight according to selected preferences.
* Wide Area Illuminators: The SB-600 features a wide area illuminator that assumes autofocus assist functions in low light conditions. The
Illuminator covers all AF-points in all Nikon SLR cameras, including the D2H’s new 11-point AF sensors, giving photographers the freedom to compose their shots creatively and shoot with confidence.
* Additional features: Additional features in the SB-600 include a large
LCD screen, ergonomic controls, a rotating flash head which tilts horizontally and vertically, accessory filters for special color effects and emulation of fluorescent and incandescent lighting, front and side ready-light indicators for easy viewing, and a locking flash shoe.
The SB-600 is compatible with all Nikon digital and film SLR cameras, achieving performance that is limited by each camera’s capability. The SB-600 will realize full i-TTL control when used with the D2H or D70 digital SLR cameras, and D-TTL control and Auto Aperture Flash (AA) when used with the D1, D1X, D1H and D100 digital SLR cameras. The SB-600 will offer TTL and Non-TTL Auto Flash control when used with all Nikon film SLR cameras. The SB-600 Speedlight will be available at Nikon authorized dealer locations in Spring 2004. Price will be announced approximately 30 days prior to first sales.
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Popular Long Range, Fast Aperture Lens Now Features Nikon’s Renowned Vibration Reduction Technology
MELVILLE, NY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced an all-new AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED super-telephoto lens that features Nikon’s remarkable Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. Designed to work seamlessly with Nikon’s digital and film SLR cameras, this new lens offers professional sports and action photographers a high level of quality, precision and performance.
“Nikon shooters will attest that Vibration Reduction technology works more effectively in achieving sharper pictures in low light or shaky conditions than any other existing technology. Now sports and action photographers can reap the benefits of VR in a focal length they most often use. Coupled with the added advantage of Nikon’s new Nano-Crystal AR coat, photographers can expect very sharp, high-contrast images from the new AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of Marketing, Nikon Inc.
Based on the extremely popular and well received AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED II, the new lens has been upgraded in specifications and performance to fully satisfy professional photographers. The first addition to this fast and powerful lens is the benefit of VR (Vibration Reduction) - an innovation that allows photographers to take high-quality handheld shots indoors and in dark locations at shutter speeds three stops slower without compromising the sharpness of the picture. A choice of two VR modes allows photographers to best match their shooting conditions and further augments the effectiveness of VR performance. Normal mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection as well as automatic tripod detection. Active mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is pronounced and frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.
Along with the adoption of VR technology, the new lens also offers handy access to a control pad on the side of the barrel for seamless usability. A Focus Mode switch enables instant and easy switching between M/A (Manual-Priority Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus) modes, while a Focus Limiter switch restricts AF-servo movement within a selected shooting distance range. New Focus Preset buttons can instantly recall a preset focal point - a priceless feature when photographers shooting sports need to quickly return focus to a specific location such as a base or a team’s goal.
The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED also benefits from Nikon’s new Nano-Crystal AR Coat, which demonstrates superior anti-reflective properties to virtually eliminate ghost and flare to provide clear and vivid images when shooting under powerful sunlight or indoors under spotlights.
The features already incorporated in the lens’ predecessor are carried over as well. This includes Nikon’s exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) that combines fast and accurate autofocusing with super-quiet operation, ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration, Internal Focusing (IF) for smoother focusing and a better balanced body, as well as a rubber ring on the lens mount that delivers the same level of resistance to dust and drops of water as Nikon’s professional cameras such as the F6 and D2X and D2H.
Compatibility with Nikon’s TC-14EII (1.4x), new TC-17EII (1.7x), and TC-20EII (2.0x) teleconverters extends the flexibility and total reach of the lens to as long as 600mm when mounted on a 35mm film SLR. When mounted on a Nikon digital SLR, photographers can achieve an angle of view equivalent to a 900mm lens.
The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens is scheduled to be available at authorized Nikon dealers beginning January 2005.
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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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Designed For D2H Professional Digital SLR, SB-800 Offers Full Wireless Remote Control for Multiple Speedlights; New Level of Color Accuracy
MELVILLE, NY, JULY 22, 2003 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the SB-800™ speedlight, the foundation for a new Nikon Creative Lighting System. The SB-800 features powerful new i-TTL™ flash control system for automatic balanced fill-flash and advanced wireless lighting capabilities that delivers outstanding results creative new possibilities. The SB-800’s i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash control utilizes Nikon’s new Advanced Data Communication system to introduce improved monitor-pre-flash and wireless operation.
Designed for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts, the SB-800 offers groundbreaking new features when used with Nikon’s new D2H professional digital SLR camera. These features include advanced wireless control for multiple SB-800 speedlights that are controlled by a master speedlight, new Auto FP high-speed sync, new Flash Value (FV) lock, flash color information communication for improved color accuracy and a new Wide-Area AF Assist Illuminator that is tailored to the D2H’s new 11-area Multi-Cam 2000 AF sensor module. Combined with other Nikon digital SLR cameras, the SB-800 offers performance comparable to the highly successful Nikon SB-80DX speedlight.
“While developing the new D2H professional digital SLR camera, Nikon recognized the opportunity to create a new speedlight system that could harness the revolutionary technology incorporated in the camera and respond to professional photographers’ needs. The result is the SB-800 speedlight, Nikon’s most advanced lighting system, featuring revolutionary new i-TTL advanced wireless control capabilities,” said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems at Nikon, Inc. “The SB-800 will find creative uses in studios, remote locations and any number of picture-taking situations where photographers need to carry a compact, versatile and powerful light system that works automatically and maintains tremendous creative control,” he added.
SB-800: Advanced Wireless Lighting Control for Easier Creative Lighting
The SB-800 speedlight system features new wireless technology that enables photographers to fully control up to four groups of SB-800 speedlights wirelessly. This set of four includes one Master Controller and three remote groups - each of which can contain any number of SB-800 speedlights for total lighting control. A majority of features for speedlights within each group can be individually controlled from the Master Controller. These settings are made and confirmed on the Master Controller’s large dot-matrix LCD screen. All speedlights within this wireless arrangement can operate in i-TTL mode for completely automatic flash exposures - which are calculated via a new monitor pre-flash function that measures light from each source and combines them with overall camera exposure readings - producing an accurate, well exposed photograph with balanced lighting. Each group within the wireless arrangement can also be programmed to different flash modes such as i-TTL AA, or Manual mode, or any combination of these modes.
One of the most appealing features of Nikon’s i-TTL wireless system is the ability to adjust flash compensation settings on the fly for each group of speedlights, from the Master Controller. This makes controlling light output from speedlights placed in hard to reach locations simple and effortless. The SB-800 makes multiple flash photography as easy as using a single speedlight mounted on a camera, without the hassles of cables or stands.
In addition to wireless flash capabilities, the SB-800 offers significant new features designed for high-speed photography and exceptional overall accuracy. Highlights of these new features include:
- Auto White Balance Adjustment using Flash Color Temperature Information: The SB-800 achieves a high level of color accuracy when used with the D2H digital SLR camera. With changes in the duration of light emitted by a speedlight, there are slight variations of color temperature. Using the D2H in Auto White Balance mode, the SB-800 communicates these slight variations in color data back to D2H and the camera’s auto white balance system implements the fine adjustment needed for overall excellent white balance.
- FV-Lock: FV-Lock (Flash Value Lock) is comparable to the way an AE-Lock functions in a camera. Once the camera measures a correct flash value, the SB-800 locks this value until the photographer resets it - helping to maintain the flash value for correct exposure of the subject.
- Auto FP High-Speed Sync Flash: The SB-800’s Auto FP function can automatically fire the speedlight in i-TTL mode at shutter speeds up to 1/8,000 second, offering excellent opportunities to use flash in bright light with fast aperture lenses.
- Modeling Flash: A modeling flash feature in the SB-800 fires a stroboscopic burst of light for approximately one second, allowing photographers to visually confirm lighting and shadow effects before shooting.
- Quick Battery Recycle Pack: Included with the SB-800 Speedlight is the SD-800 Quick Battery Recycle pack that cuts recycling time in the SB-800 to as short as 2.7 seconds for full power manual flash.
- Additional features: Additional features in the SB-800 include zoom coverage, bounce and rotating flash head, large LCD read-out panel, accessory filters for special color effects and emulation of fluorescent and incandescent lighting, robust locking flash shoe, and autofocus assist light.
Seamless Functionality Within Nikon’s Total Imaging System
The SB-800 offers 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash function with Nikon’s F5, F100, N80 and N75 35mm film SLR cameras and offers Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash with the N65 35mm film SLR camera. The SB-800 also provides D-TTL performance with Nikon digital SLR cameras including the D1x, D1H, D1, and D100. With the new D2H digital SLR camera, the speedlight offers advanced i-TTL control. The D2H is also fully compatible with all DX-series Nikon speedlights, including the SB-80DX, SB-50DX and SB-28DX. The SB-800 speedlight will be available at Nikon authorized dealer locations in the fourth quarter of 2003.
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Author: Ernie Delgado
Professional photographers know exactly what they’re looking for when they purchase a digital camera. Years of experience and fine tuning digital cameras every day makes the choice clear for them. For the rest of us, a new camera purchase can be a daunting experience. I know when I first got into digital cameras the technology seemed a little intimidating- but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a short guide with ten things to look for when, as an amateur photographer, you’re ready to replace that antique sitting on the top shelf of the closet.
1. Resolution – When digital cameras first came out, it was all about the megapixels. There was a wide variety of sizes (and prices) available- however, now most of even the smallest digital cameras are 5 megapixels, which is more than adequate for your typical 4×6 vacation photos and the occasional 8×10. The time to go larger is when you want to regularly create larger pictures- or you want to be able to zoom in on areas of specific detail and print those. The compromise you must make for those larger pictures is more space used on your memory card, so if you get a higher megapixel camera, make sure to pick some extra cards.
2. Exposure control – For most amateurs, aperture size and shutter speeds are a mystery. What should I use when? The manufacturers have addressed this with scene preset modes. Picking the correct mode allows you to select the proper settings of, for example, a close-up by simply clicking ‘Macro Mode’ instead of manually configuring the camera. If you’re interested in digital cameras as a hobby, manual configuration options are something you should look for.
3. Zooms –There are two types of zoom available, optical zoom and digital. The one you should really pay attention to is optical zoom- pictures using optical zoom are sharper. Also understand that when the camera is using the higher magnification settings, it will be more vulnerable to shaking, so you may want to pick up a tripod if you’ll be using that zoom most of the time.
4. Size – Take a little time to think about what you’re going to be using your camera for. There’s always a tradeoff between size and functionality- here’s a quick summary:
a. Ultra Compact – small, light pocket sized cameras. Some may have fewer features.
b.Compact- fit in a modest camera case, great for point and shoot pictures.
c. Advanced- more functionality here along with more size. Typically we see buttons for modes as opposed to menus (which saves having to navigate), better zooms, and they also accept accessories (lenses, filters, etc.)
d. Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) – Heavy and large, these offer the best functionality; typically professionals and serious photographers use them.
5. Weight – Hand in hand with size is camera weight. Generally speaking, more features equals more weight, so think carefully about what you really need. A small, light camera with fewer features is a better choice if you want to take it everywhere and get lots of pictures, as opposed to a heavy monster you dread having to lug and only use once in a while.
6. Batteries –Basically batteries come in two formats, proprietary battery packs, and then there are cameras that accept AA batteries. If you get a camera with the proprietary pack, it’s worth it to purchase another one as backup, because invariably you’ll want to take a picture and the battery will die. I recommend getting a camera that allows you to use AA batteries- if you need to buy a set in pinch you can, and you also have the flexibility of buying rechargeables and using them again and again.
7. Speed- When you are ready to purchase, be sure to check out the lag on button press. If you want to photograph things in motion (kids, pets, sports, etc) it can be very frustrating to try to snap that perfect picture and have the image captured 5 seconds later after the moment has passed. Some cameras offer continuous shutter mode, which allows you to snap pictures in sequence. For most amateurs 5 frames per second is adequate.
8. Manual Focus – part of the beauty of digital cameras is most of them take care of focusing for you. In some situations you may want the ability to manually focus to bring out detail.
9. Low Light Modes – Some cameras have auxiliary lights to help focus or even night vision mode. If you’re going to be taking pictures at night, it’s worth the money to add this to your checklist.
10. Accessories- Most people focus exclusively on the camera, and the accessories are an afterthought. Depending on where you buy your camera, you may be able to get a package deal that includes things you would have to buy anyway, like a case, memory cards, extra batteries and the like. If you buy your camera in a camera store don’t be afraid to negotiate, many will give you a better price or throw in extras like photography lessons.
When you buy a digital camera there’s no need to be intimidated, just do some research online and have an idea of what you want to do with your camera, create a list of important points, and then buy with confidence.
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Author: Brian Lee
In the past twenty years, most of the major technological breakthroughs in consumer electronics have been built around the same basic process: converting conventional analog information (represented by a fluctuating wave) into digital information (binary information represented by ones and zeros, or bits). This fundamental shift in technology has changed how we handle visual and audio information — it completely redefined what is possible.
The digital camera is one of the most notable examples of this shift because it is so truly different from its predecessor. Conventional film cameras depend entirely on chemical and mechanical processes — you don’t need any electricity whatsoever to operate them, other than for a flash. On the other hand, all digital cameras have a built-in computer, and all of them record images electronically.
The new approach has been enormously successful. Since film usually provides better picture quality, digital cameras have not completely replaced conventional cameras. But, as digital imaging technology has improved, and prices dramatically decreased, digital cameras have rapidly become more popular.
In this article, we’ll find out exactly what’s going on inside these amazing digital-age devices.
Understanding the Basics
Let’s say you want to take a picture and e-mail it to a friend. To do this, you need the image to be represented in the language that computers recognize — bits and bytes, or binary information. Essentially, a digital image is just a long string of 1s and 0s that represent all the tiny colored dots — or pixels — that collectively make up the image. If you want to get a picture into this form, you have two options:
1) You can take a photograph using a conventional film camera, take the film to a developing lab that processes the film chemically, prints it onto photographic paper, and then place the picture on a digital scanner to sample the print (record the pattern of light as a series of pixel values).
2) You can directly sample the original light that bounces off your subject, immediately breaking that light pattern down into a series of pixel values — in other words, you can use a digital camera.
At its most basic level, this is all there is to a digital camera. Just like a conventional film camera, it has a series of lenses that focus light to create an image of a scene. But instead of focusing this light onto a piece of film, it focuses it onto a semiconductor device that records light electronically. A computer then breaks this electronic information down into digital data. All the fun and interesting features of digital cameras come as a direct result of this process.
Instead of film, a digital camera has a sensor that converts light into electrical charges.
The image sensor employed by most digital cameras is a charge coupled device (CCD). Some cameras use complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology instead. Both CCD and CMOS image sensors convert light into electrons. Without getting too technical, a simplified way to think about these sensors is to think of a 2-dimentional array of thousands or millions of tiny solar cells.
Once the sensor converts the light into electrons, it reads the value (accumulated charge) of each cell in the image. This is where the differences between the two main sensor types become a factor:
A CCD transports the charge across the chip and reads it at one corner of the array. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) then turns each pixel’s value into a digital value by measuring the amount of charge at each photosite and converting that measurement to binary form. CCD sensors create high-quality, low-noise images. CCD sensors have been mass produced for a longer period of time, so they are more mature. They tend to have higher quality pixels, and more of them.
CMOS devices use several transistors at each pixel to amplify and move the charge using ordinary wires. The CMOS signal is digital, so it needs no ADC. Because each pixel on a CMOS sensor has several transistors located next to it, the light sensitivity of a CMOS chip is lower (many of the photons hit the transistors instead of the photodiode.) CMOS sensors traditionally consume little power. CCDs, on the other hand, use a process that consumes lots of power.
The amount of detail that the camera can capture is called the resolution, and it is measured in pixels. The more pixels a camera has, the more detail it can capture and the larger pictures can be without becoming blurry or “grainy.” High-end consumer cameras can capture over 12 million pixels. Some professional cameras support over 16 million pixels, or 20 million pixels for large-format cameras. For comparison, Hewlett Packard estimates that the quality of 35mm film is about 20 million pixels.
Exposure and Focus
Just as with film, a digital camera has to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor. The two components it uses to do this, the aperture and shutter speed, are also present on conventional cameras.
Aperture: The size of the opening in the camera. The aperture is automatic in most digital cameras, but some allow manual adjustment to give professionals and hobbyists more control over the final image.
Shutter speed: The amount of time that light can pass through the aperture. Unlike film, the light sensor in a digital camera can be reset electronically, so digital cameras have a digital shutter rather than a mechanical shutter.
These two aspects work together to capture the amount of light needed to make a good image. In photographic terms, they set the exposure of the sensor.
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Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
Digital cameras have been used for different occasions and events. These events can be weddings, birthdays and pictures of nature. The various Canon digital cameras are suited for both the novice photographer as well as the more experienced professional. In the digital camera range the Canon Elf Digital camera has the ability to provide superior images to the users.
The various models of Canon Elf Digital cameras are about the size of a credit card. The Canon Elf Digital camera is considered to be among the smallest digital cameras that have been produced. While this camera is small in size it still manages to give you high quality pictures.
The Canon Elf Digital camera cases are made from strong substances like steel that will protect the camera body from a variety of difficulties that you may encounter. The stylish look will make this an appealing digital camera for you to buy. Most of the newly made Canon Elf cameras have a flat appearance.
Some of these digital cameras will have an automatic lens cover. This cover will protect your digital camera when it is not in use. Since the Elf camera is made from steel and it has a protective covering for the camera lens you can take this camera along with you whenever you go out.
There are many great features that can be found with the different digital cameras like red eye reduction, fast shutter speeds, and a variety of scene modes like automatic, sports action mode, portrait mode, and landscape mode.
Most of the digital cameras that are being sold in the world are known by one name like Nikon, Minolta and Canon Elura digital cameras. The Canon Elf Digital camera models will have other names in a variety of countries.
For instance, in Japan the Canon Elf Digital camera is called the Ixy Digital camera, and in Europe and South East Asia it goes under the name of Digital Ixus.
The best fact that is known and recognized about the Canon Elf Digital camera range is that it has been designed to merge traditional photography with that of digital photography.
The many experts who review various digital cameras state that the Canon Elf Digital camera line has some superior digital camera products that are excellent for anyone who is looking to expend their picture taking abilities with no problems.
The Canon Elf Digital camera will make an excellent choice for the amateur hobbyist who is looking to expend their photographic abilities, and also for the novice who is just starting out on their photographing jaunts.
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Author: Andrew Gates
The digital camera market today offers buyers a large number of choices, with products in widely differing price ranges, sizes and degree of operational complexity. From miniatures the size of a credit card, to fully functional professional SLR (Single Lens reflex) systems, you can buy a digital camera from manufacturers including traditional camera brands such as Canon, Olympus, Nikon, film companies such as Kodak and Fuji, and consumer electronic companies like Sony. Then there are other options that include the mobile phone manufacturers, and webcam suppliers.
The advantages of digital photography are numerous. Topmost is the fact that there is no film processing: expensive both in cost and time. But there is also the advantage of smaller sized equipment, portable media and instant picture viewing. And if you don’t like what you see, you simply delete it and shoot again: no wastage.
If you like to take pictures, being a digital photographer makes a lot of sense. But which camera is the best one for you? In a field of excess abundance, how do you narrow down what you need? How much to pay? How many megapixels? (What are they anyway?) Which brand? How much memory?
Digital CamerasEvery shopper is different.
At MyShopping.com.au we recognise this fact, and so we list practically all brands and models from hundreds of suppliers. These listings include the cold hard digital data facts about each camera and a range of comparative pricings offered by different suppliers. But just as every shopper is different, every photographer is different too. And just having the facts may not make you feel any more knowledgeable about which camera is right for you.
You could begin with the question: What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera? This is a valid starting point because from here you can begin to qualify your requirements in terms of technical capability and price. What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera?
Is it simply for happy snaps whenever you get together with friends and family at weekends and holidays? Or are you a serious bird watcher and you want to capture nature at its finest? Perhaps you want a camera for work to record your inventory, or recording information from a client. Maybe you’re a PI on a mission. The point is, you need to begin by recognising that your reason for buying a digital camera may not be the same as that of your best friend who is recommending the model she bought.
Once you’ve figured out the sort of pictures you are going to take, you can then set about deciding on the type of camera that will meet your needs. If you need something highly portable that fits in your shirt pocket or your handbag and lets you take it anywhere you go, make size a big consideration. If you want to take seriously good photographs, and you want to pursue an artistic endeavour, make image flexibility your main concern.
It might also be worthwhile considering your own position in the digital photography experience. Are you a novice about to buy your first camera, do you have some intermediate experience, or are you an advanced user?
Someone new to the market will likely not want to spend a lot of money, nor have a lot of mind-boggling features that leave you confused. There are cameras ideal for beginning users that have basic ‘point and shoot’ features including optical and digital zoom lens, flexible storage media and built in flash. There is a huge range of cameras available with simple features at low cost.
If you consider yourself an intermediate user with some operational knowledge of digital camera technology, you may want to consider more advanced features that give you more control over the pictures you take. These features usually come in a range of automatic settings and manual settings for capturing the image and different storage options in terms of resolution and picture type (raw data, jpeg, tiff). Naturally there is some cost attached to additional features when compared to more basic cameras.
For advanced users, there are a lot of professional options you can consider; such as SLR view finding and lens interchange ability. Cameras in this range provide much greater control over the image, both before and once it is captured. These options include shutter speed and aperture adjustment, and many cameras offer the ability to manipulate images ‘in camera’, such as cropping, and brightness and contrast adjustments.
After the picture is taken
A further main consideration is what are you going to do with your images once you have them? The great beauty of digital photography is the simple fact that you can store them on digital media such as CDs and media cards, and view them on computer screens and in many cases, your television. You need print only when and those you want to see, or show to others. Digital photography also gives fantastic opportunities to manipulate your images using popular image manipulation programs, resizing them, altering brightness and contrast characteristics, and correcting problems such as red eye, or removing skin blemishes.
Most digital cameras are computer ready, able to plug directly into your PC or Mac using USB connectors. They usually include proprietary software allowing you to easily and instantly manage your image files in photo albums or slide shows. Many digital cameras also include a video capture facility enabling you to take short motion pictures.
What you want to do with your images after you have them can have an impact on your choice of camera. If you want to make enlarged prints for example, you will want a high megapixel capacity (also talked about as ‘resolution’). If you want images for website use, you will want to get the best quality images that can be reduced in resolution without severe degradation.
Beauty is in the “I”
Great pictures usually come from great conditions. You capture a great moment, the light is just right, the subject is at the perfect distance, the image is perfectly framed. But not every digital camera offers the flexibility to make the best of existing light conditions, or position. Most digital cameras (certainly at the budget end) come with a built in automatic flash, which is terrific for happy snaps in darkened environments. And the automatic flash automatically does not ‘go off’ in bright sunny conditions. But in those times when you want to use the existing light, you need a camera that gives you manual control over the operation or not, of the flash.
Moreover, most digital cameras in the lower and medium price ranges are highly automated. If you are moving from a traditional SLR film camera where you have maximum control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO speeds, it may be frustrating to not have easy access to the same range of tools to take advantage of existing light conditions.
In the more advanced (and therefore more expensive) range of digital cameras, most lens and aperture functions are available in exactly the same way as other SLR systems. What differs is how the colours and light of the image is translated through pixel capture compared to the chemical processing systems.
You may want a wide range of focus options. Most digital cameras have two different types of image magnification, lens magnification (zoom) that may be equivalent of a 35mm to 150 mm lens, and a digital magnification that may be to ten-fold (expressed as x10). This provides you with zoom lens capability, which may be limited in its depth of field control and is subject to soft focus and movement if the conditions aren’t just right, and a digital magnification of the pixel image. If being able to capture magnified distant images is important to you, you need more megapixels, and a lens system that gives you some control over its focus and aperture management.
A final word on accessory
Digital cameras are electronic equipment. That means they run on batteries, and if you use your camera a lot, you will find that you will be frequently replacing batteries. Some cameras have rechargeable batteries; others simply use dry cells (AA), which you can of course load with rechargeable ones. It pays to have spare batteries so that you always have a charged power source. Some cameras have docking stations to help manage the connection with computers. Many digital SLR cameras have interchangeable lens systems, some of which may be compatible with traditional film SLRs.
You can also print your own pictures at home with special printers that handle standard photograph paper, and connect directly to your camera. Although it may be less expensive to simply take your camera’s card, or a CD to your local camera store, and now many supermarkets and department stores, and use the automatic printing machines to print the images you want.
There is a lot you can do with a digital camera, and you can pay les than $200, or more than $10,000. It all depends on how you see yourself as a photographer, what you’re shooting, and what you want to do with your pictures. At Myshopping.com.au you can very quickly compare specifications and prices.
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