For the first time ever I have a camera bag that does not make me look like a photo geek! (Or, to be honest, for the first time in my life I have a real camera bag, with room for more than just one camera)!

It is a beautiful leather bag (available in several beautiful different colours), which can be used/worn at any occasion. A great bag for combining shopping or having a coffee with friends, and photo shooting. And as the bag won’t give away that you are carrying a camera, it is ideal for a female street photographer!

For me it is a small drawback that the strap is too short to carry it across my chest. However, that is what makes it look more like a purse than a camera bag. I did not think much about the missing strap whilst photographing, but when doing longer photo walks it got quite tiring on the shoulder (not being able to ”distribute” the wight across my back). It does help, though, that the zipper can be opened from both sides of the bag, making it possible to alternate the carrying between the shoulders. One thing I love about this bag is its ability to stand on the ground without falling over, having four ”legs” underneath. It makes it easy to place beside me, being on the train or in a cafè

The bag has inner padding, and three removable dividers making it easy to adjust. For me it has the ideal amount of space: I have room for my camera Nikon D90 with a 18-105 mm lens attached, and an extra nikkor 50 mm, my wallet and my keys (i love the extra small pocket). And still there is room if I want to bring a flash or my Canon G7. As I have just moved to Melbourne, where the weather is changing all the time, it is perfect to have additional space for a scarf, an umbrella or even a small rain coat! For those with the need of room for several lenses and flashes etc, this bag might be a bit too small, though. Extra pockets on the outside of the bag are ideal for an iPhone or your lens cover, filters, batteries or memory cards. The back pocket has room for more, but filling it up might be felt against your body whilst carrying the bag. For me, though, being a stranger in the city, this was the perfect place for a map of Melbourne!

Check out the Pompidoo range at http://www.pompidoo.com.

Marianne Gilhuus

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

The Perfect Camera Bag for the Female Street Photographer

Will you be cashing in and picking one of these cameras up? Comment below!

Here’s the feature list.

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 36.3 effective Megapixels
Native ISO 100 to ISO 6,400
Manipulate light to your advantage
Shoot broadcast quality video
Comprehensive high-fidelity audio recording control
Live view output on external monitors
Integrated image sensor cleaning system
EXPEED 3 image-processing engine
Advanced Scene Recognition System
Time-lapse photography
Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module
Versatile AF-area modes
High-precision, high-durability shutter
High dynamic range (HDR)
Don’t miss a moment
3.2 inch, 921k-dot LCD monitor
Lightweight yet durable construction
High-speed CF and SD dual card slots

Let’s have that all explained.

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 36.3 effective Megapixels
With a huge 36.3 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor your photos will have more detail than ever before. The sensor is 35.9 X 24 mm – producing such incredible detail, that the Nikon D800 can render textures and nuances equivalent to high-end medium format cameras. Define every eyelash, every line in tree bark, and every shimmer of light. You can now savour the exceptional depth in your photos and enlarge them as big as A1 posters at 200dpi.

Native ISO 100 to ISO 6,400 – expandable to the equivalent of ISO 50 to 25,600
High-resolution, studio-quality images shouldn’t be restricted to the studio. The Nikon D800 sets a new benchmark for high-resolution DSLR cameras, with clean and crisp images across a wide ISO range.
Flexibility like this opens up new imaging opportunities for still photographers and cinematographers. Even at high ISO settings, the camera’s intelligent noise reduction systems manage noise without sacrificing fine details, giving the nikon D800 the edge on its competition.
The difference can even be seen in low-contrast subjects such as hair and grass textures, which are often essential elements of cinema as well as high-resolution portraits and landscape images. High image quality at higher ISOs also means that you can shoot still images handheld more confidently, knowing that fast shutter speeds will reduce blur.

Manipulate light to your advantage
With the Nikon D800, our engineers have combined high-resolution performance with a wide ISO range – making many photographers dreams a reality. New methods have been employed to manipulate light transmission to the sensor’s photo diodes, delivering crisp, brilliant images with significantly less noise.

Shoot broadcast quality video
Many filmmakers require the highly mobile, lightweight and compact advantages of a DSLR in order to cover large events, make documentaries, music videos or movies. For these professionals, the Nikon D800 is ready to create incredible cinematic experiences.
The Nikon D800 is capable of shooting full 1080p HD video in either FX or DX modes – yours to choose depending on your creative intentions. Combined with the processing power of the new EXPEED 3 processor, you can shoot broadcast quality video at 30 frames per second.

Comprehensive high-fidelity audio recording control
The Nikon D800 is designed for crisp stereo recording with a built-in external stereo microphone input. Attach the compact ME-1 Stereo Microphone to record clear sound while significantly reducing mechanical noise. An external headphone jack enables you to effectively monitor and control audio in isolation.

Live view output on external monitors
While shooting movies you can now simultaneously check the video feed on an external monitor using an HDMI connection, in addition to the camera’s TFT monitor. For those who need the purest video output for professional quality editing, you can now record uncompressed movie live view footage directly to an external storage device via HDMI interface.

Integrated image sensor cleaning system
Ever experienced the frustrations of dust reaching your cameras image sensor? The Nikon D800 automatically prevents this. Employing Nikon’s new Integrated Dust Reduction System the sensor self-cleans itself with four resonance frequencies to vibrate the optical low-pass filter and shake dust away. There’s also no need to worry if you’re shooting landscapes at low shutter speeds – you can set the self-cleaning sensor onto manual to prevent any camera shake.

EXPEED 3 image-processing engine: speed, versatility, and high performance
To process the Nikon D800’s huge 36.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS, Nikon engineers have included the new EXPEED 3 image processing engine so you don’t have to sacrifice speed for the privilege of incredibly high-resolution photos. From image processing and card recording to image playback and image transfer, EXPEED 3 manages massive amounts of data at faster speeds than the acclaimed EXPEED 2 processor. Even with specialised processing features like Active D-Lighting and highISO noise reduction, capture speed is not affected. EXPEED 3 is so powerful that it handles data-intensive tasks such as Full HD video recording at 30fps with ease.

Advanced Scene Recognition System with 91K-pixel RGB sensor
Nikon’s revolutionary Advanced Scene Recognition System, introduced with the flagship Nikon D4 camera, is also employed in the Nikon D800. At its core is a 91K-pixelRGB sensor that meticulously analyses each scene with fine resolution. The RGB sensor can recognize your scene’s colours and brightness with unprecedented precision then use that information to implement various automatic controls and give you more natural-looking results.
The real breakthrough, however, is that the sensor can detect human faces with startling accuracy when shooting through the optical viewfinder. Along with face detection, detailed scene analysis is utilised to support more accurate auto-focus; auto exposure and i-TTL flash exposure results in a diverse range of compositional and lighting situations. The improved subject tracking is most noticeable when using 3D-tracking, which can maintain a focus on moving subjects smaller in size than with previous generations.

Time-lapse photography
Capture a variety of scenes and subjects at a breathtaking pace. The Nikon D800 lets you set intervals and frame rates in order to dramatically relay slow-moving activity at dramatic speeds. The Nikon D800 allows you to shoot time-lapse photography with replaying rates from 24 times to 36,000 times faster than normal. Time-lapse photography files can be saved as a movie file.

Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module
Accurate AF detection is crucial for extremely high-resolution still images in every situation. The 51 sensor points in the Nikon D800’s AF sensor module work down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F), the approximate physical limit of human visibility through an optical viewfinder. For even more powerful detection, you can rely on the camera’s 15 cross type sensors in the centre to detect both vertical and horizontal lines when using any AF NIKKOR lenses of f/5.6 or faster. What’s more, AF can be activated with eleven focus points in the centre with open aperture of f/8, which is a big plus when you combine a telephoto lens with a 2.0x teleconverter to shoot distant subjects.

Versatile AF-area modes
Whether it’s a still life, a portrait, a landscape or a candid street scene, your subject matter varies, but its importance doesn’t. That’s why the Nikon D800 offers four AF-area modes, each specifically tailored to adapt to various subjects. Single-point AF is ideal when you need pinpoint focus on stationary subjects. Dynamic-area AF has three options (9-point, 21-point and 51-point) and is ideal for shooting moving subjects. The selected AF point and the surrounding points keep your subject in sharp focus even if it briefly leaves the selected points. 3D-tracking allows you to maintain focus on subjects that are moving erratically from side to side. Auto-area AF detects human faces and prioritises their sharpness for you — an ideal choice for candid photography.

High-precision, high-durability shutter
The Nikon D800’s shutter unit has been tested to well over 200,000 cycles of release to prove durability and precision. While the shutter unit is designed to run at a speed range of 1/8,000 to 30s, its intelligent self-diagnostic shutter monitor automatically monitors actual shutter speeds in order to correct possible variances that can occur over time.

High dynamic range (HDR)
The Nikon D800 can shoot two frames in a single shutter release, but at different exposures: one overexposed and one underexposed. The camera then instantly combines them to create an image covering a wider dynamic range. The range can be widened by up to 3 EV for different looks, all full of saturation and tonal gradation, while the smoothness of the edge where the two exposures meet can be adjusted for a more natural appearance.

Don’t miss a moment
The Nikon D800 is designed to respond immediately. Once the camera is turned on, it starts up in approximately 0.12 seconds* and your finger is in position for shutter release. Release time lag is minimised to approx. 0.042 seconds*, equivalent to that of the Nikon D3S. The Nikon D800 also has the ability to shoot continuously at 4 fps in FX mode, and 5fps in DX mode. (*Based on CIPA Guidelines)

3.2 inch, 921k-dot LCD monitor
The Nikon D800’s large and sharp colour LCD monitor delivers bright, crisp image playback with a much larger capacity for accurate colour reproduction. Using an anti-reflective structure, you can count on clarity equal to that of the D4, even under bright conditions. Moreover, if monitor brightness is set to “Auto”, the camera automatically adjusts LCD brightness according to the environmental lighting conditions measured by the ambient brightness sensor, allowing easy use of live view in both bright and low-lit places — very useful when shooting video and stills. The ability to magnify playback images up to 46x (Large-size images in FX format) is extremely helpful for spot focus confirmation.

Lightweight yet durable construction
The Nikon D800 has been designed to achieve better durability and lighter weight. The result is a camera approximately 10% lighter than the Nikon D700, yet just as rugged, weighing in at around 1,000 grams. A magnesium alloy construction protects the camera against accidental shock, and weather and dust sealing has been extensively applied and severely tested, making the Nikon D800 as reliable on the road as it is in the studio.

High-speed CF and SD dual card slots
Card recording speed is yet another crucial element of a smooth and productive shooting experience. The Nikon D800’s CF memory card slot is compatible with the latestUDMA 7. The SD card slot is compatible with SDXC (Secure Digital extended Capacity) and UHS-I. You can also use two cards simultaneously for a number of functions, such as recording JPEG and RAW data on separate cards, recording the same data simultaneously on two cards for backup.

What do you think? Tell us if this one “is for you” or not, below in the comments!

–Sime

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Nikon D800 and D800e announced

UK Tripod conjurers, 3 Legged Thing decided to find out…

What’s on the 3LT menu?

• Carbon Fiber Tripods, Lightweight Travel Tripods
• Carbon Fiber Monopods
• Alloy Tripods
• Alloy Monopods
• Combination Tripod/Monopods
• Anodised Precision Ball Heads and Black Rapid R-Strap Compatible Release Plates
• Stuff (It’s not called that, but there you go) Bootz and Heelz and Budgie Smuglaz

So, I have Brian and Kirk here with me right now, Brian is a carbon fiber travel tripod that extends from as low as 125mm to over 2mtr tall – that’s the lowest shooting angle of any travel tripod I’ve ever heard of… Brian will happily muscle 8kg of gear on his anodised precision ball head (if you buy the kit, or the separate ball head, that is) Brian is as happy on three legs as he is on one, you can detach a leg and use it as a monopod. Brian has screw off feet that you can interchange with spikes… if that’s what you’re into!

I use a thinkTank roller, Brian easily slots into my bag when I’m travelling, or is as happy hanging from the side when I take all of my gear along to a shoot – very easy to erect, very easy to handle. You can see in the bag above, Brian is at the top under a RODE Videomic, second row from left is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 ISL, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, Lensbaby, Hoodman Loupe, RODE Lav mic on top of Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 attached to a Canon 5DMKII, then to its left a Canon 30D + Grip, Sony NEX-5 with an SLR Magic 28mm f/2.8 and 430EX and 580EX flash units from Canon…

Brian (and all of his brothers) come with a 5 year manufacturers warranty, though, if you put Brian under a bus – you’re the idiot.

Brian is sexy and very functional – how do I know? I’ve been using a V1 Brian since he was born, now with his 2nd generation incarnation, there’s nothing but more love… One of the main reasons that I love this product, I mean.. a tripod is a tripod, right? Well, sure… But when you have a good team behind a product, it shows… Ideas I sent back after getting first generation Brian were taken seriously, ideas were chatted about, not just disregarded. These guys are innovating and it’s exciting to see that, in a market that is quite full, they stand out easily. Here’s Second Gen Brian as a kit – Legs and Head

Brian was picked up in England, he’s been to about 10 different countries and now lives back here in Australia with me – I couldn’t ask for more in a travel tripod. five out of five stars, 3LT… bravo

I also have Kirk who is a Mag Alloy cousin to Brian, he’s first gen “the original” and whilst I’m very happy with all of the second gen updates, I’m still equally happy with my first gen Kirk… He’s been to the beach (mmmm, sand and salt water) and he’s been a sturdy addition to my more ‘studio based’ shoots – when I need something that I can stand in his spot, whack something heavy on top and then add a shelf for my laptop when I shoot tethered – Kirk is my go to guy… Second Gen wise, go and have a look at Jack… Very well priced and a darn fine V2.0 if I may say so…

I’ve been using this gear for a while now and I’m very happy to tell anyone that asks about it – the build, the price and the plain awesomeness of 3LeggedThing as a company work for me.

Follow 3LeggedThing on Twitter or Facebook to find out more about what they’re doing.

Sime [ @gtvone ]

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

3 Legged Thing – The New Breed

Flash Lighting and Accessories by GoDox from Elemental

With digital photography, it’s pretty easy to try and try and try again, because there’s no developing time, there’s no film cost, there’s no fixer to spill! There’s simply no excuse for you to continue to suck at off camera flash… what? you can’t practice because a Canon Speedlite 580EX II is WAY TOOOOO EXPENSIVE? Fair call, they’re not cheap! They are really good, but you’re right, they’re not cheap… So, I have a very functional, robust alternative for you… It costs £80 (or £50 if you don’t ever want to plug in an external battery) per flash unit and you can also get a remote trigger for it for £50… So, essentially, for £130 you’re set up to use flash, off camera, remotely and ‘on the cheap’ Yeah!

The handy remote trigger is called a REEMIX RMII and, as well as being a 16 channel flash controller, can also control your camera* (remote shutter) and the receiver has a handy umbrella holder built in, so you can attach it to your flash unit, slot an umbrella in and go flashing wild.

You can take it a step further, with the GoDox thinkLite TT560PB you can add an external battery pack, the GoDox ProPac PB820. It plugs right into the flash unit and will have you flashing for a good while (250 to 320 full power flashes, 1 sec recharge time, 2 hr battery recharge time) and comes in photographer black or sexy lime green (I went green!)

Having picked up the three units, Here  is my experience with them.. The start of my journey to better flashing if you will!

I have a Canon 580EXII.. That’s a great unit! It’s powerful, it’s fully featured and it’s EXPENSIVE. To work on an article that allowed more people who are just starting out, to be involved in trying off camera lighting, I wanted to use readily available and more ‘cost sensitive’ kit… I have tried out the Elemental studio lights once before, So, back on the http://studio-flash.com website I went and I came across the GoDox gear and made my enquiries. Hello? Scotland Yard?

I know how well my Canon flash unit works, so I had a good bench mark… The Canon has the higher guide number (Higher guide number = more powerful flash) of 39 as opposed to the 38 rated ThinkLite.. Not much in it really.. Though, the Canon does have all the bells and whistles, as well as ETTL (basically means your camera tells the flash what to do if it’s all compatible) For this little test, I wanted to set everything to manual to help teach myself what all the buttons did! That, I believe, is what you should do, too!

So, the first little test (that mattered!)  that I used my ThinkLite for was a quick real estate shoot, I had a brightly lit outdoor shot of a house to take, I had a lovely blue sky that, if I exposed for, meant that the house was a bit dark.. I bumped the power on the little flash up to full, popped it on a Nasty Clamp and stuck that on the front fence facing the house… Taking a few photos, mostly inspired by a recent “One light real estate shoot” from Strobist, David Hobby, I tried to blend the flash in with the ambient light and get the photograph that I needed. The whole time using the REEMIX II to pop the flash and I also had the battery pack plugged in, giving me simply awesome recycle times (the time it takes for the little red light to come on and say “I’m ready to flash again!”)

Go Easy! It's my first shot it this type of thing

You can see the Nasty Clamp attached to the right hand end of the railing above and the shadow of the front porch light headed up and left. This is pretty much out of the camera with a little perspective correction (I couldn’t stand in front, there’s a tree!) So the sky is nice and blue and the front of the house is easy to see because of that light there. It could be a bit brighter and with a bit of an ISO bump, it would be. This was f/8.0, so I probably could have opened her up a little more, too, if I needed to. I got what I was after.

The flash unit is very simple. It has an off / on switch, an 8 level power output switch  (1/128, 1/64, 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1) and a couple of buttons to use the slave mode, slave mode doesn’t mean you can yell “Hey flash, get me a coffee” form the next room… It means that, in S1 mode, when you fire another flash, that the ThinkLite will also fire – this means that you can start getting all creative and have a pair of GoDox ThinkLite flash units and use one as your main light and one as your fill light or your hair light (fill, adds extra light where you need it – it fills and a Hair light is just that, adds a little light to the hair / side / back of the subject, gives your image some depth)

I had a whole three bedroom house to photograph for our real estate agent, the ThinkLite sitting on the end of the Nasty Clamp (Seriously, If you don’t have Nasty Clamps, get a pair! they’re such life savers!) with the remote trigger and external battery – I’d clip the unit on to the top of a door, angle it around until it was working how I wanted it to work and get my image. Mostly I’d fire the flash into a wall or ceiling to diffuse the small hard light that you typically get from a flash gun, the wall acting as a big reflector (Make sure your walls are white and not burnt orange… imagine light hitting a burnt orange wall and turning your photo into a big cup of Fanta!)

The kitchen shows the blend of flash and sun light..

This photo (above) is natural light through the roof / skylights, and the darker back of the house has the ThinkLite on the Nasty Clamp attached to the top of the shower screen door, low power firing out into the hall way. Whilst the balance of the color temp is way off (you see the bluer flash v the warmer sun) that’s very easy to fix with a gel for the flash or, if you’re a bit more lazy, in post!

the external battery hadn’t even dropped down a notch (it has 5 notches to show you when you need to recharge) I can see great use for an external batter as a wedding photographer or event photographer (I wish I had one of these when I was shooting events back in London!!!) You take the thing and clip it to your belt / put it in your camera bag and flash over and over…

This is all the gear I used on the day!

As I said at the start, I’m not a ‘Strobist‘ (not even in the same city, park or country!)  …though, now with my new found love for lighting and the ability to practice (on everything and everyone… yay for my two year old!) I’m getting better at it!

So, let’s look at the specs of the ThinkLite TT560

Guide Number 38
Flash Modes M, S1, S2
Tilt 0 – 90°
Swivel 0 – 270°
Power Source 4 * AA batteries
Recycle Time 0.5 – 5s
Output Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128
Colour Temperature 5600K +/-200K
Flash Duration 1/800 ~ 1/2000s
Dimensions 190 * 75 * 55mm
Net Weight 286g

There’s nothing automatic about this unit, and that makes you learn!

And a pricing re-cap?

• GoDox ThinkLite TT560PB £79.20
• GoDox REEMIX II £47.99
• GoDox ProPac £129.99

The kit has performed without fault since I picked it up a couple of months ago, it has really showed me that you don’t always need to get ‘amazing’ to teach yourself how to do something properly! Manual mode isn’t as scary as I thought, folks!

• Out of ten, I give the thinkLite TT560PB an eleven (this was a nine, but earlier today my two year old pushed over a chair and knocked the flash unit and my reemix flying – baby proof.
• The reemix is a straight eight out of ten, with a couple points taken off for the slightly fiddly channel switching, though for a remote to allow you to use 16 channels and to reverse control your camera, for under fifty quid is pretty darn good.
• The ProPac, whilst being the most expensive item in this test, is something I never want to be without again. Get one.

I hope this has been helpful to some of you! I hope to come back at some point when I’m more practised in my flashing and give you an update on how the gear’s doing – I’m about to order a couple more of the TT560 units myself.

–Sime

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

GoDox Lighting Kit, Just the ticket! [Review]

We are looking at some slightly different formats for our forum assignment this year, so keep your eyes open for that! we also have some cool “weekly assignment” prizes lined up for the coming weeks and months, so make sure you check in every week and see what is happening! –> Here’s the assignment section of the forum if you’re new around here! (Welcome!)

The winner this week comes from MattJohnRobinson with his self portrait in the mirror, before we show you his winning image, here’s what he had to say about it;

“Every day is the first day of the rest of your life…through free will a fresh start can made at any time. It all begins with some serious introspection, self-reflection.

I took this in my tiny apartment bathroom with my tripod and a small torch-style desk lamp covered with my twisted up (the way it’s made to fit in the zip-up pouch) 42″ diffusor/reflector to soften it.

This was my first time shooting and processing RAW and also my first self-portrait. Really liked being able to fine-tune the white balance and sharpness. Got my first camera in the fall of 2011 and I’ve just been totally thrilled with this entire world of photography that I’ve immersed myself in…looking forward to learning a lot in 2012 with the help of all the wonderful enthusiasts and professionals sharing their knowledge on the net.”

Congratulations Matt, you did well – and great job on the lighting with what you had! [Ghetto lighting, anyone?!]

You can see more of Matt’s work on Flickr

In second place this week was Prasad_Shejale with “A sunset on 2011″ which I liked very much, and as Wulf pointed out, it was if the sun was weighing down the left hand of the image.. We all thought very cool.

You can see more of Prasad’s work on Flickr too!

We have two third place winners, so I’m going to post them both! Great!

So, on her health kick, all the way from Sheffield is RozSheffield! Roz is also back from a little “time away” from her camera, so welcome back to the shutter button Roz!!

Here is Roz’s image of “Fresh Start”

Roz is on Flickr, Too!

And “Second” third place goes to Nita.W (who may need to have support take that . out of her user name as they cause problems – sorry!) with her “Relax, let go and wash away” photograph, taken whilst on holidays! (Hararu Falls in NZ! Nice!) (I almost remember what holidays are!)

Here’s Nita’s photograph – lovely work, Nita!

You can also find Nita.W on Flickr!

That’s our “From The Forums” wrap up for this week! Don’t forget “The color Yellow” is happening in the assignments section right now and there are many other interesting threads bobbing along.. This one, for example! “A Few Shots from India” or, here’s my current fave… a 305 second (!!) exposure, during the day!! – See how it was done.

You can find DigitalPS on Facebook and Twitter, too!

See you next week! —Sime

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Weekly Photo Assignment : Fresh Start

Sniff test it? Yes he did… Watch the video below for Jared’s reaction to the newly announced Nikon D4

Potentially available end of Feb 2012 and coming in at around $6,000…

Here’s the video, press release right below it!

Follow @FroKnowsPhoto for more updates (He is spree casting at 11:30 PST)

Here is the FULL Nikon Press Release for the brand new Nikon D4

The New 16.2 Megapixel Nikon D4 Wields a Formidable Fusion of Swift Performance, Battle-Tested Technologies and Innovative New Features to Create High Caliber Photo and HD Multimedia Content

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan 5, 2012) – The new Nikon D4 digital SLR builds upon the legacy of the proven Nikon flagship D-SLRs before it, engineered to give today’s professional multimedia photographers a new apex of speed and accuracy with unparalleled image quality, low-light capability and Full HD video. The Nikon D4 hosts a multitude of advanced new features and useful functions that deliver speedy performance and amazing image quality for when missing the shot is not an option.

Every aspect of the new Nikon D4 D-SLR has been designed to emphasize rapid response and seamless operation to help professional photographers consistently capture incredible content. Nikon’s proven 51-point AF System has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps). Considered the new Nikon flagship, the D4 renders supreme image quality, a feat accomplished with a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine to help produce images and videos with stunning clarity and color. Photographers are also able to shoot in even the most challenging environments and lighting conditions with the assistance of Nikon’s new 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter and a broad ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800 for low-light capture like never before. The Nikon D4 is engineered for the modern professional and incorporates never before seen HD-SLR video features for those who also need to capture multimedia content from the field.

“Speed without accuracy is irrelevant,” said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. “The status of a Nikon flagship camera is not given lightly; this next generation of Nikon’s most professional body exceeds the needs of a wide variety of both still and multimedia professionals that rely on Nikon to make their living. Besides overall performance and burst speed, the D4 provides Nikon’s most advanced AF system to date, as well as enhanced workflow speed to give professionals the edge in the field.”

Velocity Meets Versatility
Speed is a necessity for today’s multimedia photographer as milliseconds matter when the action commences. Whether an assignment relies on fast processing power, burst rate, write speed, enhanced workflow or even streamlined camera controls, the D4 is the epitome of professional-caliber photographic horsepower. Ready to shoot in approximately 0.012 seconds, the new Nikon D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, including subject color as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, to deliver consistently tack-sharp focus frame after frame. Whether a photographer is shooting a full-court fast break under gymnasium lighting or the downhill slalom in the bright sun and frigid temperatures, the D4 will instill the confidence with consistently great results.

The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system. The fully customizable system offers users the ability to capture fast moving subjects and track focus with precision or select a single AF point with pinpoint accuracy. The Nikon D4 D-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters or a single cross-type sensor when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those shooting sports and wildlife. For maximum versatility in situations such as photographing nature from afar or competition from the sidelines, photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking, to best suit the scene.
The Nikon D4 D-SLR also employs a new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system that meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure. In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Additionally, to capture every brief moment from a bouquet toss to a photo finish under nearly any condition, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-NIKKOR lens.

All of this image data is funneled through a 16 bit pipeline and are written to dual card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers blazing fast write times and extended capacity essential for multimedia professionals shooting stills and video.

Image Quality That Hits the Mark
The heart of the new D4 is the Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9mm) CMOS sensor that provides amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colors in nearly any lighting condition. By achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, professional photographers will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.

Like the D3 and D3s before it, the Nikon D4 retains Nikon’s status as the sovereign of low-light capture ability, with a native ISO range from 100 to 12,800 ISO, expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible yet usable 204,800 (Hi-4). From a candlelit first dance to nocturnal wildlife, the large 7.3µ pixel size absorbs the maximum amount of light to excel in any situation. Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth color gradation. For ultimate versatility, photographers can also take advantage of the camera’s extreme high ISO ability while recording video.

Another factor contributing to the camera’s rapid performance and stellar image quality is Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range in both still images and video. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.

There are also a variety of shooting options available to help capture the highest quality images and video. In addition to standard NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is also capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range with the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that merges consecutive exposures. For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can also be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes. Additionally, the camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.

Professional Multimedia Features
The Nikon D4 D-SLR is engineered with innovative new features for the multimedia professional that needs the small form factor, low-light ability and NIKKOR lens versatility that only an HD-SLR can offer. The new features add functionality for those professionals looking for the best possible experience to capture a moment in Full HD 1080p video at various frame rates, providing footage that is more than suitable for broadcast.

Full HD video recording – Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.
Full manual control of exposure – Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field for professional cinematic results that help realize a creative vision.
Uncompressed output: simultaneous Live View – By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display or appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.
Audio recording for professionals – The Nikon D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.
Multi-area Mode Full HD Video: FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes – Whether shooting for depth of field in FX format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080P HD resolution no matter what mode they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in full HD resolution all at 16:9 aspect ratio.
Simultaneous live view output without display / simultaneous monitor – Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen, to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.
Full-time AF – In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face detection and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.
New LCD screen – The large high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen is 921K dots, and includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in up to 46x to check critical HD focus.
Time lapse shooting – This new feature combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.
Remote shutter operation – Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to be engaged by the shutter release button -users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger video recording.
NIKKOR lens compatibility – The highest caliber optics are vital to creating HD images and Nikon is the world leader in optics manufacturing with a legacy spanning more than 75 years. Nikon has a vast NIKKOR lens system, with more than 50 lenses with a variety of focal lengths and features, including VR II vibration reduction.

Professional Construction, Superior Operability
The reputation and respect bestowed upon a Nikon D-Series flagship camera is earned from those who use it; therefore the chassis of the Nikon D4 is machined from magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference. Photographers are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability, while sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF. The self diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time. What’s more, the viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use, enhancing overall reliability. Users can easily compose on the camera’s wide, bright and scratch resistant 921,000-dot high resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen.

The overall controls and operability of the camera has also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. During critical moments, users will appreciate refined button layouts with renewed ergonomics, such as a quick AF mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the camera’s rear for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Finally, to continue the D4’s moniker of the best tool for just about any condition, key control buttons on the back of the camera can all be illuminated, making the camera simple to operate in complete darkness.

Nikon has also made enhancements to overall workflow, adding options to streamline the process and maximize shooting time. Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both the photographers and their editors. A wired Ethernet port is also utilized so that a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients. Nikon has also introduced the new WT-5A wireless file transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software. A mobile application is also in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video, making this a must-have remote accessory for many professionals.

Price and Availability?The Nikon D4 will be available in late February 2012 for the suggested retail price of $5999.95.*

To see the new D4 D-SLR and other new Nikon products, visit Nikon at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at booth # 11039 from January 10-13th, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

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 consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics.  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. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

Nikon D4 to blow our minds?

This week our assignment was “The Four Elements” where you had to take at least two of water, earth, fire and air.

Let me get STRAIGHT to the point! Our winner this week is JonSim Congratulations, Jon-Sim!

Wulf Say’s : 3 points: earth (slightly kicked up) and water are obvious and air is clearly conveyed by the flock of birds in flight. If it had been my shot, I might have argued for fire in the energy of the action too! That flock of birds makes the shot verge on the surreal but the best detail is that they man is dressed in the same colours as the seagulls, even down to brown(ish) feet.

Bruce-A takes second spot with his beach photograph, my personal fave for this week! [maybe I've been there!]  “Beach Soccer”

“I like Bruce’s attempt to include all four elements, including air (by the haziness of the background) and fire (by the heat of the sun, implied by golden colours and the activities and dress of the people).”

And third place goes to ExDeltaLady for her lovely photograph of the four elements…

Saralonde say’s : Foggy air that can be seen and frozen water, that’s two. That clear blue sky over the snow made me feel cold. Compositionally, I liked the large negative space, although it seems a little closely cropped at the bottom.

Congratulations to all of our winners, thank you for thinking about the topic this week! Don’t forget! There’s still time to win our entire eBook suite with the thinkTankPhoto IN A BAG competition (Free to enter, all welcome) and we’ll see you back here next week for “THE BEATLES”

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums | Four Elements

We recently had the good folk over at ioSafe send one of “very careful” reviewer type persons a hard drive called the ioSafe Rugged Portable.

ioSafe Rugged Portable 500 GB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Let me give you some real world stats on the little beast before we get to the main event… (and don’t forget, WIN one via the bottom of this post!)

• Crush resistant to 5000lbs
• Happy underwater (10′) for a day or two
• Drop proof to 20′
• USB 2 / 3 and FW800
• Includes one-time data recovery up to $5000
• Is dead sexy, for a hard drive!

So, our velvet gloved reviewer, Paul, thought that he’d pop together a little video – Paul had to courier the drive to a client (that looks strangely like..well.. Paul) and this is what happened!

As well as *The Courier* having dished out a veritable hiding to the little ioSafe Rugged Portable, I’ve had one on the test bench for four weeks – I’ve run up a spare second Lightroom catalogue with a whole set of images, as well as my iTunes library (all 229.09 GB or 119.1 days worth of music which is 38,880 tracks if you’re interested!) – It’s been running non-stop (aside from four reboots, I think) for four weeks, which when compared with enterprise stuff is yeah, no big deal, but it’s not skipped a beat, it’s quiet, it doesn’t heat up like a couple of my other drives and it is quick (I’m using FW800) …oh, and it’s so sexy it makes me desk look better – I guess you could say, I like this drive… a lot…

Win One? I hear you ask…

In the comments below, I want you to tell me how YOU would test the ioSafe Rugged Portable, and then (it’s not part of the way you can win, but..) go and say hello from dPS to the people at ioSafe via their Facebook page!  (If you type something like hello from @Digital Photography School …it should tag dPS too, and of course we’d love that) – A week from this post going live, I will choose a winner at random from the comments below and they can choose a 500GB, FW800 or USB 2 / 3 ioSafe Rugged Portable of their own! Competition open to anyone, anywhere! (where permitted by law)

ioSafe, you rock! 

This review video was created by the hilarious Paul D Smart – you can find out more about Paul on his website 

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

How safe is your data? (Make it safe! Win an ioSafe!)

That was the brief in this week’s assignment. And just whilst I’m here, on the subject (and I’ve got the microphone and YOU DON’T haha) I would like to take a minute to thank our tireless moderation team who spend their time helping you guys, all for nothing. Please join with me in the comments (if you have a minute!) and thank them too, Please!

As always we have THREE winners and we’ve had a last minute ‘nod’ to give away a prize to our winner! thinkTankPhoto are a professional camera bag manufacturer and have donated one of their ace memory card holders to the winner! They also have the most amazing FREE give-away I’ve seen in a while going on right now – check it out!

FIRST PLACE | HeartMySony (Please contact spollock@thinktankphoto.com)
“Not only does this portray “Thanksgiving Dinner” with the family, but her description of her taking the photo made me smile!” 

SECOND PLACE | Sneha Thakur 

“I might have stretched to more points if the top of the frame had been cropped a little lower. I do like the patient / physician image combined with supplicant hands – almost as if both are praying to find a way to make the patient well again.”

THIRD PLACE | Devel 

“This one gets 3 points from me. I like this one because it’s a good combination of the typical “thankful of family” theme but done in a nice photographic way. By that I mean photos were in the shot, but he also used nice DoF and I like the bokeh as well. This sort of shot is general enough that people can relate to it as opposed to some random shot of a person they don’t know.”

Great work to all our winners – thanks! Please make sure you check out thinkTank’s Give-away, there’s a camera bag to win every day and a massive grand prize to be drawn at the end (in time for Christmas!) you can find out more HERE.

Have a great week and I look forward to seeing what you all shoot for “The Four Elements”

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

This Week in the Digital Photography School Forums | Gratitude

We were proud to be placed “IN A BAG” today, our entire eBook suite was loaded onto a limited edition thinkTankPhoto USB key and placed, you guessed it! – IN A BAG!

It’s free and easy to enter, simply head over to this page and sign up to be randomly chosen! it’s really that simple. Don’t forget to share the idea (there’s a good example here!) and you could win one of the daily prizes of a Retrospective camera bag.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

It’s open to everyone, globally (where permitted by law) and runs until December 20th (PST)

Let’s show a little DPS creativity and win a couple of those Retros!

Post originally from: Digital Photography Tips.

Check out our more Photography Tips at Photography Tips for Beginners, Portrait Photography Tips and Wedding Photography Tips.

ThinkTankPhoto “IN A BAG” Photography Giveaway