Nikon Announcements (Page 2) Report News & Deals

From Nikon UK:
 
Nikon UK can confirm a correction to the originally published recommended retail prices (RRP) on the D800, D800E and D4 products.
 
Due to a local internal systems error, the incorrect RRPs on the D800, D800E and D4 products were communicated in the UK and Irish markets at the time of announcement. The correct RRPs for the products should have been D4: £5289.99, D800: £2,599.99 and D800E: £2,899.99. We would like to apologise sincerely to our customers for this unfortunate mistake, which has been corrected with immediate effect. We know that there has been strong consumer interest in these products and a high level of pre-orders placed with retailers; Nikon will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24th 2012.

In a post today, Nikon Japan has revealed that the initial inventory is not expected to satisfy initial demand for the D800 DSLR.

Just announced: Nikon D800/D800E DSLR Camera
 
Additional D800/D800E information is available on Nikon's site (warning: audio is auto-enabled on this page).

Nikon has announced new COOLPIX compact camera models. Here are the press releases:
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX S9300/S9200/S6300/S4200/S3300/S30
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX P310/P510
 
Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX L810/L26/L25

Preorders:
 
Nikon D4 DSLR at Amazon (sold out)
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens at Amazon (available for preorder)
 
On Nikon.com:
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Press Release
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Press Release
 
From Nikon UK
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Press Release
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Press Release
 
More From Nikon USA
 
Nikon D4 DSLR: Product Page
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens: Product Page
 
The Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-5 for the D4 was also announced today.
 
Joe McNally was having fun with his D4 prototypes.
 
From Nikon Asia:
 

From Nikon USA:
 
The New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Prime Lens Combines Practicality with Portability Resulting In A Versatile Portrait Lens
 
New NIKKOR Lens is Ideal for Low-Light, Portraiture and Adding Dramatic Background Blur to Both Photo and Video
 

 
MELVILLE, N.Y. (January 5, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G FX-format lens to its legendary line of NIKKOR lenses. The new 85mm is a fast, fixed focal-length lens with medium telephoto capabilities and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 that is capable of performing a wide variety of imaging tasks with amazing sharpness and clarity.
 
“Whether a professional photographer who needs extreme sharpness or a photo enthusiast looking for an affordable, lightweight lens with amazing clarity, Nikon photographers appreciate and rely on the vast selection and dependability of NIKKOR lenses for their imaging needs,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “The new 85mm f/1.8 is fully optimized for capturing amazing photos and videos, while providing the ability to utilize background blur to compliment the subject of their photo.”
 
A welcome addition to Nikon’s growing line of versatile prime lenses, the new AF- NIKKOR 85mm is ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape, portraiture and capturing movies with extreme depth of field. The 85mm is designed to capture photos utilizing beautiful image blur achieved due to its large maximum aperture. Furthermore, the lens is lightweight, easy to carry, and provides an equivalent focal length of 127mm when attached to a Nikon DX-format D-SLR camera body.
 
The construction of the 85mm f/1.8 consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm which contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a natural appearance to out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.
 
The new lens also comes equipped with a carefully engineered optical system optimized to deliver superior image quality. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies. The 85mm also features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additionally, Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.
 
Price and Availability
 
The lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G will be available in March 2012 for a SRP* of $499.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
 
To see the new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens 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.

From Nikon USA:
 
When There Is No Second Chance: The New Nikon FX-Format D4 Multi-Media Digital SLR is The Definitive Unification Of Speed And Precision
 
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.

4th Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand
 
December 1, 2011
 
This is to advise you of the latest situations of Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand, which is suffering damages from the flood.
 
1. Latest situations
 
Water pumping-out by the Rojana Industrial Park authority around Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has completed on November 26. Following this development, we are putting all our energy into restoring infrastructure and production equipment of the factory aiming for some part of factory operation to resume from January 2012. Alternative and limited production at our partner factories in Thailand has started earlier than expected, and we have started shipment of certain digital SLR cameras and interchangeable lenses since November 30.
 
2. Estimated impact to our business performance
 
The impact of the flood to our business performance for the financial period ending March 31, 2012 is estimated, within the scope of our current findings and understanding, to push down net sales by 65 billion yen and operational income by 25 billion yen due to sales opportunity loss. While this estimation remains unchanged from our announcement on November 4, we assure you to immediately advise new findings once it is judged there will be an important change for it. We are continuing our minute investigation on the damage to the buildings and production equipment/tools from the flood.
 
3. Recovery
 
We have set up support and recovery system under the Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Control headed by the president and continuing our endeavor for recovery and normalization of production as early as possible. Our plan to resume production of digital SLRs and interchangeable lenses to the normal level of volume by the end of March 2012 remains unchanged.
 
We deeply apologize you for any inconvenience cause by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

Available in mid-December, the just-announced Speedlight SB-910 replaces the Speedlight SB-900. Learn about the Nikon Speedlight SB-910 here:
 
Nikon USA Press Release
Nikon USA Product Page
Nikon.com Product Page
 
Preorder the Nikon Speedlight SB-910
 
B&H
Amazon.com
Adorama

From Nikon:
 
3rd Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand
 
November 4, 2011
 
This is to advise you of the latest situations of submersion at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand.
 
1. Damages
 
The 1st floor of all buildings at the premises continues to be submerged. Operation of the factory has been suspended since October 6. No human damage is reported. As for the water level, the Rojana Industrial Park, where Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is located, announces that it has lowered by about 40 centimeters from the highest period at measuring points in the Park.
 
2. Estimated impact to our business performance
 
The impact of the flood on our business performance for the financial period ending March 31, 2012 has been estimated, within the scope of our current findings and understanding, to push down net sales by 65 billion yen and operational income by 25 billion yen. Our estimation of the financial results for the Year Ending March 31, 2012, announced at 15:00 JST today, has reflected these negative factors.
 
3. Recovery
 
We have set up support and recovery system under the Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Control headed by president and will endeavor to restart the operation as early as possible. Every possible measure is now under preparation to resume production by means as purchase of new manufacturing equipment, review of production allocation among Nikon group companies, etc. As for drainage from the industrial park, the Rojana Industrial Park authority explained to us that they expect water pumping-out to start in the beginning of November and complete by the end of November.
 
We are planning to start production at other Nikon group manufacturing plants and our partner factories in Thailand one after another from December 2011. Production will partially resume from January 2012 at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and production of digital SLR and interchangeable lenses will return to the normal level by the end of March 2012.
 
We deeply apologize you for any inconveniences caused by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

From Nikon:
 
2nd Notice on the damage from the flood in Thailand
 
This is to advise you, following our first notice of October 11, of the latest situations of submersion at Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon Corporation in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand.
 
1. Damages
 
The 1st floor of all buildings at the premises are presently submerged and the water level is as high as around 2 meters and there arose no remarkable change since October 12. Operation of the factory has been suspended since October 6. It is reported that there is no human damage.
 
2. Estimated impact to our business performance
 
We still have difficulty to grasp the overall damages of our equipment and facility since access to the premises continues to be prohibited. We are now continuing our utmost to estimate the impact of the flood to our group companies and business performance. We assure you to immediately advise our findings once it is judged there will be an important change in our forecast.
 
3. Recovery
 
We are unable to define how soon operation will be resumed. It will take a certain time before the situation normalizes including completion of water pumping out from the Rojana Industrial Park. We have set up support system under the Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Control headed by the president and will endeavor to restart the operation as early as possible. Every possible measure is now under preparation to resume production by means as purchase of new manufacturing equipment, review of production assignment among whole Nikon group companies. As for drainage from the industrial park, we are requesting its acceleration to the Thai government, together with the Rojana Industrial Park authority, other companies in the Park and Japan External Trade Organization.
 
We deeply apologize you for any inconvenience caused by the disaster such as short supply of our products.

Nikon launches the free my Picturetown Pad application for iPads and iPhones.

Nikon press release:
 
Steady sales of NIKKOR lenses continue
 
Total Production of NIKKOR Lenses for Nikon SLR Cameras Reaches Sixty-Five Million
 
October 17, 2011
 
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that total production of NIKKOR interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras reached sixty-five million at the beginning of October 2011.
 
In 1959, Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) released its first SLR camera, the Nikon F. At the same time, Nikon also released its first NIKKOR interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, among them the Nikkor-S Auto 5cm f/2. In the half century since, NIKKOR lenses have become the favorite lenses of a wide variety of users, and have been extremely well received by a great number of photo enthusiasts and professional photographers.
 
In March 2011, total production of NIKKOR lenses reached sixty million. Since then, Nikon has continued to expand the product lineup by releasing two new NIKKOR lenses for FX- and DX-format SLR cameras. The fact that NIKKOR continues to satisfy a wide variety of photographers is evidenced by production of an additional five million lenses in just half a year, bringing total production to sixty-five million.
 
NIKKOR lenses released since March 2011
 
• AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (released June 2011)
A fast, standard fixed focal length (prime) lens that produces bright images and offers beautiful blur characteristics and superior rendering performance with a focal length of 50 mm and fast maximum aperture of f/1.8. This lens is compatible with the FX format.
 
• AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G (released August 2011)
A standard Micro-NIKKOR lens with a focal length of 40 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. This lens enables extremely close-up shooting with a minimum focus distance of just 0.163 m and offers beautiful blur characteristics. It also offers a unique style when shooting portraits, landscapes and more. This lens is compatible with the DX format.
 
Announced worldwide on September 21, the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1 are the first and second cameras in the Nikon 1, Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses, that utilize the new Nikon 1 lens mount system. The F-Mount NIKKOR lenses, with over half a century of history, can also be attached to the Nikon 1 J1 and the Nikon 1 V1 using the dedicated Mount Adapter FT1*. This enables users to enjoy tremendous variety in their imaging expression with the ability to select a lens best suited to the scene, subject, or their own creative intent from a broad lineup of standard and special-purpose NIKKOR lenses. Nikon will continue to expand its lineup of NIKKOR lenses utilizing optical technologies accumulated over its long history to offer increased convenience to users of Nikon cameras.
 
* Autofocus may not perform as expected in some situations or with some lenses. Restrictions apply to mounting and functionality with some lenses.
 
The NIKKOR brand
 
As the brand name for Nikon lenses, NIKKOR has become synonymous with high-performance, high-quality SLR lenses. The NIKKOR name comes from adding "R"—a common practice in the naming of photographic lenses at the time the name was established—to "Nikko", the Romanized abbreviation for Nippon Kogaku K.K. In 1933, the large-format lens for aerial photography was released with the name Aero-Nikkor.
 
NIKKOR has always been ahead of the times. The OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 fisheye lens for SLR cameras, released in 1968, was the world's first lens to incorporate aspherical lens elements. What's more, NIKKOR lenses for the latest SLR cameras utilize a number of Nikon's own cutting-edge technologies, including Nano Crystal Coat, which virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths.
 
The current lineup of more than sixty NIKKOR lenses for Nikon SLR cameras offers a rich variety of lenses, including fisheye lenses, super wide-angle to super telephoto lenses, micro lenses and PC-E lenses.

Built From The Ground Up: The Nikon 1 System Balances Speed, Style And Simplicity To Creatively Capture All Of Life’s Spontaneous Moments
 
Sorry for being a bit slow in posting news right now - I'm traveling at this time. I'm also running behind in my email replies - just FYI. :)

Nikon has commented on a media article:
 
Comments on Media Reports about Nikon's imaging product
 
Nikon understands that some article appeared in the media regarding Nikon's imaging product. Please note that Nikon has made no announcement in this regards.

Nikon has quietly introduced a red D3100.

Nikon has today introduced a long list of compact digital cameras. Here is that list along with links to the Nikon USA press releases.
 
Nikon COOLPIX P7100
Nikon COOLPIX S8200
Nikon COOLPIX S6200
Nikon COOLPIX S100
Nikon COOLPIX S1200pj
Nikon COOLPIX AW100/AW100s
 
The I Am Nikon Blog has more information.
 
Amazon.com is accepting preorders on most of these cameras.

Nikon has announced the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Winners.

The Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro Nikkor Lens (press release) has been announced today.
 
I can't say that this lens would have been my top priority if I were Nikon.
 
More information is available at the I Am Nikon Blog.
 
Adorama is accepting Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro Nikkor Lens preorders.

From Nikon USA:
 
To users of the Image Authentication Software
 
Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photography needs.
 
We have confirmed that reports of a vulnerability with the Image Authentication Software that results in false image authentication have been posted on third-party websites.
 
These websites state that image files can be modified so that the Image Authentication Software falsely authenticates even images that have been enhanced or altered as unchanged from the original image captured.
 
The information posted on these websites is based on independent analysis of Nikon products by a third party.
 
If you have additional questions about this Service Advisory, please contact Nikon Customer Relations at 1-800-Nikon US (1-800-645-6687), 8am to 2am (Eastern), 7-days-a-week.
 
Inquire directly here.
 
We hope that you will continue to choose Nikon for your photography needs.

Nikon Europe has announced the discontinuation of the D3 Buffer Memory Expansion service.
 
"Please be aware that the D3 Buffer Memory Expansion service introduced as a payable upgrade option to Nikon D3 owners on 30th July 2008, is now being discontinued. This upgrade option will end on 20th July 2011 and not be available after this date."
 
Update: Nikon USA has now announced discontinuance of the D3 Buffer Memory Expansion Service.

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens that previously made a brief appearance on Nikon USA's website has been formally announced.
 
This very reasonably-priced lens should be a big hit - preorder now at Adorama or Amazon.com.

There has been no press release, but a complete Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens page is now showing on Nikon's website.
 
Update: Nikon removed the referenced page.

Nikon has announced the D5100 DSLR along with a shoe-mounted microphone, the Stereo Microphone ME-1.
 
Preorders:
Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit at Amazon.com
Nikon D5100 Body at Amazon.com
Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit at Adorama
Nikon D5100 Body at Adorama
 
More information and pictures are available on the I Am Nikon Blog.

3rd Notice on the impact by the Major Earthquake in Northeastern Japan
 
March 31, 2011
 
The Nikon Group would express our deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake and extend our profound sympathy and heartfelt concern to those individuals and families suffering from the disaster.
 
The following is an update regarding Nikon Corporation and its group manufacturing facilities.
 

1. Safety of the employees
   As have previously informed, to our deepest regret, death of one employee of Sendai Nikon Corporation has been confirmed and safety of three employees is not yet confirmed in the area of Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture.
    
   
2. Reopen of operation at the manufacturing facilities and outlook on the future production
   One of our own plants and seven of our manufacturing subsidiaries are located in the disastrous region of Miyagi Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture *. All of these facilities have resumed their operation now with reopen by yesterday, March 30 of Sendai Nikon Corporation and Miyagi Nikon Precision Co., Ltd.
    
   It has been becoming clearer that we will be able to secure parts/components including their replacements through our investigation of the current conditions and possible measures to secure the procurement in our collaboration with our business partners. However, we have a concern that the situation may continue where our production cannot fully satisfy our customers’ requirement due to inability of full swing production worsened by the planned blackouts of electricity. While we will do our utmost effort to overcome such expected difficulties, we will be most grateful if our customers could understand such circumstances.
3. Forecast of effect by the damage to our business performances
   We are continuing our endeavor to evaluate how the immediate damage by the disaster and planned blackouts of electricity will result in our group companies and business performances. We will announce our findings immediately when it is judged that there will be important change in our forecast.
    
   

* Locations of each plant and manufacturing subsidiaries
 
• Mito Plant, Nikon Corporation : Mito, Ibaraki Pref.
• Sendai Nikon Corporation : Natori, Miyagi Pref.
• Miyagi Nikon Precision Co., Ltd. : Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Pref.
• Zao factory, Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd. : Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Pref.
• Tochigi Nikon Corporation : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Tochigi Nikon Precision Co., Ltd. : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Kurobane Nikon Co., Ltd. : Otawara, Tochigi Pref.
• Nasu Nikon Co., Ltd. : Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi Pref.
 
Note:
Nikon-Trimble Co., Ltd. is an equity-method company.
Nasu Nikon Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Nikon-Essilor Co., Ltd. which is an equity-method company.