Nikon News at The-Digital-Picture.com

Nikon NEF Codec 1.13.0 Released

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:15:11 EST

Nikon NEF Codec 1.13.0 is now available. Support for the Nikon D4 has been added.

The-Digital-Picture.com is Hiring!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:05:46 EST

Get the details: The-Digital-Picture.com is Hiring!

Kodak Exiting Digital Camera Business

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:37:29 EST

Another sad day for Kodak:

Kodak Focuses Consumer Business On More Profitable Growth Opportunities

Plans to phase out dedicated capture devices business

ROCHESTER, N.Y., February 09 --

Eastman Kodak Company (the “Company”) (OTB: EKDKQ.PK) announced today that, as a result of its ongoing strategic review process and commitment to drive sustainable profitability through its most valuable business lines, it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business – comprising digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – in the first half of 2012. Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees in these categories. Following this decision, Kodak’s Consumer Business will include online and retail-based photo printing, as well as desktop inkjet printing.

Kodak has contacted its retail partners, and is working closely with them to ensure an orderly transition. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

“For some time, Kodak’s strategy has been to improve margins in the capture device business by narrowing our participation in terms of product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets. Today’s announcement is the logical extension of that process, given our analysis of the industry trends,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Businesses, and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer.

Upon completion of the phase out, Kodak expects to achieve annual operating savings of more than $100 million. Kodak expects to incur a charge related to separation benefits of approximately $30 million resulting from the exit of the business.

In addition to its Consumer Businesses segment, Kodak has a Commercial Businesses segment that includes the Digital and Functional Printing, Enterprise Services and Solutions, and Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films units. Kodak’s digital businesses now comprise approximately three-fourths of total revenues.

Kodak continues to have a strong position in the personal imaging market. While photos are increasingly taken on multi-function mobile devices, Kodak technology makes it easy for consumers to produce a broad range of photo products, anywhere, anytime – from prints to photobooks, photo greeting cards and personalized calendars. These items can be made on Kodak products, with Kodak quality at retail, at home, and ordered for delivery to home.

Kodak’s continuing consumer products and services will include:

Retail-based photo kiosks and digital dry lab systems, a market in which Kodak is the clear worldwide leader. Kodak pioneered the retail-based kiosk market, and the company now has more than 100,000 kiosks and order stations for dry lab systems around the world, with some 30,000 of those units connected to the most popular photo-sharing sites.
Consumer inkjet printers, where Kodak has outpaced overall market growth for several years. Kodak consumer inkjet printers provide consumers with high-quality output and the lowest total ink replacement cost. Consumers can send documents and photos to Kodak printers from anywhere, using any web-connected device.
Kodak apps for Facebook, which make it easy for consumers to obtain photo products using photos from their Facebook albums.
Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com), a leading online digital photo products service. Kodak Gallery enables consumers to share their photos, and offers product and creation tools that enable people to do more with their photos.
The Kodak camera accessories and batteries businesses. These products are universally compatible with all camera brands, and extend into other consumer product segments such as charging units for smartphones.
The traditional film capture and photographic paper business, which continues to provide high-quality and innovative products and solutions to consumers, photographers, retailers, photofinishers and professional labs.

Nikon D3100 DSLR with 18-55mm VR Lens - Factory Demo - $449.95 Shipped (Compare at $499.00)

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:05:14 EST

Cameta Camera has the factory demo Nikon D3100 DSLR with 18-55mm VR Lens for $449.95 shipped (Compare at $499.00).

Gitzo Announces Vintage Collection

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:02:06 EST

From Gitzo:

Vintage Collection

After celebrating in 2007 the 90th anniversary, Gitzo continues to recall the golden ages of photography with an exclusive celebratory Vintage collection. This unique collection consists of two kits and it is dedicated to really affectionate photographers. It is a genuine replica of Gitzo Seventies supports, that in those days, like today the Gitzo 6X carbon fiber tripods, represented the cutting edge and most advanced supports in the market. The Gitzo classic logos, the old style graphics and finishing and the stylish details, make these items the quintessence of history and emotion. From a technical point of view, these tripods are a phenomenal combination of old and new features that makes them incredibly versatile.

The upper casting configuration provides a great compactness and a great stability of the upper disc that sits directly on the large casting top end. The two section telescopic column, a key Gitzo innovation in those days, allows for a convenient height adjustment while maintaining a small foot print. These “old days” smart features are combined to the latest and most advanced Gitzo technologies, like G-Lock, Ground Level Set, Anti Leg Rotation, the new 1,2mm Aluminum tube, Power Disc and PTFE treatment for the heads. Both kits come with a vintage bag, a stylish and well designed carrying solutions which meets Gitzo’s tough standards in terms of functionality and attention to details. The bag design and the materials used are inspired to the 60s and 70s golf and sport bags. The classic Gitzo logo enriches and gives an “old fashioned” flavour, consistent with the genuine Gitzo vintage spirit.

The bag shoulder strap can also be used directly on the tripod as a smart carrying solution, embedded in the kit for additional use flexibility. The Vintage tripods are in fact provided with two rings compatible with the shoulder strap clips for a fast and convenient snap-on action. The bag features a side pocket, in genuine vintage style, sized to fit most of compact cameras in the market and any other accessory you might want to carry with you.

The Vintage collection kits are available in Series 1 and 2, four section compact size and include a smart Gitzo display cleaner and a convenient vintage anti dust bag for storage and packing.

For more information, visit Gitzo.

B&H carries Gitzo products.

J&R Accepting Nikon D800/D800E Preorders

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:55 EST

J&R just started accepting Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E preorders.

This is another chance to get on the top of a preorder list for this very popular new Nikon DSLR.

OneCall is also now taking Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E preorders.

SanDisk Cruzer 32GB Ultra USB Flash Drive - $29.95 (Reg $49.99)

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:51:12 EST

Adorama has the SanDisk Cruzer CZ45 32GB Ultra USB Flash Drive on sale for $29.95 (reg $49.99). Offer expires 2/26/2012.

DeluxGear Lens Guards Kickstarter Project

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:25:16 EST

From Tom Nickell & DeluxGear:

Protect Your Investment in DSLR Lenses

Help Develop Lens Guards for Large Primes and Zooms

Lexington, KY, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 — DeluxGear announces the development of 3 new Lens Guards for large lenses. It’s teaming with Kickstarter to fund Lens Guards to fit lenses from 3.6 inches (8.6 cm) in diameter all the way to 6.6 inches (15.8 cm).

The new XL, XX-L, and Jumbo Lens Guards will protect 200mm through 800mm prime lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma and others. They will also cover popular zoom lenses, like the Nikon 14-24mm, 80-400mm and 200-400mm, the Sigma 80-400mm, 100-300mm, 50-500mm, and 300-800 mm, and the Tamron 200-500mm.

“These lenses cost thousands of dollars, and yet there have been no solutions to protect them while on your camera....until now,” states Tom Nickell, the CEO of DeluxGear. “Anyone who has one of these larger lenses, including outdoor and sports photographers, will find Lens Guards to be an inexpensive form of insurance.”

The larger size Lens Guards offer the same quality and protection as DeluxGear’s current Lens Guard line. Each is a padded cover that fits snuggly over the end of the lens to protect lenses and filters and help avoid costly trips to the repair shop. The cushiony, shock-resistant inner core is made of 0.25” (6mm) thick closed-cell neoprene and is encased in a tough 0.08” (2mm) Santoprene outer cover. This powerful combination absorbs impact and prevents scrapes, scratches, and dents to lenses. According to Lens Guard inventor, Michael Dowell, “It is like the bumper of a car, providing more protection than lens caps, filters, or hoods.“

Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. Anyone can become a “Backer”, pledging any amount for projects they support. Backers of this DeluxGear Kickstarter project can choose from several reward levels, and can receive limited edition Lens Guards at a price less than they will be sold for after the product launch. The funding goal of $8,000 must be reached by March 5th.

“Customers regularly ask for larger size Lens Guards,” according to Nickell. “Our designs are nearly complete. With Kickstarter, we can prepare for production. This project is engaging the photo community to get these Lens Guards into the market so photographers can begin using them!”

Pledges raised through Kickstarter will go towards molds, dies, raw materials, and completing the first production run. The Lens Guards will be Made in the USA.

For more information on the campaign, or to make a pledge, go to Kickstarter at: http://kck.st/w7Cze3

About DeluxGear

DeluxGear is a Lexington, Kentucky-based manufacturer and marketer of innovative camera accessories. DeluxGear was founded in May of 2007 by Michael and Sandra Dowell. Michael is a professional photographer and inventor of the patented Lens Cradle TM, Lens Guard TM, and PinPoint TM. DeluxGear sells to professional and amateur photographers all over the world.

B&H carries DeluxGear products including the currently-available Lens Guards.

Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX VR Micro Lens - $461.95 Shipped

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:42:30 EST

Abe's of Maine has the Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX VR Micro Lens for $461.95 shipped using coupon code Loyalty15 (compare at $499.95).

Tokina 12mm-24mm f/4.0 PRO DX Auto zoom lens for Nikon - $449 Shipped

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:30 EST

Adorama has the Tokina 12mm-24mm f/4.0 PRO DX Auto zoom lens in Nikon mount for $449.00 shipped.

Flashpoint 2-Light SoftBox Kit - $114.95 (reg $134.95)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:42:15 EST

Adorama has the Flashpoint 2-Light SoftBox Kit on special for $114.95 (reg $134.95).

More Nikon D800/D800E Information

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:56:02 EST

Nikon D800 information has been showing up all over the web today. Here is a compilation of some of it:

The Nikon USA D800 product page has plenty of information.

The Nikon Imaging D800 Product Page includes product images, key features, features explained, specifications, system chart, full resolution D800 and D800E sample photos, a downloadable PDF brochure and a link to the Nikon D800 microsite which features the work of Benjamin Antony Monn, Cliff Mautner, Jim Brandenburg and Rob Van Petten.

Cliff Mautner has a blog post as does Rob Van Petten and John Wright.

Rob Van Petten has a video:

Nikon Australia has created a short product tour video:

Nikon Asia has produced a somewhat longer video:

For D800 preorder opportunities, see this post.

Nikon 1 V1 and J1 Firmware Updates

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:01:15 EST

Nikon has posted Nikon 1 V1 Firmware Update A:1.11 / B:1.10.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• An issue that sometimes caused images captured using the Speedlight SB-N5 to be over-exposed has been resolved.

• When switching from framing photos in the monitor to using the electronic viewfinder, or vice versa, with focus mode set to MF (manual focus) and the display zoomed in, the camera sometimes did not function properly. This issue has been resolved.

Nikon has posted Nikon 1 J1 Firmware Update A:1.11 / B:1.10.

Modifications enabled with this firmware upgrade

• An issue that sometimes caused images captured using the built-in flash to be over-exposed has been resolved.

Joy Ride - Nikon D800 Sample Video

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:06:03 EST

Joy Ride from Sandro:

Here is the BTS Joy Ride video:

Updated: Nikon D800/D800E DSLR Preorders

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:11:09 EST

B&H is accepting Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E DSLR preorders.

Adorama is now accepting Nikon D800 and Nikon D800E preorders.

Amazon.com is accepting Nikon D800 and D800E DSLR preorders.

From Amazon Germany: Nikon D800

From Jessops: Nikon D800, D800E and battery grip.

Nikon Announces 36.3 MP D800/D800E DSLR Camera

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:23:20 EST

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).

Today Only - Save 25% off Adobe CS5.5 Design Premium Full and S&T

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:08:52 EST

One day only deals from the Adobe store:

Save 25% off Adobe CS5.5 Design Premium Full

Save 25% off Adobe CS5.5 Design Premium Student & Teacher Edition

Through Feb 14th, use coupon code LOVE15 to save 15% off all Adobe Store orders of $375 or more.

Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Announced

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:53:07 EST

Finally! Finally a full frame compatible 24-70mm f/2.8 image stabilized lens has been announced!

Tamron has today announced the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens, featuring a max f/2.8 aperture of the entire focal length range along with ultrasonic drive AF and vibration control.

There is no question that a huge demand exists for a lens spec'd as this one. The image quality and autofocus accuracy of this new lens remain the two biggest questions in my mind.

Lensbaby Announces Macro Converters

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:23:21 EST

From Lensbaby:

New Lensbaby Macro Converters Give Lensbaby Shooters Limitless Close-Focus Options

Portland, OR – February 2, 2012 – Lensbaby announces today the addition of its new macro photography accessories for its lens bodies and optics, the Lensbaby Macro Converters. These Macro Converters help Lensbaby photographers create close-up, dreamy and artistic photos while blurring out distracting elements.

“We’ve created a product that offers even more macro options beyond our existing Lensbaby Macro Kit, and works with every lens body and optic we make,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby President and Co-Founder. “These Macro Converters offer great close-up range, and when mixed and matched with our existing Macro Kit, provide even more options for creative Lensbaby macro photography.”

The Macro Converters are available as a set containing one 8mm converter and one 16mm converter, which can also be stacked together to make a 24mm converter. The existing Lensbaby Macro Kit (which features a +4 and +10 macro filter) can also be used in conjunction with the Macro Converters with the Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic and Soft Focus Optics for an even closer capture.

Lensbaby Macro Converters Box Contents:

* 8mm Macro Converter
* 16mm Macro Converter
* Hard storage case
* User guide

B&H carries Lensbaby products.

Transcend 32GB Class 10 SDHC Card - $32.98 Shipped

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 22:10:28 EST

Amazon.com has the Transcend 32GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card for $32.98 shipped.

Manfrotto MB LB050-5BB PRO V Backpack - $279.99 Shipped (Reg $429.89)

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:23:54 EST

Amazon.com has the Manfrotto MB LB050-5BB PRO V Backpack (Black) for only $279.99 shipped (reg $429.89). This is a "Lightning Deal" that expires soon.

Tokina AT-X 70-200mm f/4 PRO SD IF FX Lens Unveiled

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:25:40 EST

Tokina will be showing a prototype of the new Tokina AT-X 70-200mm f/4 PRO SD IF FX Lens at the Kenko Tokina booth at the CP + show.

The new Tokina AT-X 70-200mm f/4 PRO SD IF FX Lens will feature a Ring-type ultrasonic motor and image stabilization.

Specifications

Focal length: 70-200mm
Max Aperture: f/4
Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.0m
Width: 80mm
Length: 168mm
Weight: Undecided
Remarks: Ultrasonic motor, built-in image stabilization

Nikon Posts Notice of Extraordinary Loss Due to Thailand Flooding

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:55:16 EST

In addition to posting financial results, Nikon has posted another Thailand flood notice:

Extraordinary Losses Due to the Flooding in Thailand

In the Consolidated Financial Results for the Third Quarter ended December 31, 2011, Nikon Corporation ("Nikon") has recognized extraordinary losses as described in the following.

1. Extraordinary loss

The flooding happened in October, 2011 in Thailand caused water damage to Nikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a consolidated manufacturing subsidiary of Nikon in the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya Province located in Central Thailand. Nikon has recognized losses of ¥10,904 million on fixed assets and inventories suffered damages from the flooding as extraordinary loss.

Nikon also has recognized insurance payment of ¥500 million received under the property damage insurance policies for a part of losses relating to the inventories suffered from the flooding as extraordinary gain. Nikon will recognize insurance payments pending to be received as extraordinary gain as soon as the amounts are fixed.

2. Outlook

Nikon currently expects that the amounts of the additional losses due to the flooding such as salary paid during suspension of the operation etc. will not have a significant impact on Nikon’s consolidated financial performance for the fiscal year ending March, 2012.

Nikon also expects that the losses relating to the fixed assets and inventories will be compensated by additional insurance payment which is currently pending.

Based on the assumptions above, Nikon announces the consolidated results forecast of fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 in Consolidated Financial Results of the Third Quarter ended December 31, 2011 that has been announced today.

(Reference)Forecasts for Year ending March 31, 2012 (announced on February 3, 2012) and Results of Year ended March 31, 2011

	Net Sales	Operating income	Ordinary income	Net income
Forecasts for Year ending March 31, 2012	925,000 Million yen	72,000 Million yen	80,000 Million yen	55,000 Million yen
Results of Year ended March 31, 2011	887,512 Million yen	54,052 Million yen	55,811 Million yen	27,312 Million yen

Nikon Posts 3Q 2012 Financial Results

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:31:05 EST

Nikon has posted their 3Q 2012 Financial Results.

Available for review are the Financial and Business Data and the Presentation Material PDFs.

Sigma Corporation Announces New CEO

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:20:32 EST

From Sigma:

Announcement: New CEO of Sigma Corporation

We would like to announce that Kazuto Yamaki, previously Chief Operating Officer, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Corporation.

Name and Biography of New Chief Executive Officer

New Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Name: Kazuto Yamaki
Date of Birth: March 22nd, 1968

Biography

April, 1993 joined Sigma Corporation
November, 2000 Manager of Corporate Planning Division
November, 2003 Vice-President
November, 2005 Chief Operating Officer
January, 2012 Chief Executive Officer

Date of Assumption of Office

January 18th, 2012, Wednesday

Tamron Posts FY 2011 Financial Results

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:05:57 EST

Tamron has posted their FY 2011 financial results.

Preorder your Lexar 1000x UDMA 7 CompactFlash Cards

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:29:29 EST

B&H is accepting preorders for the new Lexar 1000x UDMA 7 CompactFlash Cards.

Gitzo Announces New Systematic Tripod Range

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:09:20 EST

From Gitzo:

Gitzo introduces the new Systematic tripod range.

Systematic is Gitzo’s top of the range tripod family, the choice of exacting professional photographers who use long lenses and heavy cameras. Not only are Systematic Gitzo’s strongest and most stable tripods, they’re also modular, with a top casting element that opens and closes to allow each tripod to be configured with a flat disk, geared or sliding centre column, video half-ball adaptor, levelling unit or other specialised centre component.

Now, Systematic has been refined, with significant improvements across strength, stability and rigidity; safety and security; set-up speed, ease of use and ergonomics. New construction and bonding techniques have almost doubled maximum payloads by distributing weight more efficiently to the 6X carbon fibre legs, which also feature the G-Lock system for greater power and ease of leg section locking.

In addition, design details on the distinctive new triangular top casting make changing centre components even faster and safer.

The Systematic range has been extended to cover Gitzo Series 2 in order to offer the advantages of mechanical strength and build quality at a more portable size and b. Each Systematic Series has 3-section, standard 4-section and long 4-section tripods, with Series 3 and 5 also offering an extra-long 4-section model and Series 5 featuring the iconic giant 6-section tripod alongside an ultra-compact 6 section model.

Systematic - the pinnacle of Gitzo technology, craftsmanship and quality.

For more information, visit Gitzo.

B&H carries Gitzo products.

Lowepro Introduces the Event Messenger Series

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:41:15 EST

From Lowepro:

Capture life’s events… in style

Lowepro unveils a discreet and modern messenger series for enthusiast photographers with ILC kits: the Event Messenger.

Event Messenger Series - (Petaluma, CA, March 1, 2012)

Lowepro, a product design company that builds protective gear for photography equipment and portable electronic devices, introduces the Event Messenger series. Three models are built to carry and protect an interchangeable lens camera (ILC) kit, plus a laptop or tablet in the larger two.

"Our Event Messenger offers the enthusiast photographer a discreet, modern bag with quick and quiet access in an innovative design," said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro director of marketing and product management.

The Event Messenger's Grab-and-Go design features a wide-access main compartment. A Dual-Mode Flap design allows the enthusiast to quickly switch from maximum security mode to quiet working mode by unfolding or folding the fasteners under the flap. The quiet working mode is ideal for capturing shots during an event where discretion is ideal.

Additional features include: padded laptop/tablet compartment (in the 250 and 150, respectively); comfortable shoulder strap with non-slip patch; stretch side pockets; and a grab handle for an extra carrying option.

The series is available in Mica in three sizes: the 250 (fits up to a Pro DSLR without grip, extra lenses, accessories and a 13" laptop), 150 (fits a DSLR, extra lenses, accessories and a tablet) and 100 (fits a compact DSLR or compact system camera, extra lenses and accessories). For more information about this series and other products, please visit http://www.lowepro.com/eventmessenger.

B&H carries Lowepro products.

Tiffen 77mm Digital HT Circular Polarizing Filter $169.00 (Reg $219.95)

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:15:02 EST

Adorama has the Tiffen 77mm Digital HT Circular Polarizing Glass Filter (HT = High Transmission) on special for $169.00 (reg $219.95)

Tiffen makes some low end filters that I recommend avoiding, but this is not one of those.