Nikon D3X released

Nikon has announced the anticipated D3X 24.5Mpixel DSLR

press release

Nikon Europe today introduced its new top-of-the-range D-SLR, the D3X. Building on the reliability, handling and durability of the award-winning D3, the D3X offers an imaging sensor with far higher resolution than its counterpart, breaking new ground in imaging quality. The all-new 24.5MP CMOS sensor makes the new camera eminently suitable for the broadest range of shooting situations, both in the studio and on location, and will be especially appreciated by uncompromising photographers in nature photography, studio work and fashion.

“This is the camera that many professional photographers have been waiting for,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. “Just as the D3 has become the professionals’ camera of choice in sports photography, the D3X’s extremely high imaging resolution will raise the bar for commercial, fashion and stock photography. The results speak for themselves: this is without doubt our highest-quality camera to date.”

Features:

Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 megapixels
The D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing resolution. What’s more, we’ve optimized the pixel characteristics to provide a higher S/N ratio and wider dynamic range by securing a greater amount of light received by each pixel, thereby reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise.

Wide sensitivity range starting at ISO 100
At normal setting, the D3X offers a wide range of sensitivity — from ISO 100, suitable for stroboscopic setting in studio shoots, to ISO 1600. It realizes superior image quality with less noise at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings. What’s more, the sensitivity range can be increased by two stops (up to ISO 6400   equivalent) and decreased by one stop (down to ISO 50 equivalent), offering an even greater diversity of shooting possibilities. Auto sensitivity control is also available.

New EXPEED-based image processing
A new image processing system, based on Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED digital image processing and specially optimized for the D3X, provides superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system achieves precise color reproduction for the broadest spectrum of hues, plus vivid saturation and smooth gradation, conveying colors as you see them, even with the slight changes in color tones you perceive. Furthermore, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function, which was

High-speed performance meets the most rigorous professional demands
Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of 0.12 second and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 second*1*2. It delivers a continuous shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16)*2*3. Also, the D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed card that enables 35-Mbyte recording equivalent to the D3. The D3X is capable of recording approx. 7.1 MB (JPEG, image size L, NORMAL) of data captured in FX format at speeds of approx. 5 frames per second.

Realizing reliable auto control: Scene Recognition System
As with the D3, the D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well. The results are applied to control Autofocus, Auto Exposure, i-TTL Balanced Fill-flash and Auto White Balance, thereby achieving control of the highest.

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
The Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module, originally incorporated in the D3, offers proven outstanding performance. All 51 focus points, including the 15 cross-type sensors located at the center, are effective in all AF NIKKOR lenses with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger. Three AF-area modes — Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF — are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. Moreover, in Scene Recognition System, subject identification and tracking information is applied to improve subject acquisition performance in Dynamic-area AF mode and focusing accuracy for human subjects in Auto-area AF mode.

Superior durability
Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box to ensure light weight and rugged reliability. Strict O-ring sealing at critical connected parts effectively restricts dust and moisture.
The shutter unit, developed and manufactured by Nikon, employs a new material (carbon fiber/Kevlar® hybrid) for the shutter blades, guaranteeing excellent durability through 300,000-cycle release tests with the shutter actually loaded. Precision is also maintained with a shutter monitor.

High-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with approx. 920k­-dots (VGA), 170° wide-viewing angle and reinforced glass
The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high resolution of approx. 920k-dots (VGA). Enlarged playback images also appear in extremely high resolution for easy focus confirmation. The wide viewing angle of 170° makes it easy to check composition in Live View shooting for both high and low angles.

Two Live View modes available
In Handheld mode, which allows the frame to be recomposed prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points is activated. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still subjects and tripod stabilization; It allows focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area. Optional software Camera Control Pro 2 enables monitor focus and control shutter release from a computer. And optical Wireless Transmitter WT-4 enables wireless remote camera control and image transfer.

Picture Control System
Picture Control System offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. Choose one and use as is, or adjust image creation factors (Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue). Optional Picture Controls (Portrait, Landscape, D2XMODE I, D2XMODE II and D2XMODE III) are available at the Nikon website for downloading and installation to your camera.

Active D-Lighting — reproducing brightness as you see it
In settings with strong contrast, Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, determines an exposure by utilizing a gradation of highlights, detects lost shadows, then reproduces them after digital processing. Rather than simply expanding the dynamic range, Active D-Lighting prevents images from looking flat through localized tone control technology, and creates realistic contrast while compensating lost shadows and highlights. Choose from Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off setting prior to shooting.

Electronic virtual horizon
An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. In Live View shooting, virtual horizon is displayed in the LCD above the monitor image. It can also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator of the viewfinder.

UDMA-compatible memory card double slot
The CompactFlash (CF) card slots are UDMA-compatible for high-speed data transfer. With the double slot, you can choose from Continuous recording, Backup recording, and RAW + JPEG Separation recording (records the same image in RAW and JPEG on different cards). You can also copy the data from one card to another.

Canon USA Rebate Update

Dear Valued Customer,

This is an official message from Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The third-party rebate processing company, Continental Promotion Group (CPG), that was responsible for processing rebate claims and issuing mail-in rebate checks for Canon-brand printer and video products (along with many other products from a number of other companies) filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition on Friday, November 14. The funds provided to them by Canon U.S.A., Inc. (and other companies) are no longer available to satisfy the rebate checks that CPG issued on behalf of Canon and other companies.

Canon has made arrangements for such checks to be honored despite CPG’s bankruptcy. Accordingly, if you have not yet presented such check to your bank for payment, please feel free to do so now.

Notwithstanding Canon’s efforts in making arrangements to have rebate checks honored, as of the close of business on November 20, we received information that a small percentage of the outstanding rebate checks that were issued by CPG and dated on or before November 14, 2008 were returned unpaid. Canon has identified the affected customers and is in the process of sending replacement checks. Please allow approximately ten (10) business days for processing replacement checks. Canon will also reimburse those affected customers their returned check charge (see below for instructions). We apologize for any inconvenience, delay or confusion this situation with CPG has caused.

Accordingly, we request that you take the following actions:

If you are holding or receive a rebate check for printer or video products which is dated on or before November 14, 2008, and such check has not previously been returned unpaid, please present that check to your bank for payment. If you have not yet mailed in your rebate claim materials, please note that Canon has made processing arrangements with a new mail-in address. Please direct those materials to the following address instead of the address referenced in the rebate materials:

Canon USA Rebates
P.O. Box 342140
Bartlett, TN 38184

If your rebate check was returned unpaid as noted above, we are processing replacement checks now which will be mailed to you and you should receive in approximately ten (10) business days. Once such replacement check is deposited, please destroy your returned rebate check, which will not be honored. In the event your bank has charged you a returned check fee on the original rebate check which was returned unpaid, please submit the letter from the bank advising of such charge or, if unavailable, such other evidence as you may obtain that reasonably supports your return check charge to:

Canon Recovery
P.O. Box 343150
Bartlett, TN 38184

Please black out or otherwise delete any sensitive information, including your account number and statement balance from the documents you submit to support your request for reimbursement of a return check fee. Canon will promptly process these charges and reimburse affected individuals. We are committed to ensuring that you receive your rebate as soon as possible and that you will continue to have full confidence in Canon U.S.A., Inc.

We apologize again for any inconvenience.

Sincerely,

Canon U.S.A., Inc.”

Canon 5d mk2 reviewed by wedding photographer

A Canon 5d mk2 pre production model has been tested by top UK wedding photographer Jeff Ascough on his blog. For a quick CV he is one of the top wedding photographers in the world (according to American Photo Magazine), is a Canon Ambassador, has shot over 1000 weddings…. You get the idea!

Using a preproduction model he has shot high ISO shots at a wedding and also in his local area. In the hands of a master it shows the 5D mk2 is going to be a great camera, have a look

http://jeffascough.bigfolioblog.com/category/747

Canon 50D review on dpreview

Dpreview have posted their review of the new EOS 50d.  It receives a highly recommended but only just (in their own words) follow the link to the review. One of the interesting conclusions is that Canon have pushed sensor technology to a point where for good performance any other manufacturer shouldn’t try to go further

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0810/08103001canoneos50dreview.asp

In the UK the 50D price from the main web retailers has fallen again to £899, a £50 drop in price. Whether sales are soft due to the economic climate or competition it’s good news to those of us looking ot upgrade. Add a rebate to the body and it would be very nice :o)

Nikon D300 firmware update

Following on from their competitors Canon 50D firmware update Nikon has announced a firmware update for the D300, taking it to v1.10. The update improves focus performance in dynamic-area AF mode contrast-detect mode in live view and also looks at a whole range of other issues in total probably 20+ including auto white balance performance and altered display settings.

Find the details

http://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikoneurope_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=25962&p

Canon 50D Err99 problem fixed

Canon has released a new firmware version for the EOS 50D - version 1.0.3. This is supposed to fix the much-discussed Err99 error message that can prevent the camera taking photos and certainly wasn’t a good start for the early adoptors with their new cameras. Some posters in forums have already posted that their cameras have this version so hopefully that will be an end to Err99.

This firmware corrects three issues, two of which the company describes as ‘rare.’  Details below as copied from Canon

EOS 50D Firmware Update Version 1.0.3

Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.2. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Link to site

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos50d/firmware.html

Canon 5D mk2 deliveries

There’s indications in the UK that the 5D may be turning up into stock in the first week of November but there may not be general availability for some time due to the pre-orders. Maybe the pros have been getting their cash ready prior to in depth reviews, of which there is no sign yet.

In the mean time you can see the manual and see what’s coming

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/6/0300001676/01/eos5dmkii-im-en.pdf

Canon SLR lens rebates for USA

As expected the lens rebates for the US have been announced with Instant Savings on Canon Lenses in the run up to Christmas and early new year.
I don’t know how this compares in the US versus previous years but looking at the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM rebate of $75 (£43 in the UK) it’s a lot less than the rebate I got a year ago which was £100 ($174). That said I could buy the lens in the US for less than the UK. No doubt they will run in the UK soon so I’ll report if they do.

Details of the US rebates;

Product                                          Rebate Amount
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM          $125
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM             $100
EF 300mm f/4L IS USM                    $85
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM               $80
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM                 $80
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM              $75
EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM                 $70
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM        $50
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM                    $50
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM  $100
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS          $50
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM         $50
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM            $35
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM          $30
Extender EF 1.4x II                          $25
Extender EF 2x II                             $25

Purchases eligible for this rebate must be made between October 19, 2008 and January 17, 2009.

For more details
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PromotionsAct

Canon 18-200mm IS lens review

Dpreview have a review of the new Canon zoom for APS-C sized sensors. It’s Canons  latest Superzoom for those who want a single lens to cover different shooting occasions and one that will stay on the camera. Not only that it’s equipped with Optical stabilisation, a key ingredient for these style of lenses.

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_18-200_3p5-5p6_is_c16/

Canon 50D reviewed on CameraLabs.com

Another site reviews the 50D and it’s not dpreview despite many Canon readers hopes. This time it’s Camera Labs who provide their opinion with the usual review of the body & features along with a comparison between the 50D, 40D and the Nikon D90.

Overall it performs well. The camera was reviewed with the new 18-200mm lens which is available as a kit bundle option, a lens which is going to test cameras with such a wide zoom ratio. It does get noted that the lens doesn’t offer the best performance from the 50D and a better lens will benefit the increased resolution of the sensor, that said this is true of many lenses and the review still shows it takes good shots.

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_50D/