In case you missed it, Nikon has released firmware version 1.1 for their top-end compact digital camera, the P7000.
I just updated the firmware, and I can report a significant reduction in file-save time for raw (NRW) files. What used to take 5 seconds now takes less than two seconds.
Official updates with this firmware version:
Image recording time at image quality settings that include NRW (RAW) has been reduced.
Lens control has been optimized to reduce the frequency with which the “Initializing lens. Cannot focus.” message is displayed.
An issue that, in some rare cases, prevented zoom operation has been resolved.
An issue that caused the monitor display to exhibit a loss of detail in highlights (blown highlights) when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway with Active D-Lighting enabled has been resolved.
Blur water to the extreme with a Variable Neutral Density Filter from Singh-Ray
Singh-Ray have released a new variation on their variable neutral-density filter, the Vari-N-Trio. This filter combines a variable 4-8 stop ND filter, polarizer, and now adds color enhancement filtration.
The Vari-N-Duo (ND plus polarizer) is one of my recommended filters in The Photographer’s Guide to Digital Landscapes; anyone who needs a super-slow shutter speed and polarization while shooting moving water will want to have one. The Vari-N-Trio will begin shipping in limited quantities on December 15th, with full availability expected early 2011.
You can read more about the new Vari-N-Trio filter at Singh-Ray’s website.
Last month, Nikon announced a redesign of their legendary 85mm f/1.4 AF lens. The new model includes an internal silent-wave focusing motor (AFS design) and does away with the aperture ring (G designation). The new lens also adds Nikon’s proprietary “Nano-Crystal Coat,” which should improve contrast and reduce ghosting and flare in back-lit situations. Having received a copy of this lens from Roberts Imaging, here are my initial impressions of the new model. Disclaimer, I don’t spend a lot of time photographing brick walls, so I’m not going to try to dive into “absolute” optical performance. I will, however post some test shots and give feedback as to what I have seen so far using this lens. Continue reading Hands-on with the 85mm f/1.4 AFS G Nikkor→
L to R: 14-24mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f/4 and 17-35 f/2.8 Nikkor zooms
I received my copy of the much-anticipated 16-35mm f/4.0 AFS VR G zoom Nikkor lens last week, and I have done some preliminary testing. My basic tests fall into the following categories:
Build/Handling
Optical Performance
Comparisons with other lenses
For this test, I compared the new super wide-angle zoom with its Nikon competition for FX:
I finally got a little time (and sunshine) to head out to the local nature center to fiddle around with my 600mm VR lens and try it with the TC-20E III. When you are using long lenses, tripods are absolutely mandatory; hand-holding is not at all feasible (well, maybe if you pump iron like Ah-nold).
I started off with my normal combo for small birds: 600mm + TC-14E. This gives an effective 840mm focal length on my FX Nikon D3s. The TC-14E only costs one stop of light, so my lens behaves as though it were f/5.6 instead of f/4 when it is wide-open. I’ve used this combination several times in the past, and it works really well. I get sharp images and AF performance is still very fast and accurate.
