JaypeeOnline » nikon

Weekend Roundup #98

Jaypee Habaradas — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:38:04 +0000

Hi everyone! I know its been already several days since the weekend was over but nevertheless, I’ve decided to go on and publish this “late” edition of the Weekend Roundup. Last week, it was because of a terrible headache but this time I wasn’t able to publish the article on time because I had a very busy weekend up until last Monday spending time with the family and dealing with some personal stuff.

Anyways, I hope you still enjoy reading the articles I’ve gathered for this edition and also hope that you learn something or find something useful from these links.

Blogging

WordPress

SEO

Technology

Gadgets

Pinoy Blogs

JaypeeOnline Weekly Recap

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or want your article or find an interesting story that you want to be featured in the next Weekend Roundup, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message via the contact page.

Nikon D3S

Jaypee Habaradas — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:13:34 +0000

A day after the rumors and leaks came out, Nikon officially announced yesterday their latest professional-grade DSLR camera, the Nikon D3S.

One feature that stands out from the Nikon D3S is its ISO range which at default spans from 200 to 12,800 but can be boosted to a staggering 102,400! Yes, you read that right. That’s no typo. It also features a video mode that boasts a 720p at 24 fps with autofocus and a new algorithm that helps lessen rolling shutter.

Main Features:

ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3)
Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels
Improved D-Movie function including High-Sensitivity Movie mode and flicker reduction function
Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function
Incorporates Nikon’s original EXPEED digital image processing
Active D-Lighting with bracketing for up to 5 frames
Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape and Portrait can be downloaded from Nikon website)
Quick response with approx. 0.12 seconds start-up time and approx. 0.04 seconds shutter-release time lag
9-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format, 11 fps in DX crop (CIPA Guidelines)
Nikon’s original Scene Recognition System, utilizing 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance
Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module featuring 51 AF points
Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
Durable shutter unit proven by 300,000 cycles of testing on fully assembled camera
Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,200 frames per charge (based on CIPA Standards)
Easy-to-access Live View modes with dedicated button
Quiet Shutter-release mode for nonintrusive shooting
High-definition (approx. 921k-dot), 170˚ viewing angle, 3-in. VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass

Additional Product Photos:

Nikon D3S Video Samples:

The Nikon D3S is expected to be available here in the US, the same time it will be released in the UK so that makes it late November of this year. If you want, you can preorder the Nikon D3S camera from Amazon.com. Btw, if you’re curious as to how much this awesome DSLR costs, the Nikon DS3 will be sold at the price of $5,199.95 (body only).

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj – Camera + Projector

Jaypee Habaradas — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:51:28 +0000

I love gadgets and one type of gadget that never fails to catch my attention are cameras, especially DSLR cameras. This particular camera that I’m sharing with you right now, is an ordinary looking point-and-shoot camera but what caught my attention is the hidden feature that enables this device to not only function as a regular camera but also as a projector. Yes, you read that right. This Nikon camera is a camera and projector rolled into one. Ain’t that neat?

Earlier this week, Nikon unveiled several new models of cameras under the Coolpix line of products and one of them was the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, a camera with a built-in projector.

Nikon’s official press release:

MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 4, 2009) – Nikon Inc. continues its tradition of innovation, design and performance with the introduction of four new COOLPIX Style Series compact digital cameras. Building on the success of Nikon’s previous touch-screen models, the ultra-stylish COOLPIX S70 features an enhanced interface and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology for a new user experience, housed in a stylish camera body. The COOLPIX S1000pj features the world’s first built-in projector, which enables consumers to share their images and videos in an all-new fun way. Additionally, the COOLPIX S640 and COOLPIX S570, leaders in speed and affordability, respectively, complete the new smarter, cooler, simpler COOLPIX line.
…
NEW COOLPIX S1000pj FEATURES WORLD’S FIRST BUILT-IN PROJECTOR, YOUR PERSONAL THEATER ON THE GO
Providing consumers with new exciting ways to share images, the COOLPIX S1000pj transforms photo-sharing into a multimedia experience. With the touch of a button, users can project images and videos as large as 40 inches, and with the camera’s unique slideshow function, playback pictures with music, effects and creative transitions. Additional features of the S1000pj include: 12.1 megapixels; a 5x wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens; ISO from 64-6400***; a 2.7-inch wide-angle LCD display; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System; Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode; Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode.
The COOLPIX S1000pj will be available in Matte Black, in September 2009, for $429.95 MSRP.

Basic Specifications:

Resolution: 12.10 Megapixels
Lens: 5.00x zoom (28-140mm eq.)
Viewfinder: LCD
LCD Size: 2.7 inch
ISO: 80-6400
Max Aperture: 3.9
Mem Type: SDHC / SD
Battery: Custom LiIon
Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.5 x 0.9 in. (100 x 63 x 23 mm)
Weight: 5.5 oz (155 g)

Product Photos:

If photos aren’t enough, here’s a product video presenting the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj.

Product Video:

There are mixed reactions to the announcement and launching of the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. Some people like it and say that it will be a huge success while others contradict and say that it will be a huge flop. Like any product or gadget, it can’t please everyone. Even the very popular Apple iPhone can’t do that. Regardless of what others think, I believe that Nikon has produced a unique product that can cater to a certain market. It might not be a huge success but I don’t think its gonna be a flop either.

For those of you who are interested on getting a Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, it will be available in stores on September 2009 with a retail price of $429.95.

If you can afford the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj, would you buy one? What are the things you like or dislike about it?

[images and video courtesy of Nikon USA Press Room]

Nikon D5000

Jaypee Habaradas — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:37:10 +0000

Nikon officially announced today the release of their latest DSLR camera, the D5000. The Nikon D5000 features a 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor , 1 button Live View, a 720/24p movie mode, 11-point AF system with 3D tracking and has 19 scene modes you can choose from. It also features a unique 2.7" tilt and swivel LCD monitor. The Nikon D5000 be available for retail at $729 body only or $849 that includes an AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens.

Key Features

12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
2.7" tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processing engine
Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
New battery with increased capacity
72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

Additional Photos

Nikon D500 Official Press Release:

NIKON’S D5000 DIGITAL SLR CAMERA EXPANDS POSSIBILITIES FOR PHOTO AND HD VIDEO CREATIVITY WITH D-MOVIE MODE, VARI-ANGLE LCD MONITOR AND 19 AUTOMATIC SCENE MODES

MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 14, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D5000, a digital SLR camera with a host of features and capabilities that deliver superior performance and image quality along with amazing versatility for photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography. Leveraging Nikon’s expertise and innovative technologies found in its pro-level D-SLRs, the 12.3-megapixel D5000 enables users to capture exceptionally stunning images and High Definition video with remarkable ease.

Whether consumers are progressing from a point-and-shoot digital camera or looking to upgrade their current digital SLR and elevate their photographic expression, the D5000 serves as an ideal solution. First time D-SLR photographers will appreciate logical and easy-to-use controls, while creative enthusiasts will appreciate the D5000’s robust combination of features, technologies and performance. The D5000 boasts a versatile 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor that encourages shooting with a fresh perspective, Nikon’s revolutionary D-Movie Mode and expanded automatic Scene Modes, delivering superior Nikon innovation in a compact, user-friendly design.

“The Nikon D5000 represents a cornerstone in Nikon’s D-SLR line, marrying simplicity and instructive features with superior technology and HD video, allowing the user’s ability and creativity to grow—with the camera,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “While its easy-to-use design will attract first-time D-SLR photographers, the D5000’s rich feature set and high performance will also appeal immediately to more experienced enthusiasts. The D5000 is sure to inspire creativity and originality.”

Broadened Creativity and Adaptability
Photographers can easily compose stunning images on the Vari-angle LCD monitor that they can view in a normal position fitting securely within the camera back, or swung out to be rotated or tilted. The monitor can also be stowed with the LCD panel tucked against the camera back to protect the screen when not in use. This tremendous freedom of movement, along with four Live View autofocus shooting modes, affords users the opportunity to shoot from a multitude of imaginative angles. Easy one-button Live View activation now features Subject Tracking autofocus (AF), which automatically locks onto a moving subject. Even if the subject leaves the frame and returns, Subject Tracking AF maintains focus, making the D5000 ideal for capturing fast moving children and pets. In addition to Subject Tracking AF in Live View, the D5000 features Face Priority AF, which automatically detects up to five faces in a scene and focuses on the closest subject; Wide Area AF, which offers a large AF area for optimal hand-held shooting; and Normal Area AF, which provides pinpoint accuracy when shooting with a tripod.

The D5000’s D-Movie Mode allows users the exciting ability to record HD movie clips (1280 x 720) at a cinematic 24 frames per second with sound. Photographers will appreciate the quality produced whether creating vacation clips or intertwining still photographs and movies in a post-production creative montage. Additionally, the D5000 is compatible with a comprehensive assortment of AF-S NIKKOR interchangeable lenses to provide users with the ability to capture perspectives not possible with typical consumer video recording devices. When using any NIKKOR VR lens, D-Movie clips benefit from Nikon VR image stabilization, which automatically activates during recording to deliver added sharpness and image stability. VR image stabilization also extends the D5000’s performance in low-light situations. D-Movie clips are recorded onto an inserted SD or SDHC memory card and saved as Motion JPEG AVI files for easy editing with widely available video editing software.

Further bridging the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and more advanced D-SLRs are the D5000’s 19 automatic Scene Modes, which free users to capture beautiful images without having to manually adjust camera settings. With the broad range of automatic Scene Modes, including Sports, Portrait, Candlelight, Silhouette, Autumn Colors and more, D5000 is the perfect camera for anyone looking to make inspiring images in challenging photographic conditions.

The D5000 also incorporates a comprehensive set of in-camera editing features to make the most of captured images without the need of a computer. The D5000 also introduces several new Retouch features, including a Soft Filter effect, which applies a smooth appearance to faces or the entire image; Perspective Control, which helps correct distortions in perspective often encountered in photographs of architecture; and Color Outline, which creates monochrome outlines of objects in images by eliminating color and tonal gradations. The D5000 saves each of these edited images as a separate JPEG file, ensuring the original image is left unmodified. With Nikon’s exclusive Picture Control Settings, photographers can quickly select various image appearance profiles that include Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape settings. In addition, Picture Control provides the ability to create and store up to nine user-defined custom profiles to reflect each user’s personal preferences for hue, color saturation and image sharpening.

Extensive playback options allow users to review their photos in groups of four, nine, or 72 thumbnail images. Alternatively, users can select the Calendar View to easily group and select images by date. These playback features can be viewed either on the Vari-angle LCD or an HDTV with HDMI connectivity available via a dedicated HDMI port on the camera.

Proven Image Excellence
Consumers will immediately appreciate the benefits of the D5000’s 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system, which delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range. The D5000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 200 to 3200, allowing for superior shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D5000’s ISO range can be expanded to a Lo 1 setting of ISO 100 or a Hi 1 setting of ISO 6400, furthering the opportunities for previously impossible shots.

Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D5000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D5000 to ensure the right exposure—even when conditions are extreme. To push creative boundaries even further, the D5000 allows picture-takers to also use Center-Weighted and Spot Metering for added personal control.

Smooth, Swift and Quiet Operation
The D5000’s 11-point auto focus system utilizes Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System with Face Detection to help create the best possible images in a variety of shooting environments. Nikon’s 11-point AF offers best-in-class speed and accuracy, helping to ensure sharp focus, shot-after-shot. Single-point AF is suggested for static subjects, Dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, Auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking with 11 AF points for maintaining accurate focus on a subject moving throughout the frame.

Paired with Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens and the ability to shoot at four frames per second, the D5000 easily captures moments other cameras miss. Nikon’s VR image stabilization lenses reduce the blurring in images due to camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot hand-held at as many as three full stops slower than would otherwise be possible.*

The new D5000 also features the innovative Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers both an electronic sensor cleaning when the camera is powered on and/or off and the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the sensor with every snap of the shutter. These functions work to clear image-degrading dust from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter, helping to ensure spot-free images. In addition, the D5000 features a Quiet Release Mode that reduces the mirror cycling noise for discreet shooting in sensitive situations, such as weddings and other ceremonies.

System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D5000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D5000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. For those looking to document their photo excursions with geo-tagging, the D5000 is compatible with the optional GP-1 GPS Unit, which automatically records latitude, longitude, altitude and time information when a picture is taken.

The D5000 also works seamlessly with Nikon’s powerful Capture NX 2 image editing software (available for purchase separately), for more advanced photographers seeking greater control over their post-capture images. Capture NX 2 simplifies the path to beautiful images with easy-to-learn editing tools and a highly versatile and elegantly simple interface, which streamline editing procedures.

Price and Availability
The D5000 outfit, which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, will be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95.** For consumers who want to configure their D5000 system or for photographers who need an additional D-SLR body for an existing system, the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction Studies℠. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*As determined in Nikon performance tests
**Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

So what do you think of the Nikon D5000? If you were to choose, would you go for the Canon T1i or the Nikon D5000?

DISCLOSURE: JaypeeOnline is a member of Amazon Associates.

[images via NikonUSA.com]

Weekend Roundup #35

Jaypee Habaradas — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:11:43 +0000

Here’s this weeks edition of the Weekend Roundup. As you can see on JaypeeOnline Weekly Recap, I’ve been quite busy churning out blog posts last week. If you remember one of my blog goals this year is to have 6-7 posts per week. I hope I can keep this up. Anyways, hope you guys enjoy this week’s roundup!

Blogging

Technology

Gadgets

Pinoy Blogs

JaypeeOnline Weekly Recap

Thank you for your time and hope you guys have a great week!