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Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

22 Oct

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

Nikon just released two new lenses – the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR and PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED. We’re at the Photo Plus show in New York, where we got our hands on them.

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR is the third iteration of Nikon’s modern 70-200mm F2.8 telezoom. Improvements over its predecessor include a complete optical redesign and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements.

While the new lens is only around 100g lighter than the VR II, and a mere couple of millimeters slimmer, it makes a difference. The new lens definitely feels like less of a ‘lump’ than the older version, thanks partly to a shift in the center of gravity, with more weight moved towards the mount. 

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The new lens construction features 22 elements, including six ED, one fluorite and one high refractive index element. As we’d expect from a lens in Nikon’s professional F2.8 lineup, the body is weather-sealed, and includes a rubber flange around the mount to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the camera body when the lens is in use. 

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The ‘E’ in ‘2.8E’ denotes an electronic aperture actuator. Most Nikon lenses still feature a mechanical aperture actuator, but the benefit of electrical actuation (which is slowing being phased in to Nikon’s high-end lenses) is better precision, and stepless movement. The latter feature is especially important when shooting video. Minimum focus in the new lens has been reduced compared to its predecessor, to ~1.1 meters. 

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

As usual with high-end telezoom lenses, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8 E features a focus limiter, to prevent hunting when working at longer subject distances. Alongside the usual VR and AF mode switches the new lens also offers an AF-L / Off / AF-ON switch, which allows the buttons on the lens barrel to either activate or lock AF (or be deactivated).

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

According to Nikon, the new 70-200mm F2.8E features a refined vibration reduction (VR) system, offering the equivalent of up to four stops of correction. The  AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will be available next month for $ 2799.99.

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

Next up, at the opposite end of the lineup is the PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED. Nikon’s widest PC (perspective correction) lens, the 19mm F4E should appeal to architectural and real-estate photographers who need the ability to correct for perspective optically rather than digitally, in post-processing. 

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The 19mm F4E offers 97° of coverage and can shift ±12mm and tilt ±7.5°. Unlike the company’s existing PC-E designs, the mechanism for tilt can be rotated independently from the mechanism for shift, allowing the tilt to be set either parallel to or perpendicular to the shift.

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The new lens is distinguishable by its enormous bulbous front element. Optical construction includes three ED and two aspherical elements as well as Nano Crystal Coating.

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

Minimum focus is around 25cm, and as we’d expect from a perspective correction lens, focusing is manual, via a large and well-damped focus ring. Unlike classic Nikon PC designs, aperture is electronically controlled from the camera body.

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

Like the new 70-200mm F2.8E, the 19mm F4E is built to a very high standard, and includes a rubber flange to keep dust and moisture out of the camera body. 

Hands-on with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E and PC Nikkor 19mm

The PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED will be available next month for $ 3,399.95.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon announces ultra-wide PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED tilt-shift lens

19 Oct

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Nikon has announced a new PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED tilt-shift lens (which the company calls ‘Perspective Control.’) This ultra-wide lens offers 97° of coverage and can shift ±12mm and tilt ±7.5°. Unlike the company’s existing PC-E designs, the mechanism for tilt can be rotated independently from the mechanism for shift, allowing the tilt to be set either parallel or perpendicular to the shift.  The lens has three ED and two aspherical elements as well as Nano Crystal Coating.

The lens will be available next month with an MSRP of $ 3399.95.

Press release:

MASTER YOUR PERSPECTIVE WITH OPTICAL EXCELLENCE: NIKON ADDS TWO PRO-GRADE FX-FORMAT LENSES TO CELEBRATED NIKKOR LENS LINEUP

Extraordinary Next-Generation AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Sets a New Standard for Pro Telephoto Workhorse Lenses, While New PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon’s Widest Ever Tilt-Shift NIKKOR Offering 

MELVILLE, NY (October 19, 2016 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. has announced two exciting FX-format additions to the storied NIKKOR lens lineup, designed to achieve amazing optical performance for the most demanding professional and enthusiast photographers. An evolution of one of Nikon’s most versatile and popular pro-zoom lenses, the newly redesigned AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sports an updated optical formula capable of amazing image quality, while optimized for high-speed shooting. Also introduced today is Nikon’s widest perspective control lens to date, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens, which helps photographers effortlessly control perspective when capturing architecture, interiors, fine art, product photography and landscapes.

“Nikon continues to raise the bar of optical excellence, and our newest FX-format NIKKOR offerings provide experienced photographers with powerful tools to help ensure brilliantly sharp images, whether capturing a high-speed photo finish or creatively framing an architectural marvel,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “While the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR builds upon the success of its predecessors to offer a true all-around NIKKOR optic, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will provide fantastic perspective control for a variety of challenging wide-angle applications.”

The Ultimate Workhorse Lens for Seasoned Photographers

Long considered an essential lens in the bag of professional photographers, this updated AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sets a new benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, taking image quality and handling to the next level. An indispensable and powerful tool for nearly any photographic scenario, the NIKKOR 70-200mm remains the professional’s choice with a wide f/2.8 constant aperture that is ideal for capturing sports, weddings, stunning portraits and more, even in low-light.

The next generation design of the lens helps ensure the very best in image quality, speed and low-light performance, while offering balance and handling that is nothing short of superb. Nikon’s new 70-200mm provides up to four stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, an improvement from its predecessor that helps users to eliminate blur and camera shake even when shooting handheld or in challenging light. During burst shooting, the lens takes advantage of an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent auto-exposure control. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-fast and quiet AF operation with seamless manual focus override. Discerning photographers will also appreciate assignable function buttons on the lens barrel that offer customization, perfect for engaging pre-set autofocus or other focusing options.

A new optical formula consisting of six ED elements, one Fluorite element, a high refractive element and Nano Crystal Coat helps make for a lighter and more versatile lens, while reducing chromatic aberration and helping to all but eliminate distortion, ghosting and flare. Ready for even the most rugged of assignments, the magnesium alloy lens barrel features superior weather-sealing that achieves anti-dust and waterdrop-resistance, while Fluorine coating on both the front and rear glass facilitates easy cleaning. Whether shooting with a camera like the Nikon D5, D810, D750 or D500, capturing sports or weddings, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a fantastic lens choice for experienced photographers. 

Seamlessly Control Perspective with the New Super-Wide PC NIKKOR Lens

Also new from Nikon is the latest perspective control lens (designated PC) in the NIKKOR lens lineup, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED, a tilt-shift offering that will help photographers master perspective and depth-of-field. For storytellers who yearn to capture optically-challenging subjects like cityscapes and architecture, interiors or unique landscapes, this lens offers 97° of coverage – the widest focal length of any PC lens in the NIKKOR family. Tilt the lens to sharpen focus throughout a scene or create a miniature effect, or shift2 to adjust perspective in-camera, create panoramas or eliminate converging lines. For the first time with a NIKKOR PC lens, the direction of tilt operation can be made parallel or perpendicular to shift, offering users nearly unprecedented ability to control perspective, focus and depth-of-field, without having to lock and unlock to make adjustments. 

Sporting a super-wide 19mm focal length, the lens provides a unique perspective ideal for shooting horizontal or vertical panoramas, or even filmmaking. With this ultra-wide angle in mind, the latest FX-format NIKKOR offering was crafted with three ED and two aspherical elements that help combat distortion and glare, while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration and coma, even at the widest aperture settings. The lens also features core NIKKOR technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat to combat ghosting and flare, an electromagnetic diaphragm for fast auto-exposure control, as well as a Fluorine coat that helps resist dirt, water spots and smudges. Ready for a variety of challenging ultra-wide applications, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is a powerful tool for discerning photographers looking for full creative and perspective control. It joins three other Gold Ring Series PC lenses in Nikon’s line-up; the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED, PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D.

Price and Availability

Both the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will be available starting in November 2016 for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 2,799.95* and $ 3,399.95*, respectively. For more information on these new Nikon products and pricing for optional accessories, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1 Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.  

2 Depending on combination of shift and rotation, operation may be restricted by mechanical interference between the lens and camera when used with certain Nikon cameras.

  • Models that can be used without any limitation: D5, D4 series, D3 series, D810 Series, D500
  • Models that can be used with some limitations: Df, D800 series, D750, D610, D600, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100
  • Models that are not compatible with PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED: D2 series, D1 series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70 series, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras, Nikon 1 series with FT-1

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 19 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4
Minimum aperture F32
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 3 ED + 2 aspherical elements + fluorine & Nano Crystal coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.25 m (9.84)
Maximum magnification 0.18×
Autofocus No
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale Yes
Physical
Weight 885 g (1.95 lb)
Diameter 89 mm (3.5)
Length 124 mm (4.88)
Sealing Yes
Other
Notes Can rotate 90 degrees in either direction, tilt up/down 7.5 degrees, shift left/right 12mm.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Redesigned Nikon 70-200 F2.8 arrives with improved optics, electromagnetic diaphragm

19 Oct

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Nikon has released the latest iteration of its workhorse 70-200mm F2.8 lens. The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR, as it is known, has a new optical design, improved Vibration Reduction as well as an electromagnetic diaphragm.

The lens has a total of 22 elements, with 6 ED, 1 fluorite and 1 high refractive index element. A Nano Crystal Coat reduces flare and ghosting while fluorine coatings on the front and rear class helps prevent smudging. Vibration Reduction has been improved, now reducing shake by 4 stops (vs 3.5). The electromagnetic diaphragm allows for responsive adjustment and the ability to adjust the aperture in live view and movie mode on all camera bodies.

You’ll be able to pick up this 1.4 kg (3 lb) beast next month for $ 2799.95.

Press Release:

MASTER YOUR PERSPECTIVE WITH OPTICAL EXCELLENCE: NIKON ADDS TWO PRO-GRADE FX-FORMAT LENSES TO CELEBRATED NIKKOR LENS LINEUP

Extraordinary Next-Generation AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Sets a New Standard for Pro Telephoto Workhorse Lenses, While New PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon’s Widest Ever Tilt-Shift NIKKOR Offering

MELVILLE, NY (October 19, 2016 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. has announced two exciting FX-format additions to the storied NIKKOR lens lineup, designed to achieve amazing optical performance for the most demanding professional and enthusiast photographers. An evolution of one of Nikon’s most versatile and popular pro-zoom lenses, the newly redesigned AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sports an updated optical formula capable of amazing image quality, while optimized for high-speed shooting. Also introduced today is Nikon’s widest perspective control lens to date, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens, which helps photographers effortlessly control perspective when capturing architecture, interiors, fine art, product photography and landscapes.

“Nikon continues to raise the bar of optical excellence, and our newest FX-format NIKKOR offerings provide experienced photographers with powerful tools to help ensure brilliantly sharp images, whether capturing a high-speed photo finish or creatively framing an architectural marvel,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “While the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR builds upon the success of its predecessors to offer a true all-around NIKKOR optic, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will provide fantastic perspective control for a variety of challenging wide-angle applications.”

The Ultimate Workhorse Lens for Seasoned Photographers

Long considered an essential lens in the bag of professional photographers, this updated AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sets a new benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, taking image quality and handling to the next level. An indispensable and powerful tool for nearly any photographic scenario, the NIKKOR 70-200mm remains the professional’s choice with a wide f/2.8 constant aperture that is ideal for capturing sports, weddings, stunning portraits and more, even in low-light.

The next generation design of the lens helps ensure the very best in image quality, speed and low-light performance, while offering balance and handling that is nothing short of superb. Nikon’s new 70-200mm provides up to four stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, an improvement from its predecessor that helps users to eliminate blur and camera shake even when shooting handheld or in challenging light. During burst shooting, the lens takes advantage of an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent auto-exposure control. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-fast and quiet AF operation with seamless manual focus override. Discerning photographers will also appreciate assignable function buttons on the lens barrel that offer customization, perfect for engaging pre-set autofocus or other focusing options.

A new optical formula consisting of six ED elements, one Fluorite element, a high refractive element and Nano Crystal Coat helps make for a lighter and more versatile lens, while reducing chromatic aberration and helping to all but eliminate distortion, ghosting and flare. Ready for even the most rugged of assignments, the magnesium alloy lens barrel features superior weather-sealing that achieves anti-dust and waterdrop-resistance, while Fluorine coating on both the front and rear glass facilitates easy cleaning. Whether shooting with a camera like the Nikon D5, D810, D750 or D500, capturing sports or weddings, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a fantastic lens choice for experienced photographers.

Seamlessly Control Perspective with the New Super-Wide PC NIKKOR Lens

Also new from Nikon is the latest perspective control lens (designated PC) in the NIKKOR lens lineup, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED, a tilt-shift offering that will help photographers master perspective and depth-of-field. For storytellers who yearn to capture optically-challenging subjects like cityscapes and architecture, interiors or unique landscapes, this lens offers 97° of coverage – the widest focal length of any PC lens in the NIKKOR family. Tilt the lens to sharpen focus throughout a scene or create a miniature effect, or shift2 to adjust perspective in-camera, create panoramas or eliminate converging lines. For the first time with a NIKKOR PC lens, the direction of tilt operation can be made parallel or perpendicular to shift, offering users nearly unprecedented ability to control perspective, focus and depth-of-field, without having to lock and unlock to make adjustments.

Sporting a super-wide 19mm focal length, the lens provides a unique perspective ideal for shooting horizontal or vertical panoramas, or even filmmaking. With this ultra-wide angle in mind, the latest FX-format NIKKOR offering was crafted with three ED and two aspherical elements that help combat distortion and glare, while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration and coma, even at the widest aperture settings. The lens also features core NIKKOR technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat to combat ghosting and flare, an electromagnetic diaphragm for fast auto-exposure control, as well as a Fluorine coat that helps resist dirt, water spots and smudges. Ready for a variety of challenging ultra-wide applications, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is a powerful tool for discerning photographers looking for full creative and perspective control. It joins three other Gold Ring Series PC lenses in Nikon’s line-up; the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED, PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D.

Price and Availability

Both the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will be available starting in November 2016 for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 2,799.95* and $ 3,399.95*, respectively. For more information on these new Nikon products and pricing for optional accessories, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1 Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.

2 Depending on combination of shift and rotation, operation may be restricted by mechanical interference between the lens and camera when used with certain Nikon cameras.

  • Models that can be used without any limitation: D5, D4 series, D3 series, D810 Series, D500
  • Models that can be used with some limitations: Df, D800 series, D750, D610, D600, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100
  • Models that are not compatible with PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED: D2 series, D1 series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70 series, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras, Nikon 1 series with FT-1

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 F2.8E FL ED VR specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 70–200 mm
Image stabilization Yes (4 stops)
Lens mount Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 22
Groups 18
Special elements / coatings 6 ED, 1 Fluorite, 1 HRI element + Nano Crystal & Fluorine coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 1.10 m (43.31)
Maximum magnification 0.21×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 1430 g (3.15 lb)
Diameter 89 mm (3.48)
Length 203 mm (7.97)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 77.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Field Test: Birds in flight with the Nikon D500

18 Oct

Nikon’s D500 is a professional APS-C format DSLR, designed for shooting fast-moving subjects in tough conditions. For this week’s Field Test, we brought the D500 to a wildlife reserve in Montana, to meet with National Geographic photographer Ronan Donovan.

Over two days, DPReview Editor Barney Britton joined Ronan to shoot the various bird and animal species that make the reserve their home. Watch the video to see how the D500 performed. 


This is sponsored content, created with the support of Nikon. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Modest Updates: Nikon D3400 Review

18 Oct

Key Features

  • 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • 11-point phase detect auto-focus system
  • 1080/60p video capability
  • Fixed 3″ 920k-dot LCD screen
  • 5/fps burst shooting
  • Bluetooth LE for image transfer

The D3400 is a very modestly updated version of the D3300. It’s an entry level DSLR targeted toward first-time ILC shooters and those who are ready to move on from their smartphones to a more advanced shooting platform.

The camera is built around the same 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor found in its predecessor along with an ‘EXPEED 4’ image processor, Full HD video capture and an 11-point autofocus system. Unfortunately the camera doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but it does have Bluetooth LE connectivity for transferring images from the camera to a smart phone via the ‘SnapBridge’ app.

Nikon packs a lot of very desirable features into the D3400 for the price.

In terms of competition, the D3400’s sits between the Canon Rebel T6 and the Canon Rebel T6i. The D3400’s $ 649 launch price for a kit with the new AF-P 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR lens puts it between the $ 549 list price of for the T6/EOS 1300D kit and the significantly more expensive $ 899 MSRP for the T6i with the 18-55mm VR zoom. The T6 has a lower resolution, 18MP sensor but its lower price makes it a threat at this price-sensitive point in the market.

Specs Comparison

The table below illustrates that not much has changed from the D3300 to the D3400. The biggest changes seen in the D3400 are in battery life (which we suspect is due to the less powerful flash), weight and the new built in Bluetooth LE that works with SnapBridge to enable photo sharing. The D3400 also tends to come kitted with a new ‘AF-P’ version of the 18-55mm VR lens which uses a new focus motor to offer improved performance in live view and video.

For beginning DSLR shooters the elimination of the external mic port (if video is important to you) and, more notably, the Ultrasonic Sensor Cleaning from the D3400 is something to definitely keep in mind when deciding which camera to purchase.

If you’re not wedded to the idea of owning a DSLR, the Fujifilm X-A3 (which features an articulating touchscreen LCD and twin control dials), and the Sony a5100 (which acts more in the way of a point and shoot), are both mirrorless cameras. These offer excellent features and image quality in a much smaller package. These are definitely two other options to also consider looking at before making a purchase.

It is worth noting that the traditional DSLR still holds some key advantages over mirrorless rivals. They offer much better battery life and lens selection, for example. The optical viewfinder is another important factor for many photographers. For more on the subject, read our primer.

  Nikon D3300 Nikon D3400 Canon Rebel T6i (EOS 750D) Pentax K70 Fujifilm X-A3
Price (MSRP) $ 649.95 w/18-55mm kit $ 649.95 w/18-55mm kit

$ 899.00 w/18-55mm kit

$ 899.95 w/18-135mm kit $ 599.95 w/16-50mm kit
Sensor 24.2MP 24.2 MP 24 MP 24 MP 24 MP
Image Processing EXPEED 4 EXPEED 4 DIGIC 6 PRIME MII EXR Processor II
LCD Fixed 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD Fixed 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD Fully Articulated 3.0″ 1.04M-dot LCD Fully Articulated 3.0″ 921k-dot LCD Fully Articulated 3.0″ 1.04M-dot touchscreen LCD
AF System 11-point (one cross-type) 11-point (one-cross type) 19-point (all cross-type) 11-point (9-cross-type) 77-point
Viewfinder
magnification (coverage)
0.85x (95% coverage) 0.85x (95% coverage) 0.82x (95% coverage) 0.95x (100% coverage) None
ISO Range 100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600) 100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600) 100-12,800 (expansion to 25,600) 100-102,400 200-6400 (expansion 100-25600)
Connectivity  With optional WU-1a Mobile Adapter Bluetooth LE Wi-Fi with NFC Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Video Capture max res. 1080/60p 1080/60p 1080/30p 1080/30p 1080/60p
Continuous Shooting 5 fps 5 fps 5 fps 6 fps 6 fps
Built in Flash
(Range)
Yes (12m) Yes (7m) Yes (12m) Yes (12m) Yes (7m)
Sensor Cleaning Ultrasonic No Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
External Mic Port Yes No Yes Yes No
Weather Sealing No No No Yes No
Battery Life 700 shots 1200 shots 440 shots 410 shots 410 shots
Dimensions 124 x 98 x 76mm 124 x 98 x 76 mm 132 x 101 x 78 mm 126 x 93 x 74 mm 117 x 67 x 40 mm
Weight 460g 395g 555g 688g 339 g

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Vote now for your favorite Nikon Small World 2016 entries

15 Oct

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Mouse retinal ganglion cells. Photo by Dr. Keunyoung Kim

Nikon’s Small World Microphotography competition continues to celebrate all things tiny, fanged and gross. This year they’re inviting you to participate in the judging by picking your favorite finalists in the Popular Vote competition. Head over to the Popular Vote page to cast your ballot, and flip through the slides above to see some of our favorite entries.

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Leg of a water boatman (Corixidae). Photo by Marek Mis

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Actin (pink), mitochondria (black), and DNA (red) in a bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell. Photo by Talley Lambert

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Parts of wing-cover (elytron), abdominal segments and hind leg of a broad-shouldered leaf beetle (Oreina cacaliae). By Pia Scanlon

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Egg of a Gulf Fritillary butterfly, Agraulis vanillae. Photo by David Millard

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Wildflower stamens. Photo by Samuel Silberman

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Scales of a butterfly wing underside (Vanessa atalanta). Photo by Francis Sneyers

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Slime mold (Mixomicete). Photo by Jose Almodovar

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Beta-alanine and taurine crystals. Photo by Matt Inman

Nikon Small World 2016 Finalists

Poison fangs of a centipede (Lithobius erythrocephalus). Photo by Walter Piorkowski

We told you there were fangs.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Modified Nikon D5500 keeps things cool for astro-photographers

14 Oct

Italian astrophotography equipment brand PrimaLuceLab is selling a version of the Nikon D5500 that it has adapted for long exposures using a custom cooling system that manages the temperature of the camera’s sensor. The PrimaLuceLab Nikon D5500a Cooled uses dual Peltier cells to create a thermoelectric cooling effect that allows users to maintain the temperature of the sensor and to cool it by as much as 27°C below the ambient air temperature.

Keeping the sensor cool allows long exposures to take place without the sensor heating up and creating image noise. This means very long shutter openings can be used to make images with very little additional noise. Just as importantly, the cooling system can keep the sensor at the same user-specified temperature throughout a shoot so that dark frames don’t have to be made directly after each image – they can be made at the end when the subject has passed.

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The camera is also fitted with a system that prevents air moisture from condensing on the surface of the cooled sensor. The Anti-Dewing system heats the front filter over the sensor but not the sensor itself. Presenting a warm surface to the air means no moisture gathers. The infrared-cut filter of the Nikon D5500 has been removed and replaced by a filter that allows longer red wave lengths, specifically those beyond the H-alpha line, to pass and be recorded.

Touch sensitive buttons on the rear of the cooling block allow users to control the shutter opening and shutter time as well as set up sequences of different exposures with brackets of up to 900 seconds.

The PrimaLuceLabs Nikon D5500a, which comes with a 4-year warranty, is available now and costs €2190 (about $ 2420).

For more information visit the PrimaLuceLab website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pleasantly punchy: Nikon D3400 real-world samples gallery

30 Sep
Photo by Samuel Spencer

The Nikon D3400 is the company’s newest entry-level DSLR, offering users 24MP and an 11-point AF system in a compact, lightweight body. It may not be the most exciting camera for Nikon faithful on paper, but in the real-world, it offers impressive image quality that will put any smartphone camera to shame. We used the camera mostly in the ‘Auto’ or ‘No Flash Auto’ modes, and were pleasantly surprised by its default output – metering is usually spot-on, with good sharpening and punchy color (though it may be over-the-top for some).

Over the past week, we’ve had a chance to photograph city living, botanical still-life, playful pups and yes, even some sleepy cats. Take a look at how the D3400, its 18-55mm kit lens and the DX 35mm F1.8G lens fared in our real-world samples gallery. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon 105mm F1.4E ED sample images

29 Sep

The Nikon 105mm F1.4 is an ultra-fast prime lens perfect for portrait photography or as a general-use telephoto. It’s pretty heavy 34.7oz / 2.17lb, and features a relatively large, 82mm front element. But gosh darn it, there’s a lot to like about the kind of images you can get with it. We did some heavy lifting and took it out for a spin.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photokina 2016: Nikon stand report video

21 Sep

Nikon may have introduced the D5 and D500 many months ago in anticipation of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of new releases for Photokina 2016. The ambitious KeyMission lineup shows that Nikon is taking the 360 and action camera market awfully seriously, while the D3400 should continue to offer entry-level DSLR users impressive image quality. Lastly, the Nikkor AF-S 105mm F1.4 is a gorgeous piece of glass that we can’t wait to get out into the real world with.

Watch as DPReview’s Barney Britton talks with Steve Heiner, Nikon’s senior technical manager, about these new products (and even a new market segment) from Nikon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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