Supposed Pictures of the Nikon D4...Is it Fake????

Do you think these are fake pictures ????

If Nikon sticks to their regular schedule, the Nikon D4 should be announced sometime in the summer of 2011, 4 years after the announcement of the D3. Nikon Rumors Forum posted a few links to what they claim is the upcoming D4.

What is your opinion? are these fake pics or is it really out and some luky guys testing it? share your thoughts.

My Camera, My D3

From the day that I bought the Nikon D3, one thing that I can say is, I got magic! I couldn't describe it as just a camera, but as a magical wand, a wave of which turns your imagination into a picture. A truly amazing camera. I don't think there is anything that is impossible to achieve with the Nikon D3. Before I bought a D3, the only thing that I was expecting from this was a very fast camera (shutter speed of 9fps in RAW mode and 11fps in JPEG mode) which was also full frame. But once I bought it, I changed my entire idea of the D3 or any full frame camera. The only word that could describe the D3 is ULTIMATE. It's a truly awesome camera. So I thought I would write a small description in layman's language. There are scores of websites out there which will give you all the features, specifications etc, so I'm not going to do that.
I normally work with my D3 or D90 (yep, I'm a Nikon guy!) in manual mode. But this camera also has got P (Program) mode, S (Shutter priority) and A (Aperture priority). Being a professional camera, there is no automatic mode or any of the other modes like portrait, landscape, etc.  One exceptional characteristic of this camera is the capability to take pictures in high ISO settings. I have taken pictures with ISO at 2000 and not seen any problems in the pictures. The picture below is one taken at ISO 2000. That does not mean that you do not get noise at all if you go higher. You do get noise, however, compared to other cameras, it has less noise.

Taken using Nikkor 105mm, f/8, shutter speed 1/200, ISO 2000 (Picture is as taken, no post processing done)

In the D3, there are 2 slots so you can store 2 compact flash cards at a time. This is very good as if you are my type and take lots of photos, then when one card gets full, you can continue shooting on the next one. Another advantage is that you can set it to simultaneously shoot into 2 cards at the same time so you have a backup of all your pictures in the second card. I used to download pictures directly from the camera to the system and sometimes use a card reader, but then I had a problem as it used to get stuck midway and some of my pictures would become corrupt. My camera too began getting stuck and I despaired that this was a problem that the camera had but one which I could not find on any forum. But once I upgraded from Windows Vista to Windows 7, I had this problem no more. I have also heard from some of my friends that they were having the same problem with Windows Vista. I don't know if this has been corrected or if they have an update to remove this problem, but now that I have Vista no more, I am not worried about it and I have no problems whatsoever in downloading my pictures.
Now you may be of the mindset that the number of pixels is what is important and more the pixels, better the camera (just like I was once). To a big extent, this is true, but it's not completely true. The quality of the picture depends on the pixel size. I have got a D3 and D90 (ya, I know, I already told you that!), both of which are 12.1 megapixel cameras. However, larger the width of the sensor, larger is the pixel size, which means that it collects more light. Thus, the details in the picture will be much higher than the DX sensor. In normal language, when you enlarge a picture, you are not losing the details as each pixel contains more details. There are many arguments out there in the net about this, but this is one way that you could use to describe it.
If I had to highlight a major disadvantage of the D3 it will be its lack of self sensor cleaning capability. And honestly, IT'S A PAIN IN THE YOU-KNOW-WHAT TO CLEAN IT!!! My suggestions for cleaning this camera would be to invest in 1. A good quality blower (not the cheap ones which have low quality rubber which actually puts more dust inside the sensor than clean it up), 2. Visible Dust Sensorscope (I used the Delkin sensorscope, but found that while it was perfect for my D90, I wasn't able to see all the dust properly in the D3), 3. Arctic Butterfly L724 brush, 4. Wet/dry swabs (again, use a good quality one as the lesser quality ones leave lint on the sensor thus messing it up) and 5. E2 Eclipse liquid. Use the blower to blow away dust particles. This will clean up the majority of dust. Use the sensorscope whenever necessary to view if and where the dust is. Then clean with the Arctic Butterfly L724 brush and if there is still more dust remaining, clean using swabs using E2 Eclipse solution. Be careful not to clean too much towards the sides as there is some greasy stuff there and you certainly do not want this to spread to your sensor. If it spreads on to the sensor, you may need professional cleaning done to remove it, and mark my words, you may see your bank balance reduce big time (at least here it is quite expensive). Look through the sensor scope and if there is still some dust remaining, then repeat the steps again. It may take a few tries till it is successful.
You must be aware that the next level from the D3 is the D3s, which has got sensor cleaning capability, video and a much better Expeed processor. I have now heard that Nikon will be coming out with a D4 during the summer of 2011. Looking forward to it!
I will write about my D90 as well soon, so look out for it. If you have any questions related to the D3, I'll be glad to answer it to the best of my capabilities. Till next time...C ya!

Write a story and make money

Write a short story based on the picture and give a caption and the winner gets a reward.

 Rules: 

• There must be atleast 20 different entries from 20 different individuals. 
• Must have a Pay pal ID to receive the reward.
•  Reward amount will range from 50c to €1 depending on the rating received. 
• The winner will be picked through voting by the members of the blog. 
• Once the competition is closed, voting will commence. 
• Every person with an entry should vote or their entry will be disqualified. 
• DO NOT vote for your own entry or you will be disqualified. 
• Put in an entry number before your caption or story so that it is easier to vote (e.g. #1, followed by caption and short story) 
• Competition is open only for followers.

PhotoShop Tutorial

In this video tutorial we will take a look at creating a poster with a bunch of different color and text effects on it as well as implementing some cool textures which are available for download online. Go ahead and grab a few textures for yourself from this site: http://www.texturise.com/ and follow along!


http://www.tutvid.com/tutorials/photoshop/tutorials/messyTypeBasedPoster.html

Write a story and make money

Write a short story based on the picture and give a caption and the winner gets a reward.

 Rules: 

• There must be atleast 20 different entries from 20 different individuals. 
• Must have a Pay pal ID to receive the reward.
•  Reward amount will range from 50c to €1 depending on the rating received. 
• The winner will be picked through voting by the members of the blog. 
• Once the competition is closed, voting will commence. 
• Every person with an entry should vote or their entry will be disqualified. 
• DO NOT vote for your own entry or you will be disqualified. 
• Put in an entry number before your caption or story so that it is easier to vote (e.g. #1, followed by caption and short story) 
• Competition is open only for followers.

Digital-SLR camera Nikon D3100

August 19, 2010

An entry level digital-SLR camera with a new CMOS image sensor, image-processing engine and helpful Guide mode that makes capturing beautiful images easy

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D3100, an entry level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR camera. The camera is equipped with a new CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon and a new image-processing engine that enable capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality, and a Guide mode that allows users to capture images just as they intended.

The following lens kit will also be released.

D3100 and AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

D3100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

The number of people advancing from a compact digital camera to a digital-SLR camera for better quality images and a more authentic photography experience has been increasing in recent years. However, many have indicated that digital-SLR cameras are difficult to master. To respond to this concern of users advancing to a digital-SLR camera, Nikon began equipping its entry level digital-SLR cameras with a Guide mode that displays instructions for the most basic camera operations for shooting, image playback and editing and the application of camera settings, in the camera monitor. The first camera to be equipped with Guide mode was the Nikon D3000 released in August 2009. This function has proven to be very popular with users.

A new DX-format CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon and the new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, have been adopted for the new D3100, enabling capture of images exhibiting excellent image quality and definition. The D3100 has also inherited Guide mode from the D3000, with the addition of more options and assist images that make the camera easier to understand and operate. The D3100 is also equipped with a live view function that allows the user to frame images in the monitor, and the D-Movie function that provides support for high-definition movie recording. While the D3100 offers authentic digital-SLR camera performance, it is also an extremely lightweight digital-SLR camera from which even beginners can expect beautiful images that accurately reflect their shooting intent.

D3100 primary features

1. A new DX-format CMOS image sensor and image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, both developed by Nikon enable capture of high-definition images with superior image quality

The D3100 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor and a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, both developed by Nikon. The CMOS image sensor offers an effective pixel count of 14.2-million pixels (D3000: CCD image sensor with 10.2-million effective pixels) and enables capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality with extremely detailed rendering and rich tones. The camera also makes the most of its standard sensitivity settings up to ISO 3200 (D3000: ISO 100–1600) and additional increases up to HI 2 (ISO 12800 equivalent), with shooting under dim lighting, such as in the evening or indoors, as well as with sports scenes of rapidly moving subjects. EXPEED 2 is Nikon's new image-processing engine, developed by refining the concepts, know-how and technologies regarding digital images that Nikon has spent years cultivating. It maximizes the performance of the CMOS image sensor to suppress noise in still images and movies and produces images that faithfully reproduce vivid colors.

2. A refined Guide mode that is even easier to use

Guide mode has been refined to make most camera operations even easier, from shooting to image playback and editing to the application of camera settings, regardless of the user's skill level. Assist images The D3100 displays assist images that show the effect of various camera settings, giving users an idea of the results they can expect with specified settings. For example, when "Soften backgrounds" is selected and an aperture value is specified, the assist image displayed in the monitor changes to show the effect that aperture setting will have on images. This allows users to confirm that images will appear as they intended prior to shooting and reduces the number of unsuccessful shots.

Assist image sample

Other new functions built into Guide mode (1) Selection from 3 shooting techniques: "Use the viewfinder," "Use live view," "Shoot movies" (2) "Bring more into focus" and "Show water flowing" options have been added to the "Advanced operation" menu for shooting (3) "Movie settings," "HDMI," "Flicker reduction" and "Eye-Fi upload"* options have been added to the "Set Up" menu for applying basic camera settings" *: Only available when compatible Eye-Fi memory card is inserted

3. Live view mode that allows users to use the camera monitor to easily frame still image or movies

By simply rotating the live view switch, the view through the lens is displayed in the monitor, enabling immediate live view recording. This makes shooting feel more like shooting with a compact digital camera, easing the transition to digital-SLR for beginners. In addition, various information such as the shooting mode, time remaining (movie mode) and battery indicator, can be shown in the live view display.

4. D-Movie for recording and editing full-HD movies and AF-F (full-time servo AF) focus mode for movie recording

The D3100 is equipped with the D-Movie function that enables recording of high-definition movies (with monaural sound) by simply pressing the movie-record button. Movies can be recorded with the same aperture and other settings applied in Guide mode, and movies that take full advantage of the characteristics of individual interchangeable lenses, whether wide-angle, telephoto or fisheye, can be recorded for movies that are only possible with a digital-SLR camera. In addition, the camera also offers an AF-F (full-time servo AF) focus mode for movie recording. When AF-F mode is enabled, the camera focuses continuously during movie recording without the need for holding the shutter-release button down halfway. The D3100 also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning or end of movie files.

5. Scene auto selector built in

The D3100 is equipped with the scene auto selector function. When live view mode is enabled in Auto or Auto (flash off) mode, the camera automatically analyzes the scene and selects the appropriate shooting mode from Portrait, Landscape, Close up or Night portrait.* This function allows users achieve the intended images while leaving all settings up to the camera.

*:

Scene auto selector is disabled with manual focusing.

Other functions and features new to the D3100

• Equipped with a face detection function capable of detecting up to 35 human faces (D3000: up to 5 faces)
• Operation has been improved with the addition of an independent movie-record button and release-mode selector. In addition, the rubber grip provides a better fit.
• Equipped with a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) bus that enables remote control playback of images and movies recorded with the camera when the camera is connected to a high-definition TV
• Equipped with a new exposure compensation algorithm for greater flexibility and performance with NEF (RAW) processing
• The new ViewNX 2 software is bundled with the D3100

Nikon D3100 digital-SLR camera primary specifications

Type	Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective pixels	14.2 million
Image sensor	23.1 x 15.4 mm CMOS sensor
Image size (pixels)	4,608 x 3,072 [L] 3,456 x 2,304 [M] 2,304 x 1,536 [S]
File format	1) NEF(RAW), 2)JPEG, 3)NEF(RAW)+JPEG
Media	SD (Secure Digital) memory cards *1, SDHC- and SDXC-compliant
Frame advance rate	Up to 3 fps *2
ISO sensitivity	ISO 100 to 3200 in steps of 1 EV; Can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent) or to approx. 2 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 12800 equivalent); auto ISO sensitivity control available
Movie	Frame size (pixels) and frame rate: 1,920 x 1,080; 24 p - 1,280 x 720; 30 p - 1,280 x 720; 25 p - 1,280 x 720; 24 p - 640 x 424; 24 p Maximum Recording Time:10 min. File format/Video compression: MOV, H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Cording Audio recording device; Supported:monaural recording with built-in microphone.
LCD monitor	3-in., approx. 230 k-dot TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Power source	Battery; One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14 battery AC adapter(optional);EH-5a AC adapter; requires EP-5 power connector
Dimensions (approx.) (W x H x D)	124 X 96 X 74.5mm
Weight (approx.)	455g without battery, memory card, or body cap, 505g;with battery and memory card but without body cap
Major supplied accessories	EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery, MH-24 battery charger, AN-DC3 camera strap, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM, Ferrite Core (2 types)

*1

Not applied to Multi Media Card

*2

manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C (68 ° F).

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

http://nikon.com/about/news/2010/0819_d3100_01.htm

Metz introduces Mecablitz 58 AF-2 and 50 AF-1 flashguns

Metz has introduced the Mecablitz 58 AF-2 and 50 AF-1 flashguns for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Four Thirds cameras. Successors to the 58 AF-1 and 48 AF-1, the latest models feature metal mounts with enhanced locking systems for faster mounting and wider angle diffusers for focal lengths from 12 mm equivalent. The AF-2 designation of the 58 AF-2 flashgun indicates it can now act as a wireless flash master for cameras without a built-in master function, meanwhile the number 50 in 50 AF-1 reflects a power increase to guide number to 50.

The top model in the Metz compact flash unit range has been further improved with numerous optical and functional features. The successor to the mecablitz 58 AF-1 which won the EISA Award for "best flash unit in Europe 2007/2008" has been equipped with a new stable metal base which can be attached to the camera flash shoe quickly and easily with one single movement thanks to the optimised lock system. Refinements such as the revised motor zoom mode and an improved high performance flash tube further increase the longevity of the product. Its multi-functionality has been extended with additional features. Thus the mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital offers servo flash release functionality via the integrated camera flash which is also perfectly compatible with cameras without master function. The slave/servo sensor has been integrated into the front of the flash unit to increase the transmission quality of wireless flashes. The wide-angle diffuser has also been adapted for illumination of wide-angle focal widths from 12 mm (135 format). Like all mecablitz system flash units, the new flash unit is available in different versions, perfectly tailored to digital cameras made by the leading manufacturers.

Special functions for any flash situation
The mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital offers the perfect solution for every flash situation. The innovative secondary reflector provides perfect image illumination for portraits. Numerous manual fine tuning options afford the mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital exceptional creative photographic freedom. Virtually limitless possibilities are opened up for individualised lighting thanks to a fully swivelling reflector system which also contains a flip-out reflector card and a diffuser. The slave function and the new servo function allow the new top model in the Metz compact flash unit range to be used without constraints in various operating modes, depending on the camera model. With the servo flash release, no camera master function is required to use the flash as an additional creative light source in the room. The camera-specific wireless TTL remote mode of the respective model comes into play with the slave function. In addition, automatic mode provides the possibility of achieving a perfect picture even in situations where the camera-specific TTL control is impaired.

High performance compact flash with USB connection
Thanks to the Metz mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital USB interface, updates can be easily installed via the Internet. Due to its very high guide number 58 for ISO 100/21° and 105 mm focal length, the 58 AF-2 digital is not just high performance but also lends itself perfectly to being used as an indirect flash. The real highlight – a flip-out reflector card which is integrated into the both vertically and horizontally tilting and swivelling reflector.

Different versions for Canon, Nikon/Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic/Leica, Pentax and SonyIt goes without saying that the respective camera manufacturer’s refined flash lighting technology can also be employed with the corresponding version of the mecablitz 58 AF-2 digital, in addition to numerous special functions, such as high speed synchronisation. Thus the 58 AF-2 digital offers E-TTL and E-TTL II flash mode for Canon – iTTL/D-TTL/3D flash mode for Nikon/Fujifilm – P-TTL for Pentax and four thirds TTL mode for Olympus/Panasonic/Leica.

Metz mecablitz – Technology "Made in Germany"
Metz flash units represent high performance technology and reliable quality. We have been manufacturing exclusively in Germany for over 50 years. As such we hold a unique position – Metz is the only manufacturer of flash devices to develop and manufacture products in Europe.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082005metz58af250af1.asp#press

Tallaght 20th International Salon of Photographic Art

http://www.tpssalon.com/It's that time of year again and our International Salon of Photographic Art is under way. After a terrific entry last year we are delighted to launch this years Salon again with the accreditation of the Photographic Society of America. In addition, we are very proud to be the first Salon in Ireland to be accredited by Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique (FIAP).




This year we will be accepting entries in the following categories:



Colour Print

Monochrome Print

Projected Image (Open)

Projected Image (Nature)

Entries for Projected Image sections will only be accepted via online entry. Entry forms for Printed Image sections must be completed on line, printed and sent with your prints.

For details :- http://www.tpssalon.com/
Last date is August 30th 2010 HURRY

Nikon launches 85mm f/1.4G prime lens

Nikon has released a fast aperture medium telephoto lens in the shape of the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G. Featuring a completely new optical design and a built-in Silent Wave focus motor, it also includes Nikon's top-end goodies including a 9-bladed diaphragm, Nano Crystal coating for the reduction of flare, a magnesium alloy body shell and weathersealing. Availability will be from 2nd September 2010, at a recommended price of £1499.99 / €1549.



Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G takes portraiture to another level. Lenses like this encapsulate what the NIKKOR brand stands for: amazing contrast and resolution, with unique bokeh qualities.” He added: “We think it will set a new benchmark for stills photographers as well as the growing army of videographers using D-SLRs like the D3S.”



Bokeh Master

The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is designed to be the ultimate optic for professional portraiture. The fast f/1.4 aperture provides excellent subject-background separation, whilst the rounded nine-blade diaphragm renders stunning bokeh with smooth out of focus areas.



Leading Light

The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G features a newly-developed optical system with 10 elements in 9 groups and incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, drastically reducing ghosting and flare to deliver rich, high contrast images even under the most testing lighting conditions.



Smooth Operator

The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G features a dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure quiet and accurate focusing. The gearing mechanism has been refined to offer extremely smooth operation when using Manual focus.



Tough Customer

As you would expect, the lens has the tough NIKKOR magnesium body and sealing against moisture and dust to continue working in the toughest of shooting conditions. Weighing in at 595g, it balances well on Nikon’s advanced and professional D-SLRs like the D700 and D3 series cameras.



The lens is supplied with a hood HB-55 and a soft pouch.



AF-S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.4G lens specifications

Focal length 85mm

Maximum aperture f/1.4

Minimum aperture f/16

Lens construction 10 elements / 9 groups

Angle of view (APS-C crop) 28°30' (18°50' with Nikon DX format)

Closest focus distance 85cm (33.5in)

Maximum reproduction ratio 0.12x

Aperture blades 9 (rounded)

Filter attachment size 77 mm

AF motor Silent Wave Motor

Dimensions 86.5mm x 84mm (3.4 in x 3.3 in)

Weight 595g (21oz)

Supplied accessories • Soft pouch

• HB-55 lens hood

Mount Nikon F

More detials: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10081915nikon85mm.asp

Nikon D3100

Nikon has developed a habit of making very attractive entry-level DSLRs, which are rarely the best specified but cleverly designed so that they're easy and enjoyable to shoot with. The D3000 fitted this pattern perfectly, a gentle refresh of the D60 (which was itself a slightly updated D40X), it added ease-of-use features to make it a pleasant little camera despite a specification that was beginning to look rather out-of-step with the rest of the market.




The D3000 sold well, despite its rather aged 10 megapixel sensor and lack of both live view and video. However, there's only so long that clever product design and feature integration can make up for a specification that looks dated. So with this in mind, Nikon has announced the D3100 - probably the biggest refresh of its entry-level offering since it really attacked the low end market with the original D40.



The D3100 is built around a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor (quite possibly the one seen in Sony's NEX cameras), bringing not only live view but also Full HD video capture to Nikon's entry-level model. This not only makes it the company's second-highest pixel-count SLR (after the D3X) but also makes it the first to offer 1920x1080 movie recording. It can only record clips up to ten minutes long but it's still an impressive feature addition at this level.



The body gets a slight refresh, gaining an extra button to the left of the screen, a drive mode switch at the base of the mode dial, a sprung lever to engage live view and a direct record movie button. There are also revisions made to the feature-teaching, hand-holding 'Guide Mode' and an additional autofocus mode to allow better focusing in live view and autofocus during video shooting.



Nikon D3100 Key Features

14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor

3.0" LCD monitor (230,000 dots)

Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)

11 AF points (with 3D tracking)

IS0 100-3200 range (12800 expanded)

HD movies (1080, 720p or WVGA)

Nikon D3100 vs D3000: Key Differences

The D3100 substantially refreshes the D3000, taking a rather outdated-looking specification and turning it into one of the most competitive in its sector.


More information: please visit:http://www.dpreview.com/previews/Nikond3100/

Write a story and make money

Write a short story based on the picture and give a caption and the winner gets a reward.

 Rules: 

• There must be atleast 20 different entries from 20 different individuals. 
• Must have a Pay pal ID to receive the reward.
•  Reward amount will range from 50c to €1 depending on the rating received. 
• The winner will be picked through voting by the members of the blog. 
• Once the competition is closed, voting will commence. 
• Every person with an entry should vote or their entry will be disqualified. 
• DO NOT vote for your own entry or you will be disqualified. 
• Put in an entry number before your caption or story so that it is easier to vote (e.g. #1, followed by caption and short story) 
• Competition is open only for followers.