Friday, April 17, 2009

Nikon announces 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED lens

Nikon launches the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED


New ultra-wide-angle zoom with SWM

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 14th April 2009 Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED lens. This new NIKKOR DX-format ultra-wide-angle zoom lens has a focal range starting at 15mm equivalent in FX/35mm format.

At a very affordable price, this new lens with superior build quality would be a great addition to anyone’s Nikon system. It is perfect for users wanting to shoot scenes that require a wide angle perspective effect such as in a small room, or for shooting architecture and landscapes.

Ludovic Drean, Product Manager Lenses at Nikon Europe B.V says: “This great new lens is perfectly suited for Nikon D300 and D90 users, and works very well with our other mid-class DSLRs too. Thanks to its Silent Wave Motor, it is also suitable for models without a built-in motor such as the D40 and the D60, for example. Its affordable price is no reflection on its superior quality, though, as its high-reproduction performance, minimum distortion and build quality are almost equivalent to those of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED.”

Superior quality build and excellent reproduction capacity
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED offers a focal length between 10 to 24mm and a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 15 to 36 mm in FX/35mm format. Thanks to its ring-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM), its autofocus is quiet and fast. Housed in a compact and lightweight body with Nikon’s unique high-quality exterior design, the NIKKOR advanced build quality ensures smooth operation and durability.

The optical system features ED glass and a-spherical lenses optimised for digital SLRs with an excellent capacity for accurate image reproduction, delivering high-resolution, high-contrast images whilst minimising chromatic aberration. Using the internal focusing (IF) system, the lens barrel length does not change whilst focusing, giving it a more durable build and allowing for the use of heavy attachments.

The lens also has two focus modes – M (Manual) and Manual-priority auto (M/A). M/A mode enables a user to switch rapidly between autofocus and manual focus by merely rotating the focus ring even during AF operation. This allows precise focus adjustment without taking your eye off of the viewfinder.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED is supplied with 77-mm snap-on front lens cap LC-77, rear lens cap LF-1, bayonet hood HB-23 and flexible lens pouch CL-1118.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED will be on sale from May (TBC) with an MSRP guide price of EUR849.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED specifications

Maximum format size DX
Focal length 10-24mm
35mm equivalent focal length

15-36mm

Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C)

109º - 61º

Maximum aperture F3.5-4.5
Minimum aperture F22-29
Lens Construction

• 14 elements/9 groups
• 2 ED glass elements
• 3 aspherical elements

Number of diaphragm blades

7, rounded

Minimum focus 0.24m /0.8 ft
AF motor type Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Focus method Internal
Image stabilization

None

Filter thread 77mm
Supplied accessories*

• 77mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77
• Rear Lens Cap LF-1
• Bayonet Hood HB-23
• Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1118

Weight 460 g (16.2 oz)
Dimensions 83 mm diameter x 87 mm length
(3.3 x 3.4 in)

MTF Charts

Click here to understand the MTF Chart (link to Nikon USA site)

Additional image

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Nikon D5000 DSLR: Announced and Previewed

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 14th April 2009 - Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of a new DSLR for the hobbyist and for family fun: the D5000. Packed with features that make taking pictures easy and fun, this camera stands out above the competition with its unique vari-angle LCD monitor, which allows you to shoot easily from any angle you can imagine.

The D5000 has inherited the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function. Coupled with extensive in-camera editing features, a wide choice of scene modes, 12.3MP sensor and high-sensitivity between ISO 200 and 3200 (which can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent) for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions, this camera makes it easier than ever to take great quality pictures.

View life from a different angle
The D5000’s 2.7-inch vari-angle LCD monitor offers a whole new perspective on photography, allowing you to take pictures easily from any angle. Its flexible, moving screen allows you to position the camera perfectly to suit the angle or shot you’re trying to take - so whether you’re at a concert and you want to get a clear view above the crowd for your shot or you want to take a picture from ground level, you can adjust the vari-angle monitor to give you the best view of your subject. Close it to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. Thanks to Nikon’s ergonomic design values and the downward opening direction of the screen, it will never get in your way, and you’ll be able to maintain a steady grip on the body which will prevent camera shake. The choice is limitless.

D-Movie and Live View
Shooting movie clips with a DSLR will allow you to get really creative. For example, you can change the lens for a new perspective and enhance the emotional impact of your movies using the Picture Control settings before you even start shooting. The D5000 offers D-Movie (with audio) - high-definition movie capture perfectly compatible with the latest television screens and an HDMI output for easy connection. The single button access to the Live View function allows you to view and compose your shot or movie on the vari-angle LCD monitor for optimal framing. When taking still shots, the camera offers four types of contrast AF (wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking) to make capture as easy as possible. In subject tracking AF mode, the camera will even restart tracking the subject once it leaves the frame and then returns, so your target will always be in focus.

Setting the Scene
With a total of 19 scene modes, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of digital photography to take great pictures. Simply turn the dial to ‘scene’, choose the appropriate scene mode setting and the camera will do the rest for you. The camera will even display a sample scene to make the scene selection easier for you. Another easy-to-use feature is the camera’s extensive range of built-in editing function, with which you can edit your pictures and create visual effects in-camera, before you even get to a computer.

There’s more
In addition to all these features, the D5000 is a high quality camera in its own right. With its high-sensitivity 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, Nikon’s innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, it is also perfectly suited to those with a higher level of photographic knowledge. Image quality is guaranteed further by the image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. The different playback options of the D5000 are as enjoyable as they are practical. You can view photos in batches of up to 72, and there is also a calendar view that organises images by date and time. And for serious photo enthusiasts, the D5000 can display a histogram on magnifies areas of the image to facilitate exposure control. It feels good to handle, too, with Nikon’s typically ergonomic design in a compact, light-weight body. Those who shoot pictures in quieter settings will appreciate the new Quiet shooting mode and, the built-in pop-up flash which will automatically detect when the flash is needed. For those on the move, GPS-compatibility with Nikon’s GP-1 unit will come in handy when pinpointing shooting locations as will the HDMI output when you finally want to present your great shots to your family and friends. The Nikon D5000 is compatible with a wide variety of AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses.

Nikon D5000 specifications


Additional images

LCD images