AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

The new high-power zoom DX-NIKKOR lens boasts a focal length range of 16 to 85mm, which makes it ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, including parties and other indoor events as well as building, portrait and scenery shots. When mounted on any DX-format Nikon digital SLR camera, the picture angle is equivalent to that produced by a 24 to 127.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm film or Nikon FX-format camera.

An ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation and complements the compact, lightweight design for superb handling. With dimensions of only Ø72 x 85 mm/Ø2.8 x 3.4 in., this new lens is easy to handle and carry.

Vibration Reduction II incorporated in the lens gives photographers the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise be possible, thereby minimizing image blur caused by camera shake. This enables dramatically sharper handheld shooting at dusk or at night, or even in poorly lit interiors. Nikon’s VR function is incorporated in the lens, providing a stable viewfinder image, which ultimately makes framing and composing a scene far more comfortable and accurate.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests

The new high-performance optical system has been optimized for digital SLRs, with two ED glass elements and three a-spherical lenses that deliver higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating ensures outstanding colour balance and reproduction while greatly reducing ghosting and flare. The rounded 7-blade diaphragm opening gives out-of-focus background elements a more natural appearance. The lens offers a short closest focus distance of 0.38 m/1.3 ft. throughout the entire zoom range.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, a significant addition to the DX-NIKKOR lens lineup, is certain to become a favorite of photographers who seek a high-power zoom that covers a wide-angle range with superior portability.

Notes: DX-NIKKOR lenses are engineered and optimized for use on Nikon DX-format and FX-format digital SLR cameras. When mounted on an FX-format digital SLR, the camera’s DX-Crop Mode is automatically engaged, altering the image capture area accordingly. DX-NIKKOR lenses are not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 [APS] format film cameras.

Specifications, design, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Major Features

• 5.3x zoom lens covering a wide focal range of 16 to 85mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length of 24 to 127.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format)
• Vibration Reduction II enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Optical design optimized for superior performance with Nikon digital SLRs
• ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration while providing higher resolution and superior contrast
• Three a-spherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating achieves superior color reproduction while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
• Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
• Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• 0.38 m/1.3 ft. closest focus distance throughout the entire zoom range
• Accepts 67 mm filter attachments

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

Nikon were one of the first camera manufacturers to design digital-specific lenses matched to the DX sensor size, but then seemed somewhat reluctant to produce a true budget standard 'kit' zoom, finally succumbing with their original 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 to accompany the launch of the D50 in April 2005. This lens was updated to a mark II version with the release of the D40 in November 2006, featuring a new external design and smoother zoom operation. Then barely a year later, they announced a wholly new version, this time equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) unit to combat camera shake; a lens which has now been confirmed as the standard companion to the D60 SLR. This lens is clearly Nikon's response to the widespread adoption of in-body stabilization systems by most other manufacturers (with the notable exception of Canon, whose own stabilized 18-55mm preceded Nikon's by just a few months), and allows them to offer stabilized dSLR kits at budget prices.

The incorporation of VR technology allows photographers to take substantially sharper pictures at slower shutter speeds than previously possible, and according to Nikon's own specifications, speeds up to three stops slower can be used before the image-degrading blur of camera shake becomes apparent. This should allow shooting in a wide range of low-light situations which would previously be impossible.

Changes compared to the non-VR version

As with Canon's 18-55mm IS upgrade, there are rather more changes from the previous Nikon 18-55mm than at first meet the eye. The physical similarity between the lenses masks a multitude of differences; most notably the new lens has a more complex optical formula of 11 elements in 8 groups as compared to 7 elements in 5 groups, and interestingly the new lens loses the Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element of its predecessor. The use of ED elements allows superior correction of image aberrations in simpler lens constructions, and presumably Nikon consider the more complex design of the new lens renders their use superfluous.

Other changes include a modest increase in size, with about 3mm added to the diameter and 6mm to the length, and a 60g increase in weight. As seems to be the current fashion, the smooth black plastic of the old lens has been replaced by a new stippled matte black finish, which resembles magnesium alloy and matches the D60 body. Other differences include a larger rear lens element (20mm vs 15mm), an additional circular flare-cut diaphragm placed in front of the aperture assembly, and new 'Super-Integrated Coatings'. Overall this newcomer is clearly a completely different beast to the old lens, and as the old 18-55mm had an unusually high reputation for image quality (for a kit lens at least), we will be interested to see if the new version maintains this standard.

Headline features

• 27-82.5mm equivalent focal length range
• Optical vibration reduction – 3 stops
• F mount for Nikon DX dSLRS only

D300firmware

Nikon has released firmware v.1.02 for its D300 Digital SLR. The update resolves an issue with vertical banding which (very rarely) can appear in images that have been taken at shutter speeds slower than 8 seconds. Click through for the links to the PC and Macintosh downloads.

About this firmware update
The D300 has two different sets of firmware, A and B. This download upgrades the A firmware to version 1.02 only.
This firmware resolves an issue which, in rare cases, causes vertical bands to appear in images captured at shutter speeds slower than 8 seconds.

How to confirm your cameras current firmware version
If the latest firmware versions are already installed on your D300, you need not proceed with download or installation of this Firmware Upgrade. Current firmware versions can be verified from the Firmware version item in the camera's setup menu.

1.Turn the camera on.
2. Press the MENU button and select Firmware version from the setupmenu. The camera's firmware version will be displayed.
3. Turn the camera off.

Quick guide for download and installing this firmware update
Power the camera from AC adapter unit or use a fully charged battery.

1. Download the software from the link below and extract the firmware file "A3000102.bin" .
2. Format an approved memory card in the camera.
3. Connect the camera to the computer (in MSC Mass Storage USB mode) or use a memory card reader.
4. Copy the firmware file "A3000102.bin" to the top level of the memory card.
5. Disconnect the camera from the computer (if using an memory card reader then insert the memory card to the camera)
6. Turn the camera on, press the "Menu" button, select the SETUP menu and then select "Firmware Ver".
7. Select "Update" and follow the camera's on-screen menus. Do not turn the camera off during upgrade.
8. When a message displays that the upgrade is complete, turn the camera off.
9. Turn the camera on again to confirm that A firmware has successfully been updated to v1.02.

http://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/nikoneurope_en.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=23772&p_created=1201867244&p_sid=*IZZohYi&p_acc

New Sigma 50-150 & 70-200

Sigma today announced two new telephoto zooms - one for APS-C cameras and one for full-frame. The APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM uses no less than four SLD elements in its design to minimize aberrations and HSM focusing to keep the noise down. Internal focus and zoom ensure there is no change to the size of the lens during use. The APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM has a modified layout to improve close-up performance to make better use of the maximum 1:3.5 subject magnification ratio. Pricing and availability are to be announced but click though for specifications.

Large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras and reveals its strength in close-up photography

APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM lens.

This large aperture telephoto zoom lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors and its compact, lightweight body provides freedom of movement and versatility. The minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in. and the high-resolution power layout have improved the strength of the lens in close-up photography. This lens offers a large aperture of F2.8 and its large depth of field offers greater freedom of creative expression. It has a maximum aperture of F2.8. Four SLD glass elements are used for maximum correction of chromatic aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduce flare and ghosting and ensure sharp images throughout the entire zoom range. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming system. As the overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, convenient handling is ensured. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system allows quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override by just rotating the focusing ring. The addition of the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.

Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM Features

• Compact, lightweight, large aperture telephoto zoom lens.
• SLD （Special Low Dispersion） glass elements and the super multi layer lens coating assured high image quality throughout the entire zoom range.
• The new lens design ensures high image quality at the minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in.
• Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with full-time manual focus override.
• Compatible with Sigma 1.4x EX DG and 2x EX DG APO Tele-Converters.

Press release:

Large aperture zoom lens with improved optical performance

APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM.

This large aperture zoom lens has improved optical performance and retains close-up ability with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification ration of 1:3.5. This lens is suitable for taking all type of subjects such as portraits, landscape, and close-up pictures. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and three ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. A removable tripod collar (TS-21) is included as a standard component. When this lens is used with the optional 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters, it becomes a 98-280mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.

Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM Features

• Improved optical performance with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm/39.4in and maximum magnification of 1:3.5.
• Two SLD and three ELD glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations.
• Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting.
• HSM ensures quiet, high speed autofocus with full time manual focusing.
• APO Tele Converter is available.

Tamron builds 'D40-friendly' 18-250

Tamron has announced a new version of its popular 18-250 superzoom with an in-built focus motor evidently aimed at users of Nikon's D40 and D40x DSLRs. These two cameras lack legacy lens support in the form of a mechanical focus coupling - an omission widely criticized due to the reduced range of available lenses. Other specs appear to be unchanged from the existing version. Due to go on sale in Japan on December 13th, pricing and worldwide availability are yet to be announced.

A Compact, Lightweight and Ultimate High Power Zoom Lens Boasting the 13.9X Zoom
Power Designed Exclusively for APS-C Sized Digital SLRs

Mr. Morio Ono, of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced that the company will release the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors with a built-in motor for Nikon (Model A18N II).

The AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is the ultimate high power zoom lens boasting the world’s greatest zoom ratio* of 13.9X, a milestone that Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, has achieved by commanding its technologies to further expand the capabilities of high power zoom lenses.

Nikon ViewNX 1.0.3

What's New?

Modifications enabled with Ver. 1.0.3 (Mac OS):

• A thumbnail of the first frame of .MOV, .AVI, .WMV, and MPEG-1 movie files recorded by Nikon digital cameras, or created with a Nikon application, is now displayed in Thumbnail Grid mode. In addition, an icon indicating that the file is a movie is displayed at the bottom of movie thumbnails.
• Playback of .MOV, AVI, WMV, and MPEG-1 movie files recorded by Nikon digital cameras, or created with a Nikon application is now possible in the image view area.
• New Folder, Delete, and Output (Convert Files…, Email…, Print…, SlideShow…) options have been added to the Thumbnail area context menu* in Thumbnail Grid and Image Viewer modes.
• Delete, Output (Convert Files…, Email…, Print…), Next, and Previous options have been added to the Image View area context menu* in Image Viewer mode.
• A Copy Camera Settings option has been added to the Camera Settings palette context menu*. This option copies camera settings to the computer’s clipboard.
• Items in the Camera Settings tab of the Camera Settings palette have been rearranged for increased clarity. Camera Settings: File, Camera, Exposure, Flash, Image Settings, Picture Control, Optimize Image, GPS. However, as camera settings may differ depending upon the selected image file, all of the items listed above may not be displayed.
• When multiple images are selected in the Thumbnail area of Thumbnail Grid mode, the total file size of all selected images is now displayed in the status bar.
• An Eject option has been added to the Folder palette context menu*.
• When the Folder palette is displayed, you can now use the TAB key to switch between the Folder palette and Thumbnail area.
• Operation has been changed with multiple display systems so that Full Screen mode is now displayed on the primary monitor.
• When image files with which IPTC information had been embedded using a third-party application, such as Adobe Photoshop CS3, were opened in ViewNX, ViewNX quit unexpectedly. This issue has been resolved.
• Compensation to correct for loss of marginal lumination is now automatically applied to RAW images captured with the D3 and the following lenses:

  • AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
  • AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f / 2.8D IF-ED
• When camera settings for images captured with the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D were displayed, "G" was sometimes displayed in the lens name despite the fact that this is a D-type lens. This issue has been resolved.
• When Show file information was enabled (checked) for slideshows, image shutter speed and aperture settings were not displayed. This issue has been resolved.
  *A context menu is the menu displayed when the CONTROL button is held down and the mouse button is clicked on a Macintosh.

Modifications enabled with Ver. 1.0.3:

• A thumbnail of the first frame of .MOV, .AVI, .WMV, and MPEG-1 movie files recorded by Nikon digital cameras, or created with a Nikon application, is now displayed in Thumbnail Grid mode. In addition, an icon indicating that the file is a movie is displayed at the bottom of movie thumbnails.
• Playback of .MOV, AVI, WMV, and MPEG-1 movie files recorded by Nikon digital cameras, or created with a Nikon application is now possible in the image view area.
• When images are selected and drag and drop operation is performed holding right mouse button down, a menu displaying Copy Here, Move Here, and Cancel options is now displayed at the destination.
• Images displayed in Full Screen mode can now be moved to the Recycle Bin by pressing the DELETE key on the keyboard.
• New Folder, Delete, and Output (Convert Files…, Email…, Print…, SlideShow…) options have been added to the Thumbnail area context menu* in Thumbnail Grid and Image Viewer modes.
• Delete, Output (Convert Files…, Email…, Print…), Next, and Previous options have been added to the Image View area context menu* in Image Viewer mode.
• A Copy Camera Settings option has been added to the Camera Settings palette context menu*. This option copies camera settings to the computer’s clipboard.
• Items in the Camera Settings tab of the Camera Settings palette have been rearranged for increased clarity. Camera Settings: File, Camera, Exposure, Flash, Image Settings, Picture Control, Optimize Image, GPS. However, as camera settings may differ depending upon the selected image file, all of the items listed above may not be displayed.
• When multiple images are selected in the Thumbnail area of Thumbnail Grid mode, the total file size of all selected images is now displayed in the status bar.
• An Eject option has been added to the Folder palette context menu*.
• When the Folder palette is displayed, you can now use the TAB key to switch between the Folder palette and Thumbnail area.
• Operation has been changed with multiple display systems so that Full Screen mode is now displayed on the primary monitor.
• When image files with which IPTC information had been embedded using a third-party application, such as Adobe Photoshop CS3, were opened in ViewNX, ViewNX quit unexpectedly. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that prevented proper installation of ViewNX to systems to which certain software had been installed has been resolved.
• When certain software was installed after ViewNX had been installed, ViewNX failed to start properly. This issue has been resolved.
• Compensation to correct for loss of marginal lumination is now automatically applied to RAW images captured with the D3 and the following lenses:

  • AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
  • AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f / 2.8D IF-ED
• When camera settings for images captured with the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D were displayed, "G" was sometimes displayed in the lens name despite the fact that this is a D-type lens. This issue has been resolved.
• When Show file information was enabled (checked) for slideshows, image shutter speed and aperture settings were not displayed. This issue has been resolved.

Click here for further information or to download Nikon ViewNX 1.0.3 (Mac OS)

Click here for further information or to download Nikon ViewNX 1.0.3 (Windows)

Nikon D300

Just under two years since the D200 Nikon reveals the D300, the range of changes is so significant that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call it a 'compact D3' (less the full-frame sensor of course). From the top there's a new CMOS sensor with twelve megapixels, a new auto-focus sensor with 51-points (15 of which are cross-type sensitive), there's focus tracking by color, scene recognition, Picture Control presets, six frames per second continuous shooting (or eight frames per second with a battery pack), Compact Flash UDMA support, Live View (with contrast detect AF) and the mighty impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor (oh and HDMI video output). It's an impressive list, the D200 was a fair step up from the D100, the D300 can be seen as just as big a step, certainly more than enough to make the competition sweat.

Model line history

Model	Announced	Effective pixels	Auto focus	Continuous highest (JPEG)	LCD monitor
D100	Feb 2002	6.0 mp	5 point	3.0 fps, 6 frames	1.8", 120K pixels
D200	Nov 2005	10.2 mp	11 point	5.0 fps, 37 frames	2.5" 230K pixels
D300	Aug 2007	12.3 mp	51 point	6.0/8.0 fps, 9 frames	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View

Nikon D300 Key Features

• 12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
• ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
• 14-bit A/D conversion
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
• Shutter life 150,000 exposures
• New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
• Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
• Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
• Buttons sealed against moisture
• Available November 2007

Nikon D300 vs. D200 feature and specification differences

	Nikon D300	Nikon D200
Sensor	• 12.3 million effective pixel CMOS • DX format	• 10.2 million effective pixel CCD • DX format
A/D converter	14-bit	12-bit
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED	Unspecified
Image sizes	• 4288 x 2848 • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424	• 3872 x 2592 • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296
RAW files	NEF / Compressed NEF 14-bit	NEF 12-bit
TIFF files	Yes	No
Dust reduction	Self-cleaning sensor unit	No
Auto focus	• 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX • 15 cross-type sensors • Contrast detect in Live View mode	• 11-point Multi-CAM 1000
Focus tracking by color	Yes	No
AF area mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF	• Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Group Dynamic AF • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 200 - 3200 • Boost: ISO 100 - 6400 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps	• Default: ISO 100 - 1600 • Boost: Up to ISO 3200 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Continuous shooting	• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps	5 fps
Image Parameters	• Picture Control (4 presets) • Sharpening • Contrast • Brightness • Saturation • Hue	• Presets (6 presets) • Sharpening • Tone • Color mode • Saturation • Hue
Active D-Lighting	Yes (also adjusts exposure)	No
Viewfinder	100% frame coverage	95% frame coverage
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels	• 2.5 " TFT LCD • 230,000 pixels
LCD Live View	• Handheld mode (phase detect AF) • Tripod mode (contrast detect AF)	No
Compact Flash	Type I / II (UDMA support)	Type I / II
Vertical grip	MB-D10	MB-D200
Video output	HDMI (HD)	Composite (SD)
Menu languages	14	13
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)	147 x 113 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)	825 g (1.82 lb)	830 g (1.8 lb)

More info at here