Daily Digital Camera News

PocketWizard has recently introduced its MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver for the Nikon DSLR camera system at PhotoPlus Expo in New York City (October 28th – 30th, 2010). Measuring 2.8-inch x 1.9-inch x 1.3-inch, the Nikon-system PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter is a tiny, low-profile unit that slides into the camera’s hot shoe. Meanwhile, the FlexTT5 Transceiver is also low-profile but slightly larger transceiver that measures 3.6-inch x 2.9-inch x 1.4-inch. Both devices take the complex TTL exposure data being sent through the camera’s hot shoe and digitally transmit it as a reliable radio signal. Perfect for commercial, wedding, sports, fashion photography and so much more, the MiniTT1 Transmitter and FlexTT5 Transceiver can be used to control single or multiple off-camera Nikon i-TTL flash units at speeds up to 6fps and faster. [PhotographyBLOG]

Nikon has released a firmware update for the Nikon Coolpix P90 digital superzoom camera. The new firmware version 1.1 fixes an issue with image capture that occurred in single-shot mode with manual focus and distortion control enabled. The firmware version 1.1 for Nikon Coolpix P90 is available for Windows and Macintosh. [Nikon]

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II lens is a fast telephoto lens that adopts the second generation Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), which provides compensation equivalent to a shutter speed four stops faster, making it easier to capture sharp images during hand-held shooting. The Silent Wave Motor (SMW) ensures quiet and accurate autofocus performance, so it won’t disturb the subject or event. The lens construction of 13 elements in nine groups with three ED glass and one Super ED glass elements, together with Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal Coat, ensures highest-quality images. The ED glass construction offers sharp and contrast-rich images, while the Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare, meaning the lens can be used with confidence, even when shooting into bright light. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II lens also features three focus modes (A/M, M/A and M) and a Tripod Detection Mode, which automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod. The lens is fully compatible with all current Nikon teleconverters, increasing its versatility by allowing for extended tele reach. The AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II will be released in October 2010 for an MSRP of US$5,999.95. Each purchase comes equipped with a lens hood HK-31, a tripod-mount, a drop-in filter holder and a high quality ballistic nylon case CL-L1 in the style of a shoulder bag. [Nikon USA]

Nikon has released the D7000 mid-class DX-format DSLR camera with a compact body loaded with a number of advanced functions. Housed in a magnesium alloy body, the feature-rich camera incorporates a 16.2Mp CMOS sensor, a faster “Expeed 2″-branded processor, a 3.0-inch LCD display and the D-Movie function that enables recording of full HD movies. The Nikon D7000 also features the company’s latest 39-point AF system with 3D tracking and 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor. The Nikon D7000 with the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR kit lens will be available in October 2010 at a retail price of $1499. Find out more pictures after the jump. Read more…

Nikon has proudly introduced the new Speedlight SB-700 external flash unit that incorporates functions inherited from the SB-900, which has been so well received by professional and advanced amateur digital-SLR camera users, in a smaller size comparable to the SB-600. The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 comes with a multi-step zooming head, covering the angle-of-view range of a 24-120mm lens in FX format. What’s more, the new Nikon SB-700 also incorporates FX/DX-format identification that optimizes zoom settings based on the user’s camera body. The flash supports Nikon’s wireless TTL operation and can also be set up as a commander unit or a remote slave. The Nikon SB-700 also offers a new Quick Wireless Mode with A:B (light ratios) for quick setting of multiple flash units. The recycle time of the SB-700 is approximately 2.5 seconds for full power with NiMH batteries, or approximately 3.0 seconds with AA Alkaline batteries. Nikon will launch the Speedlight SB-700 in mid-November 2010 for $329.95 each. [Nikon]

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4 lens combines a versatile 35mm perspective with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, and completes the lineup of f/1.4G lenses announced in the past year, including the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G and the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G. The lens is made up of 10 elements in seven groups, including one aspherical glass element. It comes in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body and incorporates the company’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quieter auto-focusing, along with Nano-Crystal coating to reduce flare. The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot handheld in low-light and provides dramatic separation between subject and a softened background. This classic wide-angle also provides photographers with an intimate lens perfect for weddings, architecture, travel and photo journalism whether shooting high quality still photographs or video capture using Nikon’s D-Movie feature.

When mounted on a Nikon DX-format or an FX-format D-SLR within the DX Crop Mode, the 35mm f/1.4 has an angle of view that is equivalent to a focal length of 52.5mm in FX/35mm format. A Rear Focus (RF) system provides smooth and fast autofocus while eliminating front barrel rotation and two focus modes are available — M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus). A refined manual focus driving mechanism is adopted to reduce focus time lag and improve operational ease in M/A mode. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens will be available in mid-November 2010 for $1799.95 a pop. [Nikon]