Just when it looked like things might finally slow down in the rumor mill, this ad pops up. Supposedly from Nikon Japan, Nikon Rumors has reported this, and has a few related posts over on their site. Apparently it says ‘BIG” in Japanese.
If this is a Nikon ad I definatly see them trying to cash in the the mysterious side that Canon was using to get so much press. Cmon Nikon, be original. You got good stuff, don’t copy Canon. Anyways what do you all think this could be? Speak Up.
This weeks Cool Photo Product(s) Of The Week
This weeks gadget comes in various types, but you’ll find plenty of links to various options. The bottom line is that you should ABSOLUTELY have a cable release in your bag.
The release is basically a button that connects to your camera (occasionally wireless, but usually wired) that allows you to trip the shutter, and often allows you to lock it open (using Bulb mode on the camera) for long exposures. It’s also important for long exposures as you don’t have to “touch” the camera.
The lock button is invaluable for night images and if you’ve never done long exposure night photography, you owe it to yourself to try it. It’s pretty amazing what can come out of a camera after a multi-minute exposure. I’ve shot exposures to over 60 minutes with some neat results.
The release is also perfect for the portrait, commercial, or any other type of photographer; allowing you to set the camera on a pod, and shoot without leaning over it. Great for shooting while interacting a subject.
Last but not least I almost always use a release for shooting my HDR sequences because again I don’t have to touch (and thus shake) the camera. So now that you know you want one, here a few options…
Canon RS-80N3: Is what I use. It’s fits most newer Canons, has a lock, and works great. Runs about 50- on B&H
Canon TC-80N3: Is the big brother to the RS80. It runs close to 150- but offer a digital screen with a timer, This is perfect is you plan on a lot of long exposures.
Nikon MC30: This is for most of the Nikon line N90-D3 range. Again at about 50- it’s simple but effective.
Nikon MC36: This is the big brother on the Nikon side. Display, timer, and other cool functions for about 130- Again a good choice to the person who does a lot of long exposures.
Now there’s other models available, some from third parties as well, and also if you shoot other camera brands. Just search around. This is one piece if kit you should not be without.
Update 08.26.08: Rumors are turning up true right and left. USA today let out the dirt on the D90. Most the specs look pretty normal, except this baby also shoots HD video clips. Not a bad add on. Looks like another win for Nikon. Here’s their official press release.
I think most of us are getting a bit tired of rumors, but I always try to keep reader from both Canon & Nikon camps up to date on the bigger ones.
Engadget is reporting on this shot the the Nikon D90 that seems to have been leaked on Targets website. It supposed to sport a 12mp sensor, 3″ lcd, 11 AF points, and ISO 3200. Nothing too earth shaking, but this should be a nice incremental upgrade. Besides, Nikon’s been sending out some pretty crazy stuff lately. They don’t all have to be ground breaking. Do they?
Extension tubes allow you to put a spacer between your lens and your body this giving you a close macro focus distance.
Canon sells these, but there a bit pricey, so I decided to try the Kenko brand. They work great! You still maintain the contacts with the lens so you have all the metering and AF (though manual focus generally works better when your shooting a macro). You aren’t adding any glass in between, so image quality stays good, and the tube attached just like a lens.
Now if your really into macro a dedicated lens would doubtless be better, but these tubes are pretty cool. I just stick a 25mm tube on my lens, and I’m off to the races! I find my 24mm works best on the 50mm range lens.Wider angels don;t seem to like the tube, but I think the 12mm might work better for those.
You can the the whole set of 3 for Canon, or Nikon off Amazon for about 160- bucks (as of writing) Or you can just get one tube and see what you think. If your getting one I’d say start with the 12mm, or 24mm for Canon or Nikon
Here’s a shot I took this morning with a 24mm tube on my Canon 50mm. I’ve always thought macro was cool, this is a great way to play with it and get great results..
<<Click To Listen - Photography Roundtable #8 PPS#48
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Gavin Seim ~ Seim Photography - Effects & Presets
Kerry Garrison ~ Camera Dojo - L7 Studios
Dennis Zerwas ~ DZ Photography
Show notes…
Episode Forum Discussion
Nikon launches the D700, the Sb900 flash, and two new lenses.
A cool article about sharpening in Photoshop
What brides and clients think of photo websites.
Is NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep) doing things right? (@27:10)
The Hassleblad H3d has 50mp. A nice camera.
Boda Bag. Looks interesting, but is it all that great?
Tamrac Modular Accessory Belt is what Gavin uses to carry gear during shoots. He just attaches MAS pouches to it.
Dynamic Photo HDR. A PC only HDR program that looks pretty cool.
Kerry has been reviewing out the Photo Basics Strobe Lights. from photobasics.net
Ken Rockwell has articles on setting up your camera.
Rocket Air for cleaning sensors.
Visable Dust is a popular cleaner for heavy duty cleaning.
Picks of the week.
Kerry Likes the Black Rapid R Strap.
Dennis says Phanfare is now his anti-pick because they have taken away features.
Smugmug is his new most favored one.
Gavin is excited about his MP3 Tape
Canon users think… “What about us”
Nikon just announced the new d700, which will fill in the mid range of Nikon’s pro line that they’ve been lacking for awhile. Some more nice images and details on Engadget.
The 12mp D700 will be shipping with a live view 3-inch display, 51 point auto focus, scene recognition, four-speed active dust reduction, ISO up to 6400, 5 or 8 fps full-res shooting, HDMI out and more.
I‘m a canon user myself, and still waiting for Canon to get me that 5d MK II, but you Nikon user can expect this gem in July for about 3k. Don’t gloat too much though. Canon will be getting us some goodies soon (we hope)
In similar news Nikon has also announced the SB900 flash, and a bit of new glass, including the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D
Gav
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