Nikon D3S on the Edge

Here is a great, exciting example of what the Nikon D3S can produce... and you can take amazing photos and video without hanging by your fingertips.

Nikon | Rock Climbing - Landscape Photography - Digital Photography from Extreme Photo on Vimeo.

Latest 2009 Nikon Digital SLRs

Nikon has announced several new SLR digital cameras with some outstanding elements in 2009. Both Nikon Coolpix compact cameras and the Nikon digital SLRs have new offerings, and as always, Nikon is leading the industry with new functionality while keeping its reputation for excellence.

The three new Nikon DSLRs that have been released are the Nikon D5000, the Nikon D3000 and the Nikon D300s. Each of the three presents superior features at reasonable prices, while the Nikon D5000 and D300s contain some new capabilities not seen before in a Nikon digital SLR.

The most clear benefit of the Nikon D3000 SLR is its value. If you consider yourself an earnest photographer, you should own one or more Nikon DSLR. And at the same cost as an excellent compact camera, a person can purchase the 10.2 MP Nikon D3000. It has a brilliant, 3-inch, high-res LCD that allows viewing across 170-degrees; ISO 1600 for low-light photography; an 11-point auto-focus system; continual shots at up to 3 fps; almost instantaneous shutter release time, plus additional features.


The Nikon D5000 is a great digital SLR for the cost-conscious who expect the best picture resolution (12.3 MP) and attributes that, in the past, you could only find in DSLRs prices significantly higher. The Live View feature gives the capability to view and compose your photo in the bright LCD screen before the shot is taken, and this digital SLR has 4 autofocus modes (e.g. Face-priority AutoFocus) and 11 AF areas. An ultrasonic sensor cleaning system keeps dust and other unwelcome bits from ruining your images.

Nikon's D300s DSLR carries the highest pricetag of these three new Nikon cameras, but for the higher cost it presents the most features. Continuous shots can be taken up to 8 fps, a detailed, hi-resolution, 920K-pixel LCD, and a remarkable 51-point auto-focus, including a scene recognition database built into the camera.

The D5000 and D300s both offer a new capability we have been anticipating for years: Video capture in a Nikon DSLR. The extensive selection of Nikkor lenses that can be used on these cameras will give any photographer the power to compose practically any shot that can be imagined. And with this new feature, an inspired photographer could also turn out to be a brilliant movie director. Making up and capturing extraordinary hi-res, 720P movies are now possible for anyone, and far exceed what can be captured with any compact camera. These two Nikon DSLRs capture video at 24 frames per second, including sound input in stereo.

These new Nikon DSLRs, as well as a multitude of other brands and styles of cameras for any budget, can be ordered from Ritz Camera online. The Nikon D300s and Nikon D3000 can be pre-ordered now, and will be shipping out shortly.

Pre-Order the Nikon D90 Digital SLR

The Nikon D90 SLR digital camera is available for pre-order now at Ritz Camera.

This new DSLR comes with a multitude of improvements, new features and the latest, most-advanced Nikon technology in an atractive, well-built package. It features:

- High-resolution 12.3 Megapixel DX-format CMOS image processor.

- Video recording: Capture 720p compressed video with or without sound

- Live View, allowing photographers to view and compose images in the LCD viewer before the shot is taken

- A large, bright, 3-inch, hi-res (approx. 920,000 pixel) LCD screen with a 170-degree viewing angle

- 11-point autofocus and scene recognition technology

- Fast shooting: 0.15ms power up; 65ms shutter lag, and continuous still frame shooting at 4.5 frames per second

- Extremely low light (ISO 3200) sensitivity

- In-camera image editing

This top-of-the-line digital camera is gives the Nikon D300 a run for its money, and that DSLR sells for almost twice as much.

The Nikon D90 will be shipping very soon, so get your order in early. Although many lenses and accessories are available for the Nikon D90, the camera itself comes in two flavors: Nikon D90 body only & the Nikon D90 with an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens.

---

Tags: Nikon Digital Cameras, Nikon D90, Nikon DSLR, Digital Cameras, Ritz Camera

Preorder the Nikon D700 DSLR

Order the Nikon D700 now! Expected ship date is late July 2008.

Nikon has announced its newest digital SLR, which is available for pre-order at Ritz Camera:

• Nikon D700 Body Only


• Nikon D700 with 24-120mm VR zoom lens

The Nikon D700 is the latest DSLR utilizing the large FX sensor first released in the Nikon D3. With the FX sensor and 12.1 megapixels, the image size and quality is virtually identical to the more expnsive D3, but with other features more comparable to the Nikon D300, the price is significantly lower.

With a suggested retail price close to $3000, the price of the D700 is about midway between the D300 and the D3, and it is meant for professional photographers or serious amateurs. As with most Nikon DSLR's, it boasts a long list of features from the world leader in digital photography technology. The most obvious feature is probably the bright, high-resolution, 3-inch LCD screen. It's "Live View" capability allows composing your shot via the LCD monitor, with two modes depending on the type of shot you want to take: Tripod mode, which is made for complete control and precision focus, and Handheld mode, wherein the camera's autofocus capababilities are active using all 51 autofocus points.

Other notable features of the Nikon D700 include:

• An FX-format, CMOS image sensor that has an area of 36.0mm (h) x 23.9mm (v), approximately the same size as a frame of 35mm film. For compatibility with Nikkor DX format lenses, DX cropping mode will automatically switch to DX format when these lenses are used.


• An extremely wide ISO range with sensitivity from ISO 200 to ISO 6400. In addition, the sensitivity can be technologically enhanced down to ISO 100 and as high as ISO 25,600.


• The Nikon D700's startup time is a mere 12/100ths of a second, with a shutter lag time of 41 milliseconds. With the normal battery pack, the D700 can capture images as 5 frames-per-second, but when the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack (MB-D10) is used, continuous shooting speed can be boost to 8 fps.


• A Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points, with a great deal of flexibility in choosing how many and which autofocus points are active. Fifteen cross-type sensors located in the center enable subject detection with lens apertures as small as f/5.6.


• Four different resonant frequencies are used to clean dust and particulates from the low-pass filter which is attached right in front of the FX image sensor. Cleaning performs automatically, and can also be manually selected.


• Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with extensive dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, the D700 merges pro D-SLR performance with expanded agility.


• The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700's shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.

Nikon D300 - The prosumer's WOW DSLR

Pre-order the Nikon D300 digital camera now at RitzCamera.com

Click image to enlarge (174KB)

You can preorder the new Nikon D300 digital SLR right now at RitzCamera.com. Within hours of the D300's announcement, this camera is already in high demand, with a queue forming in anticipation of the first shipment from Nikon. If you want to ensure that you receive yours by the holidays, you should place your order right away.

---

Nikon D300 in a nutshell; it shares much of the new digital technology in the Nikon D3... Here are the key features of the new Nikon D300 SLR digital camera:

• A 12.3-megapixel DX-Format CMOS image sensor combined with Nikon's EXCEED digital image processing system
• A 3.0-inch 920,000-pixel color LCD monitor with 170-degree viewing angle and tempered-glass protective cover
• High-speed, continuous shooting up to 6 frames per second (up to 8 fps with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Grip/Battery Pack
• 51-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking and three Dynamic AutoFocus modes delivers precise, fast auto-focus
• Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS) gives even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities than previous Nikon models, as well as more intelligent auto white balance detection, and contributes to the faster, more accurate autofocus
• Nikon's dynamic, integrated Dust Reduction System with self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor
• New, advanced picture control settings with 4 preset options (Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome) along with 9 customizable settings
• Magnesium-alloy construction, advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism (tested to 150,000 cycles) give the Nikon D300 high reliability when taking outdoor or real-world shots
• The Nikon D300 should begin shipping in November 2007

---

Nikon U.S.A. has officially announced the Nikon D300, it's most advanced DX-format SLR digital camera to date. Including many of the professional features found in the Nikon D3, the 12.3-effective megapixel D300 offers serious photography prosumers (professionals and advanced, amateur consumers) incredible flexibilty, reliability and performance.

Like the Nikon D3, the D300 includes Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System that maximizes performance in capturing, compressing and storing digital images, while maintaining highest image quality. The Nikon D300 features a newly-designed 51-point autofocus system (with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes), which allows photographers to frame a photograph using the camera’s 3.0-inch, high-resolution, 920K-point LCD monitor.

The Nikon D300 digital SLR can capture an image at the precise moment you want it; it powers up in a lightning-fast 0.13 seconds and reacts with a miniscule 45 millisecond shutter lag time. The D300 can capture frames at 6 fps, and -- with the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack -- can hit 8 frames per second. The D300 can capture up to 100 shots continuously at full 12.3-MP resolution.

The Nikon D300 includes a variety of the newest digital imaging technologies and usability features that noticeably improve the control, performance, and accuracy for serious photographers. The Scene Recognition System helps the D300 locate the subject and interpret the type of scene being photographed. This data is then used to ensure that the autofocus, auto exposure and white balance performs in the best combination without manual intervention by the D300's user. The camera can identify and track moving subjects better, and subsequently can select focus points faster and more accurately.

The D300 DSLR incorporates an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups of 9, 21 or 51 focus points.

Nikon's Picture Control System makes it easy for all users apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered, and choose settings to suit their unique preferences. The system comes with 4 preset options -- Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome -- attributes of which can be easily changed or customized: Sharpness, brightness, saturation and tone compensation. The camera's users can store up to 9 of their own customized settings, and even "export" up to 99 more settings to a CompactFlash memory card, enabling photographers to share settings between different cameras that include this system.

The LiveView feature of the Nikon D300 allows composing subjects on the birght, super hi-res 920,000-dot, 3-inch LCD screen. Tripod mode is gives very precise focus accuracy when the camera is on a tripod or other stable platform. Handheld mode allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional focusing system, which activates focusing immediately when the shutter is pressed.

As with most advanced DSLR's today, the Nikon D300 includes a self-cleaning sensor unit. The optical low-pass filter in front of the CMOS image sensor is vibrated with 4 different resonance frequencies to shake dust and other foreign particles loose.

The D300 is extremely durable, especially relative to lesser-priced digital SLRs; the case is constructed of magnesium alloy, and rubber gaskets and seals are used at critical joints to prevent dust and moisture from entering the camera's body. The D300's LCD is also strengthened with tempered glass to prevent breakage and/or scratching.

The Nikon D300 can be pre-ordered now and will be available from Nikon Authorized Dealers beginning in November 2007. Final pricing has not been set yet, but it's estimated that the price will be around $1,799.95.

For more information:

• Nikon's D300 product page (Flash format)
• Nikon D300 Press Release and specifications

---

Tags: Nikon D300 DSLR, Nikon D300 Digital Camera, Nikon Digital Cameras, New Nikon Cameras, Digital Cameras, Ritz Camera

Nikon D3: A Professional Photographer's New Best Friend

Pre-order the Nikon D3 now at RitzCamera.com

The new Nikon D3 digital SLR is available now for preorder at RitzCamera.com. This camera is already being sought out by professionals wanting to take advantage of the latest digital technology, so if you want to get yours AS SOON AS it's available from Nikon, order as soon as you can.

Ritz will pay your sales tax and shipping on this camera -- and most other photography products -- which could save you hundreds of dollars immediately over many other retailers.

---

Click image to enlarge

As expected, and hot on the heels of Canon's recent announcements for the Canon EOS Mark III and Canon EOS 40D, this morning Nikon has announced the long-awaited Nikon D3 SLR digital camera.

With "rumors" of this camera's imminent release circulating for years, the D3 is finally scheduled to ship in November 2007. The D3 DSLR is slated for the professional photographer, and with the ability to capture shots at 9 fps in full FX-format (11 fps is possible with the 5.1-megapixel DX format) this new Nikon camera is especially suited for sports photographers and photojournalists. Normal setting can reach ISO 6400, but the camera can be set to hit an amazing ISO-equivalent 25,600; for sports photographers, high-quality poster-size enlargements are now possible even for night games.

---

---

With the Nikon D3 clearly being the new flagship of the Nikon DSLR's, there are almost too many features to describe here. Some of the major selling points are:

• 12.1 effective megapixels, and the first Nikon DSLR to use the FX-format CMOS image sensor with 36.0mm (Horiz) x 23.9mm (Vert) image size. Two other images sizes are availble: 5:4 (30mm x 24mm) and DX-format (24mm x 16mm) for faster image capture and recording.
• At the high-quality image setting, light sensitivity ranges from ISO 200 to ISO 6400; for extremely low-light conditions, the D3 can be set to ISO-equivalent 25,600.
• An extremely high-definition (920,000 dot), 3-inch VGA LCD monitor covered with tempered glass and with a 170-degree viewing angle.
• Nikon EXPEED image processing technology, to maximize throughput of image processing, compression and storage.
• High-speed, 12-channel readout allows continuous shooting at approximately 9 fps (frames per second) in full FX format and 5:4. For an extra turbo-charged burst, the Nikon D3 provides continuous shooting at 11 fps in 5.1 megapixel DX format.
• Light weight and strong, magnesium alloy is used for the chassis, the exterior cover, and the mirror box. O-ring seals are used at vital locations to keep out dust and excess moisture.
• New 51-point auto-focus system with 15 cross-type sensors.
• A CF double slot accepts two CompactFlash memory cards... why waste time changing memory cards?
• Quick response with 0.12 second startup time, and a 37 ms shutter-release lag time.

This top-of-the-line camera is designed and built for professionals. As of this writing, the final pricing has not been set. But with a price tag in the thousands, this is not a digital camera for taking shots at little Johnny's next birthday party (unless you want to snap the best birthday photos you've ever taken in your life). For the pro, though, the Nikon D3 DSLR will be the camera to own for 2007.

For more information:

• Nikon's D3 product page
• Nikon D3 Press Release and specifications
• Nikon D3 Product Brochure (PDF)

---

Tags: Nikon D3 DSLR, Nikon D3 Digital Camera, Nikon Digital Cameras, New Nikon Cameras, Digital Cameras, Ritz Camera

Pre-order the Nikon D40X SLR Digital Camera

Click to enlarge image

March 29, 2007 is the official release date of the new Nikon D40X digital camera, but you can preorder this latest DSLR right now at Ritz Camera online.

The Nikon D40X sits halfway between the popular and inexpensive Nikon D40 and the more powerful Nikon D80, both in features and in price. With a body-only price of $730 (est. $800 with a Nikkor 18-55mm lens), the D40X is plenty of camera for a very reasonable price. Its most obvious advantage over its little brother is the 10.2 megapixel CCD - the same as the Nikon D80 - for those who like to blow up their photos to poster size.

Since the number of megapixels is not the most important factor in creating quality digital images (which any experienced photographer knows), Nikon has also migrated many more features down from their higher-end cameras to make both the D40 and the D40X outstanding values:

• A bright, sharp, 230,000-dot, 2.5-inch, TFT LCD with brightness adjustment and 170-degree viewing angle
• Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II, with 420-pixel RGB sensor, delivers automatic, dependable and consistent exposure adjustment for almost any lighting condition
• An advanced, 3-area AutoFocus system that gives fast & precise autofocus
• An AutoFocus-assist illuminator ensures accurate autofocus even in dark conditions
• Eight program settings (Auto, Auto w/Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait) that automatically optimize and adjust tone, color, saturation, hue, white balance and sharpening to match the type of photo being taken
• Near-instantaneous, 0.18-second power-up gives the ability to capture fleeting moments, even when the digital camera is off
• Fast bursts, up to 100 JPEG images in a row, at speeds of 2.5 to 3 frames per second
• Shutter speed control from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second
• A large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification
• Fast image data transfer and recording to (SDHC compliant) SD memory cards up to 4GB
• Rechargeable, long-life Li-ion battery that gives from 450-550 single-frame images before recharging is necessary
• Built-in Flash, plus full support for Nikon's advanced Creative Lighting System

---

Tags: Digital Cameras, Nikon D40X Preorder, Buy Nikon D40X, Nikon D40X, Nikon Digital SLR, Nikon DSLR, Nikon Cameras

Pre-order the Nikon D40 Now

The new Nikon D40, the "entry level" SLR digital camera is available now for pre-order at RitzCamera.com.

The D40 is a lightweight & compact DSLR that emphasizes ease of use; with 8 preprogrammed settings for different shooting conditions, its simplicity -- combined with the high-quality images captured by the 6.1 megapixel CCD sensor and stored by the advanced Image Processing Engine -- makes this the perfect digital SLR for the photographer migrating up from point 'n shoot cameras. Much of the technology in the more expensive D80 and D200 cameras has trickled down to the Nikon D40... the most obvious being the bright, high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera for viewing your shots and accessing all of the menu options.

The D40 is also speedy. It powers up in 0.18 seconds, has no noticeable shutter lag time, and can take up to 100 shots -- storing them as JPG images -- at 2.5 fps (frames per second).

The Nikon D40 is compatible with all Nikon autofocus AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, and is being sold in a bundle for around $599 with Nikon's Picture Project software and an 18-55mm (3X zoom) lens with quality, advanced Nikkor optics including ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lenses that minimize aberration (distortion) to give you the sharpest images possible.

To learn more about the features and specifications of the new Nikon D40, and to pre-order this inexpensive DSLR (which should be shipping in December 2006), visit the Nikon D40 information page at RitzCamera.com.

http://www.camerasonly.com/nikon/d40-preorder.asp

---

Tags: Digital Cameras, Nikon D40 Preorder, Buy Nikon D40, Nikon D40, Nikon Digital SLR,Nikon Cameras

Stunning Photos with the Nikon D80

For those of you haven't visited the stunning Nikon site yet, we highly recommend it. Nikon got 16 photographers together for an online and print ad campaign, and gave them a Nikon D80. (Yes, I feel sick, too.) The photographers all contributed images that were taken with the new Nikon DSLR and also took self portraits in a mirror. (It's a little humorous to see the backwards "nokiN" logos in all of the self portrait shots.)

In addition, some of the photographers participated in a more in-depth "documentary" of sorts; the photographers themselves were filmed and interviewed while they put the Nikon D80 through its paces.

Besides the print ads that are now coming out, Nikon has combined the photographers' work with the D80, the self portraits, and the interviews into a Flash site at http://www.stunningnikon.com/dslr/. And while the photos included on this site are great examples of the amazing images that are possible with this camera (not to mention what can be created when you allow a group of extremely talented people loose), the interviews are my favorite part of the StunningNikon site.

Here's why:

The Nikon D80 digital camera is one of our favorite cameras of the year. Not only does it set a new value point for digital SLR's, but the D80 is feature-rich, lightweight, and takes incredible photos. It is truly a pleasure to photograph with, and this is what the Stunning Nikon film clips and the photographers' interviews demonstrate. To watch them photographing -- spying a shot and then snapping away just a couple of seconds later -- is inspiring. It shows that great shots are all around us if we keep our eyes open, and that, with the right camera, even fleeting shots can be captured easily.

Personally, it makes me want to carry my digital cameras everywhere with me.

---

Tags: Digital Cameras, Digital Photography, Nikon Digital Cameras, Nikon Cameras, Nikon D80, Digital SLR

First Look: Nikon D80 Digital Camera

The new Nikon D80 digital SLR could just be the digital camera value of the year. Built for both professional photographers and serious amateurs, Nikon has taken the lion's share of the impressive digital technology from the extremely popular D2X and Nikon D200, and then cut over 40% off of the D200's street price.

Along with the speculation and pre-release rumors that accompanied the announcement of the D80 in early August 2006, some early reviews have claimed the Nikon D80 SLR digital camera is basically an upgrade to the D70s. While this is one way to look at it, in reality the Nikon D80 is much closer to the D200. The most notable and obvious features should place the D80 at the top of this year's Christmas list for any serious photographer. With a 10.2 megapixel CCD chip and Nikon's high-res image processor, this camera can render and store high-quality images fast. In fact, the Nikon D80 can take continuous shots at 3 fps for up to 100 frames in sequence. The bright, 2.5-inch LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle allows easy review of photos, even when the DSLR isn't directly in front of the photographer. And for those who prefer to compose shots through the viewfinder, the quality optics and 0.94X maginification makes this a pleasure, as well.

You can see more features and the full technical specs of the Nikon D80 digital camera at http://www.ritzcamera.com/static/nikon/d80-review.html.

The new Nikon D80 is destined to be one of the most popular cameras for the rest of the year, so if you want one, you better pre-order it early. RitzCamera.com is already taking orders for the Nikon D80 body only, as well as several packages of the Nikon D80 combined with some of the most popular Nikkor lenses, for even more savings on this digital camera value of the year.

Tags: Digital Cameras, Digital Photography, Nikon Digital Cameras, Nikon Cameras, Nikon D80, Digital SLR