While there are some places left on our ‘Advanced Studio Lighting’ workshop @ Park cameras on March 16th, they are filling up fast.

So if you are considering this course, which is an excellent follow up for our ‘Studio Lighting From The Ground-Up’ workshop, please don’t take too long to secure a place.

For more details or to book: Click Here.

End. (21/02/12).

Nikon has announced updated versions of Nikon ViewNX, which now reaches version 2.3.0, and Nikon Capture NX2 which is updated to version 2.3.1.

I use Capture NX a lot, and like its technical qualities.

Nikon ViewNX comes with a camera and can be used to browse and edit in basic forms both still and movie files.

It includes Nikon Transfer software for trnsfering files when a camera or card reader is attached to a computer. This can of course be deactivated.

End. (20/02/12).

Image © Nikon Corporation

Physically the D800 models are slightly lighter than the D700, not a lot, but it all helps when you carry a decent sized system.

I think as well, the dual storage slot will be most welcome, even more so as both CF and SD cards (one of each), will quite possibly already be in the kit bag with other cameras.

I certainly am pleased. But of course you could not rule out a variant at some stage taking the new XQD cards as in the D4.

Following up from a previous post, where we pointed out the image potential and also potential problems, you can say that this is not a sports or press camera first and foremost. This can be witnessed by the maximum firing rate of 4 fps.

One big move forward (personal opinion), over the D700 is the approximate 100% viewfinder coverage. I use both this method and the rear LCD depending on the job at hand and its circumstance, but the viewfinder on a pro camera surely should be this?

Nikon do make great viewfinders after all. Those of us who have shot with Nikon’s over the decades, will remember when the High Eye Point design we today take for granted was introduced on the Nikon F3HP. It caused quite a stir.

And while on the subject of the D700, it seems to me as if the D800 is not a replacement, but a new class of camera.

By that I mean that keeping the D700 in the line-up with a price adjustment would also make some sense. After all, it’s D3 sensor and high ISO performance are respected. For now at least, the D700 remains available.

Image © Nikon Corporation

Those wanting a bigger camera, and more stable hand held portrait format shooting, will need the new MB-D12. Among other benefits are that it will enable the camera in an emergency to be powered by AA sized cells. It is also possible to reach up to 6 frames per second with the MB-D12 fitted.

Strangely, as it is a feature I probably use once in a blue moon, I like the bracketing button position on the top plate. Got used to it on the D200 (cameras back), and prefer too use Function buttons for other things rather than access this feature, as it does on many other Nikon bodies.

Overall the D800 models handle well, but regular use of course is the only way to tell. More soon.

 End. (17/02/12).

Just to let people know,  tomorrow’s Product Photography workshop with Calumet @ Drummond St has now sold out.

Apologies if you could not reserve a place this time around, we will look to offer another option soon.

End. (14/02/12).

Just a reminder that we are with Calumet in Manchester on February 17th for our ‘Understanding Digital’ course. For more information: Click Here.

We will be back there on March 13th for our popular and informative ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshop. For more information: Click Here.

End. (09/02/12).

As with many big companies, Canon have their share of events they sponsor. Here is today’s announcement:

Canon announced as Official Imaging Partner of British Fashion Council

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 9th February 2012 – Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, is entering an exciting era as a supporter of the UK fashion industry, becoming the Official Imaging Partner for the British Fashion Council.  As part of this new agreement, Canon is also continuing its sponsorship of London Fashion Week for all seasons from 2012 to 2014, and for the first time will also support Vodafone London Fashion Weekend and the British Fashion Awards.

James Leipnik, Chief of Communication, Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Our sponsorship of the British Fashion Council extends our relationship with the fashion industry and support for professional photographers working in fashion. Canon’s passion for the power of the image has a natural affinity with the British Fashion Council’s aim to strengthen the UK’s reputation for developing design excellence.”

Supporting new designers is a key element of Canon’s sponsorship of the fashion industry. The British Fashion Council and Canon are working together to create the Canon Studio, an initiative designed to support emerging designers to develop visual materials and create look books.

At London Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards, Canon will provide a photographers centre, offering a range of support services for all accredited photographers and videographers.  On-site services include minor camera repairs, a camera and lens loan facility and a team of technicians on hand to handle any questions and help with difficulties.

Canon will also be the Digital Showcasing Partner at London Fashion Week, and will be screening content for guests in the Canon Cinema located in the Courtyard Show Space and the Canon Screening Room, located in the Embankment Galleries, situated within Somerset House.

London Fashion Week Spring 2012: 17-22 February 2012
Vodafone London Fashion Weekend: 23-26 February 2012

End. (09/02/12).

Image © Nikon Corporation

The fact that the D800 comes in two versions is interesting, and I think a good thing. But let me say upfront that the majority will be very happy I suspect with the D800.

The D800E comes without its anti aliasing (AA) filter. This helps reduce moire and other problems that can be seen around some fine detail. The optical low pass filter softens the image slightly as a consequence, to reduce the effect.

However, for most uses, and for example people shooting say clothing, or other very intricate patterns, it has long been considered a benefit, as the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.

And let’s be logical, if you have not seen issues in your pictures, that is probably because either the subject and situation is not going to show it, or of course, your existing cameras AA filter is doing it’s job.

And when making that big output print or full page or larger in high quality magazine repro sizes,  that is when the D800’s pixel resolution is really designed to show.

Image © Nikon Corporation

That said, there are other benefits (and potentially some drawbacks), with all these extra pixels beyond this. But that is a story for another day, but which I discuss on some of my workshops.

Bottom line is that most photographers should find more than enough in the D800. Possibly even too much.

However, some medium format cameras or special edition smaller frame models, and occasionally even some normal production run cameras, have not had fitted an AA filter.

This does not therefore smooth detail and loose resolution.

Image © Nikon Corporation

There are areas of photography in both technical and some general use, where that is a definite benefit. If you shoot really detailed landscapes you may find some benefit, but I suspect that the D800E is not going to put the D800 into the shade even here in final use after post capture for most people. And please, if you are going to consider the D800E, or the D800 for that matter, make sure your whole approach matches its potential, so no sloppy hand holding:).

When I look at my medium format camera/back shots taken with no AA filter, they certainly are ‘life’ sharp.  You can argue that post capture, regardless of the D800 model used, you have some correction methods for when you have false colour or too much image detail anyway, so no matter the route there is no wrong answer. It just changes what you start with and take from there as far as the D800 models go.

End. (09/02/12).

One of the official courses I put together and run on behalf of Nikon, is our Close-up Photography workshop.

Just a heads up that only has a very few places remain for the next date.

This takes place on March 23rd at Nikon UK Ltd, and really covers the subject in an informative, inspirational but fun way.

With plenty of practical elements, and many skills you don’t find easily described through other means, all help make it a very rewarding day based on past feedback.

No matter if you only have a basic camera and have not dabbled before, or a specialist outfit and experience, we cater for all on this course.

Alongside, you get to try out some Nikon kit that may help decide if it is for you or not.

This is a fascinating area of photography and I bring real world solutions to support the theory.

For more details or to book: Click Here.

End. (08/02/12).

Today Sigma have announced an update to the SD1 called the SD1 Merrill. This in Sigmas description is a 48mp camera, calculated on the multi layer principle of the Foveon sensor.

Nice touch re the name I thought. Here are the official details but we are still awaiting pricing information:

Image © Sigma Corp

PRESS RELEASE February 2012

SD1 Merrill digital SLR camera
Flagship digital SLR with 46 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Merrill, the latest high resolution and high image quality digital SLR camera featuring a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) FOVEON X3® direct image sensor.

The SIGMA SD1 Merrill is the flagship model which incorporates a full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. It adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body along with buttons and connected parts sealed with O-rings, enhancing the durability as well as preventing dust and water from getting inside the camera. The Dual TRUE II processing engine and DDR III buffer ensure high speed processing of images without lowering the quality. The 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.

About the generation-name “Merrill”
The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality. As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-colour X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA SD1 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3® direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA SD1 Merrill incorporates a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine dedicated to the FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. This improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimensional feel.

Image © Sigma Corp

Advanced DDR III buffer
To handle large volumes of colour data at high speed, the SD1 Merrill uses DDR III buffer memory technology which delivers class-leading performance. The SD1 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second and can capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode.

Intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides intuitive operation. Aperture and shutter speed can be changed by their own dials. The functions such as exposure compensation button and exposure mode button are on top of the body for quick access. A Quick Set (QS) menu lets you easily change commonly used functions

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card and is compatible with UDMA enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 Merrill adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions. Buttons and connected parts are sealed with O-rings to prevent dust and water from getting inside the camera body.

Two-motor system
Using a two-motor system with dedicated motors for mirror-drive and shutter charge reduces the vibration of mirror movement, thereby preventing camera shake. A mirror lock-up mechanism prevents further vibration when the shutter is released. Preventing camera shake is especially important for macro photography and when using ultra-telephoto lenses.

Pentarism viewfinder
The SD1 Merrill features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.95x magnification and an 18mm eye point. Dioptre adjustment is provided over a range of -3 to +1.5.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy. The AF point can be selected automatically or manually.

Four metering modes
The SD1 features 77-segment Evaluative Metering, Centre Weighted Average Metering, Centre Area Metering and Spot Metering. When difficult lighting conditions make appropriate exposure unclear, auto bracketing lets you take a sequence of shots of the same subject at three or five different exposure levels. Bracketing can be set in 1/3EV increments up to ±3EV(3levels) or ±1.7EV(5 levels). The 77-segment AE sensor is coordinated with the 11 AF points to achieves accurate exposure even in difficult lightning conditions.

Dust Protector
Most digital SLR cameras are vulnerable to dust entering the body. If dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor, it may appear in the photos. The lens mount of the SD1 Merrill is equipped with a dust protector and the area around is sealed to prevent dust from entering the body. Even in the unlikely event of dust adhering to the image sensor, the dust protector can be removed easily for sensor cleaning.

Focal Plane shutter
The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has a life cycle of over 100,000 exposures and dramatically reduces generation of dust. The photographer can enjoy taking pictures with confidence that the image sensor is clean and protected from dust or dirt originating inside or outside the camera.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 Merrill camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor which ensures a great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.

Built-in flash with 17mm angle of coverage
The Sigma SD1 Merrill camera’s built-in flash has a guide number of 11 to cover a 17mm lens angle (equivalent to 25.5mm on a 35mm camera). The built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed of up to 1/180 sec. The S-TTL automatic exposure system enables control of advanced flash photography.

Image © Sigma Corp

SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.

The SD1 Merrill will be available in the UK in mid March.

End. (08/02/12).

Image © Nikon Corporation

I know many people flatteringly like my thoughts on such things, but I will start my first thoughts on the D800 and D800E with a few general comments.

First, Nikon deserves a pat on the back getting now two cameras at the pinnacle pro end of their line up, following both the problems in Japan and Thailand last year. That is some achievement and was probably a very good lesson in business organisation.

The D800 models were certainly effected by this.

My next comment is that I think most will have thoughts that can be summed up in three letters…wow! Especially when you look at the price.

But I must also right up front offer a few words of caution.

As many know I have a very established product expertise in this system, based not just on using so many products over decades, but their application in real use as a photographer across numerous genres.

So for example having used the D3x extensively, plus medium format cameras regularly for specific tasks, I can say with some confidence the following; you are going to have to be right at the top of your game if you are to get the best from these cameras, and not in fact cause drawbacks due to the resolution and file sizes.

For example in commercial and some social work, if you don’t have a make up artist and very good lighting skills, every flaw even in great skin can show. That may be too much for the average person shot, unless you really do want warts and all.

Don’t let me put you off, because in people photography, landscape and many others, there is real potential here that when you unlock it in the right way, will make you amazed.

But if your existing cameras are giving you plenty of quality for the way you use your images, do you want the extra post capture workload, and larger file sizes as well? It is a serious question worth asking?

But both in the studio and out on location, these cameras I think are going to please a lot of people both professionals and a significant number of enthusiasts. That said, for many uses and types of photography, there will be other cameras such as the D4 that are better practical solutions.

More to come in these first thoughts, as we consider among others which Nikon may be right for different needs and uses.

But just so you don’t think I am cool to the D800 models, I repeat this is a significant camera launch for many areas where demanding image quality is paramount.

End. (07/02/12).