A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Reviews of photography products that enhance the enjoyment of taking pictures. Published frequently but irregularly.
6 August 2013
Nikon has introduced four new products, including a new 18-140mm zoom for DX-format dSLRs, two new digicams and a lightweight speedlight. Three of the products are available for pre-order with units shipping at the end of the month.
- Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6G -- A 27-210mm 35mm-equivalent zoom range for DX dSLRs with image stablization and a Silent Wave motor. $595.95
- Coolpix L620 -- A compact, stabilized 14x zoom with a backside illumination, 18.1-Mp CMOS sensor that shoots 1920x1080/60i video using AA batteries. $246.95
- Coolpix S6600 -- A 16-Mp CMOS sensor with a stabilized 2x zoom focusing as close as two centimeters in Macro mode with built-in WiFi and an articulated screen that responds to gesture control.
- Nikon SB-300 -- Powered by AAA batteries with i-TTL control and a guide number of 59 feet at ISO 100 and a head that tiles 120 degrees. $146.95
Further details are in the press releases below.
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6-GB ED VR
An approximately 7.8x high-power normal zoom lens compatible with the Nikon DX format covering a broad range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6-GB ED VR, an approximately 7.8x high-power normal zoom lens compatible with Nikon DX-format dSLR cameras.
The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6-GB ED VR high-power normal zoom lens covers the frequently used wide-angle 18mm to telephoto 140mm (equivalent to 27-210mm in 35mm format) range of focal lengths, making it the perfect lens for a wide variety of scenes, from everyday snapshots to vacation portraits and landscapes. It is constructed of one ED lens element and one aspherical lens element for excellent optical performance that makes superior image quality and clear rendering possible throughout the entire zoom range. Further, the lens is equipped with the vibration reduction function for camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster. The benefits of this function are maximized even when used with a dSLR camera boasting a high pixel count for excellent definition and superior rendering. It is also equipped with a Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocusing. This single lens, with its high-power zoom and excellent portability make it easy to use with a wide variety of photographic scenes and situations.
*Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. Measurement performed using a DX-format dSLR camera at the maximum telephoto position.
AF-S Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6-GB ED VR Primary Features
- An 18-140mm, approximately 7.8x high-power normal zoom lens compatible with Nikon DX-format dSLR cameras
- An ED lens element and an aspherical lens element for optical design that achieves superior image quality and sharp rendering
- Equipped with the vibration reduction function for camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops faster
- Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor for extremely quiet autofocusing
- A maximum diameter of approximately 78mm, length of approximately 97mm and weight of approximately 490 g makes it small and light enough to take anywhere.
Digital Compact Camera Nikon Coolpix L620
A high-power zoom compact model equipped with a backside illumination CMOS sensor and 14x optical zoom Nikkor lens for simple capture of high-quality images at telephoto zoom positions or in dimly lit surroundings
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the L620. Coolpix L-series cameras are easy to use and equipped with functions that make photography enjoyable.
The L620 is a high-power zoom compact camera equipped with a backside illumination CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 18.1-million pixels that enables capture of images exhibiting little noise at the high sensitivities required for night landscapes and pictures taken indoors under dim lighting. The camera is also equipped with a 14x optical zoom Nikkor lens with a built-in lens-shift vibration reduction function. The L620 also offers a number of advanced functions that enable simple capture of images as intended. Among these are Target Finding AF, with which the user need simply point the camera at the intended subject and the camera immediately identifies and focuses on the subject, Easy Auto mode, with which the camera automatically identifies the scene and shooting conditions to apply the optimal scene mode, an advanced red-eye correction function and functions for recording movies.
Primary Features
Backside illumination CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 18.1-million pixels enables capture of images exhibiting little noise at the high sensitivities required for night landscapes and pictures taken indoors under dim lighting
The L620 has an effective pixel count of 18.1-million pixels. It is equipped with a backside illumination CMOS sensor with which each pixel receives light more efficiently for superior high-speed processing performance. The image overlay and advanced noise reduction technologies made possible by this CMOS sensor enable capture of photos as intended, with little blur caused by camera shake, even with shooting in dimly lit situations or places, including night landscapes and indoors.
A 14x optical zoom Nikkor lens that covers the wide-angle 25mm to telephoto 350mm (equivalents in 35mm format) range of focal lengths
The L620 is equipped with a 14x optical zoom lens with built-in lens-shift vibration reduction. With coverage for a broad range of focal lengths, from the wide-angle 25mm to the telephoto 350mm (equivalents in 35mm format), the camera's lens supports wide-angle shooting needed for landscapes and group photos and is also able to bring distant subjects closer with telephoto shooting. In addition, the lens is able to focus on subjects as close as approximately 1 cm to the center of the lens for macro photography of flowers and food. This lens allows users to capture beautiful images of a wide variety of everyday scenes with hand-held shooting.
Automatic functions for simple capture of images as intended and a variety of editing functions
The L620 is equipped with a number of auto functions that make shooting easy without applying difficult settings. Among these are Target Finding AF, with which the user need simply point the camera at the intended subject and the camera focuses on the optimal subject and Easy Auto mode, with which the camera automatically identifies the scene and shooting conditions to apply the optimal scene mode (1 of 10). It also offers a number of fun and easy automatic functions, such as 6 Special Effects that can be applied prior to shooting to achieve a desired effect, 8 Filter Effects that can be applied in-camera to photos that have already been taken and red-eye correction that functions for up to 12 people and 5 pets (dogs and cats) in a single image.
Recording of 1920x1080/60i movies with stereo sound
1920x1080/60i movies with stereo sound can be recorded by simply pressing the camera's movie-record button. The L620 also offers an HS Movie function that can be applied to record movies that play back in slow motion at 1/2 normal speed for more dramatic movies or high speed at twice the speed of normal playback. Movies recorded with the camera can also be played back on a TV by connecting the camera to the TV's HDMI port. Support for the CEC feature for HDMI enables playback control via the TV's remote control.
A compact body that combines simple operation and beautiful design
The L620 inherits its design from the L610. This includes a grip with a shape and texture that offers a firm hold, a layout utilizing large buttons that are easy to use and elegant metallic parts. The camera is available in 2 colors, black and red.
Powered by AA batteries readily available almost anywhere
The camera supports convenient alkaline and lithium AA batteries that do not require the time and forethought necessary with rechargeable batteries. When using the camera away from home, support for these batteries that may be purchased anywhere enables worry-free shooting, even if batteries are exhausted.
Digital Compact Camera Nikon Coolpix S6600
A compact camera offering high-power zoom and vari-angle monitor for shooting from any angle
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the S6600, the first Coolpix S-series model equipped with a vari-angle monitor.
As the first Coolpix S-series model equipped with a side-hinged vari-angle monitor, the S6600 is capable of flexible shooting, from low angles to high and even self portraits. It is also equipped with a Gesture Control function that allows the user to control the camera remotely by moving their hand when taking self portraits. The camera is equipped with a backside illumination CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 16.0-million pixels that enables very little noise in images captured at high sensitivities, a lens-shift vibration reduction function and a 12x optical zoom Nikkor lens with a closest focusing distance of just 2 cm for macro photography. With built-in WiFi , users can easily transfer images to smart devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Primary Features
A vari-angle monitor that enables operation using gestures
The S6600 is the first Coolpix S-series camera to be equipped with a vari-angle monitor. A side-hinged vari-angle monitor has been adopted for the slim body, enabling flexible shooting from any angle, whether low or high and even self portraits. In addition, Gesture Control recognizes the palm of the hand when the monitor is rotated to face the user, making it possible for users to perform a number of operations, including releasing the shutter and zooming in and out by simply moving their hand toward the appropriate icon displayed in the monitor. This function can also be used with movie recording.
Built-in WiFi that makes connecting with others more fun through easy communications with smart devices
With built-in WiFi , users can easily transfer* images to smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. Users can easily share high-quality still images captured with the S6600 with friends and family by uploading them to social networking sites. Smart devices can also be used for remote shooting, which is convenient for group photos. In addition, location information acquired by smart devices can be added to images when they are downloaded from the camera.
*The Wireless Mobile Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).
Excellent basic performance for capture of images with superior image quality and detail
The camera is equipped with a 12x optical zoom Nikkor lens that covers the wide-angle 25mm to 300mm (equivalent focal lengths in 35mm format) range of focal lengths and offers a built-in lens-shift vibration reduction function. The lens also supports macro photography with shooting as close as 2 cm to the lens.
It has an effective pixel count of 16.0-million pixels. The camera is also equipped with an amazing backside illumination CMOS sensor with which each pixel receives light more efficiently for superior high-speed processing performance. This enables capture of images exhibiting little noise at the high sensitivities required for low-light situations such as night landscapes and indoor shooting.
A wide variety of shooting functions for capturing decisive moments
The camera is also equipped with a number of advanced functions that enable capture of decisive moments so users will never miss a photo opportunity. Among these functions are Target Finding AF, where the user need simply point the camera at the desired subject and the camera instantly predicts and focuses on the intended subject, automatically specifying focus area and focus area size, Scene Auto Selector, which automatically specifies the optimal scene mode and Smile Timer (Continuous), with which the camera detects smiles and captures up to 5 images continuously so that the perfect smile is never lost.
Shooting and retouch functions, including advanced red-eye correction and 8 Glamour Retouch options
The red-eye correction function is also capable of natural correction of the red-eye phenomenon for pets such as dogs and cats and the eight Glamour Retouch options allow users to retouch images to create memorable portraits to emphasize a person's image and expression.
In addition, Special Effects (applied with shooting) and Quick Effects (applied immediately after shooting or with image playback) have been improved to enable capture of images as intended with simple operation. Among these improvements are the Mirror special effect, which creates a bilaterally symmetric image with which the right half is an inverted mirror image of the left half and the new Soft Portrait quick effect, which allows users to blur the background to emphasize a human subject.
Recording of movies with superior picture quality and stereo sound with the press of a button
1920x1080/ 60i movies with superior picture quality and stereo sound can be recorded by simply pressing the camera's movie-record button. In addition, the S6600 offers a movie pause function, with which recording of a single movie file can be paused and then restarted (within 5 minutes). By saving multiple scenes recorded intermittently to eliminate unwanted portions as a single file, users can enjoy playing back one continuous movie. There is also a function for preserving only the desired portion of a movie file.
Nikon Speedlight SB-300
A compact and lightweight Speedlight that is easy to use
TOKYO -- Nikon Corp. is pleased to announce the release of the SB-300, a compact and lightweight Speedlight that can easily be taken anywhere.
The SB-300 is a compact and lightweight Speedlight that can be rotated up to 120 degrees for bounce flash photography. It is compatible with Nikon FX-format and DX-format dSLR cameras, as well as Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras that support i-TTL flash control. The SB-300 expands the ways in which users enjoy photography, providing lighting capability not possible with a built-in flash.
Primary Features
The flash head can be tilted up 120 degrees for excellent bounce flash performance
The flash head can be tilted up 120 degrees for bounce flash photography. When shooting indoors, light from the flash can be reflected off walls and ceilings for softer lighting of the subject and more natural photos.
A compact and lightweight design that is extremely portable
Measuring approximately 57.4x65.4x62.3mm (W x H x D) and weighing approximately 97 grams, the compact and lightweight, extremely portable design makes it possible for users to enjoy more creative lighting expression just about anywhere. Furthermore, the SB-300 can be powered by AAA alkaline batteries or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries.
Simple operation
Developed for use by even those using an external flash for the first time, simply turning the SB-300 on enables flash photography. i-TTL flash control provides automatic control over flash output level for optimal results under a variety of lighting conditions.
Additional Features, Functions
- Guide number: 18/59 (ISO 100, m/ft)
- FV lock function with which flash volume is determined based on monitor flashes and saved so that composition may be changed while maintaining the flash value (not supported by D5200, D5100, D5000, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60 or D40-series cameras; among COOLPIX cameras, only supported by the COOLPIX A)
- Flash color temperature information communication transmits flash color temperature information to the camera for optimal white balance control when a digital-SLR camera is used.