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November 30, 2008
LetsGoDigital Nikon D300 underwater housing review posted
Our friends at LetsGoDigital.org have made available a comprehensive underwater housing review which should be of interest to our Nikon D300 owners with scuba diving interests.
The review of the Subal ND30 is packed with product images supporting a friendly and informative write-up delivered by Karin Brussaard.
Even if you don't plan on taking your precious D300 underwater, this review is interesting reading because the massive supply of supporting images serve as an insight into the world of underwater photography.
The Subal ND30 is an underwater housing for the Nikon D300 primarily composed of aluminum. It is rated to run your D300 down to 70 meters (210 feet).
Karin's experience with the ND30 was obviously positive, based on one of her summary paragraphs:
"The combination of the Nikon D300 digital SLR camera and the Subal ND30 underwater housing is a dream pair. The Nikon D300 camera is super fast, has many setting possibilities and the 3D auto focus is superb. The Subal underwater housing is of extremely high quality, neatly finished with a good hand-fit."
But, don't just rely on a snippet of her comments-- check out the entire review.
Posted by flashdeadline at 8:19 PM
The Veil Slips: Nikon D3X 24MP Outed in Nikon Pro Mag
The veil finally slipped this week as several UK subscribers to this month's Nikon Pro magazine found an article about the long-speculated replacement to Nikon's FX full-frame camera and alerted us about it.
Seb Rogers, cycling sport photographer, gives details on his blog page and includes scans of the article in question.
So the question remains, what will the market response be to the newest arrival? Surprisingly, some of the vital stats remain quite conservative; the difference between the ground-breaking D3 really appears to be the boosted MP count. Of course, with the gorgeous image quality and the higher ISO, most shooters will welcome the larger reproduction potential. Action shooters may be let down by the relatively humble 5fps (FX) and 7fps (DX) shooting rates. And similar offerings from Canon and Sony have been on the market for a while now. Nonetheless, it's looking to be a very pleasant holiday season for NIkon shooters who have been holding out for this evolutionary model.
Posted by covey22 at 3:20 AM
November 27, 2008
Measuring raw performance
In case you have missed it, DxO (French specialist of noise reduction software, also advertising their products on Nikonians) came out with a new raw format benchmark (dubbed "DxO Mark") some days ago.
What they do is actually not really measuring the performance of the sensor, but rather of the raw format the camera produce - which is probably the single best option you have if you are not going to ignore the firmware sitting behind the sensor.
The benchmark takes three quality metrics into consideration:
1: Color depth
2: Dynamic range and
3: Low-light ISO
and the resulting, aggregated “DxOMark” value (-> infite) for each of the most commonly used DSLR’s including some compact cameras are stored at their website. Right now, the highest DxO Mark of 80.6 is held by Nikon D3
There database, albeit not really too comfortable to navigate IMO and several links are hidden pretty well, allows you to compare various brands side by side as well as to see the top ranked cameras listed.
The list is lead by Nikon D3 followed by the Nikon D700. Third position is held by Canon 1Ds Mark III. This is due to change very soon since new cameras are just right around the corner.
The DxO team has collected and answered some of the questions that were raised after the first week of beta running their site and state they will continue with an open dialog with the photographers.
I think this benchmark moves us in the right direction, allowing for more transparency, making various manufacturers more comparable by objective means.
Posted by bgs at 11:09 AM
ID#80: The Image Doctors
This week, the Image Doctors give their annual holiday gift ideas. Many thanks to Roberts Imaging for sponsoring this week's episode!
Looking for an Image Doctors Episode? Check the show archives here.
Download The Image Doctors #80 (NPC-ID-2008-11-27.m4a; 58:06; 12.4MB; MP4 format)
Show Notes: November 27, 2008
Brought to you by Roberts Imaging, authorized Nikon Professional Dealer.
1:20 Holiday Gift Ideas 2008
40:08 When memory cards go bad
Holiday Shopping Links:
Roberts Imaging
Really Right Stuff
Nikonians Photo Pro Shop
Think Tank Photo
The Photographer's Guide to Capture NX 2.0
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (16.5MB).
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Posted by drjay32 at 8:00 AM
November 25, 2008
The Nikonian magazine free download available
Our latest edition of the official Nikonians community magazine, eZine #40, features reports from the 8th Annual Photo Adventure Trip Yosemite rockslide witnesses and the wrap-up on our Nikonians Team activities at Photokina 2008, in Cologne, Germany.
You can click here for the free download which will come as an almost 4Mb PDF file.
Look for a deadline sensitive reminder (November 30) of the Thanksgiving Special being offered through our Nikonians Photo Pro Shop.
The eZine highlights include reviews of Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro and Think Tank Photo's Airport Airstream international carry-on roller.
We also include:
-- another in a series of macro tips from Steven Shepard (sshepard)
-- updates on our Best of Nikonians - Images 2008 Photo Contest
-- as well as a sneak peek at the start of the 2009 calendar for the Nikonians Academy.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:46 PM
November 24, 2008
Nikonians Business Directory grows steadily
The Nikonians Business Directory, launched in September, has become a popular visitor site since becoming established as the official Nikonians directory service.
Also known as the Nikonians Orange Directory, it is designed to help members and visitors of Nikonians find convenient listings of imaging and photography products and services.
The focus of this service is business oriented, so used equipment sales and private ads are not eligible. Nikonians have access to used equipment postings in our "Want to Buy" and "Want to Sell" discussion areas located in the General Forums.
The Nikonians Orange Directory has been added to the list of benefits for all Nikonians Platinum members, who will have free access to the directory for the duration of their Platinum level memberships.
To be listed in the directory you will find an entry form, upload directions and payment options based on your choice of Business User Account levels.
This just in:
In preparation for the Holiday Season, our Business Directory staff has issued a 3-month free trial offer which expires on December 10, 2008.
To take advantage of this offer, you must have a Business User Account. You can easily create your own account by registering for it online.
After you have registered, please send a short note via email to:
Hendric Schneider -- hendric.schneider (at) nikonians.org
In your email note make sure you include the email address you registered under, so that Hendric can activate your package. Don't forget that deadline is December 10.
Nikonians Platinum members enjoy the benefit of no additional charge because their annual contributions cover the requirement for a Business User Account.
Posted by flashdeadline at 5:05 PM
No On Location this week
The On Location podcast will unfortunately not be out this week. Work and other issues have kept Martin on the heels with regards to photography the past week, and as much as he would love to shoot and record, there simply hasn't been time in the itinerary.
On Location will be back in full force next week. Until then you may enjoy some archived episodes, reading Martin's blog or spend some time cooking up ideas for Martin to cover in the coming episodes. Mail them to him at onlocation@nikonians.org or post them in the Podcast feedback forum.
Posted by martinj at 8:00 AM
November 23, 2008
The D3X -- We are following the rumors and have predicted it
Our Nikon D1/D2/D3 Users Group forums are buzzing with excitement over the prospect of a 24 Megapixel D3X. If you are in the market for this new flagship Nikon DSLR you need to stay tuned to our on-going conversations.
More than 1,800 forum messages have been flagged by our NikoScope search engine in relation to the query: D3X.
The first clues that something is in the works is the average selling price currently offered by the major online retailers. Many are dropping to an average $4,100 from the previous mark that was close to the Nikon MSRP of $4,999 (USD).
We also take a bit of pride in knowing that our co-founders predicted this development over a year ago during a Bo & JRP chat News blog segment.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:54 PM
November 22, 2008
All images from all of Martins videos
Nikonian Martin Joergensen's podcast video supplements are well known in the community. Since some time Martin also provides an automatically created photo gallery of all photographs from his podcasts, neatly ordered by podcast issue.
Posted by bgs at 6:46 PM
Save 50% on a Nikonians Gold Membership
if you buy our Mastering the Nikon D300 book, you save 50% on a Nikonians Gold Membership. Yup, it's that easy - Just use the voucher in the book.
Posted by bgs at 6:19 PM
November 21, 2008
Nikonians Business Cards becoming a hot item
Word has spread on our new "do it yourself" Nikonians Business card templates for Gold and Platinum Members.
The new feature card was offered as a way of thanking our Gold and Platinum members for their support and to help spread thier pride in our community.
The template can be found under "Your Personal Business Card" in the "User Menu" section.
When you use the "Your Personal Business Card" option a card will automatically be generated for you, and you have 72 hours to download it in either a PDF or JPEG version.
For a complete listing of services and features available at all supporting membership levels you can use the same "User Menu" page to compare the Silver, Gold and Platinum packages by clicking on the "Upgrade your membership" link. It will show your current level and provide you with your options.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:49 PM
November 19, 2008
Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Firmware Update
Nikon has released update 5.02 for the SB-900 Flagship Speedlight. The fixes include:
- Improved continuous shooting performance that previously resulted in overexposure
- Fixed mode persistence problems with TTL-A use on CLS/iTTL equipped bodies
Nikon D3 and D300 owners need to make note of the caveats that they should have the latest firmware loaded on their camera bodies before using an SB-900 equipped with this version update. The Speedlight firmware is available for Mac and Windows (NikonUSA Support Site).
Posted by covey22 at 6:32 PM
Canon Rebate Blues
Recent purchasers of Canon equipment may be waiting a while for their rebates. In posts made at popular camera forums, it appears the camera maker's supplier that processes the rebates has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. In contrast, NikonUSA supposedly processes their own rebates in-house but has received mixed reviews regarding turnaround times. See the official Canon statement here.
Posted by covey22 at 6:18 PM
Share your RAW data experience with fellow Nikonians
Nikonians shooting RAW who want to test their workflow procedures and performance have a new - and free - online reference source available.
The website, currently in the beta phase, makes it possible for you to assess the quality of your camera before the impact of any RAW conversion.
By participating in the information exchange, you will be helping to form a reference database to share with fellow Nikonians.
Check the Image Quality database for a look at how your participation will help this site become the "reference" benchmark for RAW information exchange.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:19 PM
November 18, 2008
Nikon D90, can it really make a movie?
Numerous happy D90 users report of its great performance, even above that of the D300. Knowing a little about the Nikon Engineering philosophy, this is not surprising.
So what else can we ask from this camera? Well... can the D90 really make a movie?
See for yourself
Posted by jrp at 7:30 AM
November 17, 2008
The Nikonians On Location #42 - Gung-Ho Editing
Martin Joergensen does a quick run-through his crude editing process and admits to the fact that he is still a Photoshop-man.
Show Notes: November 17, 2008
Martin has tried many of the more workflow-centric photo-editing programs, but always winds up doing most of his image work in good old Photoshop. This episode covers a few of his fairly primitive approaches to editing.
Video supplement:
Some specific examples of the edit-process. All shots are from the vampire session mentioned in the podcast.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #42 (NPC-OLV-2008-11-17; 11:45; flash format)
Music used on today's show:
Less likely to believe by Falling You on Magnatune
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Nikonians Podcast feed to your RSS reader
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!
Posted by martinj at 4:00 PM
November 16, 2008
NIkon D90: The Thom Hogan Review
Thom weighs in on the long-awaited enthusiast replacement DSLR, the Nikon D90. While the still camera functions are a clear improvement over the few flaws of the D80, the HD video function is a long way from displacing current camcorder offerings.
Posted by covey22 at 2:55 AM
November 15, 2008
Nikonians Photo Contest October Winner
Nikonians member Daryl Godkin (dgwpg) from Canada is the Nikonians Photo Contest Winner for October with his image "The Blue Room"
Daryl's image will go on to the contest finals for the Best of Nikonians - 2008 Images
Daryl will receive a PhaseOne Capture One - 4 software package for his October win
Posted by jrp at 7:28 PM
November 14, 2008
Avatars added for our supporting Nikonians
As we approach the milestone 150,000 member mark, a new avatar feature has been added for our Silver, Gold and Platinum members.
As we prepare for the celebrations to mark our Nikonians community reaching 150,000 members, our IT team has added the ability to have an avatar image besides all of your posts
This feature is now available to all our Silver, Gold and Platinum members
To use it, all you need to do is to go into your User Menu area and click on Avatar from the left hand side column menu to upload your image
Images have to be smaller than 150Kb and will be resized to 96x96 pixels if larger. We suggest you upload jpg files, already sized to 96x96 at 72 or 96ppi so quality doesn't deteriorate or distort when resizing it if larger.
Such a square 96x96 image, when compressed at 70% should not be larger than 10-15Kb, which would help for fast downloading of long threads.
The images need to conform with our Terms of Use.
TECH TIP:
During the preparation of this avatar feature, Team Moderator Hal Becker (HBB) noticed his Microsft Windows platform was delivering "a string of MSN 'secure area' messages" every time he went from one window within Nikonians to another.
He solved the problem by logging out of the Nikonians site, checking to make sure Nikonians.org is accepted for popups within MSN and logging back in again. He found that the secure area messages have disappeared.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:21 PM
November 13, 2008
ID#79: The Image Doctors
This week, the Image Doctors interview Tom Hogarty, Product Manager for Adobe Lightroom 2.0. You'll learn all about Adobe's latest version of Lightroom in this podcast.
Looking for an Image Doctors Episode? Check the show archives here.
Download The Image Doctors #79 (NPC-ID-2008-11-13.m4a; 58:06; 14.9MB; MP4 format)
Show Notes: November 13, 2008
1:20 Adobe Lightroom 2.0: Interview with Tom Hogarty of Adobe Systems.
Related Links:
Adobe's website
Adobe TV
Tom Hogarty's Blog
Adobe Labs (where you can get the custom camera calibration profiles)
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (20MB).
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Posted by drjay32 at 12:06 AM
November 11, 2008
Sweet Deal Alert: Nikonians on tap for 40% off on Capture One 4
Phase One has arranged for a special 40% off for all visitors of Nikonians.org & Nikonians.de on purchases of Capture One 4 RAW workflow software.
The Capture One 4 release less than a year ago created a stir in the imaging business, and Phase One has recently announced the release of Capture One 4 Pro (with a tremendous increase in features), but if you've been looking to expand your RAW workflow capabilities at a bargain price, this is a great introduction to the Capture One 4 experience.
Capture One 4 brought us more consistent use of shortcuts, tools and naming. It is compatible with many other popular applications; for example, users can have a seamless workflow with Capture One to process RAW files and other post-production applications to post process images.
New user interface offers maximum space for the images. Images, not sliders and controls, are the focus. A darker background permits easier image viewing and enhancements. As with previous generations of Capture One, a guided workflow is available to assist the photographer in the image enhancement process;
--View and work with up to 12 images simultaneously at full resolution;
--Multiple Variants of a single RAW image can be made with virtually no disk and performance overhead;
--Manage and transfer license codes, so Capture One 4 can be used on one computer one day and on another computer the next.
--Recover details in highlights and shadows with high dynamic range control;
Import and export images in DNG format, for more options to share and archive;
--Powerful new shortcut architecture allows faster image import, adjustment and processing;
To take advantantage of the special Nikonians offer, all you have to do is enter the ordering site here.
You will see your purchasing options in both USD and Euros, along with specific OS platform options.
Once you make your choice you will hit a screen asking for your email address and password. IF you are a Phase One newsletter subscriber, that's what you enter. If you are not, -- go ahead and register for the newsletter, -- you're going to want it anyways to keep up with the newest Phase One news.
Once you have your newsletter subscription entry made, you will get to the screen asking for your payment data . Look for this entry blank:
In that blank fill in the word: Nikonians
Your 40% discount will automatically be applied.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:37 PM
November 10, 2008
The Nikonians On Location #41 - Pragmatic Printing
Seeing your images on print can be very rewarding, and even though many photographers never make prints any more, others say that it ain't a real picture until it's printed.
Show Notes: November 10, 2008
On Location's Martin Joergensen falls somewhere in the category "Is OK with images on a screen, but loves a great print". This week he takes his HP B8850 pigment based A3/13x19" printer through the paces and introduces you to his way of printing - unsophisticated but with great results.
The sound file:
- Outdoors in poor weather
- Selecting images
- Preparing the printer
- Preparing pictures for print
- Printing
- Bye
Video supplement:
The slide show is now ready, showing some examples of the images that Martin selected to print and discussing briefly how to prepare them.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #41 (NPC-OLV-2008-11-10; 7:05; flash format)
Music used on today's show:
Days End with John Williams on Magnatune
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Nikonians Podcast feed to your RSS reader
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!
Posted by martinj at 10:00 PM
Nikonians business cards available for our Gold and Platinum supporting members
Our Gold, Platinum, Team, and Moderator members are now able to access a new feature allowing you to create your own Nikonians business card.
This new feature enables you to promote both yourself and the community.
It's called "Your Personal Business Card" and can be found under your "User Menu."
When you use the "Your Personal Business Card" option a card will automatically be generated for you, and you have 72 hours to download it in either a PDF or JPEG version.
Nikonians co-founders J. Ramón Palacios and Bo Stahlbrandt have made this feature available in conjunction with the newest community motto:
"Nikonians membership - My most important photographic investment, after the
camera."
The business card includes the new motto and our co-founders have sent special notices to those members eligible for the business card feature to consider using it in their forum signature lines.
For a complete listing of services and features available at all supporting membership levels you can use the same "User Menu" page to compare the Silver, Gold and Platinum packages by clicking on the "Upgrade your membership" link. It will show your current level and provide you with your options.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:19 AM
November 9, 2008
Nikonians traveling workshops abound in coming months
Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen is in Tanzania, Africa, for a month-long Academy photo-safari, and before his departure he let us know the plans for traveling workshops in 2009 include some spectacular locations.
Mike's report tells us:
We've been very busy creating new workshops for 2009 and are excited to announce many more travel and destination photography adventures. Our travel workshops have become an incredible success and we've already had a great year of traveling to Yosemite, Moab, Banff and Albuquerque for the big balloon festival. In fact, we have already left for our two photo safaris in Tanzania, Africa. The Nikonians Academy will be there for a month with 23 participants in two different groups. We are going to have a wonderful time photographing all the wildlife and scenery and will post our photographs upon our return in December.
If you are looking for a great adventure in 2009, then head over to the Nikonians Academy website to see our new travel workshops. We'll be heading to:
- Yosemite in Winter. February 19-22, 2009.
- Big Sur and the rugged California Coast. April 16-19, 2009
- Tulip Festival in beautiful Skagit Valley, Washington. April 21-23, 2009
- Triple D Game Farm baby animal photo shoot in Kalispell Montana. May 11-14, 2009
- Yosemite in Spring for waterfalls. May 14-17, 2009
- Mount Rushmore, Badlands and Black Hills, South Dakota, May 20-24, 2009
- Moab, Utah arches and canyons. May 6-9, 2009
- Moab, Utah arches and canyons. October 1-4, 2009
We also have a new format of classes where we will photograph in a beautiful location while teaching two full workshops on the Nikon D300 and Nikon Capture NX 2. Day one of the workshop will be a Nikon D300 class. Day two will be field photography in a beautiful national park or scenic area and day three will teaching how to edit the photographs in Nikon Capture NX These workshops will be taught in:
- Bandelier National Park, Santa Fe, New Mexico. May 12-13, 2009.
- Garden of the Gods, Colorado. September 23-25, 2009
Beyond these fantastic travel workshops, we are still going strong with our "Master Series" of D300, Capure NX 2, Flash Photography and D90 workshops. These are extremely popular and continue to sell out in every city we run them. We should be in a city near you very soon.
For more information, check our Nikonians Academy pages frequently.
Posted by flashdeadline at 4:47 PM
November 5, 2008
Apple Camera Raw 2.3 Now Supports Latest Nikons
Apple's latest update to their Digital Camera Raw decoders now supports the latest Nikon models, including the D90 digital SLR and the Coolpix 6000 flagship compact. DCR 2.3 is available for Aperture 2 and iPhoto 2008.
Posted by covey22 at 3:22 PM
Nikonians Press and Rocky Nook joint venture first book now available
Mastering the Nikon D300 (Rocky Nook, $39.95 USD), by Nikonians author Darrell Young (DigitalDarrell) is now available.
This book surpasses the basic user manual by providing step-by-step menu setting adjustments coupled with illustrations and logical explanations for each option.
Mastering the Nikon D300 is the inaugural title kicking off the Nikonians Press imprint--the exciting, new joint venture between Nikonians and Rocky Nook.
With his friendly and informative manner, Darrell makes the reader feel as if a friend dropped in to share his experience and knowledge while explaining the hows and whys in simple terminology.
The learning experience for D300 beginners (and refresher information for professionals) goes beyond the camera itself, covering additional Nikon equipment, such as the use of optional Speedlights. Frequent references to the user manual provided by Nikon (with specific page references) allow the reader to easily navigate past the confusion that often comes with new equipment.
Topics include:
-Metering systems
-Auto and manual modes
-Custom setting banks
-Histograms and white balance settings
-Shooting menu banks
-Auto and custom settings
-Picture controls and playback menus
-Set up, retouch, and My menus
-Nikon Creative Lighting System
-Tips and tricks and much more
Darrell's book includes samples of D300 photographs provided by members of the Nikonians community, including:
- Victor Newman (vfnewman)
- Mark Amy (Mark Amy)
- Jerric Ramos (jemaerca)
- James "Jay" Miller (jaym)
- Jim Jammer (t1upfme)
- Daniel Stainer (spritualized67)
- William J. Claff (bclaff)
- Alex Rosen (klrbee25)
- Albert Valentino (Valentino)
-J. Ramón Palacios (jrp)
It should be noted that the book includes a 50% discount voucher for a Nikonians Gold Membership. That is a $35.50 USD value.
Coming soon from Nikonians Press and Rocky Nook:
The Nikon Creative Lighting System: Using the SB-600, SB-800, SB-900, and R1C1 Flashes (Paperback) by Nikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen.
Posted by flashdeadline at 2:19 PM
November 4, 2008
The Nikonians On Location #40 - Storage Blues
Martin Joergensen is on location at his computer as well as walking the dog in a nearby park, and talks a bit about image storage problems and how to dig out pictures from the archives.
Show Notes: November 04, 2008
He also mentions the fact that he brings his camera almost everywhere and that he gets some decent shots from those random non-shooting trips.
Video supplement:
During his going though old archives, On Location's Martin Joergensen dug out a bunch of old pictures shot on occasions where he wasn't really out shooting.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #40 (NPC-OLV-2008-11-04; 8:57; flash format)
Music used on today's show:
Sun Break by John Williams on Magnatune
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Nikonians Podcast feed to your RSS reader
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!
Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!
Posted by martinj at 8:28 AM