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August 31, 2010
Nikonians Academy in the UK
After the first hours of operation, Nikonians Academy in the UK have been selling a substantial number of seats of the popular Nikon camera body and Nikon iTTL/CLS workshops in Manchester, Birmingham and London. The customers, typically amateur photographers of all calibers, but also pro's are paying an introductory price of 150 EUR (ca 123 GBP) for a full day, information-loaded course.
The first courses: Master your Nikon D300/D300s in depth and Master your Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash are running in London October 2nd and October 3rd 2010 and all courses are of course open to all Nikonians from all over the world, not only for Nikonians living in the United Kingdom.
These first workshops are followed shortly by the Master your Nikon D90 & D80 on October 16th and another chance to get to know your i-TTL flash system inside out on October 17th. The venue for these courses is also London.
At the end of October, on the 30th and 31st, Manchester follows with photography workshops on D300/D300s and iTTL/CLS.
For the ones of us with Nikon D700 and Nikon D3's (including the D3S and D3X), we are running workshops in all three cities in November.
Posted by bgs at 2:14 PM
August 29, 2010
Nikonians News Flash Extra #12
Today on News Flash Extra, Ray speaks with Jack Howard. Jack is a New Jersey based photographer, author, podcastor and photographic educator. Topics of conversation include Jack's photo bio and his new book, Practical HDRI 2nd Edition.
Download Nikonians News Flash Extra #12 (NPC-NF-2010-08-29.mp3;
15:40; 14.3MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes for 8/29/2010
-Jack Howard's photographic biography
-Director of New and Social Media for Adorama Camera Podcasts and more
Practical HDRI 2nd Edition
-HDRI webcast
-Adobe Photoshop CS5
-Demo HDRI videos
For information on local Nikonians Chapters email here
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by rayvaldovinos at 7:12 PM
August 27, 2010
Aug 31st Nikonians Academy launches in Europe
Driven by the strong demand for professional camera and equipment workshops, Nikonians Academy launches its European chapter August 31st 2010. We are starting out with courses in London, Birmingham and Manchester, UK. Shortly thereafter followed by courses in Amsterdam (NL), Brussels (BE) and throughout Germany.
The first courses take place in London, UK early October 2010, focusing on the Nikon DSLR's D300/D300s, Nikon D80/D90, Nikon D700/D3 and Creative Lighting & iTTL. The price is expected to be ca 125 GBP incl VAT for a full day of information loaded, hands-on training.
More information with booking possibility from August 31st onwards, so stay tuned :-)
The Nikonians Academy Team
Posted by bgs at 5:08 PM
August 25, 2010
The best shooting locations
The Nikonians Good Locations site shows you good shooting locations across the world. The locations are shared by other members of the community using their iPhones. The iPhone app is free and very easy to use.
The Good Locations site allows you to easily search for locations by selecting a part of the global map, or to search for location names and contributors. You can also edit your own contributions, modify their description and change their location - if wrongly tagged.
The Good Locations site is a part of the Share, Learn and Inspire program by Nikonians, where users help each other becoming better photographers.
The Good Locations iPhone app, available in the iTunes app store for free, enables you to easily capture a location with the built-in iPhone camera, add a comment, rate the location (good/bad) and commit the information to Nikonians servers. You can also set up your account through the iPhone to automatically publish locations to Facebook and Twitter.
There is more information and a small users guide on the Good Locations system in our wiki.
Share, Learn and Inspire!
Posted by bgs at 9:06 AM
August 24, 2010
Nikon Updates Capture to Version 2.2.5
Nikon has released an update to Capture NX2 bringing it to Version 2.2.5.
Changes include:
- Support for Mac OS X 10.6.4
- Support for Nikon D3100 RAW Images
- Multiple enhancements to the Picture Controls Utility
- Addressed graduations display issue with certain RAW images
- Addressed noise effects within Image Dust Off function
The update is available for both PC and Macintosh platforms (Nikon USA links).
Posted by covey22 at 7:52 PM
August 23, 2010
Nikonians at Photokina 2010
Nikonians will be at Photokina in Cologne, Germany September 21st-26th, Hall 5, Booth A010. Stop by and check out the latest gear including new Magica tripods, chat with other Nikonians, learn about the upcoming workshops with Nikonians Academy Europe, learn to use Aperture 3 and more.
Posted by bgs at 10:24 AM
New Nikonians Chapter NoVA
Our tri-state Nikonians Chapter “NoVA”, covering Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC is now fully formed.
The NoVA chapter has scheduled a photo walk at Huntley Meadows Park on Saturday, September 18th. at 7:30AM.
Huntley Meadows Park
3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA - Visitor’s Center phone number: (703) 768-2525
“A nice little park tucked away into a little-visited corner of southern Alexandria”
Directions to the Park:
From the D.C. Beltway, take Beltway Exit 177a (Richmond Hwy., Route 1) south 3.5 miles. Turn right on Lockheed Blvd. Go 0.5 miles to the park entrance on the left at Harrison Lane.
Meeting location:
After entering the park gate, drive roughly 0.2 miles to the parking area and park in the spaces at the far end of the parking area (or as close as you can find open spaces there). We will meet near those far end spaces close to where the trail starts.
If you want to join, check out contact details in our NoVA discussion thread.
Posted by bgs at 9:59 AM
NIKONIANS NEWS FLASH #160
This week Ray passes along the latest photographic news relating to Nikon and Nikonians:
-Nikons Big News the D3100 from Darrell Young
-Four new lenses
-Two new Coolpix cameras
-Fix for the 24-70 light leakage
-Instant Rebates continue from Nikon
-New version of View NX
-Adobe Photoshop Express
-Adobe Release Candidates for ACR 6.2 and Lightroom 3.2
-Berger Brothers discount for Nikonians
Download Nikonians News Flash #160 (NPC-NF-2010-08-22.mp3;
6:07; 5.61MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes for 8/22/2010
Nikon's new releases
Books by Darrell Young
Fix for 24-70mm 2.8 Light leakage problem?
Nikon Instant rebates continue
Nikon View NX version 2
Adobe Photoshop Express
Adobe CameraRaw 6.2 and Lightroom 3.2 Release Candidates available
Berger Brothers is offering a special Nikonians discount
For information on local Nikonians Chapters email here
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by rayvaldovinos at 12:53 AM
August 20, 2010
Your portfolio in your pocket V1.1
Nikonians mGallery app V1.1 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch now available in iTunes. New features include easy bookmarking, saving images to iPhone and sending images via email.
Posted by bgs at 3:45 PM
August 19, 2010
Nikon announces new D-SLR and four new NIKKOR lenses
One full month ahead of the world's largest imaging exhibition (Photokina 2010) Nikon has announced a brand new Digital SLR and four new lenses.
The new Nikon D3100 assumes a numerical position in between the D3000 and D5000 but close examination of the specs shows it has all the potential of rivaling the D5000 in pure "wow" factor.
As you can clearly see by the side-by-side comparison of the D3100 and D5000 above, the newer model is smaller and lighter.
Both sport the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens.
From the back, you immediately spot the 3-inch LCD screen which is larger than the D5000's 2.7 inch version (lacking the variable angle feature). That screen will come in handy for entry-level consumers (Nikon's target market with this camera) as they follow the enhanced Guide Mode introduced in the Nikon D3000.
Here's the bullet point view:
▪Nikon’s first D-SLR with 1080p HD video capture
▪Enhanced Guide Mode teaches users how to control advanced photo techniques
▪First SLR with full-time AF in Live View and during movie capture
▪14.2 megapixel CMOS Sensor and 11 point AF
▪Available in September for $699.95 USD (with the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens).
We checked with our fellow Nikonian Darrell Young (Digital Darrell ), who has published the Rocky Nook/NikoniansPress joint venture books Mastering the Nikon D5000 and Mastering the Nikon D3000 for his "quick-take" comparisons — based purely on the specs:
As I read over the specs of the new Nikon D3100, I'm impressed with the list of features added to this camera. Comparing it to the previous D3000 is not entirely useful since it has a feature set that makes it more like the Nikon D5000. In fact, some of its features exceed what the D5000, and even the D90 are capable of, such as full-time autofocus in Live View and D-Movie modes. The fact that it has an extended ISO range (100–3200 expandable to 12800) and a 14.2 megapixel imaging sensor means that it can be even more useful in low-light and large image situations.
There are several things I'm interested in discovering whenever I can get my hands on one of these new D3100s. The questions I have are: How much will the new EXPEED 2 microprocessor improve things like autofocus speed, camera responsivness, and noise control. Will it adjust automatically for chromatic aberration? Will the new full-time autofocus in Live View/D-Movie modes be accurate and manually overridable? How will the image quality compare to a camera like the D5000, D90, or D300S? Is this the perfect small carry-everywhere camera?
The Nikon D5000 certainly has a direct competitor in the new D3100. At the current time, they have similar pricing. However, the feature set on the D3100 seems to show better capability, for the money, than the D5000. When I saw the announcement concerning the "entry-level" nature of the D3100, I was a bit disappointed. Then I read over the features and they raised my eyebrows. If Nikon can create a camera in this price range, with this amazing set of features, and still offer reasonable speed and high quality, I think the new D3100 will be an immediate and world-wide hit. When Nikon finally comes out with technology, it's often superior to the competition, sometimes even setting new standards. Will the new D3100 be the next standard-setting Nikon? With a price and features like this, they've got my interest!
And Now-- let's check out those new lenses:
The four new lenses from Nikon (and USA $ MSRP) include:
▪AF-S NIKKOR DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR - $399.95
▪AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR - $1049.95
▪The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR -$1299.95
▪AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G - $1699.95
Here's the full Press Release from Nikon USA.
Posted by flashdeadline at 6:45 PM
Nikon Lens Trifecta: AF-S 85mm f1.4 G, AF-S 24-120mm f4 VR, AF-S 28-300mm ED VR
Nikon has announced a trio of lenses that update old classics and bring new capabilities to full-frame (FX) cameras: the AF-S 85mm f1.4 G, the AF-S 24-120mm f4 G ED VR and the AF-S 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR.
The AF-S 85mm f1.4 G fulfills a long-sought wish by Nikonians to bring a a classic portrait lens to current standards:
- A new optical design that includes Crystal-Nano Coating
- Faster and more discreet focusing using Silent-Wave motor
- Full-Time Manual focus with a new manual focus drive mechanism
- Retention of Internal Focusing with no change in lens length
The AF-S 24-120mm f4 G ED VR enhances a popular zoom length for FX-format owners:
- A revised optical formula including Crystal-Nano Coating, two ED and three ASPH elements
- An Internal Focusing mechanism with no change in lens length
- Silent-Wave motor with Full-Time Manual Focus
- Equipped with Vibration Reduction Generation II (VR2) with up to four stops of compensation
And a new superzoom, the AF-S 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 G ED VR:
- A magnification of 10.7x in a 4.5 inch, 1.7 pound compact lens
- Silent-Wave Motor with Full-Time Manual Focus
- Optical formual includes two ED and three ASPH elements
- An Internal Focusing mechanism with no change in lens length
- Equipped with Vibration Reduction Generation II (VR2) with up to four stops of compensation
- Zoom lock to prevent inadvertent lens extension
Posted by covey22 at 4:20 PM
Nikon Announces D3100 DSLR and AF-S 55-300mm ED VR
Nikon has announced the latest update to their DSLR line, the D3100 and a matching 5x telephoto zoom, the AF-S DX 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR.
The D3100 packs a number of new features and definitely ups the ante for entry level bodies:
- A new 14.2MP CMOS sensor combined with the new EXPEED2 imaging processor
- High ISO performance - up to 3200 normally, with HI-2 setting up to 12,800
- Built-in Assist Guide showing how camera settings will affect the current image
- D-Movie video recording in High-Definition resolution
- Full-Time (AF-F) focus mode during video recording
- Face detection for up to 35 faces in the same frame
The camera will come bundled with the new ViewNX2 editing utility.
In an accompanying announcement, Nikon also provided details on the new AF-S DX 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR telephoto zoom:
- The first lens to feature a new High Refractive Index (HRI) element that does the job of multiple glass elements while compensating for spherical aberration and focal plane curvature
- The optical formula also features two ED elements for superior chromatic aberration control
- Equipped with Vibration Reduction Generation II (VR2) with up to four stops of compensation
Posted by covey22 at 3:27 PM
ID #123: The Image Doctors
The Image Doctors are joined by David Tejada in the studio for a "Photographer's Round Table."
Download The Image Doctors #123 (MP4 format)
Show Notes: August 19, 2010 |
| Photography round table with David Tejada |
| Photo Prescription: Quick access to My Menu |
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here.
Learn more about the Image Doctors photography podcast at www.theimagedoctors.com
Get your Image Doctors gear at our online shop.
[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 6:00 AM
August 17, 2010
Nikonians Membership has Rewards
Being a contributing member of Nikonians is positively Rewarding! Here's a sample of our exclusive arrangements with top-notch photography suppliers:
- Get USD150 rebate on the Epson Stylus Photo R1900 and free shipping at B&H Photo-Video
- Deep discounts on popular software from Lasersoft, Topaz Labs, Oxford Eye, Phase One, ImageNomic, and PhotoRecovery
- Enjoy personalized photo products and service from LiveBooks, Nations Photo Lab, ScanCafe, Liberty Photo and ImageRights
- Access the latest hardware and accessories from ThinkTank Photo, Berger Brothers, Photobert, Datacolor and buyGPSnow
- Display your pride with Nikonians-branded items and software from our own ProPhotoShop
- Expand your skills with the best photo instructors at Nikonians Academy
All of this and more is available only to contributing Nikonians Members. Click here to claim your Rewards!
Posted by covey22 at 8:03 PM
Nikon ViewNX 2 Released
Nikon has released ViewNX 2, an upgrade of their free browsing and editing utility. The program offers enhancements to select editing functions, a revised UI and closer integration to the my Picturetown photo service.
ViewNX 2's improvements include:
- Three new workspaces - Browers, GeoTag and Edit - giving the program a more familiar look-and-feel
- New editing functions such as Crop, Auto Red-Eye, Straighten and Auto Lateral CA Correction
- Trim movies and Save Movie Frame as Still Photo
- Enhanced Printing, including date/time shot, background color, selecting prints from Metadata and Header/Footers
- Collaboration with my Picturetown including viewing stored photos without a web browser and Simple Upload
The View NX 2 utility is available for download here.
Posted by covey22 at 5:36 PM
New Coolpix S5100 and S1100PJ Cameras
Nikon has announced two new Coolpix models - the 12MP S5100 equipped with a 28-140mm lens and featuring EXPEED C2 processing engine which promises excellent image quality at higher ISOs, lens-shift VR and optimization for handheld-night time and natural fill-flash shooting. The 14MP S1100PJ expands on the unique merging of a digital compact camera and a powerful projector. The new model features 40% brighter projection power, a 3-inch LCD touch panel and can double as a personal computer projector when not being used as a still camera.
Posted by covey22 at 5:22 PM
Berger Brothers Nikonians Discounts on Lighting Kits
Berger Brothers is offering contributing Nikonians exclusive discounts on select Westcott and ProfFotolighting kits - perfect for members looking to upgrade or expand their studio and portable sets. Get your Discount Code and many other valuable savings at the Nikonians Rewards Page!
Posted by covey22 at 5:10 PM
August 15, 2010
Your Far East image or video can win a journey to China
photokina PIONEERS – the international community for people with a passion for creating expressive photographs and videos — has launched a very special project.
In a competition titled "China in Your Eyes," all present and potential PIONEERS can go to the community's website at www.photokina-pioneers.com and upload up to five photographs or a video (no more than 60 seconds long) to participate.
Show how the "magic of the Far East" can be felt even in your own immediate surroundings — whether it's in the cozy restaurant around the corner, watching the pandas at the zoo, or looking at bonsai trees in your neighbors' garden.
The winner of the photo holiday will be drawn among the ten PIONEERS which gather the highest scores. The scores will be fixed on August 23rd, 2010. The winner will be rewarded with a photo holiday for two persons offered in cooperation with photokina PIONEERS partner China Holidays.
Posted by flashdeadline at 10:48 PM
August 14, 2010
Tamron Releases 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di VC USD Telephoto Zoom
Tamron has released their new 70-300mm f4-5.6 telephoto zoom. This new version is equipped with Vibration Compensation, featuring a four-stop advantage in hand-holding. Premiering as well is Tamron's coreless motor implementation, called Ultrasonic Silent Drive, which delivers fast and quiet focusing. LD and XLD elements in the optical formula prevent chromatic aberration and provide greater contrast and sharpness. The lens is available now in NIkon mount with a street price of USD449, making it very competitive to Nikon's own 70-300 VR. We'll have a review of this lens up soon.
Posted by covey22 at 10:50 PM
August 13, 2010
Cut-off date for ANPAT 10 is Mon 16th Aug
Monday 16th August at noon EST no more bookings are being taken for the trip of the year: The ANPAT10. There are a few seats left - so if you are not already booked for one of the van's for this week of shooting, fun and friendship, now is your final chance to do that :-) More info on ANPAT10
We are also going to take photographs of killer whales on the ANPAT. Don't miss out on this opportunity :-) More info on the ANPAT on the Nikonians Academy pages
Posted by bgs at 11:02 AM
August 10, 2010
ANPAT - Last seats going now
There are the last, few seats available for the event of the year, Nikonians ANPAT 10. Make sure you book now to get on one of the vans with the other Nikonians!
Posted by bgs at 4:17 PM
August 9, 2010
Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Photo Contest update
Congratulations to Preston Moochnek (massulo), winner of the June segment of our Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Photo Contest. Preston is a Gold member from Florida, USA.
His image is called "Inferno in the Galapagos."
Described by the judges as a timeless image that captures nature at its finest with a simple yet wonderful composition, Preston takes a modest approach, telling us it was a lucky shot: "It was a very bright sun that afternoon - Frigate birds were everywhere to be seen. This shot was taken hand held. I put the Nikon D200 in high speed mode. Closed my eyes and voilà--I got lucky...Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX DG APO HSM lens at f/5.6 with 1/1000 shutter speed and ISO set to 200."
Preston's prize for winning the June segment will be a Think Tank Photo Airport Acceleration backpack, valued at $279.00 USD.
August Segment Under Way
The July Segment (Babies Theme) is being judged and meanwhile, it is time for fans of image manipulation to go wild this month. The August theme is "Digital Art." For information check the Best of Nikonians - 2010 Images Contest Rules.
Posted by flashdeadline at 12:33 AM
August 8, 2010
NIKONIANS NEWS FLASH #159
This week Ray passes along the latest news relating to Nikon and Nikonians:
-Nikon's profits on the rise
-Nikon's Learn & Explore-Controlling light
-The genesis of a Coolpix
-Novoflex lens adapter
-$2400 F mount Zeiss 35mm f1.2 is coming
-ANPAT 10 on the horizon
-Local Nikonians Chapters
-Product reviews-Tamron 60mm & Think Tank Hydrophobia lens cover
-Nikonians mGallery app
Download Nikonians News Flash #159 (NPC-NF-2010-08-08.mp3;
4:02; 3.69MB; MP3 format)
Show Notes 8/08/2010
Nikon's Profits up
Lighting videos in Nikon's July Learn & Explore
Genesis of a Coolpix
Novoflex lens adapters
$2400 Zeiss F mount coming soon
ANPAT 10
Northern Virginia Nikonians chapter
Tamron 60mm f2.0 review
Think Tank Hydrophobia review
Nikonians mGallery app
For information on local Nikonians Chapters email here
Contact Nikonians News Flash: newsflash@nikonians.org
Thank you for joining me.
Your Nikonians podcaster Ray Valdovinos
Posted by rayvaldovinos at 9:38 PM
August 5, 2010
Nikonians Review: Tamron 60mm f2.0 and Think Tank Hydrophobia
Have you seen the latest Nikonians equipment reviews? This month, Thomas Berg gets up close with the Tamron SP AF60mm f2.0 Macro, and Team Moderators Victor Newman and Martin Turner get under the covers with Think Tank's latest weatherproof shield, the Hydrophobia.
Posted by covey22 at 4:38 PM
ID#122: The Image Doctors
The Image Doctors are back with a potpourri of topics they'd like to call "Things we've learned from our mistakes>"
Download The Image Doctors #122 (MP4 format)
Show Notes: August 5, 2010 |
| Lessons learned from our photographic adventures |
| Photo Prescription: Clear your settings |
Get a free gift from Think Tank Photo when you order using this link.
For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here.
Learn more about the Image Doctors photography podcast at www.theimagedoctors.com
Get your Image Doctors gear at our online shop.
[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 6:00 AM