Tag Archives: Nikon

How big?

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Nikon Coolpix P1000 superzoom has a 125x zoom lens

With the exception of a few waterproof Panasonic’s, the only cameras I have owned and used are made by Canon – a company I follow religiously.  Way back in May 2015, when the most powerful compact superzooms had a 50x zoom, Canon filed Patent Publication No. 2013-242430,2013-242431 for a compact zoom lens with 100X optical zoom, the focal range of 3.6-340mm for a 1/2.3″ sensor, equivalent to a 18mm-1768mm lens.  September 2014 saw the launch of the Canon PowerShot SX60 IS, sporting a 65x zoom lens (21-1365mm), since when Canon has not dipped its toes into the compact superzoom waters.  Little more has been heard of the 100x superzoom and the long anticipated PowerShot SX70 IS has not surfaced.

Nikon P1000 bToday saw Nikon blast through the 100x threshold, announcing a camera with a lens almost twice as powerful as Canon’s best offering.  The Nikoon Coolpix P1000 comes with an eyewatering 125x zoom lens (f/2.8-8.0) equivalent to a 24-3000mm lens.  With both ED and Super ED elements, the lens accepts 77mm filters.

Nikon P1000 aWith lens fully extended, the camera is 360mm (14″) long and weighs 1.4Kg (3.1 lbs).  It has the same 16MP, 1/2.3″ sensor as its predecessor the P900 and offers an ISO range of 100-6400, together with RAW support.

It can shoot continuously at 7fps, capture 4K video at 30p or 25p as well as 1080p at 60fps, and comes with both a fully articulated LCD and a 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder.

It is inevitable that the lens will be very soft as it nears full zoom, but the continued development and stretching of such bounds can only be a good thing.

Available in September for $999.

Nikon P1000 PNG

Full frame mirrorless cameras

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Nikon and Canon to join the party at long last

Both Nikon and Canon are set to announce their first full frame mirrorless cameras in the build up to Photokina (in late September).

Nikon LogoRumours suggest that Nikon may jump the gun with a possible announcement in late July.  There are two models purportedly, both with a new mirrorless mount and 5-axis in-body stabilization, allowing for smaller lenses.  The flagship 45MP model will be around $4000 with 24-70mm kit lens and a 25MP version will be under $3000 with kit lens.  These may ship as early as 23 August 2018.

Canon LogoFar less has been rumoured about Canon’s entry into the fray.  It is anticipated that it will release two full frame mirrorless cameras before mid-2019, with one being announced and on sale before the end of 2018.  There is likely to be a 30.4MP flagship model and a 24MP secondary model.  As to the camera mount, little is known besides the suggestion that there is a “sexy” solution to the EF mount problem.

Update: 31 July, 2018

Nikon’s July announcement was to confirm the development of a new system:

Development of a next-generation full-frame mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses – featuring a new mount – that pursues a new dimension in optical performance
July 25, 2018

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the development of a full-frame, Nikon FX-format, mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses featuring a new mount.
The mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses that are in development have enabled the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, with the adoption of a new mount. The mirrorless camera is the result of Nikon’s advanced optical and manufacturing capabilities gained through over a century of heritage, as well as superior image-processing technology. The expertise built up through the development of Nikon’s digital SLR cameras has also critically contributed to this development.

With this new mirrorless camera and NIKKOR lenses, we are committed to providing photographers with the ability to capture images that are richer and more vivid than ever before.

Additionally, a new mount adapter is being developed for the new mirrorless camera. This will work with the NIKKOR F mount lenses that are part of the Nikon digital SLR system, adding to the variety of choices for photographers.

Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture with the launch of this new mirrorless camera, as well as with the continued development of Nikon digital SLR cameras, providing consumers with the choice of enjoying the unique values of either system.

Nikon-mirrorless-camera-teasser

Nikon now have a ‘special event’ site HERE, presumed to be associated with the launch of their new mirrorless system.  The timer on the site is counting down to 0500hrs UST, 23 August.

Update: 01 August, 2018

Today’s release from Nikon focusses solely on the new lens mount.  Interesting to note that all DSLR bodies featured in the teaser video are professional models…