Seems to be loads of Nikon loveliness coming out just now, including a 35mm, 85mm, 200mm. The 200mm has a biiggggg price tag attached.
But, the new D90 replacement the D7000 does look very, very cool.
Quote:
Packing high-end image technologies into a surprisingly portable body, the D7000 marks a new era in creative flexibility. Sturdy enough to travel anywhere and powerful enough to handle any situation, its range of advanced features will satisfy any photographer ready to further their skills. If photography is your passion, this is the D-SLR you need.
16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - extendable up to 25600
Durable design with magnesium alloy top and rear covers
Twin SD card slots: SDXC compatible
Razor-sharp 39-point AF system
16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor delivers lifelike images with vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations.
High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - manually extendable up to 25600 using the Hi2 setting. Enables faster shutter speeds for finely detailed images with minimal noise when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light. Features an Auto ISO setting.
EXPEED 2 image processing engine: optimizes the camera's technologies for superior performance and maximum image quality, all while consuming minimal energy.
Durable design: boasts tough, yet light, magnesium alloy top and rear covers, and environmentally-sealed joints that protect the camera from dust and moisture.
100% viewfinder coverage with approx. 0.94x magnification for precise composition.
Durable shutter unit tested to 150,000 cycles. Delivers precise shutter control and exceptional reliability with a shutter speed of up to 1/8000s, and flash synchronization at up to 1/250s.
Twin SD memory card slots: for enhanced shooting flexibility. Use the second card when the first is full, or record stills on one and movies on another. SDXC compatible.
Razor-sharp 39-point Autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors in the center. Offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.
2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor delivers highly accurate metering for exact exposures and provides precise data to the camera's Scene Recognition System, which optimizes exposure, autofocus and white balance immediately before the shutter is released for sharply defined images.
6 fps continuous shooting: capture fast-moving action at six frames per second.
Quick response: boasts a near-instant start-up time and approx. 0.052-second shutter-release time lag.
D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) movie clips: a dedicated record button lets you capture beautiful high-definition (HD) movie clips instantly. AF-F mode keeps everything in focus while you are shooting and the camera supports use of an external microphone so you can record in quality stereo sound. Simple editing functions let you make edits of your clips in-camera.
Large 7.5 cm (3-in.), 920k-dot, high-resolution LCD monitor with reinforced glass makes it easy to view essential camera information, and a pleasure to review and edit your photos and movies.
Also, Chase Jarvis has had his hands, on one for a few months.....
And here's the finished film:
Lenses
AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G: Primetime Reporter
Quote:
Nikon today announces a completely new, fast-aperture NIKKOR lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G. This is the third f/1.4 prime NIKKOR lens to be developed in the past six months further extending creative opportunities for professional photographers.
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G sets a new benchmark for reportage and news photographers. It combines amazing contrast and resolution with brilliant low-light performance. Seen alongside the 24mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 lenses announced recently, this new lens underlines Nikon’s ongoing drive to deliver the ultimate range of optics for photographers.”
Award winning photojournalist Kadir van Lohuizen of photo agency NOOR was amongst the first to view the new AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G. He said: “The 35mm is the standard ‘street’ lens for many of us at NOOR and we are really excited about this new version, it’s amazing. This fast prime lens will make it possible to shoot at almost every light condition at the highest-quality possible.” He added: “It’s going to take our documentary projects to a new level for sure.”
Light Command
The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G has been developed to deliver stunning images in all situations. An entirely new optical design with ten elements in seven groups (including one aspherical glass element) and a rounded, nine-blade diaphragm enables the photographer to make full use of the shallow depth of field that f/1.4 aperture lenses offer. Crystal sharp detail with super smooth bokeh separation sets your subject in the spotlight and offers a different look from images taken with the professional f/2.8 zoom lenses.
Night Photography
The optical construction incorporates Nano Crystal Coat and minimises reflections and sagittal blur, which means this lens renders point light sources and shadows with natural clarity, ideal for night scenes and astrophotography. The fast aperture also provides a bright viewfinder and is great for exploring the creative potential that the shallow depth of field can bring to the work of fine-art photographers and photojournalists.
Streetwise
The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is built to work as hard as you do and is a robust and reliable performer wherever your photography might take you. The dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures discreet but accurate autofocus. It operates with smooth gearing and has a broad focus ring for fine manual focus accuracy down to the minimum focusing distance of 30cm. The tough magnesium construction features subtle grooves to assist a left-hand grip as well as rubber mount and switch sealing to deter dust and moisture. Weighing in at a solid 600g, it is designed to balance well with FX format DSLRs such as the D700 and D3 series.
The lens is supplied with a HB-59 hood, and a soft pouch.
AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II: A Star Performer
Quote:
Nikon today announces a completely new professional telephoto lens AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II to replace AF-S VR NIKKOR 200mm f/2G IF-ED. The new lens features Nano Crystal Coat, the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it the ideal lens for serious photographers seeking uncompromised performance.
The lens retains the optical construction of its predecessor and delivers outstanding image quality with excellent sharpness, contrast and definition as well as smooth bokeh making it the perfect choice for photographers shooting stage events and indoor sports.
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: "The updates and improvements implemented in the new version of this highly regarded 200mm lens bring it in line with the latest NIKKOR technologies, providing even more shooting comfort and stability while delivering outstanding results."
The update of this popular lens follows feedback from professional photographers. The improved handling and usability combined with outstanding image quality is testament to Nikon’s commitment to meet the needs of professional photographers and to continually improve its line-up of professional, high-performance NIKKOR lenses.
Pin-sharp action shots
The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II now features second generation Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), which provides compensation equivalent to a shutter speed four stops faster, making it easier to capture sharp images during hand-held shooting. The system incorporates two modes: Normal for general handheld shooting and Active to compensate for the vibration caused by, for example, moving vehicles.
The Silent Wave Motor (SMW) ensures quiet and accurate autofocus performance, so it won’t disturb the subject or event.
The A/M mode has been added to the existing M/A and M modes. This additional focusing mode gives the autofocus system priority, even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.
Crystal clear
The lens construction of 13 elements in nine groups with three ED glass and one Super ED glass elements, together with Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal Coat, ensures highest-quality images. The ED glass construction delivers sharp and contrast-rich images whilst the Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare, meaning the lens can be used with confidence, even when shooting into bright light. The lens also stands out because of its pleasing bokeh and subject-background separation, due to its large f/2 aperture combined with a rounded nine-blade diaphragm.
Built for the toughest of requirements
The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II is built to meet the stringent demands of the professional photographer. The durable magnesium body and weather sealing means it’s ideal for even the toughest of shooting conditions, protecting from moisture and dust. For extra peace of mind, Nikon’s exclusive, detachable meniscus glass protects the large front glass element from accidental scratches.
The lens is fully compatible with all current Nikon teleconverters, increasing its versatility by allowing for extended tele reach. The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II is supplied with lens hood HK-31, tripod-mount, drop-in filter holder and a high quality ballistic nylon case CL-L1 in the style of a shoulder bag.
Using the current conversion rate on Xe.com. if those figures are correct, it is significantly cheaper here...... 5299.99 converted into dollars is 8,231.31 USD.
D7000 retailing for about a £1,000 (I paid less than that for my D300!) - seems like it could be a D90 _and_ D300 replacement? (D7000 has a magnesium alloy body - same as D300s) ...And the D300 replacement may actually jump to FX?
Hey, how did you manage to get a D300 so cheap? sure I paid more than that
It did say it was the D90 replacement, I think it's marketed as a D90 with fab video, and tougher body. Does the D90 have full HD video?
The D300 was replaced by the D300s, so really the D700 should be getting an upgrade next, as the D3 has the D3s and then it's the scrummiliciousness of a D3x.