The Four-eyed Journal » dSLR

Nikon D4000 and two new cameras on the way?

jhay — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:24:52 +0000

Rumors are abound that Nikon has 3 new dSLR coming on soon.

First is a new entry level dSLR which could possibly be the Nikon D4000. So soon? It’s only been less than a year since the D3000 was launched.

The second camera is touted to have 39 AF points, 16 Megapixels with a 6300 ISO + HI2 position, the ability to capture at 24 frames per second in 1080p and an optional MB-D11 grip.

The third camera is for the Pros, it will be 16 MP with 6400 ISO + HI2 position, 24 fps 1920/1080 video and it will have an optional (new) MB-D11 grip. It could be a replacement for the D90 or a model in between. It could even be the replacement for the D300s.

More updates on this rumor via Nikon Rumors, but still, Nikon is certainly bringing out the goods.

DIY LEGO IR Remote for Nikon

jhay — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:59 +0000

Once you’ve become serious about your digital photography, it would be a smart thing to get yourself remote control for hands-off shooting like time-lapse, self-portraitures or long exposure shots.

When I got a tripod for my Nikon D40, the Nikon ML-L3 remote was the next logical thing to acquire. Sure it may be around $40, dirt-cheap compared to the other accessories for digital photography, there’s no stopping the geek in you to come out and have a say about it right?

Check this LEGO IR remote for Nikon dSLRs by KoZuEst:

LEGO Nikon IR Remote by KoZuEst

It’s a fully working IR remote for Nikon dSLRs inside that LEGO brick. It costs something around $7 and you can build yourself one by following the instructions over at Instructables.

What’s next? A Nikon dSLR made of LEGO bricks?

*Image by KoZuEst

New firmware update for Nikon D40 v1.12

jhay — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 03:20:19 +0000

Yesterday, Nikon has released its latest dSLR the Nikon D5000 and now it has released a new firmware version for its hugely popular entry-level dLSR Nikon D40.

The new firmware version is named A Firmware Ver. 1.12 and enables the following modifications:

Remaining battery charge is now accurately detected for Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL9a.
With firmware Ver. 1.11 and earlier, the number of images that could be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a was used, was less than when an EN-EL9 was used. By upgrading A firmware to Ver. 1.12, EN-EL9a performance is maximized so that more images can be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a is used than when an EN-EL9 is used.
Number of shots possible (battery performance) with EN-EL9a (1,080 mAh)
Single-frame shooting mode: Approximately 510 shots (with testing according to CIPA standards*)
Continuous shooting mode: Approximately 2,400 shots (with testing according to Nikon standards*)
*See the D40 user’s manual for details on test conditions.

I just updated my Nikon D40 with this new firmware and so far so good. The update process was simple yet I found it nerve-wracking as this is this my first time to update my camera’s firmware.

Nikon D40 users can visit here to download the new firmware ver. 1.12 and to see the easy instructions for the update process.

via Nikon Rumors

Nikon D5000

jhay — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 01:30:45 +0000

Nikon has introduced a new digital SLR camera, the Nikon D5000. From what I’ve read so far, it’s placed between the Nikon D60 and the Nikon D90. In other words, it’s an upgrade from the D60 while inheriting most features from the D90. This new model lacks the built-in AF motor so auto-focus will only work with AF-S lenses.

Nikon D5000

Check out the promotional video of the Nikon D5000 below which I first found on Nikon Rumors:

While here are some key features of this new dSLR, courtesy of DP Review:

12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
2.7? tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processing engine
Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
New battery with increased capacity
72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

The kit comes with the AF-S 18-55mm VR lens and is selling at 799 Euros which roughly translates to Php 51136.00 ( 1 Euro = Php 64.00) Nikon USA sells it for US $729.95 which in turn would be Php 34307.65 ( US $1 = Php47.00)

Overall, this new camera from Nikon is something exciting and great. Another new addition to Nikon’s amazing line of digital SLRs. The D5000 is also the first to feature a swivel LCD monitor which Nikon calls Vari-angle LCD which gives a screen real-estate of 2.7inches.

There’s still no word as to when would this be available locally, but I’m sure Nikon fans are already doing what they can to get some info on this. Until then, expect more buzz, previews and reviews as this news makes it way around the world wide web.

Check out the new Nikon D5000 on the Nikon USA website.

First feature film shot on DSLR – Searching for Sonny

jhay — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:04:25 +0000

The digital age is truly awesome! While this summer we will get to see lots of good movies like Transformers 2, Terminator Salvation and Harry Potter and The Half-blood Prince, there’s something else that would tickle the fancy of geeks and digital photographers from noobs to the pros.

It’s the first ever full feature film to be shot on a Digital SLR camera, Searching for Sonny. It is written and directed by one Andrew Disney and shot by Jeffrey Waldron using the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Nikon fanboys like my self should would be glad to know that Andrew and his team used Nikon lenses for this film. I guess Nikkor lenses are better than their Canon counterparts.

Check out the teaser below:

I’m already excited about this film. Hopefully, it will be shown here in the Philippines as it will inspire a lot of photographers and indie film makers to try something new and explore new gadgets and techniques in film making.

For those who are itching to know, here are equipments used in making this film:

Nikon lenses, most of the shots here are 50mm.
Kino Gaffer Kit
Arri Package, 1K, 650, and an inky
Doorway dolly with two sets of 8 foot track
One 4×4 frame with opal
One 4×4 Black Flag
One 3X2 Black Flack

Check out their website here and be on the lookout for a full trailer on April 15th.

Hat tips to engadget and riancastillo from the Digital Photographer Philippines forums.