Digital Camera News and Reviews

Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

CNET UK is one of the first to review the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digital camera. This Nikon camera is really unique since it has an integrated projector inside the camera house. It will be interesting to see how the projector works in practice.

Some key features for the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj:
-12.1 megapixel sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm)
-optical image stabilization
-projector with VGA resolution (maximum 2 meters)
-2.7″ LCD screen

CNET UK ends up giving the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj a “Very Good” 7.8 score. The projector feature is a very good idea, but it is pretty weak. The camera itself is also not all that good and the camera is pretty expensive. If you are into new cool features the Coolpix S1000pj should be a camera to consider. I hope Nikon makes some improvements for the next camera with a built-in projector.
Read the full review of the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj camera here.

Pentax K-7

Nissin has announced a new flashgun for both Canon and Nikon cameras. The flashgun is called Nissin Di866 Professional Speedlite has an USB-port making it possible to upgrade its firmware. The Canon version works with DSLR cameras from Canon and Powershot cameras using ETTL and ETTL-2 systems. The Nikon version also works with Nikon DSLR cameras and Coolpix hotshoe cameras using i-TTL.

The Nissin Di866 Professional Speedlite will cost about £370.

Press release:
New Nissin flash gun available now

The new flash gun from Nissin, the Di866 Professional Speedlite, is now available to UK photographers, as first announced by Kenro at Focus on Imaging earlier this year.

The Di866 is available with either a Canon or Nikon fitting. The Canon version is compatible with Canon Digital SLR and Powershot hotshoe cameras using ETTL and ETTL-2 systems, while the Nikon model fits Nikon Digital SLR and Coolpix hotshoe cameras using i-TTL. The unit carries a SRP of £369.95 including VAT.

The Di866 has been specifically designed for use with digital SLR cameras and comes with many ‘world’s first’ features. This new clip-on type flash unit is simple to use and incorporates an easy to read rotating colour display, it can also be fired wirelessly where it can be used as a master or receiver.

With a guide number of 60m (ISO 100 @ 105mm) the Di866 features Nissin’s original ‘My TTL’ user adjustable TTL light output level and is firmware upgradable thanks to an onboard USB port.

The gun also features high speed synchronisation, allowing synchronisation for shutter speeds over 1/250th second and a recycling time of 3.5s which is able to offer up to 150 full-power flashes per set of batteries. Furthermore the Di866 features a fill in sub-flash (12m100 ISO), which is activated while the main flash is bounced and also a built-in wide angle diffuser and catch-light reflector.

“Nissin has been a world-class manufacturer of high quality electronic flash units for over 40 years and this latest addition to their range is a truly impressive piece of kit. A recent reviewer described the Di866 as ‘the most powerful hotshoe flashgun available,’ and I think everyone who uses the flash will agree with that statement.” says Kenro managing director, Paul Kench. “The technological advances contained in the Di866 make it the perfect choice for professional and advanced photographers.”

Kenro is the official UK distributor for the range of Nissin flash guns. See http://www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more detail.

Nikon D3000

Photography Blog has reviewed the Nikon D3000 digital camera. This entry level DSLR sports 10 megapixels and a 11-point autofocus system.

Some key features for the Nikon D3000 camera:
-10 megapixel image sensor
-11-point autofocus system
-Fps continuous shooting
-3″ LCD screen
-Supports SD/SDHC memory cards

Photography Blog ends up giving the Nikon D3000 a Highly Recommended (4.5 out of 5 stars) rating as it is a very good camera. The only downsides are the lack of video recording and Live View that you can get in DSLR cameras from competing brands, but hopefully Nikon will add that in the next model.
Read the full review of the Nikon D3000 DSLR camera here.

Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Photozone.de has reviewed the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens for the FX mount. They have tested the Nikkor lens on a Nikon D3x DSLR camera body. With its hefty price tag it will be interesting to see if this lens is a good performer.

Photozone ends up giving the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens a “Highly Recommended” rating. The Nikon lens is able to produce of high quality and it is very well built. The constant f/2.8 is great for low light shooting and for getting a shallow depth of field. The only downsides are some vignetting at the wide end, a bit chromatic aberration and not possible to attach filters.
Read the full review of the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens here.