Thursday, August 19, 2010

Facebook Going Places with Location Updates

Facebook has announced a new feature. Similar to Foursquare and Gowalla, the new Places service lets you check in at locations using the iPhone Facebook app and announce to your friends where you are. It's only available in the United States at the moment but there are plans to make it available to more countries and on additional mobile platforms soon.

Read more about it on the New York Times, and the official Facebook blog.

Canon Unveils New Touch System Printers (19/08/2010)

Canon unveiled seven new addition to their PIXMA inkjet printer series, including two printers with a new touch system interface.

 

Canon Unveils New Touch System Printers

The PIXMA MG6170 and MG8170 AIO (All-In-One) inkjet printers feature capacitive touch-sensitive panels which light up in response to touch and switch off when dormant, leaving the surface of the printers flat and mostly free of physical buttons.
Besides what Canon calls the Intelligent Touch System, the new printers also offer HD Movie Printing which lets you print single frames from video shot with Canon digital compacts and DSLRs using the bundled software. A Flickr Integration Photo Print feature lets you search for images from Flickr within the app and print directly through your printer (during the demo it was shown that you can search for specific licenses to avoid copyright conflicts).
Release of the new models is expected in end September, while prices are to be announced.

The Canon PIXMA MG6170 AIO inkjet printer.


The PIXMA MG8170 is Canon's newest flagship inkjet AIO for the home and office.


Nikon releases 28-300mm F3.5-5.36 G ED VR lens (19/08/2010)

Nikon's salvo of lens releases is rounded off by the AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. Designed to provide FX format users with an equivalent of the company's popular 18-200mm for DX, this superzoom includes two-mode image stabilisation to the latest VR II specification, a close focus distance of 50cm and a zoom lock switch. It will be available soon.
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR with a totally new zoom range to the NIKKOR line-up. Featuring almost 11x zoom ratio from 28mm to 300mm this versatile optic brings new levels of flexibility to FX format DSLR users. 
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: “We are really excited about this new, all-round lens in the NIKKOR range. The DX format 18-200mm proved to be a massive success, and we are happy to introduce FX format customers to the same advantages this lens can offer.”
Extended 10.7x Zoom Ratio
The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR’s huge 10.7 zoom ratio makes it the ultimate ‘walkabout’ lens. With an impressive 28-300mm focal range it is set to become a very popular all-rounder for those seeking ultimate coverage from a single lens, useful when travelling light, or working from a fixed position. The flexible aperture range keeps the lens size and weight to a minimum while still providing attractive depth of field effects at the telephoto end.
Advanced Vibration Reduction system
Nikon’s exclusive second generation Vibration Reduction system (VRII) enables steady hand-held shooting at all focal lengths with two modes: Normal and Active. The optical VR system also stabilises the viewfinder image, enabling more accurate autofocus acquisition and framing, especially at the longer focal lengths of the 300mm zoom range, where lighter weight lenses can increase the risk of unwanted camera shake.
State of the art optical construction
The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR features two ED and three aspherical elements to effectively manage the risk of aberrations that can occur with super-zoom lenses. The lens can focus as close as 50cm at all focal lengths for added flexibility. 
Fast Handling
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) was designed specifically to deliver quiet and accurate AF operation across the extended zoom range with intuitive manual override. A zoom lock switch prevents ‘zoom creep’ (the lens moving under its own weight when tilted during transportation) and maintains compact dimensions when not in use. The lens construction features extensive use of magnesium for durability and provides well-balanced handling.  
Complete with dedicated HB-50 hood and soft pouch, the AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR weighs in at an economical 800g.

 

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens specifications

Focal length 28-300mm
Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture f/22-38
Lens construction • 19 elements in 14 groups
• 2 ED glass elements
• 3 aspherical lenses
Angle of view (APS-C crop) 75°-8°10' (53°-5°20' in Nikon DX format)
Closest focus distance 50cm (1.6")
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.32x
Aperture blades 9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size 77 mm
AF motor Silent Wave Motor
Dimensions TBC
Weight 800g (28.2 oz)

Nikon launches 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR lens (19/08/2010)

Nikon has launched an extended-range telephoto zoom for DX users: the AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Offering an 85-450mm-equivalent range and VR II image stabilisation technology, it's designed as an accompaniment to the 18-55mm kit lens. It includes a Silent Wave motor for quiet focusing, and will be available soon.
Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. With a focal length ranging from 55mm to 300mm (equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm on DX format D-SLRs) it enables the user to really get up close and personal with distant subjects. 
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe BV, says: “The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a really useful and economical second lens alongside today’s standard 18-55mm kit lenses, enabling coverage of all subjects both near and far. The compact dimensions and lightweight construction make it an ideal choice for the compact D-SLR customer.”
Go further for less
The 5.5 times zoom ratio offers flexibility by drastically extending the telephoto reach. With 300mm (450mm equivalent on DX format cameras when compared to 35mm format) at the telephoto end, this lens leads the way in affordable and portable telephoto photography, ideal for family sport events and holidays. 
Hold Steady
Incorporating the latest VR II (second generation Vibration Reduction) technology, the lens delivers sharper images when the camera is hand-held. This is especially useful when using slower shutter speeds at longer focal lengths, or when shooting in low light.
Keep Quiet
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR incorporates Nikon’s SWM (Silent Wave Motor). This ensures that the autofocus is fast and quiet so you don’t miss that crucial moment, nor draw attention to yourself in more private settings.
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR incorporates high quality ED and new HRI (High Refractive Index) glass elements to help deliver crisp images, even under harsh lighting conditions. The lens has a weather sealed mount, which prevents moisture and dust infiltrating the lens or camera sensor.
Ready for adventure, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an affordable and compact lens that will be a welcome addition to any camera bag. The lens is supplied with HB-57 lens hood to prevent flare in strong light and a lens pouch for safe storage and transportation. The lens will also be available in zoom kits with Nikon’s popular D-SLR range.

 

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300MM F/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens specifications

Focal length 55-300mm
35mm equivalent focal length 82.5mm to 450mm
Maximum aperture f/4.5-5.6
Minimum aperture f/22-29
Lens construction • 17 elements in 11 groups
• 2 ED glass elements
• 1 HRI lens element
Angle of view (APS-C crop) 28°50' - 5°20'
Closest focus distance 140cm
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.28x
Aperture blades 9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size 58 mm
AF motor Silent Wave Motor
Dimensions 76.5mm x 123mm (3.4 in x 3.3 in)
Weight 530g (18.7oz)

Nikon introduces 24-120mm F4 G ED VR lens (19/08/2010)

Nikon has announced the AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, a general-purpose zoom for full frame cameras. This lens covers a useful wideangle to telephoto range with a fixed F4 maximum aperture and features Nikon's latest VR II stabilisation system. This promises shake-free hand-held shooting at shutter speeds four stops slower than would usually possible, with both 'Normal' and 'Active' modes. Also on the menu are Nano Crystal coating, a 9-bladed diaphragm, and a degree of environmental sealing. The lens will be available soon.
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the release of the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, a brand new 5x zoom lens for FX format D-SLR photographers. The 24-120mm focal length continues to be a unique proposition in the NIKKOR lens range and the new version features a fixed f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. It incorporates Nano Crystal coat and Nikon’s second generation VRII system.
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens offers excellent value and performance in a compact package for adventurous photographers everywhere. It is the second f/4 aperture VR zoom lens introduced this year that broadens the options for Nikon photographers.”
Fixed Flexibility
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR covers a NIKKOR exclusive zoom range of 24mm to 120mm, ideal for events and travel photography. The fixed f/4 aperture ensures consistent exposure settings across the zoom range; whatever the subject, from expansive landscapes to isolating portraits, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR does it with ease.
Hold Still
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is equipped with Nikon’s second generation Vibration Reduction system (VR II) that offers compensation for camera movement the equivalent to a shutter speed of approximately four stops faster and couples well with the f/4 fixed aperture under low light conditions. The system incorporates two modes: Normal for general handheld shooting and Active to compensate for the mechanical vibration frequencies caused by planes and moving vehicles.
Brilliant quality across the zoom range
The complex optical design uses Nano Crystal coat, two ED glass elements and no less than three aspherical lens elements to maintain bright, high contrast images under a wide variety of light conditions. Ghosting, flare and aberrations are minimised whilst the nine bladed diaphragm generates subtle bokeh effect in out of focus areas.
Smooth performer
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) was specifically developed for the unique characteristics of this lens. It offers very discreet autofocus performance with instant Manual override possible in M/A mode. The zoom gearing and switch placement has been carefully designed for intuitive (blind) operation when looking through the viewfinder. The lens balances well with D-SLRs like the D700 and the barrel features a subtle indentation to assist grip when in use.
Built to move
The large zoom range is achieved in a very compact and tough construction, ideal for the adventure and travel photographer. Through extensive use of magnesium and Super Engineering Plastic components the lens is built to handle the knocks of everyday use, and rubber sealing around switches and lens mount mean moist or dusty conditions are not a problem.

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR takes the ‘standard zoom’ concept to another level to meet the demands of today’s high resolution FX format D-SLRs while maintaining excellent price/performance ratio.  
The lens is supplied with a dedicated hood HB-53 and a soft pouch.

 

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120MM F/4G ED VR lens specifications

Focal length 24-120mm
Maximum aperture f/4
Minimum aperture f/22
Lens construction • 17 elements in 13 groups
• 2 ED glass elements
• 3 aspherical lenses
Angle of view (APS-C crop) 84°-20° 20' (61°-13° 20' in Nikon DX format)
Closest focus distance 45cm (1.5")
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.24x
Aperture blades 9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size 77mm
AF motor Silent Wave Motor
Dimensions 84mm x 103.5mm
Weight 710g (25 oz)

Nikon launches 85mm f/1.4G prime lens (19/08/2010)

Nikon has released a fast aperture medium telephoto lens in the shape of the AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G. Featuring a completely new optical design and a built-in Silent Wave focus motor, it also includes Nikon's top-end goodies including a 9-bladed diaphragm, Nano Crystal coating for the reduction of flare, a magnesium alloy body shell and weathersealing. Available soon...
Nikon UK today announces a new fast aperture medium-telephoto lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G. This lens supersedes the highly acclaimed AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4D IF with a totally new optical design, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Nano Crystal Coat, making it the essential choice for today’s portrait and fashion photographer. This lens continues the rich legacy of NIKKOR 85mm optics and reflects Nikon’s continuing dedication to optical innovation.
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G takes portraiture to another level. Lenses like this encapsulate what the NIKKOR brand stands for: amazing contrast and resolution, with unique bokeh qualities.” He added: “We think it will set a new benchmark for stills photographers as well as the growing army of videographers using D-SLRs like the D3S.”
Bokeh Master
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is designed to be the ultimate optic for professional portraiture. The fast f/1.4 aperture provides excellent subject-background separation, whilst the rounded nine-blade diaphragm renders stunning bokeh with smooth out of focus areas.
Leading Light
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G features a newly-developed optical system with 10 elements in 9 groups and incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, drastically reducing ghosting and flare to deliver rich, high contrast images even under the most testing lighting conditions.
Smooth Operator
The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G features a dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure quiet and accurate focusing. The gearing mechanism has been refined to offer extremely smooth operation when using Manual focus.
Tough Customer
As you would expect, the lens has the tough NIKKOR magnesium body and sealing against moisture and dust to continue working in the toughest of shooting conditions. Weighing in at 595g, it balances well on Nikon’s advanced and professional D-SLRs like the D700 and D3 series cameras.
The lens is supplied with a hood HB-55 and a soft pouch.

 

AF-S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.4G lens specifications

Focal length 85mm
Maximum aperture f/1.4
Minimum aperture f/16
Lens construction 10 elements / 9 groups
Angle of view (APS-C crop) 28°30' (18°50' with Nikon DX format)
Closest focus distance 85cm (33.5in)
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.12x
Aperture blades 9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size 77 mm
AF motor Silent Wave Motor
Dimensions 86.5mm x 84mm (3.4 in x 3.3 in)
Weight 595g (21oz)
Supplied accessories • Soft pouch
• HB-55 lens hood
Mount Nikon F

Nikon D3100 digital SLR announced (19/08/2010)

Nikon has unveiled the D3100, its latest entry-level offering and its first DSLR that can record full 1080p HD videos. Successor to the popular D3000, it is built around a 14.2 CMOS sensor and a 3 inch LCD. As well as movies it gains Live View shooting, a wider ISO range ( 100-3200 expandable to 12800) and a host of small revisions. The camera will be available soon at a retail price of £579.99 / €599 with the 18-55mm VR lens. We've been given access to a pre-production version of the camera which we've used to prepare a hands-on preview, looking at the changes Nikon has made to its best-selling DSLR.
Nikon introduces the D3100, the most easy-to-use D-SLR to date, with full High Definition (HD) video.
Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, says: “The D3100 is the successor to Europe’s best selling D-SLR*1, the D3000, offering 14.2 megapixels, full HD movie, Live View with new AF modes and improved ergonomics. It also has the popular Guide Mode as seen on the D3000, which now shows you sample images of what you can achieve with certain settings, for example if you change the shutter speed or aperture. This is the ideal camera for families who want to capture all the important moments in perfect quality, without worrying about settings.”
Pure and simple D-SLR for the family
The D3100 is designed for newcomers to D-SLR photography, especially young families who want to take beautiful pictures without worrying about complicated functionality. A range of automatic settings means the camera is doing all the hard work much like on a compact camera: Live View with Scene Auto Selector selects the mode that matches your shooting situation; Scene Recognition delivers sharply defined images by analyzing the scene and optimizing the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released; and Guide Mode will take you step-by-step through the process of how to get the picture you want.
The 11-point autofocus system will make sure everything is in focus and ensures razor-sharp images to capture even the most fleeting of expressions or movements. Additionally, the bright viewfinder means you can see and focus precisely on the image you want to capture, quickly and easily. Live View with Scene Auto Selector is an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures, useful for those who have only used a compact camera, and makes it easy to compose images using the LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture, and Fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button. Live View will also recognise as many as 35 faces at a time and even if people in the frame move, the camera will continue tracking and focusing on them.
Stunning pictures in every situation
The 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, new powerful EXPEED 2 processing engine and a wide range of NIKKOR*2 lenses deliver excellent pictures with amazing detail wherever you are and whatever you are doing. It has ISO 100-3200 sensitivity, with the versatility of effectively boosting ISO up to 12800. This significantly reduces the risk of blurred images when taking pictures of the most energetic children or an evening barbeque with all the family.
Full HD movies for all the family
Using the easy-access movie record button you can instantly switch to video mode on the D3100, and the D-Movie function allows you to record stunning HD movie clips with sound. The camera’s large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offers exceptional image quality, and the wide variety of NIKKOR lenses can be used to create cinematic effects. You can also make simple edits of your clips in-camera by deleting scenes or save specific frames as still images – nothing will be missed for the family photo album. The D3100 is also HDMI compatible so you can connect your camera to an HD television to view your movies in full HD from your sofa. 
The Guide to great photos
For the newcomer to D-SLRs, the intelligent, improved Guide Mode, as seen on the D3000, gives you step-by-step instructions of how to change the camera settings. This means you not only get the picture you want but it helps you to understand how it was achieved so you can develop your photography skills. You can even view sample images of what you can expect from each setting, for example if you change the aperture or shutter speed settings.
Don’t miss a moment
The D3100 is the essential item for every family event or day out. The camera’s comprehensive technologies and tough exterior will keep up with any outing, whatever you’re doing. Its compact size and lightweight body make the D3100 easy to pack and carry around for all those unmissable moments.
Key features:
  • DX-format, 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor: The high pixel sensor will give you outstanding colour and detail in pictures and movies you’ll want to see again and again
  • New EXPEED 2 image processing engine: Provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED 2 maximises CMOS sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colours, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and movies
  • High ISO (100-3200) sensitivity: Extendable up to 12800: Indoor shots or fast-moving children need never be blurry or dull again, even without a flash
  • Guide Mode: Simply the easiest way to learn how to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
  • D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24fps movie clips: Record beautiful HD movie clips with sound and achieve exceptional image quality with high ISO sensitivity. NIKKOR lenses can be used for cinematic effects and simple edits can be made in-camera. In addition, HDMI connectivity means you can watch your HD movies on an HD television
  • Live View with new AF-F mode and Scene Auto Selector: The new Live View provides an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures and it includes a Scene Auto Selector, which automatically selects the best mode to match the scene. The AF-F mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button
  • 7.5 cm (3-inch) monitor: A great platform on which to share your beautiful images and movies with friends and family
  • 11-point autofocus system: The quick and accurate autofocus ensures everything is in focus so you get the sharpest image
  • Active D-Lighting: Bright sunshine need never wash out detail again. The balance of light and shade can be preserved forever
  • Picture control: Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot. You can choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape
  • In-camera image and movie editing: Why wait for a PC? Retouching, filter effects and red-eye correction can be achieved in the palm of your hand
  • Compact, light and durable: It’s the smallest and lightest Nikon D-SLR yet so you can sling it over your shoulder, ready for any picture or movie moment. Also, with improved ergonomics, you’ll now have direct access to shutter release, Live View and movie modes.
  • Dual Integrated Dust Reduction System: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images
  • New software, ViewNX2 will be bundled with the D3100: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movie.
*1 Source: GFK, D3000 best selling D-SLR in Europe first half year 2010.
*2 The D3100 is exclusively designed for use with NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that are equipped with an autofocus motor