Youtu Technologies announced the YT21N flash trigger for Nikon that combines infrared and wireless control in one unit. Check eBay for pricing and availability (currently listed at $25).
King Albert of Belgium received the Nikkor 80-400mm lens as a gift from the Belgian prime minister.
Nikon published several new articles discussing their future business plan. In a recent Q&A session, Makoto Kimura (President, Member of the Board) raised his concern on the increasing smart phone market share and shrinking compact camera market:
For the Imaging Company, it is crucial that we determine how best to adapt our strategies in response to market
changes, particularly in terms of new products and product lineups. The rapid penetration of smartphones is causing the compact digital camera market to shrink. Previously, cameras and smart devices were not direct competitors. However, in the current market structure in which these products are competing, we must examine closely the concepts on which our compact digital camera offerings should be based. Thus, when it comes to interchangeable lens-type digital cameras, we need to question our ability to offer truly innovative functions and performance.
In another interview from last week, Makoto Kimura said that Nikon “want to create a product that will change the concept of cameras”.
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Nikon filed a paten 2013-134682t in Japan for a new 3-point camera hand grip strap. Similar products already exists from various manufacturers, including the Nikon AH-4.
Nikon released Distortion Control Data version 1.009 L firmware update for D4, D90, D600, D800, D800E, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100, D5200, D7000 and D7100 DSLR cameras. The L firmware update provides corrections for lens barrel and pincushion distortions.
Firmware download links: Mac | Windows
Istallation instructions: Mac | Windows
Read more on Distortion Control here.
The price of refurbished Nikon D600 cameras literally drops every week. You can now get the D600 body only for $1,584 with a full 1 year warranty. Update: B&H also dropped the price of the refurbished D600 cameras to $1,584 (with 90 days warranty).
Here are some other recent price drops and savings on refurbished Nikon gear:
Check the full list of refurbished Nikon gear at B&H, Adorama and Cameta Camera.
Dmitrij Sosnovsenko is currently developing his own version of an online Nikon picture control viewer that can be found at npc.biodiscus.com. The software is still in early beta and for now only lets you view styles (custom curve, gamma) directly in a Web browser (IE >=8, Firefox, Chrome, Safari). The plans for the future are to develop this to a full blown online editor. I will keep you updated on the progress.
Nikon’s NPS updated the list of lenses that offer excellent resolution with the D800E DSLR camera:
The new Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G lens seems to be getting pretty good reviews online since it was introduced six months ago.
