The multi-camera system at the Tokyo Skytree is powered by 12 Nikon D3S cameras

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Nikon recently published this interesting article on the multi-camera system located at the Tokyo Skytree which consists of twelve D3S DSLR cameras equipped with the Nikkor AF 35mm f/2D lens that take 360° photographs of the city 24 hours a day:

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“The Multi-Camera Control System consists of 12 D3S digital single-lens reflex cameras installed on TEMBO DECK, the observation level at 340 meters, that continuously photograph the 360° view 24 hours a day. The images that are shot are transmitted to PCs in TOKYO SKYTREE’s server room. This is where the images are stored and the camera settings are made. The interval between photographs can be set to any duration of not less than 30 seconds. The current settings are for 10-minute intervals between photographs during the daytime and 60-minute intervals at night. However, there are times when the interval will be purposely reduced—for events such as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival or when images of particular interest such as photographs of rainbows, lightning and typhoons are anticipated.”

Here is a sample video captured by the system:

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Posted in Nikon D3s, Other Nikon stuff| 41 Comments

DxOMark: new Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens vs. old version

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DxOmark published their test results for the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens – the new version performs significantly better then the old (the price of the new model is also significantly higher: $2,696.95 vs. $1,675). Here is their conclusion:

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Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged , | 45 Comments

Samyang 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS lens coming this summer, more lenses on the horizon

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Samyang has scheduled to release several new lenses in 2014. The first one will be a 16mm f/2 ED AS UMC CS for APS-C cameras ($449). A second APS-C lens is also rumored to be announced this summer. During the 2012 Photokina show the company introduced a 10mm f/2.8 ED AS UMC CS lens for APS-C cameras that has not been released yet. A new Samyang 50mm f/1.2 lens is also on the roadmap for 2014.

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged | 31 Comments

Nikon Coolpix P7700 firmware update 1.2

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Nikon released firmware update 1.2 for the Coolpix P7700 compact camera (currently listed for $389). The only modification in this release is:

“When shooting with shooting mode set to M (manual) with Flash, and the ISO sensitivity set to Auto, ISO 80-200, ISO 80-400, or ISO 80-800, ISO sensitivity was sometimes not locked at ISO 80 and a different ISO sensitivity was sometimes applied.  This issue has been resolved.”

Posted in Nikon Point and Shoot| Tagged , | 3 Comments

Weekly Nikon news flash #215

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New silicone sleeve for the Nikon D5200 was announced in Japan. Similar Delkin products are sold in the US but not in bright yellow (only black).

Jobu Design L bracket for Nikon D600

New: Jobu Design L bracket for Nikon D600 (for use without battery grip).

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New products also from ReallyRightStuff: plates for Coolpix A, D7100 and for D7100 + MB-D15 battery grip.

Nikon Coolpix A camera flash

Ricoh GR vs. Nikon Coolpix A comparison from DxOMark and The Camera Store (Coolpix A review can be found here).

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Nikon patents 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 full frame lens

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Nikon filed a patent in Japan for a 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 and  200-500mm f/4-5.6 full frame zoom lenses:

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Posted in Nikon Lenses, Nikon Patents| Tagged | 95 Comments

How much abuse can the Nikon D3s take?

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We have seen Nikon cameras falling off from a motorcycle, getting run over by a pickup truckbeing submerged in mud, getting exposed to hail and water. The French website Pixelistes went a step further and published a 15 minutes video where they torture a Nikon D3s through mud, water, ice and fire. At the end, the camera was still working. Here is the full video:

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Posted in Nikon D3s, Weird| Tagged | 116 Comments