Guest post: Dark Frame Subtraction

By [NR] admin | Published: September 11, 2011

This guest post on Dark Frame Subtraction was written by Paul Marchant:

It is often true that some of the best ideas come from end users that feed the product roadmap get features implemented.  Two worthy ideas for consideration are:

  • Self calibration of dark frame subtraction for noise reduction
  • Exporting calibrated dark frame images for raw post processing

Both CMOS and CCD digital camera sensors that convert light into electrons produce small varying amount of ambient noise that affects the image each the sensor generates however it is only really noticeable with longer exposures lasting more than 5 seconds or so that can be set on most DSLRs and many hybrids.

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Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 19 Comments

Nikon V1 and J1: the new mirrorless cameras from Nikon

By [NR] admin | Published: September 9, 2011

The two models of the Nikon mirrorless camera will be called Nikon V1 and Nikon J1*. The mockups I posted online I believe are of the V1 model. Both bodies will be identical, except that one will have a self timer LED on the top right and different colors for the lens release button (one will be black, the other will be silver). Nikon V1 will have a built-in high resolution EVF and will come in black and white. The Nikon J1 will not have an EVF and will come in 5 colors: red, pink, grey, white and black. The rest of the specs:

  • Update: I missed that one – the camera will have both phase and contrast AF detection
  • 10.1MP
  • ISO range: 100-3200 (with H1-6400)
  • CCD sensor (not sure about that) – the whole mirrorless line will be called CX, similar to DX and FX
  • Both cameras will have 2.7x crop factor
  • 3 in. LCD screen
  • The J1 model will have a built-in flash
  • The V1 will not have a built-in flash but it will have a multi-accessory port which will support external flash and a GPS device
  • There will be no traditional flash hot shoe on both models
  • There will be a F-mount adapter
  • Both cameras will probably be made of plastic
  • Full HD movie with many additional features
  • EXPEED 3 processor with 600 megapixels per second processing power
  • The four mirrorless lenses are (most with choice of colors, except the 10-100mm):
    • 10mm f/2.8 pancake lens
    • 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens (very short and portable)
    • 10-100mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
    • 30-110mm VR

    Some of the above specs could be wrong or lost in the translation.

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    Posted in Nikon 1| 408 Comments

    September 21st Nikon press events confirmed also in France, Germany, Romania, South Africa and China

    By [NR] admin | Published: September 9, 2011

    In addition to Austria, Italy and Switzerland I have now confirmations for Nikon press events on September 21st in China, France (see above screenshot) and Romania where the event will take place at the National Modern Art Museum in Bucharest. Nikon is really putting a lot of effort into the next announcement. I will repeat again: I do not expect any DSLR announcements on September 21, just the new mirrorless system.

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    Posted in Nikon 1| Tagged | 46 Comments

    Satellite images of Nikon Sendai plant before and after the earthquake

    By [NR] admin | Published: September 9, 2011

    Just a quick reminder of the events that took place in Japan few months ago. Please be patient, there could be many reasons why Nikon is taking their time with the next wave of full frame cameras (btw, I have the full detailed specs for the Nikon mirrorless camera that I will publish online in few hours once I finish the translation, stay tuned).

    This Google Earth satellite image of the Nikon plant in Sendai was taken on April 5th, 2011 less than a month after the earthquake. Judging by the number of parked cars, it seems that the factory was probably operational at that point of time.

    This satellite image was taken on March 13, two days after the earthquake:

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    Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 57 Comments

    Red Nikon D3100 spotted in BestBuy

    By [NR] admin | Published: September 9, 2011

    The new red Nikon D3100 DSLR camera was spotted at BestBuy (big US retailer):

    There is still no listing on their website, but it seems that the camera will be available also in the US.

    Source: @tdeBruyn | Yfrog

    Posted in Nikon D3100| 79 Comments

    Nikon mirrorless camera price estimation

    By [NR] admin | Published: September 8, 2011

    According to Nikkei (via Reuters) Nikon’s mirrorless camera + lens combo will cost between 70,000 – 100,000 yen or between 900 – 1,300 USD. US prices are usually slightly lower than the MSRP in Japan.

    For comparison, the Sony NEX-5N, Panasonic G3 and Olympus E-PL3 kits cost $699 each. The Pentax Q costs $799 and Samsung NX200 kit costs $899.

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    Posted in Nikon 1| 180 Comments

    Weird news update from Nikon Corp

    By [NR] admin | Published: September 8, 2011

    This, rather unusual news update, was just published by Nikon Corporation:

    “Comments on Media Reports about Nikon’s imaging product

    Nikon understands that some article appeared in the media regarding Nikon’s imaging product. Please note that Nikon has made no announcement in this regards.”

    Are they referring to the Reuters report from earlier today or to the red Nikon D3100 camera (there were press releases in some countries)?

    Posted in Nikon D3100| 65 Comments