Patent application for AF in a video/TV camera with interchangeable lenses

By [NR] admin | Published: May 6, 2010

Last year Nikon filed a patent application #20100110236 for an autofocus in a video/TV camera with interchangeable lenses. Here are some quoted text from the patent application- note that they used the word “inexpensive”:

“The present invention relates to an autofocus apparatus and a camera that are used for a camera, mainly for a video camera and particularly for a TV camera. The present invention also relates to a lens barrel and a camera that are used chiefly for a lens interchangeable type video camera and particularly for a lens interchangeable type TV camera.

There have hitherto been two kinds of autofocus apparatuses as an autofocus apparatus for a camera. One type is generally called a crest climbing type autofocus apparatus used for mainly a video camera. The other type is called an image deviation type autofocus apparatus employed for chiefly a still camera. The two types of autofocus apparatuses will hereinafter be described with reference to the drawings.

It is a primary object of the present invention, which was contrived under such circumstances, to provide an autofocus apparatus, a camera and a lens barrel that are inexpensive and capable of focusing quickly with a high accuracy.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lens barrel capable of actualizing an autofocus function even when attached to a camera body incorporating no autofocus function.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an autofocus apparatus capable of focusing on a photographing target at a high efficiency.”

Posted in Nikon Patents| 60 Comments

Flashback from 1998: Navy SEALs training with mysterious Nikon underwater digital camera

By [NR] admin | Published: May 5, 2010

“NAVAL AIR BASE CORONADO, California (June 8, 1998) — Navy SEALs attached to SEAL Team One, Naval Air Base Coronado, CA, conducts training using the Nikon/Kodak DCS 425 underwater digital camera which can sends real time digital images to decision makers, and an LPI LPD tracking device uses brevity codes to send both mission status and precise longitude/latitude. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 2nd Class Ted Banks.” (source)

This is an interesting story because when I tried to research this underwater digital camera (Nikon DCS 425) I could hardly find any info online. It seems that this model was produced for the US military/intelligence organizations and initially even its existence was denied:

“The Nikonos RS was the World’s first underwater SLR camera, capable of going down to a depth of 100 meters without special underwater housing. Searching Google at the time (May 2005) produced absolutely no hits for the digital Nikonos (DCS 425 and DCS 435). Absolutely nothing. I then sent an e-mail to Kodak, asking for more information. Their reply:

“I’m sorry but those cameras never existed here at Eastman Kodak. We never made cameras for that specific use. The information you have is incorrect.”

Strange, because I was certain the camera existed. Asking another Kodak source, I was told: “I think the issue is who they were made for”.

In other words: The camera was made for some US military/intelligence organization. Kodak Professional support, which sent the above reply, probably didn’t even know that such a beast existed. (It later turned out that the camera probably never was a big secret after all. Read on for more info..)”

Read the whole story @ Nikonweb.

More info on the film version Nikonos RS available here (very expensive on eBay).

More pictures of the Nikon DCS 425 underwater digital camera after the break:

Read More »

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 84 Comments

Typos

By [NR] admin | Published: May 5, 2010

How many typos can you find?

Source: Wolf Camera rebates advertisement

Posted in Nikon Humor Rumor| 62 Comments

Popular Photography’s “great new DSLR” rumor busted

By [NR] admin | Published: May 3, 2010

The “great new DSLR” rumor from last week is busted – Popular Photography featured a Canon T2i on the front cover.

They also published a full test of the  Nikon 24mm f/1.4 lens.

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| 208 Comments

Good morning Canada, here are your new low Nikon prices

By [NR] admin | Published: May 3, 2010

Nikon price were reduced today in Canada (see rumor reported last week). Some examples after the break:

Read More »

Posted in Deals| 43 Comments

Weekly Nikon related news/links

By [NR] admin | Published: May 2, 2010

“This is the longest reaching and the largest dimension Nikkor optical lens for 35mm photography. It works almost like a optical telescope which projects a compelling 40X magnification of the subject when compared with a normal 50mm standard lens.”

  • Nikon circular for Mother’s Day (US) – nothing interesting besides a 70-300mm lens rebate.
  • Nikon provides aid to the victims of earthquake in Qinghai, China (source).
  • Some updates on the new Lee filter system for the 14-24 lens (see video here):
    • The Super Wide 150 Filter Holder System is currently in Production. It will initially only fit the Nikon 14-24mm. This system will cover FX lenses without vignetting and take resin graduated & standard filters.
    • The system will include the holder, a collar to attach to the Nikon 14-24 lens and one Neutral Density 0.6 Grad Hard filter. (Though we do not have an exact cost for this system (TBD) , we are hoping to have it available to consumers for about $250.00 USD.
    • There is no polarizer in the pipeline, but one is not to be ruled out for the future.
    • Extra filters that will be available for purchase currently planned to produce (pricing TBD):
    • Though currently available in the UK, this system will not be available in the USA until June / July 2010.

Read More »

Posted in Weekly Nikon News Flash| 15 Comments

Nikon rebates extended again in the US

By [NR] admin | Published: May 2, 2010

As previously “expected”, the ongoing Nikon rebates in the US are now extended till May 29th, 2010 (screenshot from D700 rebates at B&H):

I do not have all the details yet, but will post them once I get confirmation from B&H and Adorama.

Update: Nikon D90 cash back offer in the UK is valid till July 31st.

I do not recall Nikon announcing a new camera when the old model still had a valid rebate – maybe someone can correct me here?

Maybe the timing will be the same as in 2008: D700 replacement in June/July, D90 replacement in August – at least the rebates timeframes match this schedule for now.

Update #2: just got a conformation from Adorama that the rebates remain the same as before.

Posted in Deals| 60 Comments