NikonRumors turns 2 today

By [NR] admin | Published: May 1, 2010

Exactly 2 years ago I posted several small messages online on upcoming Nikon products. This is how NikonRumors started.

Today, on the second anniversary, we have 1,212  posts, 56,170 comments and… 24,296 spam messages.

Over the past two years we had few million visitors form 225 countries/territories. I did receive several thousand emails from readers with information on Nikon products. It has been a lot of fun.

I want to thank all of you for being [NR] readers. Special thanks also to the forum moderators  – the [NR] forum now has over 2,400 members with 32,702 posts in 1,670 topics.

We have again some quiet time ahead of us and I will be posting some “non-rumors” topics in the next few weeks. I will also make some small changes to the website design and maybe even change to white background one day 🙂

You can follow NikonRumors on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and the [NR] forum group on flickr.

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| 130 Comments

Nikon UK surveys medium format cameras

By [NR] admin | Published: April 30, 2010

Nikon UK has an ongoing phone survey to professional photographers. The first few questions are about the type of photography and the exact current equipment each of the targeted photographers are using and then… a bunch of questions on medium format, cameras, backs, lenses, etc… This interest in medium format could be based on the fact that the Nikon D3x camera was promoted as an alternative to medium format users or… (and this is where the rumor mill kicks in) Nikon has plans to release a medium format camera and are researching the market.

Flashback:

  • Nikon executive recently said “We have no experience in the niche market of medium-format. It may simply be impossible for Nikon to go on the market.”
  • Back in 2008 there were a series of ads with unknown source and authenticity that featured what appears to be a medium format Nikon camera ad #1, ad #2, ad #3 and ad #4.
Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 64 Comments

Nikon D700 promotions in the UK and Italy

By [NR] admin | Published: April 29, 2010

Update #2: Today Nikon UK announced a cashback for the D90 and a price drop for the D5000.

Update #1: There are different Nikon promotions ongoing in other countries too, like Sweden for example where the D700 body is currently selling at a 26% discount.

Nikon UK announced a promotion for a free Nikon MB-10 battery grip when you purchase a D700. The offer expires on June 30th, 2010.

Nikon Italy has a promotion for a free Nikon SB-900 when you buy a D700. The offer expires on June 5th, 2010.

The Nikon rebates in the US will expire on May 1st, but I will not be surprised if they get extended again.

Nikon D700 was announced on July 1st, 2008.

Nikon just announced a new lens (200-400mm).

Photokina will take place at the end of September this year.

Based on all of this information, I think it is be safe to assume that the Nikon D700 replacement will be announced in the  July-September, 2010 timeframe with July being the best choice.

Posted in Nikon D800| 111 Comments

Nikon patent shows an oddly shaped LCD screen

By [NR] admin | Published: April 29, 2010

Update: this screen could be from the Nikon E3 DSLR model back from 1998 (thanks Kyrken).

Patent application 20100103283 is for reducing the power consumption in a camera and has a drawing of an oddly shaped LCD screen. I wonder what shape must the camera have in order to accommodate an LCD screen like that.

More details about this patent:

Read More »

Posted in Nikon Patents| 71 Comments

Fellow Canadians, you may see lower Nikon prices on Monday

By [NR] admin | Published: April 27, 2010

The rumor is that Nikon will lower the prices of some products in Canada on Monday May 3, 2010. Just like last time (Nov 15th, 2009) this could be an adjustment to the currency exchange rate.

I cannot give any ratings to this rumor for now since I am waiting on additional information.

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| 52 Comments

Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II available for pre-order

By [NR] admin | Published: April 27, 2010

Pre-order options:

The lens is expected to be available in stores in late May, 2010. Availability will probably be very limited, especially before and during the FIFA world cup (June 11 – July 11, 2010).

Some more sample images from Amazon:

I could not find hi-res version of those images.

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged | 60 Comments

Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II announced

By [NR] admin | Published: April 27, 2010

Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-200-400mm-f4G-ED-VR-II-lens

The possible announcement date and the Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR replacement rumors just materialized two hours ago. Here are the main features of the new 200-400 lens:

  • A super telephoto zoom lens supporting Nikon’s exclusive range of focal lengths from 200 to 400mm
  • Nano Crystal Coat significantly reduces ghost and flare
  • Built-in vibration reduction (VR II) offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four stops
  • Four ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for higher optical performance
  • Three focus modes are available — A/M, M/A and M
  • Available: late May 2010
  • Price: $6,999.95 (the old model sells for around $6,000)

Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II MTF chart

For comparison, here is the MTF chart for the old version (look identical to me):

MTF chart of the old 200-400mm lens

Specifications:

Focal Length200 – 400 mm
ApertureMaximum: f/4
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount TypeNikon F
Format CompatibilityNikon FX/35mm Film
Nikon DX
Angle of View12° – 6°
DX Picture Angle: 8° – 4°
Minimum Focus Distance6.6′ (2 m)
Magnification0.27x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio1:3.7
Groups/Elements17/24
Diaphragm Blades9
Image StabilizationYes
AutofocusYes
Tripod CollarYes
Filter Thread52 mm
Dimensions (DxL)Approx. 4.9 x 14.4″ (12.45 x 36.58 cm)
Weight7.4 lb (3.36 kg)

Full press release after the break:

Read More »

Posted in Nikon Lenses| Tagged | 143 Comments