Nikon D90 body only now shipping in the US (updated)


Updates:

Oct 16th: Ritz and J&R have the Nikon D90 body in stock.

Oct 8th:

It’s finally here! Amazon has it in stock:

Calumet also has the Nikon D90 body only (updated Oct 8th).
I can confirm now that Abe’s of Maine is shipping Nikon D90 body only. I saw with my own eyes that this order was shipped and was even able to see the UPS tracking (the reader that submitted this gave me access to his account).

The price of the Nikon D90 kit is falling down – here is an updated price list:
Posted in Nikon D90| 34 Comments

Nikon D60 Black Gold Limited Edition is Ritz exclusive, says ad

This is how the Nikon D60 Black Gold ad will look when it comes out from Ritz in two weeks. As I speculated before this will be a Ritz exclusive deal (thanks for the picture M). The camera is already available online.

If you already have a D40, D80 or D300 don’t feel left behind, you can still add some bling to your camera:
For the history of the Nikon D60 Black Gold Limited Edition rumor click here.
Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 10 Comments

Two new Nikon products

Nikon announced two new products today – the Media Port UP300 and UP300x video headset. This is a rather awkward direction for Nikon and I am not sure of the intended target audience, but those gadgets look pretty impressive. It is interesting to see the word “video” in another Nikon product, not to mention the “x” in the model number. More images of the announcement can be seen here.

The world’s first* multimedia playback headset with built-in Wi-Fi capability, support for movie playback, and high-capacity built-in memory The Media Port UP300x and UP300

October 7, 2008

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce the successful development of the Media Port UP (“UP” read as individual letters), a multimedia playback headset device that also supports Internet connection. This innovative product, which incorporates display, headphones, mobile A/V player, Wi-Fi capability, high-capacity memory, and power source in a single compact unit is the first of its type. The UP allows users to easily enjoy high-quality images, videos, and music anywhere. Two UP models will be available—the high-performance UP300x and the basic UP300. The Media Port UP will be available only in Japan through the Nikon Imaging Japan Inc. (Takao Nishioka, President) online UP Store (http://www.upstore.jp/).

* Multimedia playback device in headset form, according to Nikon survey as of October 7, 2008.

Major Functions

  • The single, compact unit allows for simple enjoyment of videos and music anyplace and anytime, while leaving the hands free to do other things.
  • Enjoy image and video viewing with a sensation equivalent to that of viewing of a 50-inch large screen from a distance of three meters.
  • An extremely compact and lightweight display that offers excellent image quality achieved with optics made possible through development and adoption of a new adhesion double-layer diffractive optical element (DOE) lens.
  • The high-performance UP300x is equipped with a built-in motion sensor that allows for hands free operation, including volume adjustment, by moving the head up or down, left or right.
  • The UP300x is equipped with an 8 GB internal memory while the UP300 offers 4 GB of internal memory.
  • Designed with a high eyepoint and diopter adjustment so that even those who wear glasses will find the display easy to view.
  • In addition to Web browsing via Internet connection using the built-in Wi-Fi function, media contents can also be downloaded.
  • A service for UP users that allows for the distribution of video contents will be initiated. Users will be able to easily select desired contents and download media files to their UP for viewing and listening enjoyment.
  • As Windows Media Player (WMP) files are also supported, compatible media files saved to a computer can also be transferred to a UP for viewing and listening enjoyment.

Development background

Nikon has a long history of development of a variety of products that allow for the simple enjoyment of high-quality imaging, beginning of course, with digital cameras. In recent years, the digital wave has led to great changes in the ways in which images, videos and music are enjoyed. Nikon recognizes the fact that modern people are now able to increase the value of time with the ability to access and enjoy information available with today’s imaging and audio capabilities using a few minutes of spare time. Sitting comfortably on the head, this product allows immediate access to a variety of information as a device that can accompany users in their everyday lives. The UP models developed by Nikon are the world’s first products of this type to incorporate all of the features available with various mobile devices, such as image and audio playback, communications, built-in memory, and simple power source, in a single unit. What’s more, these features have been incorporated into a product with the same size and weight as conventional sound-isolating headphones.
High-definition image and video playback was achieved with the development and adoption of Nikon’s exclusive new optics technology for the UP display. In addition, this product was also designed with high-quality speakers and superior operation and feel. This is a new genre of product that combines the optics, human interface, and digital imaging technologies Nikon has spent decades accumulating with new audio and Internet technologies.

Origin of the UP name

Nikon has named this innovative product “UP”. This name was taken from a number of word combinations that may be used to described the broad functionality and uses of this product, including “universal port”, “ubiquitous player”, “ultimate player”, “U (your) partner”, “U (your) pleasure”, and “U (your) power”. As the first product in a brand new genre, we chose the name “UP” for both its simplicity and its presence.

Primary Features

  1. All-in-one, hands free enjoyment
    An all-in-one design that offers display, headphones, mobile A/V player, Wi-Fi capability, and Internet connection in a single unit. An ergonomic design arch form that reflects basic Nikon characteristics such as simplicity and ease-of-use, while offering innovation and a high-quality feel.
  2. Clear and easy-to-see high-quality display
    The display incorporates a liquid crystal display, backlight, and newly developed optics that enable display zoom. This new technology is the result of the technologies and know how cultivated by Nikon with our development of SLR camera viewfinders and eyeglasses. Though extremely compact and lightweight, the UP allows users to enjoy clear and beautiful images, without distortion.
  3. Adhesion double-layer DOE lens enables compact, lightweight, high-quality display
    The optics adopted for UP display incorporate Nikon’s exclusive adhesion double-layer DOE lens. While most common lenses use refraction to change the direction in which light moves, diffractive optical elements (DOE) use light diffraction. A diffraction grating, shaped like the teeth of a saw with separation of tens to hundreds of micrometers, suppresses chromatic aberration to reproduce crisp and clear VGA images. What’s more, this allows for an optical system with a weight of approximately 1/7 that of conventional lens optics (comparison of Nikon designs).
  4. Internet connection via built-in Wi-Fi capability
    Internet connection* via a wireless LAN network is made possible with built-in Wi-Fi capability. Our original online service, UP Link, enables Web browsing and download of media contents for viewing and listening enjoyment.*Registration with a supported Internet service provider required. All functions may not be supported with some network connections.
  5. Integrated design allows for superior sound quality
    The integration of amplifier and speakers in a single unit enables optimization of sound quality. As no external cable connection is required, noise is minimized for pure sound quality. The built-in driver unit is a highly magnetic 40 mm neodymium unit, which offers superior sound with realistic sensation. In addition, the large earpads are made of soft, viscoelastic urethane for a comfortable and secure fit.
  6. Movie and music player with multi-codec support
    WMV9 and MPEG-1, MPEG-2 movies, and MP3, AAC, and WMA9 audio files are supported.
  7. High-capacity memory built in
    The UP300x is equipped with an 8 GB internal memory and the UP300 offers 4 GB of internal memory. The UP300x can hold MPEG-2 data of up to 160 minutes in length or WMV9 data of up to 500 minutes in length (MPEG-2 files recorded at 6.5Mb/s, WMV files recorded at 2Mb/s).
  8. Retracting mechanism for adjustment of display position to suit use
    Depending upon whether you are viewing images or videos, or simply listening to music, the adjustable display arm can be lowered to eye level or kept in its storage position. Further, the display arm can be lowered below eye level when primarily listening to music with occasional viewing of images or videos.
  9. Mechanisms for individual fit
    The display incorporates two flexible joints and an extendable arm that allow for positioning adjustment suited to individual head shape and size, as well as eye level. This provides for comfortable viewing position and a secure fit for all users. What’s more, the arm joint can be reversed for viewing images and videos with either the left or right eye.
  10. “Fit Navigator” for usage guidance
    This function assists users with correct viewing and listening positioning as well as operation. When the UP is turned on, users need simply to follow the instructions displayed to achieve optimum viewing and listening positioning and learn about button operations.
  11. Automatic image brightness adjustment function
    When viewing images or videos with just one eye with the UP, visibility with that eye is affected by external brightness visible with the opposite eye. Therefore, the UP has been equipped with a function that automatically adjusts image or video brightness according to ambient brightness.
  12. Motion sensor for hands-free operation (UP300x only)
    Hands free operation makes the UP a truly all-in-one device. The UP300x is equipped with a motion sensor that supports hands free operational control. With simple head movements up, down, left, or right, a variety of operations, including volume adjustment, can be controlled without using the hands.
  13. Operational control concentrated with a multi selector
    All operations and basic settings can be applied with one hand using the multi selector, a set of integrated controls on the outside of one speaker. The multi selector is comprised of a center dial surrounded by four buttons. When a button is pressed, function color in the display changes for simple control of the intended operation. The user interface is simple enough for anyone to master.
  14. High eyepoint and diopter adjustment for comfortable viewing even while wearing glasses
    The UP is designed with a high eyepoint for comfortable viewing while wearing glasses. It is also equipped with a diopter adjustment function. This allows for adjustment of optical power to suit individual vision.
    In addition, when viewing images or videos with just one eye with the UP, the diopter adjustment function can be used to make the focusing distance of the eye viewing images or videos the same as the other eye, allowing for comfortable simultaneous viewing of the UP display and the surrounding environment.
  15. A/V input (UP300x only)
    The UP300x can be connected to portable A/V devices with an output terminal, including cellular telephones and audio players. This provides a new way to enjoy existing image, video, and music libraries. (The optional A/V cable is required for connection. Connection may not be possible depending upon the existence of an A/V output terminal, connector shape, and output specifications of the A/V device.)
  16. Communication indicator
    When operations are modified or volume is adjusted, built-in signs light on the display arm and on the front of the display. These signs can also be disabled.
  17. Wiper switch warnings
    When viewing images or videos with one eye with the UP and rapidly moving objects are visible with the other eye, attention may concentrate on the surrounding environment. The wiper function shows a white line in the display, which moves to help bring attention back to the display.
  18. Hours of listening and viewing enjoyment with two AA batteries
    The UP can be powered by two AA alkaline batteries. The UP comes with two Sanyo AA “eneloop” Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and dedicated quick charger. When the supplied batteries are used, uninterrupted video playback of up to 120 minutes1 or music playback of up to 270 minutes2 is possible.

    1
    With display brightness manually set to 3 and playback of WMV movie file at 2 Mb/s. Except contents protected by Windows Media DRM 10.
    2
    With backlight turned off and playback of WMA 9.2 audio file at 320 Kb/s. Except contents protected by Windows Media DRM 10.

Additional features

  • The optional infrared remote control is convenient for times when reaching for the multi selector may be difficult.
  • The size of the image/video displayed can be reduced (50% horizontally and vertically). This prevents missing any details when images or videos are viewed at the periphery of visual field when the display arm is positioned below eye level.

Media Port UP specifications

TypeMultimedia playback headset
ModelUP300, UP300x
Display0.44-in. transmissive LCOS with 640 x 480 x 3 dots and 16,770,000 colors
LensAdhesion double-layer DOE lens with a diagonal of approximately 24°
Speaker unitSealed dynamic type that supports playback frequencies of 3–25,000 Hz
Input terminalMulti connector
Power sourceTwo AA alkaline batteries
Three AA Lithium batteries
Two AA rechargeable nickel hydride batteries
Storage mediumBuilt-in flash memory: 4 GB (UP300)/8 GB (UP300x)1
File formats
Movie: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WMV9 (DRM 10 compatible)
Audio: MP32, WMA9 (DRM 10 compatible), AAC2
Still image: JPEG
Other: SWF (Flash Player 7 compatible)
InterfaceHi-Speed USB
Wireless LAN802.11b/g protocols within a range of 20 m (line of sight)3
Video input(UP300x)Images: NTSC, 1 Vp-p/75Ω Audio: 500 mVrms/47 KΩ
Web browserHTML: HTML 4.01, frames supported, JavaScript
Flash: Version 7
Uninterrupted playbackMovie: Approximately 120 minutes4
Audio: approx. 270 minutes5
Operating environmentAmbient temperature: 0~40°C
Humidity: 85% or less (no condensation)
Weight385 g (including supplied batteries)
Supplied accessoriesUC-UP1 USB cable, 2 Sanyo “eneloop” rechargeable batteries(HR-3UTG), NC-MDR02 battery charger, AL-UP1 angle limiter, Soft Pouch SC-UP1

Via Gizmodo

Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 20 Comments

Nikon D60 Black Gold Special Edition now available


It seems that the Nikon D60 Black Gold will be a Ritz only deal – I have not seen it in other stores (yet). Here is your recession proof camera, proudly presented on the front page:

Nikon D60 Black Gold Special Edition @ RitzCamera.com


You never know, this may become collectors item one day – take a look at this gold Nikon.
If you have missed this rumor you can catch up here.
Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 15 Comments

Jeff-c has spoken

Nobody knows who Jeff-c is, but he has an incredible history of knowing what’s coming next from Nikon. I don’t think he has ever been wrong. He (or she) has a better track record than Thom Hogan (please correct me if I am wrong). This is what he had to say today (source):
  • Nikon was not happy with the picture quality from the Sony 24mp FF sensor in their evaluation and rejected it.
  • Sony is making changes to this sensor to suit Nikon’s requirements.
  • Prototype of a 24mp FF is floating around in tester’s hand.
  • He is convinced that a higher mp FF is coming within the next 6 months, regardless the MX is real or not.
Are those the reasons why we did not see a new FF 24mp DSLR from Nikon at Photokina?
All of the above are gossips/rumors – please read the whole post here for more detailed information.
Posted in Nikon D3x, Nikon D800| Tagged | 42 Comments

Nikon medium format (MX) analysis

Many readers think that those Nikon medium format ads are fake (even though the poll says otherwise). I would agree if it wasn’t for ad #3 and the ad #1. Each one of the remaining ads could be created based on existing Nikon product images and a good knowledge of PS, but the viewfinder in ad #3 looks real to me. Can someone think of a camera that has similar shaped viewfinder? This seems to be difficult to fake (but not impossible). Note that all of the fake PS jobs are based on existing models. I haven’t seen a fake Nikon image created from scratch.

The other problem I have is the red triangle on the handle of the first ad – the triangle looks different than any of the existing models (personal opinion, I could be wrong). The sequence here is MX, D3, D2HS, D700, D300, D200, D90, D80, D70 and F6. Did I miss a model?


Here is the lens from ad #3 done in PS by one of the readers:

Looks pretty damn close.

Here is another detailed compassion of the DX-FX-MX sensors from ad #4 done by another reader:

The next one is a PS job sent to me anonymously. The text on this one means “Old fox” – a crafty or clever person.

Thank you all for you your comments and analysis. Remember that I am in the same boat as you – I just want to know and I don’t know anything more than you do.

If you did not get enough, here is another one of the many emails I got on this topic:

If you measure the size of the wheel on the D3 image (on my screen) you get 9mm wide if you measure the size of the mirror you get 15.5 mm wide 15.5/9=1.722 size factor
You can do the same measurement with the d700 image (once again on my screen) and you get 22/13 1.69…..from these two measurements we can assume the size factor of the wheel to the mirror on these two cameras is  about 1.7 and can be used as a good measure for all Nikon cameras.
since we know that the real size of a Nikon mirror is 36mm wide we can get a real life size factor from the photos also……….36/15.5=2.322 for the D3
………36/22=1.636 for the d700
we can now use these measurement to find the actual wheel size…..2.322*13=20.898 for the d3 and 1.636*13=21.268……from this we can assume that the size of the wheel on all cameras is roughly 21mm wide
If we measure the size of the mirror from the big ad we see it is about 23mmx14mm on my screen and the size of the wheel is about 10mm.  If we then use the wheel (21mm wide) as a standard.  21/10=2.1 size factor.  We can then use this size factor to determine the real life size of the sensor.  23*2.1=48.3mm and 14*2.1=29.4mm.
Now take it with a grain of salt but from my calculation looking at the photos the sensor of the camera in the big ad would be roughly 48×30
Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 25 Comments

Nikon MX ad #4

Nikon medium format sensor as art on the wall. I got this from the same source as the first three ads.
Posted in Other Nikon stuff| Tagged | 61 Comments