Chromatic aberration compensation with the PF (Phase Fresnel) lens
The new 300mm f/4E PF ED VR (pre-order options) is the first Nikkor with Nikon’s Phase Fresnel (PF) lens – this is how they were able to get it so light (half the weight of the previous version) and small (as the rumors suggested). After last night’s announcement Nikon published a short article explaining the new lens technology:
A quick specifications comparison between the new Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens and the previous 300mm f/4D IF-ED version:
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Next is a specifications comparison between the new Nikon D5500 and the old D5300:
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Last specifications comparison between the three generations of the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 lens :
1. A vari-angle monitor for which a touch-screen interface has been adoptedThe D5500 is the first Nikon digital SLR camera for which a touch-screen interface has been adopted. This enables simple and intuitive operation by those who frequently use smart devices. It is equipped with a large and wide, 3.2-inch, approximately 1037K-dot TFT LCD vari-angle monitor with wide viewing angle. In addition to preserving more than sufficient visibility, the side-hinged vari-angle monitor opens up to 180° to the left, and can be rotated up to 90° clockwise, or up to 180° counter-clockwise while it is open. This ensures flexible shooting from a wide variety of angles, whether low or high, and even when capturing self portraits.
Touch Fn
One of eight frequently used camera settings (Focus-point selection, AF-area mode, Aperture, ISO sensitivity, etc.) can be assigned to this function for use with viewfinder shooting, enabling immediate modification of the assigned setting, and achieving practical operation by simply tapping or sliding a finger across the monitor while looking through the viewfinder.
2. A strong monocoque body, and the world’s smallest, lightest, and slimmest digital SLR camera equipped with a vari-angle monitorA monocoque structure, with which the exterior serves as a frame that protects the internal structure with great strength, has been adopted for the D5500. Use of a carbon-fiber composite material for the front body, where important mechanisms such as the imaging unit are incorporated, and the front and rear covers not only ensures a light weight, but also preserves great strength and durability. In addition, positioning of the integrated circuit board, on which electronic components are mounted, and the imaging unit in nearly the same place, as well as optimization of drive unit positioning have helped to make the camera significantly slimmer. This, in turn, has enabled a deeper grip that provides a firmer, steadier hold on the camera, making it more portable and easier to handle.
3. A built-in Wi-Fi function that enables image transfer and remote shooting through collaboration with smart devicesThe built-in Wi-Fi function makes two-way wireless communications with smart devices such as smartphones and tablets possible. Full-scale photographic works (still images) captured with this digital SLR camera can be uploaded to a smart device from which they can be transferred or shared on SNSs via the Internet. In addition, the live view screen can be displayed on a smart device, enabling use of the smart device for a variety of applications, including capture of self portraits and group photos, as well as remote photography.
4. An effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels, a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, and the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine enable superior image quality and excellent detailOffering an effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels and equipped with a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, the D5500 is able to capture images that make the most of the superior rendering capabilities of NIKKOR lenses. In addition, the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine richly reproduces colors from those in the darkest portions of the frame to those in the brightest portions of the frame for smooth changes between bright and dark portions, which results in images with excellent detail and a three-dimensional appearance. The camera supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100 to 25600, making capture of images exhibiting excellent detail with little noise possible, even in dark surroundings.
5. Even better functions and performance as a full-scale digital SLR cameraThe D5500 offers the superior performance and wide variety of functions that make the rich power of expression, possible only with a full-scale digital SLR camera, possible.
The PF (Phase Fresnel) lens, developed by Nikon, effectively compensates chromatic aberration utilizing the photo diffraction phenomenon. It provides superior chromatic aberration compensation performance when combined with a normal glass lens. Compared to many general camera lenses that employ an optical system using the photorefractive phenomenon, a remarkably compact and lightweight body can be attained with less number of lens elements.
Press release:
Nikon announced the development of a new new Nikon 1 V3 firmware that will be released in May and will provide compatibility with Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 (Nikon’s remote control software). In June, 2015, Nikon will also provide a remote control software development kit (SDK) for the V3. Here is the full press release:
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