Available in Canon and Nikon mounts at 1385€, from the first quarter of 2011.

We’ll see…

Nikon D800?

Digital Rev, which is not used to propagating false rumours (or any rumors at all, by the way) up to now, just published a small article explaining why there will be no Nikon D700s (a minor improvement over the current Nikon D700 Full Frame DSLR camera): It would not be powerful enough to kick the very successful Canon EOS 5D Mk II (Sony probably has the same issue in order to provide a sibling to the Alpha 900/Alpha 850 offering; Pentax solved the issue by looking at a larger format in the 645D).

Instead, they would be preparing a new and better Nikon D800 with a much more powerful set of features:

• Full Frame FX CMOS 16 MP photo sensor
• Sensitivity: ISO 200-12800 (ext. to ISO 102400)
• Continuous shooting at 9 fps (or 11 fps in DX mode)
• Autofocus system: Based on the 3500FX 51-point Multi-CAM
• Full HD video
• 3″ (921,000 dots) VGA LCD

In any case, I would not expect this for the short term. Not before beginning of 2011.

• AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G (estimated selling price of $1699.95)
• AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR (estimated selling price of $1049.95)
• AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (estimated selling price of $1299.95)
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (estimated selling price of $399.95)

As you can see, except the 55-300mm, these are not really cheap lenses. Their quality will be their first weapon (Even more for the 85mm which will attract the attention of some pro photographers).

Nikon D3100 & 55-200mm zoom

Nikon disclosed its new DSLR (that we will be able to see at the Photokina show in Köln, Germany at the end of September): Nikon D3100. As expected from the recent weeks of rumours, it brings at the entry-level the following features:

Nikon D3100 menu

• 1080p HD video capture, with Full AF mode during recording (through contrast detection),
• 14.2 MP photo sensor (14MP is really becoming the new standard),
• Face detection as in the Nikon D5000 (but with up to 35 faces),
• A new user menu, which also includes photographs to illustrate the different settings.

The features of the Nikon D3100 place it squarely between the Nikon D3000 (which will soon disappear) and Nikon D5000.

Pre-orders

If you are already convinced, you can immediately place a pre-order at these partners:

B&H

• Nikon D3100 kit
• Nikon D3100 2-lenses kit
• Nikkor AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens
• Nikkor AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens
• Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens

Nikon D3100

Press Release

NIKKOR LEGACY CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO OPTICAL SUPERIORITY WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF FOUR NEW LENSES
New NIKKOR Glass Yields an Unprecedented Seven Lenses Released to Date in 2010

MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 19, 2010) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced four new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR line to meet the needs of all types of photographers, from those looking for the ideal lens for capturing memories of the school play to pro glass that captures client work in the studio. The new
AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 85mm f/1.4G deliver the optical excellence and stunning image quality that consumers have become accustomed to with AF-S NIKKOR lenses. Nikon’s optical engineering experience and devotion to extraordinary standards of excellence have contributed to the strength and legend of the NIKKOR brand. With the addition of these four lenses, 2010 has seen the introduction of a total of seven new NIKKOR lenses, reinforcing Nikon’s role as the world leader in optics.

Ideal for producing stunningly sharp images with excellent clarity and color reproduction or capturing HD video that exhibits critical focus with a dramatic depth of field, these new lenses will empower photographers with a variety of core Nikon technologies. The three zoom lenses utilize Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II Image Stabilization system that provides up to four stops of correction* to help create blur-free images while shooting handheld or in challenging lighting conditions. Found in the 85mm f/1.4 and 24-120mm f/4, Nikon’s exclusive Nano-Crystal Coat reduces instances of ghosting and flare – even in challenging backlit scenes. Additionally, all four lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance and Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for color consistency and reduced flaring. The construction of each of these lenses also includes a nine rounded blade diaphragm, to help achieve a dramatic separation between subject and background with a natural out of focus area coveted by today’s image-makers.

“The  AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR,  24-120mm f/4 VR and 85mm f/1.4 builds upon Nikon’s reputation as a preeminent manufacturer of high quality lenses delivering tack sharp, high contrast images whether shooting stills or video. ” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of Marketing at Nikon Inc.  “As camera capabilities expand and the role of photographers evolves, NIKKOR enhancements continue to meet the demands of beginner and professional photographers alike, and we continue to exceed expectations of optical excellence.”

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR: Making Super Telephoto Shooting Easy and Affordable

The new AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR fills a variety of roles as the perfect lens for family picture takers and photo enthusiasts alike. This lens is the ideal compliment to the 18-55mm VR DX-format camera kit lens, such as the one coupled with the just-released D3100 D-SLR camera, and provides users with an affordable way to achieve super zoom focal lengths from 82.5mm to 450mm (35mm equivalent). The 55-300mm VR lens brings the benefits of longer focal lengths into range for users when capturing distant subjects, such as at athletic events, family gatherings and summer vacations. Additional features include a Tripod Detection Mode, which allows users to keep VR image stabilization activated and automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod. Additionally, a High Refractive Index (HRI) lens element is implemented to keep the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture. The optical construction consists of two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR: High Performance, High Quality and Telephoto Zoom

Building on the popularity and versatility of broad focal range lenses, the new
AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is Nikon’s first FX-format lens with a 10.7X zoom range for enthusiasts and professionals. The new 28-300mm is the all-in-one optical solution that is ideal for travel, landscapes, portraits and capturing distant subjects. The 28-300mm VR lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and has an equivalent focal length of 42-450mm when attached to a DX-format D-SLR. It’s optical formula includes two ED glass elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings, and three Aspherical Lens Elements that virtually eliminates coma and other aberrations at wide aperture settings as well. This high performance lens also incorporates an M/A Focus Mode Switch that enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation, and Internal Focus (IF) providing fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR: Defines Versatility

The new AF-S 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR zoom lens redefines the wide-to-portrait lens category, and provides users with a medium focal range lens with a constant aperture that is ideally suited for a wide variety of photographic disciplines. This high performance lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/4 to maintain exposure settings throughout the entire zoom range and is perfect for photographing landscapes, portraits, interiors and weddings. The 24-120mm f/4 also features two ED elements, three aspherical lens elements, a useful M/A Focus Mode Switch, Internal Focus and Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare for greater image clarity, throughout the entire frame.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G ED: Fast Medium Telephoto Lens Destined to Become a Classic

A highly anticipated lens for professional photographers with no room for compromise, the new
AF-S 85mm f/1.4G ED is an ultra-fast classic portrait lens boasting amazing picture quality, high performance and the ability to create dramatic background effects (bokeh). This lens is engineered for professional portrait, studio and wedding photographers wanting to shoot at fast maximum apertures while retaining the highest performance. The 85mm lens is also well suited for portraits and low-light shooting situations because of its ability to create a shallow depth of field with exacting sharpness and detail. The AF-S 85mm f/1.4 is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additional features include Internal Focus (IF) that allows the lens to focus without changing the barrel length, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare, and a rugged construction build to endure aggressive field use.

Price and Availability

The compact telephoto AF-S NIKKOR DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens has an estimated selling price of $399.95**. The versatile AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR has an estimated selling price of $1049.95**. The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens has an estimated selling price of $1299.95**. The ultra-fast AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G has an estimated selling price of $1699.95**. These four lenses will be available starting in September 2010. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

photo credit: nhuhoai

• Samsung NX line would receive 3 new lenses according to Korean DDaily: Pancake 20mm, 20-50mm zoom and Macro 60mm lens.
• Canon could come with 3 lenses of its own: Possibly including an EF 16-50 f/4L H-IS.
• Panasonic already announced a 3D lens for the micro-4/3 (Lumix G-series). It should be visible in September and available in December.
• Samyang (the new company you should consider for compatible lenses) is readying a 35mm f/1.4 with manual focus, for the Samsung NX line. 8mm (fisheye) and 85mm have been rumored too.
• Nikon is said to be preparing at least three lenses: Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G N, Nikkor 24-120 f/4 ED VR N, Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR DX. They could possibly add a 18-200mm f/5.6 or a 28-300mm f/5.6.
• Sony has already said that we will see a 500mm f/4 G (big grey tele-lens for rich pro photographers) and a wide-angle lens Zeiss Distagon T* 24 mm f/2 ZA SSM, but the rumour has that it will not be the only lenses for the Alpha series. Sony could also present one or two lenses for the NEX line, on top of the 18-200mm already promised for mid-September 2010.

Of course, those could be announced a little before the Photokina show (brands try to steal the wind from the other by moving ahead of time).

After some years of people trying to hook big lenses onto an iPhone (like above), there is now somebody trying to make this a serious affair: Here is the prototype of something that could become a real product from Vid-Atlantic, a way to solidly attach a Nikon DSLR lens to your iPhone.

Little cameras like the ones from Sony, Nikon (soon) or Samsung, should watch this.

Source: quesabesde.com

Furthermore, everybody now seems convinced that Nikon is going to get a continuous AF mode on the newest yellow SLR photo cameras, including this Nikon D3100.