Saturday, January 07, 2006
Camera Raw plugin hijacked after Nikon PP install
Installed Nikon Picture Project. When opening a .NEF file in Photoshop, now displays a dialog box saying that Nikon's PP NEF plug-in is overriding Adobe Camera Raw plug-in. Luckily, it tells you how to remove the Nikon PP plugin:
Goto:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS2\Plug-Ins\Adobe Photoshop Only\File Formats
Delete file:
Nikon NEF Plugin LE.8bi
I just renamed it to "Nikon NEF Plugin LE.8bi.remove"
Another good thread:
http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=3741
Goto:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS2\Plug-Ins\Adobe Photoshop Only\File Formats
Delete file:
Nikon NEF Plugin LE.8bi
I just renamed it to "Nikon NEF Plugin LE.8bi.remove"
Another good thread:
http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=3741
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
How to Use Histograms
Saturday, December 24, 2005
First outdoor shots with D200
Barely got some sunlight as it was getting towards sundown. But got some quick shots. The D200 and VRII on the 18-200mm is dope.
You can see two ants on the flower of the 2nd pic. Here's an actual size crop of the 2nd pic:
You can see two ants on the flower of the 2nd pic. Here's an actual size crop of the 2nd pic:
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Purchased Nikon 18-200mm lens
The much anticipated 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR-II ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor lens arrived at wonderful Cardinal Camera yesterday. Woke up this morning at 6am, cancelled my B&H preorder and ordered one from Kurt (owner) at Cardinal today, $750. Will arrive tomorrow. D200 arrives Fri (was mistakenly shipped UPS ground instead of UPS 2-day; got free overnight shipping on lens because of their error).
Nikon posted some examples of VR-II enabled and disabled:
D200, 200mm, 1/50 sec, f/9, ISO 100
Nikon posted some examples of VR-II enabled and disabled:
D200, 200mm, 1/50 sec, f/9, ISO 100
Friday, December 16, 2005
Purchased D200
It wasn't easy. Sold out and long preorder waiting lists everywhere. Only B&H has no preorder list, but they haven't got their units yet for some strange reason. Waking up at 6am everyday to hear B&H say "not yet" was getting really old. I even wrote a python script that checked B&H every 2 minutes and paged me if the D200 page changed.
Thanks to Larry who posted on dpreview, I was able to order one from Cardinal Camera in Lansdale, PA. I saw Larry's post about 5 mins after he posted. Immediately called Cardinal and bought through Scott ($1699.95). 10 mins later, people were posting to the thread that Cardinal had sold out. Nice score for the smaller camera shops around the country. D200 mania is scarier than I imagined, else I would have placed my preorder with Ritz in November like everyone else. My lucky day :> UPS tracking shows that it's in-transit due to arrive 12/23. Preordered the new 18-200mm VR lens with B&H with a 4GB Sandisk Ultra II CF card. Merry Christmas!
Thanks to Larry who posted on dpreview, I was able to order one from Cardinal Camera in Lansdale, PA. I saw Larry's post about 5 mins after he posted. Immediately called Cardinal and bought through Scott ($1699.95). 10 mins later, people were posting to the thread that Cardinal had sold out. Nice score for the smaller camera shops around the country. D200 mania is scarier than I imagined, else I would have placed my preorder with Ritz in November like everyone else. My lucky day :> UPS tracking shows that it's in-transit due to arrive 12/23. Preordered the new 18-200mm VR lens with B&H with a 4GB Sandisk Ultra II CF card. Merry Christmas!
Nikon 18-200mm VR lens announcement
Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS
By Pop Photo Staff
November 2005
DCL Notes:
Why is it f/3.5-5.6? f/3.5 at 18mm, f/5.6 at 200mm [Ken Rockwell]
G: G-series lens
IF: Internal focusing
DX: Shorter focal lengths for digital SLRs. "DX" format / sensor size.
ED: Extra-low Dispersion. Special glass for sharpness.
VR: VR-II, actually. Vibration reduction (less blurring with slower shutter speeds)
VRII (VR-II): Enhanced VR
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
NIKON® ADDS VERSATILE NEW 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS TO ITS DX NIKKOR LINE OF LENSES
New Lens Offers Enhanced VR Vibration Reduction System in a Compact and Lightweight 11.1x High Power Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLRs
MELVILLE, NY, NOVEMBER 1, 2005 – Nikon Inc. (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, a compact, lightweight 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high performance everyday photography and incorporates advanced features such as Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality.
“Nikon’s range of DX Nikkor lenses, designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras, has grown substantially since the introduction of the category, and the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is an excellent addition offering Nikon digital SLR photographers an advanced all-purpose lens with superb optical performance and Enhanced Vibration Reduction capabilities,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “Nikkor lenses are famous for their breathtaking sharpness, optimal contrast and consistent color rendition across its range of lenses with varying focal lengths. Now with the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon photographers will be able to take advantage of remarkable versatility in one lens with assurance of the outstanding Nikkor image performance that has made Nikkor lenses renowned worldwide.”
Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon’s VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.
To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling chrematistics.
All of Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance. With the addition of the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, Nikon photographers can choose from over 50 Nikkor lenses, ranging from the amazing 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye to the astounding 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II super Telephoto.
The 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be available beginning in December 2005 for an estimated selling price of $699.95**. For more information about Nikon and the Nikkor brand of optics, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor: Major Features:
Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format)
VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range
M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
By Pop Photo Staff
November 2005
DCL Notes:
Why is it f/3.5-5.6? f/3.5 at 18mm, f/5.6 at 200mm [Ken Rockwell]
G: G-series lens
IF: Internal focusing
DX: Shorter focal lengths for digital SLRs. "DX" format / sensor size.
ED: Extra-low Dispersion. Special glass for sharpness.
VR: VR-II, actually. Vibration reduction (less blurring with slower shutter speeds)
VRII (VR-II): Enhanced VR
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
NIKON® ADDS VERSATILE NEW 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR ZOOM-NIKKOR LENS TO ITS DX NIKKOR LINE OF LENSES
New Lens Offers Enhanced VR Vibration Reduction System in a Compact and Lightweight 11.1x High Power Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLRs
MELVILLE, NY, NOVEMBER 1, 2005 – Nikon Inc. (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, a compact, lightweight 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high performance everyday photography and incorporates advanced features such as Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality.
“Nikon’s range of DX Nikkor lenses, designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras, has grown substantially since the introduction of the category, and the new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is an excellent addition offering Nikon digital SLR photographers an advanced all-purpose lens with superb optical performance and Enhanced Vibration Reduction capabilities,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “Nikkor lenses are famous for their breathtaking sharpness, optimal contrast and consistent color rendition across its range of lenses with varying focal lengths. Now with the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon photographers will be able to take advantage of remarkable versatility in one lens with assurance of the outstanding Nikkor image performance that has made Nikkor lenses renowned worldwide.”
Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon’s VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.
To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling chrematistics.
All of Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance. With the addition of the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, Nikon photographers can choose from over 50 Nikkor lenses, ranging from the amazing 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye to the astounding 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II super Telephoto.
The 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be available beginning in December 2005 for an estimated selling price of $699.95**. For more information about Nikon and the Nikkor brand of optics, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor: Major Features:
Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format)
VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range
M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Nikon VR lens technology
And the VR? That stands for vibration reduction. Designed to offset camera movement, VR technology permits you to handhold at shutter speeds that would have required a tripod for sharp results. The old handheld rule of thumb has always been to use a shutter speed at least as fast as the fraction made by 1 over the length of the lens, i.e., for a 400mm lens, that's 1/400 sec.
With a VR lens, that has all changed. The manual says you can handhold this VR lens for sharp pictures "at shutter speeds approximately three steps slower than you ordinarily could."
What does that mean, exactly? A Nikon technician queried for this article said it's worded that way because individual photographers can handhold at different shutter speeds, depending on their steadiness. Basically, Nikon says you can sharply handhold 400mm at an unbelievable shutter speed of 1/60 sec.!
With a VR lens, that has all changed. The manual says you can handhold this VR lens for sharp pictures "at shutter speeds approximately three steps slower than you ordinarily could."
What does that mean, exactly? A Nikon technician queried for this article said it's worded that way because individual photographers can handhold at different shutter speeds, depending on their steadiness. Basically, Nikon says you can sharply handhold 400mm at an unbelievable shutter speed of 1/60 sec.!
