Veloce III

Manfrotto has released three new sizes to the Stile collection. The three new bags are specifically designed for the e-reader, netbook and tablet user who wants a camera bag with space for their photographic and personal tech gear.

The Veloce III holds a DSLR (with or without battery grip and up to an attached 70-200 mm lens) plus 1-2 extra lenses plus flash and small or medium tripod as well as personal gear and tablet, netbook or e-reader.

Unica III

The Unica III holds a compact DSLR with kit lens attached and up to a 13-inch laptop as well as personal gear. This Unica size features one full main interior compartment rather than a separate bottom compartment.

Agile III

The Agile II holds a compact DSLR with up to an attached 18-105 mm lens and 1-2 extra lenses plus netbook, tablet or e-reader in a designated rear padded compartment. There’s also room for personal gear and small tripod or monopod that can be attached to the bag.

The lens covers focal lengths from 28 to 560 mm (equivalent), with macro shooting down to 1 cm from the subject. The camera’s Intelligent Zoom function further extends the zoom range to approximately 144X – approximately 4032 mm equivalent – “without compromising image quality,” says the company.

There are two shutter-release buttons and zoom levers on its grip, covering both horizontal and vertical shooting. The camera automatically adjusts its on-screen display by detecting vertical alignment. The VS20 even offers dual tripod sockets, allowing the user to securely set the camera up on a tripod for both horizontal and vertical shooting.

Image sensor delivers approximately 16.0 effective megapixels.

There are three anti-shake modes. The CCD-shift-type SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism; Digital SR mode, where the camera automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400 for faster shutter speeds; and Movie SR mode which compensates for camera shake and delivers a narrower angle of view.

The VS20 has Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions over the entire image field. It selects one of 15 shooting modes (including Blue Sky and Sunset) and optimizes various camera settings (such as sensitivity and shutter speed).

With the addition of three new modes (Handheld Night Snap, Fish-eye and Sketch), the VS20 offers an even greater range of creative options. Visual-effect modes allow you to take pictures while confirming the level of filtering effect on the LCD monitor.

The camera’s Face Recognition AF & AE function offers a new face recall function, which puts priority on a pre-registered face when optimizing focus and exposure settings. As well, Smile Capture mode automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile. The Blink Detection function warns when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.

The VS20 captures high-definition-TV-quality movie clips (1280 x 720 pixels), with an independent movie recording button on its back panel. There are three new digital filters (Fish-eye, Miniature and Sketch mode).

A 3.0-inch LCD monitor is treated with AG (Anti-Glare) coating which also blocks stains such as fingerprints.

Other features include: Digital level and 48-segment grid display functions; wireless remote-control shooting using an optional remote controller; new Stretch filter to extend a particular portion of an image for an eye-catching visual effect; 13 digital filters, including newly added Sketch mode; choice of three image ratios (4:3, 16:9 and 1:1); D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image; Digital Panorama mode to create a single panoramic picture from as many as three images; included image viewing, editing and filing software.

The Optio VS20 will be available in February in a choice of black or white.

Corel suggests AfterShot Pro is a powerful and affordable alternative to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and ACD Systems ACDSee Pro.

Based on technology from Corel’s acquisition of Bibble Labs, the new software runs on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

Fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core and multi-CPU computers, AfterShot Pro delivers fast RAW processing and incredibly colour-accurate images with regular support for an ever-increasing number of major camera manufacturers and models, states Corel.

It is claimed to offers workflow capabilities enabling you to work with photos virtually any way you want, such as quickly accessing images from existing file folders or memory cards or importing them into searchable catalogues.

Corel AfterShot Pro is designed for speed and allows those with and without the latest hardware to process their images fast. AfterShot Pro is fully multithreaded and optimized for multi-core computers by taking advantage of every CPU at its disposal to maximize the speed of onscreen preview, adjustment and output generation.

Whether reviewing, adjusting or exporting RAW, JPEG or TIFF images, lets you create custom or even portable catalogues that can be moved to another computer, or if you already organize your photos in folders on your computer, you aren’t required to catalogue them at all.

Browse and search your photos with ease using the powerful metadata features. Easily find your images with automatically imported EXIF data such as camera settings, lenses and dates. Add your own keywords, ratings, labels and tags or use industry-standard IPTC Metadata, such as captions and copyright. Tailor metadata sets to display only the information you want to see or use presets to attach information to your photos for easy searching.

Refine and enhance your photos without ever altering your original image. Apply intelligent automatic or manual adjustments – including complete exposure and tone control, colour correction, white balance, noise reduction, curves and levels, lens correction, etc.

Unique regions and layers capabilities give control over image adjustments by letting you apply them exactly where you want them.

AfterShot Pro lets you to bring your image into Corel’s PaintShop Pro, Adobe Photoshop or the image editor of your choice from directly within the application.

Batch processing lets you rename multiple files, apply adjustments to groups of similar files with the same settings, or convert and export files to one or more pre-defined image formats and sizes.

Corel AfterShot Pro is available as an electronic download from Corel, and is expected to be available in stores later this month. Cost is $99.99, less if you upgrade.

Lumix FH8

Panasonic’s 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-FH8 and 14.1-megapixel DMC-FH4 and FH6, are slim, compact cameras.

These still cameras also can record 720p High Definition (HD) video. The FH4 and FH6 shoot HD video in Motion JPEG format while the FH8 records HD video in MP4 format. The latter also uses a dedicated video button.

Equipped with a Leica DC Vario-Summarit lens, the FH8 and FH6 deliver 5x optical zoom with f/2.5 brightness. Panasonic says these lenses offer exceptional optical performance, minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations, suppressing ghosting and flare.

The 5x optical zoom increases to the equivalent of 10x with the iA Zoom (Intelligent Auto Zoom) function with minimum deterioration of image quality, says the company, thanks to Intelligent Resolution technology.

The image-processing Venus Engine and Sonic Speed AF combine with a quick camera start-up time to offer a high-speed response time.

The FH series features image effects. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot horizontal or vertical panoramic images by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying for the effect of a panoramic photo.

Available on the FH6 and FH8, the Beauty Retouch function allows giving photos a variety of cosmetic effects, Auto Retouch adjusts contrast and brightness levels to give photos a different look.

The FH8 also adds Miniature Effect mode where peripherals are defocused, and saturation and contrast are emphasized to make the picture look like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding, for a “comical” effect.

The FH8 offers a 3-inch LCD screen, while the FH4 and FH6 are slightly more compact with a 2.7-inch LCD screen. The Intelligent LCD screens on both models are equipped with automatic backlight adjustment.

In addition, both models offer Image Uploader which lets users instantly share images and videos on Facebook or YouTube via computer.

The FH8 also allows USB charging or conventional AC adapter charging methods.

In iA mode users can automatically activate a suite of technologies to enhance photos without adjusting settings every time conditions change. As part of iA mode, the FH8 features AF Tracking, making it easy to lock on subjects in a frame and keep them in focus – even as they move.

All models include, in iA: MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilization), Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, and Intelligent Exposure.

The Lumix FH8 will be available in March in black and violet for a manufacturer’s suggested price of $169.99. The Lumix FH6 will be available in March for $149.99, and the Lumix FH4 will be available in April for $119.99. The FH6 and FH8 will be available in black only.

Lumix SZ1

The Lumix SZ1 combines a 10x optical zoom Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with a slim and compact body.

The SZ1 has 16.1-megapixels and features 720p HD video recording capabilities.

Intelligent Auto (iA) mode automatically chooses the best camera settings.

The camera features two new shooting modes – Miniature Effect and Panorama Shot. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to make the picture like a diorama. Video recorded in Miniature Effect mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding. Panorama Shot makes it possible to shoot a horizontal or vertical panoramic image by taking consecutive shots and then overlaying the photos for the effect of a panoramic photo.

The SZ1 also features an auto retouch function to adjust contrast and brightness for a “different” look.

In iA mode, a suite of technologies – including AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, MEGA O.I.S., Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure – are automatically engaged and the camera chooses the best setting based on the shooting environment.

Other features:

• 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD that automatically adjusts the backlight based on the environment’s lighting

• USB power charging in addition to the conventional AC power supply

• Dedicated video record button which lets users instantly start recording a video without having to make any extra settings. Additionally, the full 10x optical zoom is available in video recording mode

• High-quality stereo sound via Dolby Digital Stereo Creator. The stereo zoom microphone comes with zoom noise reduction system, and the Wind Cut function helps to block noise from background wind.

The Lumix SZ1 will be available in March in black, red and blue. Pricing is to be announced.

VG-160

Two more cameras from Olympus, the “ultra-affordable” VG-160 and slim VR-340.

The 14-megapixel VG-160 sports a 5x optical zoom (26-130 mm equivalent) packed into a slim body (19.3 mm deep), with in-camera Magic Art filters, HD Video and iAuto.

There’s a 3.0-inch LCD, AF Tracking, shadow adjustment technology and face detection.

Intelligent Auto (iAuto) automatically recognizes shooting conditions that match any of 29 built-in scene modes, such as self-portrait, landscape & night + portrait, and then adjusts the focus and exposure.

A single one-touch HD Video button means you can start recording in 720p High-Definition without changing menu settings.

Built-in digital image stabilization works with both stills and videos.

Joining Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, and Soft Focus Magic Art filters are Punk, which creates a two-tone image with a classic Punk Rock feel; Watercolour, which transforms images into frame-worthy paintings; and Sparkle, which adds a special twinkle to your photos.

The Olympus VG-160 will be available in February in silver, black, red, and orange, with an estimated street price of $99.99.

VR-340

The VR-340 has a 10x optical zoom lens (24-240 mm equivalent), 16-megapixel sensor, AF Illuminator and higher ISO for shooting in low light.

Nine Magic Art filters work with video and stills. The new Beauty Make-up mode enhances the look of faces; it lets you apply everything from eyeliner and eye shadow to rouge for skin blemishes. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects.

There’s a one-touch video record button, AF tracking and 3.0-inch LCD.

The Olympus VR-340 will be available in March in white, silver, black, purple, and red, with an estimated street price of $149.99.

SP-620UZ

The SP-620UZ has a 21x optical zoom lens (25-525 mm equivalent), Multi-Motion movie  image stabilization which minimizes camera shake even when the user is moving, and Dual Image stabilization.

It uses a 16-megapixel CCD sensor.

In-camera Magic Art filters can be applied to both stills and videos.

Beauty Make-up mode will let you apply everything from eyeliner to eye shadow and rouge. You can even lift cheekbones and morph your subjects into cover-models.

With 3D image capture, the SP-620UZ combines two photos of the same subject from different angles to generate 3D images for viewing on a 3D-compatible monitor or television.

The camera is Eye-Fi card compatible.

It has a 3.0-inch LCD.

The SP-620UZ will be available this month carrying an estimated street price of $199.99; available in silver and black.

SZ-14

The slim SZ-14, a compact superzoom, gas a 24x optical zoom lens (25-600 mm equivalent) and two forms of image stabilization.

A new, retro-chic “smart grip” at the front of the camera combined with built-in Dual Image stabilization, helps cut blur caused by camera shake in both stills and HD 720p video.

The camera offers 14-megapixel resolution, delivers 7 frames per second (fps) sequential shooting, and has Telephoto Macro.

Also included are 11 Magic Filters including the new Fragmented filter to transform an average shot into a collage of tiles that look as if the original picture had been cut up and reassembled.

There’s a 3-inch LCD, the camera is Eye-Fi card compatible, and there’s an HDMI cable connection.

The Olympus SZ-14 will be available in March – in silver, black and red – at an estimated street price of $199.99.

TG-320

Olympus adds to its Tough line of rugged digital cameras with the 14-megapixel, 3.6x optical zoom lens (28-102 mm equivalent), waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof  TG-320.

It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms (to -10C), and handle submersion to 3 metres.

It features Underwater HD video.

It will shoot 3D photos in any mode from macro to landscape, and even under water.

Several in-camera Magic Art filters enhance and customize images as they’re being captured.

The camera offers HDMI control.

The Olympus TG-320 will be available in red or blue in February with an estimated street price of $179.99.

The company says the X-Pro1 is a “custom developed camera” designed to “carve out a distinct position in the premium camera category.”

There’s no price on it as yet (expect that to be announced by the end of the month), but note the X100 has a suggested price of about $1,200, and the newly-announced Black Edition clocks in at about $1,700, although that’s a limited edition model.

So, what do we have?

A unique, trendy retro look, and high quality finish.

Add in a brand new, custom-developed, 16-megapixel, APS-C, X-Trans CMOS sensor, incorporating a newly developed filter array and Fujifilm’s proprietary EXR Processor technology.

The company says this will give you “superlative” image quality.

There’s more, including a new hybrid viewfinder and three prime interchangeable Fujinon lenses.

What’s this new sensor all about?

Fuji says the X-Trans CMOS sensor is capable of delivering resolution superior to that found in other APS-C sensors.

The new colour filter array means the sensor does not need an optical low-pass filter. While the optical low-pass filter is indispensable for the reduction of moiré and false colour generated by conventional sensors, it also degrades resolution.

Fujifilm says its newly-developed colour filter array is inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain, removing the need for an optical low-pass filter.

In the array, RGB pixels are arranged in 6×6 pixel sets with high aperiodicity (randomness). Increasing the degree of randomness eliminates the fundamental cause of moiré and false colours – a problem occuring in conventional arrays when shooting stripes and other repeating patterns.

The presence of an R, G and B pixel in every vertical and horizontal pixel series minimizes the generation of false colours and delivers higher colour reproduction, says the company.

As a result, a more powerful processor is required to process the image signal data. So we have the EXR Processor Pro. This technology, touts Fuji, will maximize the full potential of the sensor, delivering high speed and high precision image processing.

Fuji has a history of producing quality lenses for both broadcast TV and medium format cameras. This expertise has been applied to three compact XF Fujinon fast aperture prime lenses – to start with.

The f/2 XF18 mm F2 R (27 mm equivalent), f/1.4 XF 35 mm F1.4 R (53 mm equivalent), and f/2.4 XF 60 mm F2.4 R Macro (90 mm equivalent) are said to offer precise control over depth-of-field and deliver excellent bokeh effects thanks to the design of the molded aperture diaphragm blades. The blades are curved to create a circular image at all aperture settings, while the very edges of each blade are meticulously rounded off rather than simply cut off, which delivers a sharper image.

Each lens has a high-quality metal barrel and detailed exposure setting in 1/3 step increments using an aperture ring.

More lenses are promised, included a tele.

Specifically designed to maximize the mirrorless design of the body, the X-Mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7 mm. This means the rear lens elements are as close as possible to the sensor. The wide opening allows the lens to be mounted deeper within the body – up to 7.5 mm (approximately) from the mount surface – reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the minimum possible, achieving high resolution to the edge of the image, the company promises.

First introduced in its X100 digital, the hybrid viewfinder has the ability to instantly switch between an optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder.

For the brightest viewing image, and to keep shutter lag to a minimum, users can choose optical. Those wanting focus confirmation, exposure information, white balance information and depth of field indicators can switch to electronic.

The electronic viewfinder provides “Live View.”

This fusion of technologies allows users to compose images through a bright viewfinder yet overlay vital picture-taking information when required.

There’s a switch on the camera’s front for changing between the two viewfinders.

When attaching an XF-series lens on the X-Pro1, both the viewfinder magnification and bright frame size automatically switch to support the lens focal length. Viewfinder magnification switches to 0.37x for the 18 mm lens, and to 0.60x when the 35 mm or 60 mm lens is mounted.

The camera also gives you the freedom to manually set a focal distance and switch between viewfinder magnifications.

The X-Pro1 has a magnesium alloy chassis and improved user interface, with “exact and deliberate” placement of the buttons as well as precision-milled dials. The top and base are made from die-cast aluminum alloy, and, for those who notice things like this, precise engraving on the top-plate and hand-enameled lettering on the lenses.

The shutter speed dial and exposure compensation control are precision-milled from solid metal. The shutter speed dial lock mechanism and the recessed exposure compensation dial are designed to prevent accidental movement of settings.

The knurled finish on the sides of the dials features rows of minutely milled squared pyramids for grip and confidence.

The lightweight, precision-milled lens hood (included with the lens) has been exclusively designed and machined from aluminum for the XF lens. Its compact size delivers superb light shading performance in a design the company says perfectly matches X-Pro1 styling.

Diameters of the aperture and focus rings of the three XF-series interchangeable lenses are only slightly larger than the barrel for sleek uniformity of design. Precision machined from metal, the reassuring click of the aperture ring at each setting and the comfortable torque resistance when operating the focus ring enhances the shooting experience.

(Are you drooling, or gagging? There’s more.)

The synthetic leather finish offers resistance to the elements, while an original manufacturing process produces a texture with the look and feel of authentic leather, says the company.

The natural fit of the eyepiece is claimed to provide excellent shielding from light leakage. An optional dioptic adjustment lens can also be attached.

But does it take pictures? Heck, yeah.

Through advanced digital processing, the X-Pro1 can simulate film-like multiple exposures by simply selecting the Multiple Exposure mode and taking the first shot. By viewing the image through the Hybrid Multi Viewfinder (to give its full, official name) or on the LCD screen, the photographer can see how the finished multiple exposure will look, then precisely frame the second shot.

Further enhancements have been made to film simulation modes with the new professional colour negative film modes (Pro Neg. Std and Pro Neg. Hi) designed for X-Pro1 users working in the studio. The X-Pro1 also offers film simulation bracketing, along with AE, Dynamic and ISO bracketing; plus the ability to capture the colours and tonal qualities of Fujifilm emulsions (vibrant Velvia, soft skin Astia, natural Provia).

Replicating the effects of monochrome film photography, the camera lets you use colour filters to expand your photographic interpretation. Heighten contrast with the yellow and red filter, or brighten greens and deepen reds with the green filter. For those after a more nostalgic theme, there is also a sepia filter.

There are premium accessory options, sold separately: HG-XPro1 hand grip;

EF-X20 shoe mount flash, with auto and manual operation and built-in diffuser; LC-XPro1 leather case; 39 mm and 52 mm protective filters.

The company also has an adapter in the works to allow X-Pro1 owners to use M mount lenses.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 will be available in February.

G1 X

Canon has introduced a new flagship PowerShot camera, the G1 X, as well as two PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS.

The G1 X camera features a 3.8 cm (1.5-inch), 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the largest sensor to date for a PowerShot model, delivering approximately nine times more light sensitivity, says Canon, for improved low-light operation.

The 520 HS is calimed to be the world’s thinnest 12x optical zoom camera (starting at  28 mm), and the 110 HS features a sleek design and compelling creative capabilities.

Canon has incorporated the DIGIC 5 image processor into all three models.

Achieving better quality images in low-light settings, boasting faster operation and providing improved colour accuracy, the Canon says the DIGIC 5 image processor ensures users are able to produce high-quality images in the most difficult of lighting conditions.

The processor will also enable the G1 X camera to use the High-Speed Burst HQ² feature; this allows shooting images at high speeds at full resolution. Additionally, advanced noise reduction and a smarter multi-area white balance can be used to achieve accurate colour reproduction for a balanced image.
Advanced Smart Auto, available in the 520 HS and 110 HS, can detect up to 58 scenes varying from non-human moving subjects to people, landscapes, pets and vehicles, helping the camera determine the best mode of shooting.

This technology has been enhanced to include a new Face ID feature, allowing users to register up to 12 people on the camera and have the camera recognize and prioritize each person. When registering individuals on the camera, users can take up to five images of a subject at various angles or facial expressions and enter their name and birth date. This allows the camera to make one of three age distinctions: babies, children or adults. Based on these groups, the camera will give focus priority to the youngest recognized group in the frame and makes the images searchable as well with the ability to view only those images of a particular person.

Further additions to this new feature are Smile Recognition and Sleeping Face Recognition. With Smile Recognition, the camera will take three consecutive shots of a scene such as a smiling baby or of grandparents at a family get together and select the best out of the three for the final image. For Sleeping Face Recognition the flash, assist beam and sound are turned off for that precious moment to be captured while not disturbing one’s sleep.

The G1 X, says Canon, is ideal for enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design. It features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new 14.3-megapixel high-sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and what the company terms an “incredible light gathering ability” for bright images in even tough low-light conditions.

The cameras has a 4X Canon optical zoom, minimum aperture of f/2.8, and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28 mm (equivalent).

There’s also 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes.

HDR shooting has been included.

The G1 X camera shoots in Full HD 1080p video and has a 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) vari-angle LCD.

There’s a mode dial on the camera’s top, and a front dial.

The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X is $799.99; it is scheduled to be available in February.

ELPH 520 HS

The PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary look and feel.

This new model has a 10.1-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor along with a 12X optical zoom lens, ISO range of up to 3200 and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28 mm.

This camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) LCD, and high-speed burst mode for images capture at 6.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera will be available in black, silver, red and blue in March with an estimated selling price of $329.99.

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera comes in black, silver, red, blue, green, and pink) and is aimed at new photographers.

It has a 5X optical zoom lens and wide-angle capabilities beginning at 24 mm.

The camera also features a16-megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor, ISO range of up to 3200, 7.6 cm (3.0-inch) wide LCD and Full HD 1080p video capture, as well as high-speed burst mode for continuous shooting up to 5.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera is scheduled to be available in February with an estimated selling price of $249.99.

ELPH 110 HS

Whew!

Nikon’s 51-point AF system has been further enhanced for maximum speed in a variety of challenging shooting situations, even at 10 frames per second (fps).

At its heart is a new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, coupled with the latest generation of Nikon’s Expeed 3 image processing engine. Together, says Nikon, they help produce images and videos with “stunning clarity and colour.”

The camera boasts new 91,000-pixel 3D Colour Matrix Metering III, and an ISO range from 100 to a staggering 204,800.

Ready to shoot in less than 0.012 seconds, the D4 can capture full resolution JPEG or RAW files at up to 10 fps with full AF / AE, or up to 11 fps with AF / AE locked. Immediately before image capture, the camera interprets data from the AF sensor, such as subject colour as detected on the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor.

The Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 AF autofocus system is the next generation of Nikon’s 51-point AF system. Fully customizable, it offers users the ability to capture fast-moving subjects and track focus, or select a single AF point.

The D4 aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the centre to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes.

In addition to detecting each AF-Nikkor lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes 9 cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible Nikkor lenses and TC14E or TC17E teleconverters.

It can also use a single cross-type sensor when using compatible Nikkor lenses and the TC20E teleconverter with an aperture value up to f/8.

Photographers are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking.

About that RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering system: Nikon says it meticulously analyzes each scene and recognizes factors such as colour and brightness with unprecedented precision. This data is then interpreted and compared against the D4’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful colour reproduction and balanced exposure.

In addition, this new AF sensor now has the ability to detect up to 16 human faces with startling accuracy even when shooting through the optical viewfinder, allowing for correct exposure when the subject is backlit.

As well, the 51 focus points deliver fast and accurate detection down to a -2 EV with every AF-Nikkor lens.

All of this image data is funneled through a 16-bit pipeline and is written to dual-card slots which have been optimized for the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash cards, as well as the new XQD memory card.

The D4 is the first professional camera to harness the capabilities of this new durable and compact format, which offers superfast write times.

The Nikon-developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format (36 x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor is said to deliver amazing image quality, brilliant dynamic range and vivid colours in nearly any lighting condition.

Nikon assures us that, by achieving the optimal balance of resolution and sensor size, pro photographers “will realize exceptionally sharp, clean and well-saturated images throughout the entire ISO range.”

The D4’s native ISO range (100-12,800) is expandable from 50 (Lo-1) to an incredible 204,800 (Hi-4). Nikon points to the sensor’s large 7.3µ pixel size with its ability to absorb the maximum amount of light.

Additionally, the sensor’s construction features a gapless micro-lens structure and anti-reflective coating which further contributes to images that retain natural depth and tones with smooth colour gradation.

Oh, yes, those high ISOs are also usable when shooting video.

The new Expeed 3 image processing engine delivers images (still and video) with amazing resolution, colour and dynamic range, says the company. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal colour, perfect tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame.

In addition to standard uncompressed NEF (RAW) files, the D4 is capable of shooting smaller compressed RAW files to ease storage and speed up workflow. Users are also able to capture even more dynamic range using the in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function to merge consecutive exposures.

For deep contrast and further tonality, Active D-Lighting can be activated during shooting for balanced exposures even in backlit scenes.

The camera features a dedicated button for quick access to Nikon’s Picture Controls, allowing users to quickly select one of six presets.

• Full HD (1080p) video recording: Users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p 30/24 fps and 60 fps at 720p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 20 minutes per clip. This format also allows for more accurate video data to be transferred, thereby requiring less memory capacity. The sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, says Nikon, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion.

• Full manual control of exposure: Shutter speed, aperture and ISO can be changed while recording video to adapt to lighting and alter depth of field.

• Uncompressed output / simultaneous Live View: By using the camera’s HDMI port instead of the CF or XQD card, users can stream an uncompressed Full HD signal directly out of the camera. This footage can be ported into an LCD display, appropriate external recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections.

• Audio recording for professionals: The D4 features a stereo headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Output can be adjusted in up to 30 steps for precise audio adjustment. The D4 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera’s LCD screen. The microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction.

• Multi-area Mode Full HD 1080p videos / FX/DX, and 2.7x crop mode at 1080p video modes: Whether shooting for depth of field in FX-format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5x telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D4 allows videographers to retain full 1080p HD resolution no matter which they choose. With the 2.7x crop, users can experience ultra-telephoto benefits in Full HD resolution at 16:9 aspect ratio.

• Simultaneous Live View output without display / simultaneous monitor: Shooters have the option to send the display signal directly to an attached monitor via the HDMI port. This signal can be viewed on the camera’s LCD screen and external monitor simultaneously. Additionally, the image data display can be cleared from the screen to remove distracting data or when feeding a live signal.

• Full-time AF: In addition to manual focus, four modes are available, including normal, wide area, face priority and subject tracking, which uses fast contrast detect AF to accurately focus while recording video and in live view.

• New LCD screen: The large high-resolution 3.2-inch LCD screen includes auto brightness adjustment. Users can also zoom in by up to 46x to check critical HD focus.

• Time-lapse shooting: As new feature, it combines a selected frame rate and “shooting interval” in a dedicated time lapse photography menu. Playback can be achieved with a wide variety of speeds from 24x to 36,000x while producing a fully finished movie file output for faster multimedia workflows.

• Remote shutter operation: Using dedicated Movie Custom Settings, recording can be set to engage by the shutter release button, and users can now use a variety of remote accessories to trigger movie recording.

As might be assumed, the chassis of the D4 is built with magnesium alloy for maximum durability and reliability. The body of the camera incorporates gaskets for resistance to dirt and moisture, as well as electromagnetic interference.

The bright optical viewfinder offers 100 percent frame coverage. The viewfinder is coated with a new thermal shield finish which works to resist overheating during prolonged use.

The shutter has been tested to withstand 400,000 cycles for maximum durability.

Sensor cleaning is employed by vibrating the OLPF.

The self-diagnostic shutter unit also encompasses a mirror balancer to minimize the residual “bounce” to enhance AF and extend viewing time.

The overall controls and operability of the camera have also been engineered with a renewed emphasis on speed and functionality. Users will appreciate refined button layouts with improved ergonomics, such as a quick AF-mode selector placed near the lens mount for fast access on the fly. A new joystick style sub-selector is also placed on the rear of the camera for AF point and option selection, while vertical controls have been enhanced for improved operability. Key control buttons on the back of the camera can be illuminated.

Users are now able to automatically generate IPTC data for their images and image sets, making organizing and chronicling images easier for both photographers and their editors.

A wired Ethernet port is utilized so a user can shoot tethered and transfer images easily and quickly to clients.

In addition, Nikon has introduced the new WT-5A Wireless File Transmitter, to transmit via FTP server or computer. The device can be set to transfer either automatically or manually selected images. This device also allows for remote operation of the camera using Nikon’s Camera Control Pro 2 software.

A mobile application is in development to control the camera using this accessory, which will include the ability to trigger the shutter and record video.

The Nikon D4 is scheduled to be available at retail on Feb. 16, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $6,299.95.

The lens consists of nine optical elements, with a seven-blade diaphragm.

Lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon’s Super Integrated Coatings, which also are also said to help ensure vividly accurate colour balance.

The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet AF operation.

The lens features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual).

Internal Focus (IF) design prevents the front element from rotating, allowing for the use of filters and attachments.

The AF-S Nikkor 85 mm f/1.8G is scheduled to be available at retail on March 22, at an MSRP of $529.95.