Nikon users sweep the board at British Press Awards 2009

Nikon users sweep the board at British Press Awards 2009
Nikon UK is delighted to announce that leading sports photographers, Dickie Pelham and Stephan Rousseau, picked up awards for the two Nikon sponsored photography categories at the British Press Awards earlier this month.

Whilst the awards ceremony was a momentous occasion for both Pelham and Rousseau, it was equally significant for Nikon in that both award-winning portfolios were shot using Nikon’s professional equipment. Having been involved with the British Press Awards for some years, Jeremy Gilbert, Group Marketing Manager at Nikon UK says: “Nikon is delighted to be associated with such outstanding photography and is especially pleased to see that Nikon is once again the choice of press photographers thanks to the outstanding performance of our professional range.”

Judges described Dickie Pelham of The Sun, winner of the ‘Sports Photographer of the Year’ award for the fourth year in a row, as having an impressive ability to capture unique moments of sporting drama. Pelham’s image of world champion boxer, Joe Calzaghe was described by judges as a “cheeky, witty” image that “captured a moment in a sport which can often be the hardest to get”.

Dickie Pelham, a Nikon D3 digital SLR professional camera user comments: “I’m over the moon to have won the award against such stiff competition and feel it is a symbolic achievement considering it is almost a year to the day that I switched back to using Nikon – a decision I didn’t take lightly but have never looked back on.”

Winner of the ‘Photographer of the Year’ category, Stephan Rousseau of PA Photos, also used Nikon D3 cameras to capture his portfolio of images that were said to “sum up the British political year brilliantly”. Judges explained that the images of leading figure heads, such as Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Harriet Harman captured poignant moments that demonstrated Rousseau’s “flair and originality”.

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Nikon repeat success at the TIPA Awards

Nikon repeat success at the TIPA Awards

Nikon is delighted to have won two TIPA awards this year, in the categories for Best D-SLR Advanced (D90) and Best D-SLR Professional (D3x).

TIPA, or Technical Image Press Association, is Europe’s leading image press association. Its awards are chosen by Europe’s 29 leading photographic magazines in 13 countries and given to products that the jury consider to be the very best in their category in terms of overall quality, performance and benefit for the defined end-user. The awards further underpin Nikon’s leadership position in high-end photography and recognise the company’s continued pursuit of excellence.

Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products at Nikon Europe comments: “We are delighted that our flagship FX format camera, the D3x, has been so successful. Its extremely high imaging resolution has raised the bar for professional commercial, fashion and stock photography. And the result here at TIPA speaks for itself: this is without doubt our highest-quality camera to date.”

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe says: “The D90 is a groundbreaking DSLR product, boasting world-first HD movie technology. It’s a camera that will appeal to all passionate photographers looking for the next step in creativity, and we are proud to have had it recognised by such a prestigious organisation.”

Best D-SLR Professional: the Nikon D3x

The TIPA jury comments: “Modelled on the D3, the Nikon D3x with a 24.4mp 24x36mm sensor was made for highly skilled professional photographers. Beautifully built, with a superb 100% viewfinder and a reassuringly comfortable grip, the D3x combines very high resolution and sensitivity – a great feature for quality, high-end photography.”

Best D-SLR Advanced: the Nikon D90

The TIPA-jury comments: “With its compact body, the Nikon D90 offers a true marriage of technology and innovation in its HD movie making capabilities. Its CMOS sensor offers the definition and quality of the successful D300 for a much lower price. A truly sturdy and DSLR, suitable for all terrains.”

Nikon continues to develop excellent products in its ambition to be the manufacturer and partner of choice for photographers at all levels.

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A new perspective from Nikon with the D5000

A new perspective from Nikon with the D5000

Body Only RRP: £719.99 / €878.00
D5000 + 18-55 VR kit: £799.99 / €972.00
Sales start date: 1st May 2009

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D5000, its latest digital SLR camera that is perfect for capturing family fun and developing the skills of photography hobbyists. Packed with features that make taking pictures easy and fun, this camera stands out above the competition with its unique Vari-angle LCD monitor, allowing you to shoot easily from almost any angle.

The D5000 inherits the D90’s groundbreaking HD movie capability, Nikon’s proprietary D-Movie function, and extensive in-camera editing features to enhance images. Coupled with the wide choice of scene modes, 12.3MP sensor and high-sensitivity that ranges between ISO 200 and 3200 (which can be extended to ISO 100 and ISO 6400 equivalent) for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions, this camera makes it easier than ever to take great quality pictures.

“This camera offers exceptional image quality and technology inherited from higher-end Nikon models giving consumers first hand experience of the outstanding quality that Nikon is famous for,” says Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe B.V. “With the D5000’s unique Vari-angle LCD screen, you can easily take pictures from any angle, bringing a totally new perspective to your images. The added benefit of the D-movie function (introduced as a world-first with the D90), is now being brought to a wider consumer audience looking to have fun with photography and to grow their skills, or to upgrade their existing DSLR.”

View life from a different angle

The D5000’s 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor offers a whole new perspective on photography, allowing you to take pictures easily from any angle. Its flexible, moving screen allows you to position the camera perfectly to suit the angle or shot you’re trying to take – so whether you’re at a concert and you want to get a clear view above the crowd for your shot or you want to take a picture from ground level, you can adjust the Vari-angle monitor to give you the best view of your subject. Close it to protect the monitor or place it in the standard position for regular shooting using the viewfinder. You can even reverse the monitor for effortless, perfectly-framed self-portraits. Thanks to Nikon’s ergonomic design values and the downward opening direction of the screen, it will never get in your way, and you’ll be able to maintain a steady grip on the body which will prevent camera shake. The choice is limitless.

D-Movie and Live View

Shooting movie clips with a DSLR will allow you to get really creative. For example, you can change the lens for a new perspective and enhance the emotional impact of your movies using the Picture Control settings before you even start shooting. The D5000 offers D-Movie (with audio) – high-definition movie capture which is perfectly compatible with the latest television screens and an HDMI output for easy connection. The single button access to the Live View function allows you to view and compose your shot or movie on the Vari-angle LCD monitor for optimal framing. When taking still shots, the camera offers four types of contrast AF (wide area, normal area, face detection and new subject tracking) to make capture as easy as possible. In subject tracking AF mode, the camera will even restart tracking the subject once it leaves the frame and then returns, so your target will always be in focus.

Setting the Scene

With a total of 19 scene modes, you don’t have to know the ins and outs of digital photography to take great pictures. Simply turn the dial to ‘scene’, choose the appropriate scene mode setting and the camera will do the rest for you. The camera will even display a sample scene to make the scene selection easier for you. Another easy-to-use feature is the camera’s extensive range of built-in editing function, with which you can edit your pictures and create visual effects in-camera, before you even get to a computer.

There’s more

In addition to all these features, the D5000 is a high quality camera in its own right. With its high-sensitivity 12.3 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, Nikon’s innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, fast and precise 11-point AF system and highly-durable, high-performance shutter, it is also perfectly suited to those with a higher level of photographic knowledge. Image quality is guaranteed further by the image sensor cleaning mechanism with airflow control system, Active D-Lighting and Picture control. It feels good to handle, too, with Nikon’s typically ergonomic design in a compact, light-weight body. Those who shoot pictures in quieter settings will appreciate the new Quiet shooting mode and, the built-in pop-up flash which will automatically detect when the flash is needed. For those on the move, GPS-compatibility with Nikon’s GP-1 unit will come in handy when pinpointing shooting locations as will the HDMI output when you finally want to present your great shots to your family and friends. The Nikon D5000 is compatible with a wide variety of AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses.

Images of the D5000 are will be available shortly to download at http://www.nikon.co.uk/pressimages.

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Nikon launches the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon launches the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED

RRP: £799.99 / €972.00
Sales start date: 1st May 2009

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED lens, a NIKKOR DX-format ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that boasts a focal range starting at 15mm equivalent in FX/35mm format.

At a very affordable price, this new lens offers a superior build quality making it a great addition to anyone’s Nikon system. It is perfect for users wanting to shoot scenes that require a wide angle perspective effect such as in a small room, or for shooting architecture and landscapes.

Ludovic Drean, Product Manager for Lenses at Nikon Europe B.V says: “This great new lens is perfectly suited for Nikon D300 and D90 users and works very well with our other mid-class DSLRs too, including models without a built-in motor such as the D40 and the D60, for example. Its affordable price is no reflection on its superior quality, though, as its high-reproduction performance, minimum distortion and build quality are almost equivalent to those of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED.”

Superior quality build and excellent reproduction capacity

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED offers a focal length between 10 to 24mm and a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 15 to 36 mm in FX/35mm format. Thanks to its ring-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM), its autofocus is quiet and fast. Housed in a compact and lightweight body with Nikon’s unique high-quality exterior design, the NIKKOR advanced build quality ensures smooth operation and durability. The optical system features ED glass and a-spherical lenses optimised for digital SLRs with an excellent capacity for accurate image reproduction, delivering high-resolution, high-contrast images whilst minimising chromatic aberration. Using the internal focusing (IF) system, the lens barrel length does not change whilst focusing, giving it a more durable build and allowing for the use of heavy attachments. The lens also has two focus modes – M (Manual) and Manual-priority auto (M/A). M/A mode enables a user to switch rapidly between autofocus and manual focus by merely rotating the focus ring even during AF operation. This allows precise focus adjustment without taking your eye off of the viewfinder.

Specifications

Focal length: 10-24 mm
Max/min aperture: f/3.5-4.5, f/22-29
Lens construction: 14 elements in 9 groups (with two ED glassed and three aspherical lenses)
Picture angle: 109°, 61° (DX-format)
Minimum focus distance: 0.24 m
Max. reproduction ratio: 0.2x
No. diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded)
Focusing: Autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus
Filter/attachment size: 77mm
Diameter x length: Approx. φ82.5 x 87 mm
Weight: Approx. 460 g

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED is supplied with 77-mm snap-on front lens cap LC-77, rear lens cap LF-1, bayonet hood HB-23 and flexible lens pouch CL-1118.

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Nikon Introduces New Confocal NEXIV, VMZ-K6555

Nikon Introduces New Confocal NEXIV, VMZ-K6555

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555. The new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 is designed for faster and more accurate non-contact 3D measurements on larger size substrates, probe cards, and other applications requiring large stage travel. Higher magnification optics is incorporated in the design of the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555.

Product Information
Product name: Confocal NEXIV, VMZ-K6555
Start receiving orders from: March 30, 2009

Product Concept
The new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 has been designed with longer XY travel (650×550 mm) to cover the non contact 3D measurement requirements of larger substrates such as recent cutting-edge interposer substrates, and probe cards with greater accuracy and faster measurement speed. In addition, the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 optical head employing the newly designed higher magnification objective lens (30x) can be configured for better resolution power along the XY plane.

Similar to the current Confocal NEXIV VMR-K3040ZC, the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 continues to allow for both 2D measurements on brightfield images with a CNC 15x zooming optics and 3D measurements on confocal images. Furthermore, TTL scanning laser automatic focus and Video image automatic focus functionalities have been added to the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 for more flexibility.

For faster measurement speed, the standard confocal optics using lower magnifications such as 1.5x, 3x and 7.5x has been redesigned and employed. The system can be configured either with built-in high magnification CF optical head or with built-in standard magnification CF optical head so that it can be optimized for broad variations of complicated and smaller measuring targets on any measuring application.

Features
Longer XY stage strokes
650×550 mm strokes are realized for the inspection of 510 mm square interposer substrates or 500 mm diameter probe cards or any application requiring large XY stage travel.
High magnification lens 30x and high magnification CF optical head (Type H)
The dedicated 30x objective lens and high magnification CF optical head have been newly designed to produce higher resolution for the measurements of smaller line width and spacing.
Optional standard CF optical head (Type S)
Dedicated objective lenses such as 1.5x, 3x and 7.5x are used with a wider field of view for the standard CF optical head for faster measurement speed.
TTL scanning laser AF and vision AF now available on the VMZ-K6555
The renowned NEXIV automatic focusing capabilities have now been added to the new Confocal NEXIV VMZ-K6555 for the ability to easily accomplish much more complex measuring applications.
Higher resolution power and higher traveling accuracy on the Z axis
Z axis travel resolution is now 0.01 µm and traveling accuracy on the Z axis is now 1+L/150 µm1+L/1000 µm, regardless of the type of confocal optical head.
(Revised on March 24, 2009)
LED light source
For episcopic and diascopic lighting, the halogen light source has been replaced with LED light allowing for longer life and brighter images.

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Nikon Corporation Receives Intel’s Prestigious SUPPLIER CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AWARD

Nikon Corporation Receives Intel’s Prestigious SUPPLIER CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AWARD

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) has received Intel Corporation’s prestigious Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement (SCQI) award recognizing world-class, outstanding performance in 2008. This award is Intel’s highest honor for its suppliers, acknowledging extraordinary commitment to quality and exceptional performance for providing lithography scanners for technology development and high volume manufacturing deemed essential to Intel’s success. Nikon is among an elite group of 14 suppliers to receive the SCQI award for 2008.

„We set a goal to achieve Intel’s highest supplier quality designation. We were awarded the PQS award in 2007 and now have received the SCQI award for 2008. Nikon is honored to be recognized by Intel as an SCQI Supplier, which reflects our commitment to continuous support of Intel’s technology needs, flawless ramp support, and systematic improvements in equipment availability. This is a credit to our worldwide Nikon team that contributed to this achievement and to Intel for their continued support,” said Kazuo Ushida, President, Precision Equipment Company.

„Intel congratulates Nikon on achieving the SCQI award in 2008,” said Janice Golda, Lithography Capital Equipment Development director, Intel Corporation. „Nikon has provided excellent support to Intel to integrate new lithography technology, smoothly ramp new factories, and proactively support equipment reuse, all while simultaneously achieving our safety and sustainability goals. We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship as we jointly address future lithography challenges.”

The SCQI award is part of Intel’s Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement program, which encourages Intel’s key suppliers to strive for excellence and continuous improvement. To qualify for SCQI status, suppliers must score at least 95 percent on a report card that assesses performance and ability to meet cost, quality, availability, delivery, technology and responsiveness goals. Suppliers must also manage and deliver on a challenging improvement plan and a quality/business systems assessment. Furthermore, this year’s awardees had to demonstrate basic compliance to the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct and Intel’s Green Sustainability Program. Additional information about the SCQI program is available at http://supplier.intel.com/quality.

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Nikon sucht Model für die nächste COOLPIX Werbekampagne

Nikon sucht Model für die nächste COOLPIX Werbekampagne

Die Chance für junge Frauen ab 16 Jahre: Nikon sucht ein Model für die nächste COOLPIX Werbekampagne!
Die große Casting-Shooting-Tour findet vom 26.03. bis 02.05.09 deutschlandweit in 21 Stores der Fashion-Kette „New Yorker” statt. Nikon Fotografen sind vor Ort und lichten die Bewerberinnen professionell ab. Wer nicht kommen kann, hat auch die Möglichkeit, sich online zu bewerben. Es gibt viel zu gewinnen! Alle Infos und Termine finden sich unter dem folgenden Link.

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Nikon Introduces New EDG Fieldscope Series

Nikon Introduces New EDG Fieldscope Series
March 5, 2009

Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to introduce the EDG Fieldscope series, a new Nikon Sport Optics brand.

EDG is pronounced “edge” because the series provides edge-to-edge brilliance and overall leading-edge performance. The optical and mechanical results of the current fieldscope series, which has won plaudits from users around the world, have been enhanced for the new EDG series. The outstanding performance of EDG Fieldscopes, including natural color reproduction and crisp clarity, has been achieved through the use of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. The straight-type models also feature dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating.

Both the main bodies and eyepieces of the EDG Fieldscopes are waterproofed with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas, allowing EDG Fieldscopes to be used in adverse weather conditions. Seven kinds of eyepiece are available, providing unparalleled performance in differing environments. The newly developed zoom eyepiece in particular offers superb optical performance with minimized distortion and long eye relief (18.4-16.5mm).

Key Features
Nikon’s ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass for chromatic aberration compensation
Phase correction coated roof prism for high resolution
Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating on roof prism for the brightest view (straight models only)
All lenses and prisms are multilayer-coated for the brightest images
Bayonet mount with lock for EDG eyepieces
Fog-free and waterproof up to 2 m for 10 min.—thanks to use of O-rings and nitrogen gas (water-resistant main body/eyepiece joint)
New and stylish design
Three tripod mount screw holes provided for flexible mounting position; optimum balance realized by CAE (Computer Aided Engineering)

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50th anniversary of Nikon F-mount

50th anniversary of Nikon F-mount
March 3, 2009

Longest history among lens mounts for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable cameras

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system, employed on the company’s lens-interchangeable SLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Apart from Nikon, no other maker has been able to sustain its original lens mount for such an extraordinary period.* (Revised on March 11, 2009)

* Among lens mounts for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable cameras
The Nikon F-mount was first employed on Nikon’s earliest lens-interchangeable SLR camera, the Nikon F, released in June 1959. Nikon has consistently utilized the same mount without changing its basic structure, even as other SLR camera manufacturers found it necessary to alter their lens mounts in response to changing technologies, such as autofocus compatibility and digitalization.

One of the biggest advantages of lens-interchangeable SLR cameras is that users are able to choose from a larger selection of lenses. Maintaining the same basic structure of lens mount for a longer period means a broader, constantly growing array of compatible lenses. For this reason, the lens mount is an extremely important and symbolic element for both photography enthusiasts and professionals, who are able to benefit from ongoing use of their carefully selected collection of lenses. The Nikon F-mount, employed for even the latest, most advanced digital SLRs, has received and continues to garner the highest evaluations as a reliable, long-serving lens mount.

Evolution of the Nikon F-mount
Introduced on Nikon’s first lens-interchangeable SLR, the Nikon F (1959)
Auto aperture indexing enables automatic setting of maximum aperture (1977)
Program auto exposure mode compatibility (1981)
Aperture information exchange with the camera body through CPU communication (1983)
Autofocus compatibility (1983)
Digital SLR cameras compatibility (1995)

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Nikon Introduces New MONARCH X Binoculars

Nikon Introduces New MONARCH X Binoculars

February 18, 2009

Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to present the new MONARCH X binoculars, superior models in the globally popular MONARCH series. These new binoculars feature outstanding optical quality further enhanced by a large 45 mm objective diameter and innovative dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating.
The O-ring seals and nitrogen gas in the slim body make these binoculars waterproof and fog-free. Rubber coating protects the binocular body and assures a firm and conformable grip. The 8.5x and 10.5x MONARCH X binoculars are available for observing nature such as birds and other animals.

Key Features
Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating assures uniform and high transmittance in full visible range for bright and natural color images
All lenses and prisms are multilayer-coated for the brightest images
Phase-correction-coated roof prisms for high resolution
Waterproof (up to 1 m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes) and fog-free with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas
High-eyepoint design for clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers
Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi

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