Archive for February 12, 2020

Nikon Canada Announces The Nikon D6

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 12, 2020 by itnerd

Today, Nikon Canada Inc. has unveiled the D6, a new professional-grade DSLR built for those in need of extreme reliability and ultimate performance. The D6 addresses the needs of professionals and press agencies, and is faster and more powerful than ever before. Offering the most powerful AF system in Nikon’s history, this flagship DSLR camera delivers crucial improvements to modern workflow while also accelerating file transfer capabilities. Promising unparalleled low-light performance, powerful agility, advanced 4K UHD multimedia capabilities and a mechanical shutter frame rate boosted to a staggering 14fps, the D6 will redefine the way pros work.

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The Most Powerful AF in Nikon’s History: The D6 leaves nothing to chance. To maximize hit rate, it is equipped with a newly developed, densely packed 105-point AF system in which all the focus points utilize cross-type sensors and all points are selectable. Through the new focus point layout and the use of a triple-sensor arrangement for each focus point, the D6 achieves AF coverage that is approximately 1.6x denser than that of the D5. The D6 also sports an expanded focus detection range which increases the detection area for single point AF and dynamic area AF, making it easier to achieve focus on a subject even when slightly outside the focus point.

Improving upon Nikon’s popular Group AF mode, this function has evolved with support for 17 custom arrangements from which users can choose according to the scene or subject movement. The D6 also demonstrates superior low-light AF performance. The center focus point works down to -4.5 EV and the others to -4 EV, making autofocus possible even in dark situations or with low-contrast subjects.

Unparalleled Performance: The new EXPEED 6 engine’s superior image-processing capabilities combined with the vast amount of information provided by the new dedicated AF engine drives high-level performance in any situation. To help capture the decisive moment consistently, the D6 boasts a 14fps mechanical shutter with full AF and AE. The D6 can also shoot completely silent for sensitive situations capturing full resolution at 10.5 fps. For faster frame rates, the Nikon D6 is able to take 2-megapixel images at approx. 60 fps and 8-megapixel images at 30 fps in Live View mode.

The D6 leverages a 20.8-megapixel FX-Format CMOS sensor, creating images that pop with stunning detail, true colours and exhibiting incredible dynamic range. The ISO ranges from 100 to 102,400, which helps to preserve sharpness and subtle details in even the most challenging light. Additionally, ISO is expandable up to 3.2 million, giving photographers the ability to truly conquer the dark.

Concentration on Workflow: Building on Nikon’s history of serving professionals, the D6 is the most customizable Nikon DSLR yet, designed to speed up the workflow of any user during and after capture.

Recall shooting functions create combinations of settings that can be assigned to a specific button to get the perfect shot in a pinch.

The D6 excels in connectivity and supports the same 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard as the D5, with an approximate 15% increase in transmission speed. The camera also supports a number of options for wireless networking, offering built-in 2.4- and 5-GHz Wi-Fi or traditional wireless transfer using the WT-6 Wireless Transmitter (optional)

Includes 14 customizable buttons, assignable to any of 46 unique function choices and a new intuitive menu system.

Priority Image Transfer gives the ability to move an important image to the front of the queue when speed is of paramount priority, which can easily be done by swiping the touch LCD during playback.

Security Lock compatibility supports connection of anti-theft cables to provide maximum security for remote applications or when the camera is unattended.

Built in GPS gives accurate time, date and location information for just about anywhere on the planet.

Dual CFexpress slots offer blazing fast read/write times and have the ability to overflow, copy or separate file types.

JPEG functions allow for the simultaneous recording of two JPEG images with different image size and quality settings, which is convenient for separating images that will be transmitted from those that will be edited.

Creativity options for multimedia creators including a new interval timer mode to retain the best resolution and enable in-camera time-lapse movie file recording providing professionals the ability to create exceptionally sharp 16:9 4K Ultra HD video.

Absolute Reliability: Nikon’s flagship cameras remain trusted in the industry and have been proven on the sidelines, in the studio and even in outer space. With a magnesium alloy camera body and extensively weather-sealed design, the D6 is as tough as the professionals who use it, ready to take on the harshest shooting conditions. The camera offers long-lasting battery life, delivering the safety net and energy-saving performance that pros need on daylong outings. The D6 also employs a USB-Type C connector for faster direct-to-PC file transfer rates than previously possible with the D5.

Endless Lens Choices: By pairing the D6 with Nikon’s extremely diverse selection of F-Mount NIKKOR telephoto lenses, professionals have the most advanced imaging solution in Nikon’s history. No matter the job, the client or the location, there’s a NIKKOR lens, from the ultra-wide to the super-telephoto. The D6 is also compatible with Nikon’s line of creative Speedlights, offering extra creative freedom to enhance natural light and add artistry and drama to any scene.

Pricing and Availability

The new Nikon D6 will be available in Spring 2020 for a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $8,999.95. For more information on the latest Nikon products, please visit www.nikon.ca.

 

#PSA: Not All Samsung Galaxy S20’s Support Ultra Fast 5G

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 12, 2020 by itnerd

You might have read or heard about the fact that the new Samsung Galaxy S20 phones support for 5G wireless. Now that’s kind of a big deal. But the devil as they say is in the detail. And the detail says that only the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra will be compatible with ultra-fast millimeter wave networks. That’s the version of 5G that promises gigabit speeds…. If you’re standing in the right place. The S20 only supports “sub-6” 5G which offers better coverage and range than millimeter wave, But doesn’t offer anywhere near the speed. What’s weird about this is that Samsung seems to gloss over this. Their global specs page seems not to make this clear for consumers. Instead, sites like Android Central are pointing out this fact.

So, why should you care? Well, say you’re on Verizon. They have decided not to sell the base S20 at launch and they will only offer the S20 Plus and S20 Ultra when preorders open up this month. But eventually, Samsung will make an S20 that’s fully optimized for Verizon’s 5G network. The carrier says that model will arrive sometime in the second quarter of this year. Thus you might want to check with your carrier to see what flavor of 5G they have so you can make an informed buying decision.

It also highlights that these are the early days of 5G, and as phone manufacturers come out with 5G capable phones, you’re going to need to read the fine print if you’re truly interested in making the jump to 5G. Which means that this will be painful for all in the short term. And as a result it may be worth sitting out 5G until it becomes more mature.