The IT Nerd

Today Nikon Canada Inc. has announced the COOLPIX P1100, a compact digital camera that features an incredible 125x optical super-telephoto zoom, with creative features that help users to create amazing photos and videos from the most extreme distances. 

The COOLPIX P1100 is a compact digital camera that offers further improvements in usability and connectivity. It covers a vast range of focal lengths beginning at the wide-angle 24mm equivalent, extending to the super-telephoto 3000mm equivalent. The P1100 is capable of going even farther, with up to a 250x  zoom when Dynamic Fine Zoom is enabled.

The COOLPIX P1100 makes it easy to enjoy the world of super-telephoto shooting with the ability to capture dynamic images of subjects that are difficult to approach, including birds and celestial bodies. The camera features Dual Detect Optical VR, which achieves a level of vibration reduction equivalent to 4.0 stops at the centre of the frame, effectively suppressing camera shake when handheld shooting. The P1100 is also able to capture 4K UHD/30p and superlapse movie recordings, helping the user make creative videos of nature and the night sky.  

Further enhancements include a selectable AF-area mode in Bird-Watching Mode, and the same functions that can be assigned to the camera’s Fn button can now be assigned to the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on the optional ML-L7 Remote Control. What’s more, a Fireworks option has been added to [Multiple exp. Lighten] scene mode. This function reduces instances of blown-out highlights that often occur when shooting long exposures, making it easier to capture impressively clear scenes of fireworks displays in which the brightness of the foreground or the background differs.

Primary Features of the Nikon COOLPIX P1100

• Incredible 125x optical zoom for super-telephoto performance up to a 24-3000mm equivalent.
• Super ED and ED lens elements provide superior chromatic aberration compensation and deliver outstanding rendering capabilities across the entire zoom range, even with super-telephoto shooting.
• Dual Detect Optical VR accurately suppresses the effects of camera shake with super-telephoto handheld shooting. This enables the capture of sharp and clear images of birds, celestial bodies, and other distant subjects at dynamic angles of view.
• Bird-Watching and Moon modes can be accessed directly using the mode dial. 
• Support for 4K UHD/30p movie recording lets users beautifully record subjects with the power of super-telephoto 3000mm equivalent. Frames from movies recorded in 4K UHD format can also be saved as still images.
• Massive zoom, small size: Despite coverage of focal lengths up to 3000mm equivalent, the camera weighs only approximately 3.1 lbs (1,410g), allowing users to enjoy super-telephoto shooting more comfortably than with DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. 

Additional Features of the COOLPIX P1100:

• The camera is equipped with a focus mode selector that can be used to change the focus mode even after it has been acquired, along with a control ring that enables the adjustment of settings such as white balance and manual focus.
• Optional accessory ML-L7 Remote Control connects to the COOLPIX P1100 via Bluetooth®︎, and the same functions that can be assigned to the camera’s Fn button can be assigned to the remote.
• A 3.2in. TFT LCD Vari-angle monitor with a wide viewing angle makes it easy to compose handheld or on a tripod. 
• Compatible with Nikon’s exclusive RAW (.NRW) format.
•  COOLPIX Picture Control⁵, which can be used to make adjustments in accordance with the subject, shooting situations and intentions.
• Capability to record superlapse and time-lapse movies.
• Support for Clean HDMI output6, which cleans the information display from the image output to an external monitor during recording.
• The ability to set long-exposure noise reduction to [Auto] or [Off].
• Adoption of a USB Type-C input/output connector.
• Compatible with the optional DF-M1 Dot Sight that facilitates image composition during telephoto shooting.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon COOLPIX P1100 will be available in late February 2025 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,449.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the large collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca

Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the new Z50II, a compact, fully featured mirrorless camera that lets your creativity run free while enabling the effortless capture of amazing photos and video. This camera is the lifestyle accessory for those that seek innovative creative features like film-inspired looks and easy sharing, giving the freedom to capture the feeling of a fleeting moment, or conveying core memories with brilliant colours that are uniquely you. 

The Z50II combines a full range of fun, creativity-enhancing features with the superior performance of Nikon’s latest mirrorless technology. This is the simple to use yet powerful camera that creators will always want to bring along, whether shooting portraits, landscapes, a great night out or an epic trip. This is Nikon’s first APS-C / DX format camera to feature the powerful EXPEED 7 processing engine, the same found in the pro-grade Nikon Z8 and Z9. The Z50II makes it easier than ever to experience immersive image quality, with blazing fast and precise autofocus, fast frame rates up to 30 fps, superb low-light capabilities, advanced video features and extensive control of colours. 

Discover Colour

Relive the warm glow of a summer day at the beach with friends or convey the peacefully sombre tones of your favourite spot in the forest. The Z50II is the first Nikon camera to feature a dedicated Picture Control button, opening new possibilities for expressive colour, with imaginative film-inspired looks. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in colour presets, which instantly change the colour, tone and feeling of the scene. Using this camera encourages the user to experiment and play with colour settings to develop a truly distinct look and feel to images and video, using tones and colour to evoke a feeling like never before.

Imaging Recipes can also be directly downloaded to their camera as Cloud Picture Controls directly through the Nikon Imaging Cloud. These recipes are custom presets with changes to colour, brightness, hue and more, which have been developed by notable creators. Additionally, users can make their own Imaging Recipes and Flexible Picture Controls for truly limitless creative possibilities. Images can also be sent instantly to a user’s own cloud-based storage using the Nikon Imaging Cloud, or easily share images to a phone with Nikon SnapBridge.

Simply Powerful

The Z50II’s EXPEED 7 processing engine delivers surprisingly powerful performance in your pocket or purse. Advanced autofocus with nine types of subject detection quickly tracks and locks on to humans, pets, vehicles and more. The system is user-friendly and extremely precise, rapidly detecting and maintaining razor-sharp focus on a subject’s eyes, even as they move. Not only is it powerful, but it’s also smart, simplifying the operation of advanced camera functions. When in AUTO shooting mode, Nikon’s proprietary deep learning technology makes it possible for the camera to analyze and recognize the subject and scene, automatically optimizing autofocus, flash control, and exposure control values such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity settings.

Tell Stories with Video

The Z50II empowers all types of content creators to make amazing videos that stands out, with 4K footage that’s oversampled1 from 5.6K for rich and beautiful details. The camera records in various frame rates and resolutions up to 4K60p, delivering colourful and sharp video with high-quality audio. The Z50II makes it simple to capture high-quality video with a 3.2” vari-angle LCD screen, which helps to keep you and your subjects perfectly in frame, in addition to a video self-timer to begin recording to minimize time spent editing. The Z50II also features a Product Review Mode that focuses on objects in the foreground, which is helpful for products, cosmetics, fashion and beauty reviewers.

For those looking to go to the next level in production quality, the Z50II affords full flexibility with the recording of N-Log video that offers subtle and rich tonal gradation for higher-quality video recording with more exposure latitude for grading. It also has other helpful video features like a tally lamp, waveform monitor, headphone jack and a continuous record time of up to more than 2 hours.

Features of the Nikon Z50II

• 20.9-megapixel APS-C/ DX format sensor lets you capture high quality photos and videos, with gorgeous colours and amazing low light ability. 
• Dedicated Picture Control button allows for one-touch access to inspiring colour presets, Imaging Recipes and custom Flexible Picture Controls, all in real-time. 
• EXPEED 7 image processing engine gives users access to powerful features and performance, including an advanced AF system with subject detection and 3D Tracking.
• Bright electronic viewfinder at 1000 cd/m2 (nits), is roughly twice as bright as the one built into the Nikon Z50, allowing users to easily check focus and compose even on the brightest of days.
• Rapid photo burst shooting with up to 30 fps with electronic shutter, or up to 11 fps with the mechanical shutter. 
• Features a Pre-Release Capture function capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed.
• Excellent low light capability produces sharp photos in minimal light with less grain thanks to a wide ISO range from 100–512002.
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• Features made for all types of video content creators, such as N-LOG recording, product review mode, waveform monitor, microphone and headphone jacks.
• Built-in flash is useful in backlit situations as a fill-flash or in dark surroundings.
• Hi-Res Zoom3 during video recording, which allows users to zoom in on their subject with no loss in image quality, even when using a prime lens.
• An illuminated REC lamp (tally light) notifies the user and the subject when video recording is in progress.
• Support for USB streaming (UVC/UAC) allows plug and play connectivity for online meetings and live video streaming by simply connecting the camera to a computer or smartphone.
• Equipped with a large and clear 3.2-inch vari-angle monitor with a touch screen for intuitive operation and recording yourself and others.

MC-DC3 Remote Cord

The MC-DC3 is a remote cord compatible with the Z50II and later models equipped with a headphone/remote cord connector (3.5mm jack). The cord is approximately 3.1 ft/1m in length. It is useful in minimizing the effects of camera shake when using a tripod to photograph starry skies and nighttime scenes, or with commercial (product) photography. It can also be used for remote photography to release the shutter at a distance from the camera. The shutter-release button can be locked in the fully pressed position for long exposures (bulb shooting) or held down for continuous shooting. It can also be held halfway down for shooting with less release time-lag.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon Z50II will be available in late November 2024 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,249.95 for the body only or with a NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens for an MSRP of $1,449.95. The MC-DC3 Remote Cord is scheduled for release later in 2024, for an MSRP of $49.95.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

Nikon Canada Inc. is pleased to announce the ongoing development of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a standard zoom lens that is compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted.

The NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a standard zoom lens with power zoom that covers the focal range from 28mm to 135mm. It is designed to provide ease of use and superior optical performance for video recording, supporting efficient recording for documentaries and location work by a solo videographer or small crew.

Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users’ needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.

From now until October 24, Nikon Canada is hosting a Nikon Pop-Up Experience at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto!

Inspired by its heritage models, the Nikon Zfc and Zf cameras, the concept of Nikon’s Pop-Up is a retro diner with antique furniture and neon lights. It also has the opportunity to check out Nikon’s latest cameras.

At the ‘Nikon Diner’ there will be an ‘IG Worthy’ vintage-style photobooth where visitors will be able to take home physical photos.

Guests will be encouraged to share their photobooth image on social using the #NikonCreators and #NikonDiner hashtags for a chance to win a Zfc kit! Visitors will also be able to engage in “diner chats” with Nikon ambassadors and creators, who will share photo and video tips and tricks.

Visit the ‘Nikon Diner’ at Yorkdale during mall hours between Oct 17th-24th! It is located right next to Canada Goose near Entrance E.

Today, Nikon Canada Inc. announced the release of the new STABILIZED binocular series with two new models that feature a compact, portable design while incorporating an original STABILIZED function to provide a clear and stable image. This original stabilization system¹ in the new 10x and 12x models reduces vibrations caused by hand movement by approx. 80%, letting users view distant objects such as birds and other wildlife, sporting events, concerts and landmarks clearly and comfortably.

These new STABILIZED binoculars weigh only 13.9 oz (STABILIZED 12×25 S model), making it comfortable and easy to track and view subjects for long periods with minimal fatigue of the eyes or arms. For extended viewing, they are powered by 2xAA batteries, providing up to an impressive 12 hours of battery life. 

Primary features of the Nikon STABILIZED Binocular Series:

• Stylish, compact and comfortable design is extremely small and lightweight, while also having the ability to fold for maximum portability and easy packing.
• Uses 2x convenient and readily available AA-size batteries, for approx. 12 hours of battery life
• STABILIZED Technology reduces vibrations caused by hand movement by approx. 80%, making it easy to track and view subjects.
• Bright and clear field of view, with a Multilayer Coating applied to all lenses and prisms while high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating is applied on the reflective surface of the auxiliary prism for maximum brightness. 
• Auto-power shut-off function prevents unnecessary battery consumption if left powered on. This function is engaged after approximately 60 minutes, letting the user focus on the view, while minimizing the need to press a button repeatedly to activate the stabilization. 
• Ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, with a large focusing ring that enables quick focusing. 
• Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click facilitate easy positioning of the eyes at the correct eyepoint.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon STABILIZED 10×25 S and STABILIZED 12×25 S models will be available starting in early November, with an MSRP of $849.95 and $859.95 respectively.  For more information about Nikon Sport optics and other models, please visit www.nikon.ca. 

Nikon Canada Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4, a wide-angle prime lens that is compatible with Z mount full-frame/FX format mirrorless cameras. This fast, versatile lens offers a natural angle of view, popular among street and portrait photographers, with the creative freedom provided by a bright maximum aperture of f/1.4 – all at an affordable price.

Not only does the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 allow users to enjoy beautiful soft bokeh and three-dimensional rendering at wide apertures, its versatile 35mm focal length and short minimum focus distance of 10.6 in. (0.27 m) also makes it ideal for capturing a wide variety of scenes and subjects. From landscapes and street photography to portraits and photos of flowers and pets, photographers and filmmakers will enjoy outstanding sharpness, beautifully blurred backgrounds, and exceptional versatility in low light.

Despite its large f/1.4 maximum aperture the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is a great “carry everywhere” lens for day-to-day shooting, weighing just 14.6 oz (415 g) and measuring only 3.4 in. (86.5mm) in length.

The superior optical performance unique to NIKKOR Z lenses allows for clear images with outstanding clarity including close-up portraits that emphasize the subject with a pleasant background blur. Stopping down the aperture when photographing landscapes realizes incredible sharpness. As a wide-angle prime lens with superior cost performance, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 supports the capture of a great range of scenes and subjects, and will appeal to a wide variety of enthusiast creators. 

Primary features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4:

• Beautiful bokeh: Max aperture of f/1.4 allows photographers and filmmakers to achieve smooth, creamy out-of-focus backgrounds while precisely controlling depth-of-field for ideal subject and background separation.
• Versatile focal length: The 35mm focal length is close to that of human vision, making it ideal for capturing a wide range of scenes and subjects. On DX format Z cameras, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 becomes a 52mm equivalent prime lens, close to the classic “standard” 50mm.
• Close minimum focus: Close focus of just 10.6 in (0.27 m) is ideal for capturing details in food and flowers with a beautifully blurred background.
• Compact and well-balanced: The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 weighs just 14.6 oz (415 g), making it is easy to carry and comfortable to use for hand-held shooting.
• Fast and quiet autofocus: The use of a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus ensures fast and quiet autofocus for both stills and video.
• Clickless control ring: Easily control key exposure settings including aperture, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation. 
• Suppressed focus breathing: Advanced optical design means the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4’s focal length stays consistent during focusing, which is ideal when recording video.
• Dust and drip-resistant: Seals throughout the design help prevent dust and water droplets from entering the lens.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens will be available in late July 2024 for a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $819.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the extensive lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire range of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca.

Today Nikon Canada Inc. announced the Z6III, a 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless camera that stands in a class of its own with an unmatched suite of powerful features that bring exceptional performance to both photographers and filmmakers. The Z6III is the world’s first camera with a partially-stacked CMOS sensor, delivering ultra-fast readout that unlocks blistering speeds and high frame rates in both photo and video modes. Other benefits include a truly immersive viewfinder experience with the brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera, and a wide range of pro-level features inherited from Nikon’s acclaimed Z8 and Z9 flagship cameras. 

The combination of the Z6III’s unique new sensor design and EXPEED 7 image processing engine results in an approximately 3.5x increase to readout speed compared to the previous-generation Z6II. This unlocks enhanced performance across the board, enabling benefits such as 6K internal N-RAW and ProRes RAW video, Full HD video up to 240p, and rapid continuous shooting of stills up to 120 fps with Pre-Release Capture. However, the camera’s incredible performance goes far beyond just frame rates. The Z6III features an impressively fast AF system inherited from the Z8 and Z9, which includes highly advanced multi-subject detection with the speed and accuracy needed for maximum confidence.

OUTPERFORM WITH UNMATCHED FEATURES

World’s first partially-stacked sensor: The Z6III is the first mirrorless camera to adopt this new sensor architecture, which features multiple high-speed processing circuits stacked in layers above and below the imaging area of the sensor. The high-speed readout made possible by this new sensor in combination with the same EXPEED 7 processing engine as the Z8 and Z9 enables a range of powerful features. 

Upgraded autofocus: AF is fast and accurate, clocking in at a full 20 per cent faster than the Z6II.  In challenging light, the AF detection range has been extended to an incredible −10 EV, superior even to the flagship level cameras. This enhanced sensitivity makes it easier to focus in dark situations like nighttime sports or an event reception. 

Advanced subject detection: The Z6III draws on the advanced subject-detection technology of the Z8 and Z9 to automatically detect nine subject types, including people, animals and various vehicles. Users can lock onto these subjects with advanced AF modes including 3D-tracking, Auto-area AF, Wide-area AF and Dynamic-area AF. Custom wide-area AF patterns allow for the detection and tracking of subjects within a custom designated area. 

Pre-Release Capture up to 120 fps: This powerful feature enables photographers to capture shots that might have otherwise been missed, such as the moment a bird takes flight, a lightning strike or the game-winning goal. A half-press of the shutter-release button starts buffering images, and when the shutter is pressed all the way, the Z6III saves images taken up to one second prior. 

Internal 6K RAW video: The Z6III is capable of capturing 12-bit 6K/60p N-RAW and 6K/30p ProRes RAW, as well as 10-bit 5.4K ProRes 422 and H.265 video formats. The ability to capture super high-resolution video footage affords filmmakers the freedom to crop, trim, track and stabilize a 4K timeline in post with ultimate clarity. Furthermore, filmmakers can take advantage of the Z6III’s maximum video resolution of 6K to create oversampled 4K UHD/60p video footage. The Z6III’s efficient heat-dissipating design allows continuous 4K UHD/60p recording for up to 125 min.

Brightest EVF of any mirrorless camera: At up to 4,000 cd/m2 (nits), the Z6III’s 5,760k-dot electronic viewfinder is the brightest ever in a mirrorless camera, delivering a clear, detailed view even in extremely bright outdoor situations while minimizing viewfinder blackout. In addition to its class-leading brightness and high resolution, the Z6III’s EVF is the first in a mirrorless camera to support a DCI-P3 equivalent colour gamut, which enables photographers and filmmakers to see a more lifelike display of colours.

Dynamic Full HD/240p slow motion: The Z6III can capture dramatic slow-motion footage up to 10× with 10-bit Full HD/240p H.265 video recording.

Amazing low-light ability: The Z6III’s wide native ISO range is from 100-64,000 (51,200 in video) and is expandable to 204,800 for ultra-low-light shooting. The Z6III’s EXPEED 7 image processing engine enables tailored noise reduction, effectively minimizing grainy noise in flat areas of the image while preserving fine details in subjects such as buildings. This results in sharper, clearer images in low-light environments.

8.0 stop Vibration Reduction: Built-in 5-axis image stabilization delivers up to 8.0 stops of Vibration Reduction, empowering photographers and filmmakers to shoot handheld with confidence. Enjoy the creative freedom of slower shutter speeds, while keeping subjects sharp and using lower ISOs. Additionally, the Z6III features Focus Point VR, which prioritizes stabilization on the active focus point. 

Vari-angle LCD screen: The 3.2-inch rear LCD touchscreen can be used as a front-facing screen for video production and self-recording, as well as framing at a low angle.

High-resolution Pixel Shift mode: In Pixel-shift mode, the Z6III’s sensor is subtly shifted across 4, 8, 16, or 32 exposures, for increased colour and detail with an incredibly high resolution of up to approximately 96MP.

Z8-level build quality: The Z6III is constructed from magnesium alloy and Sereebo^® material for maximum durability and light weight. Weighing only 1.67 lbs. with a battery and memory card, the Z6III is sealed against dust and moisture to the same level as the Z8, and is rated for operation down to 14°F/−10°C, making it suitable for use in a wide variety of environments and conditions.

Flexible Colour Picture Controls: The Z6III supports the new Flexible Colour Picture Control feature in NX Studio. Z6III owners can use the software’s powerful Colour Blender and Colour Grading features to create custom presets that can be uploaded to the camera as Custom Picture Controls.

NEW NIKON IMAGING CLOUD 

Nikon Imaging Cloud will be a new complimentary cloud service that expands connectivity and creative options for Z6III owners. Users will be able to browse a suite of curated Imaging Recipes courtesy of Nikon and selected creators, which provide all the ingredients necessary to create amazing images: Suggested camera settings, inspiring insights plus Cloud Picture Control presets that Z6III owners can download straight to their camera. Furthermore, when the Z6III is connected to Nikon Imaging Cloud via Wi-Fi, still images captured with the camera can be automatically uploaded to a range of popular cloud storage services including NIKON IMAGE SPACE, making the storage and sharing of images even more convenient. In addition, Z6III owners will be able to use Nikon Imaging Cloud to keep their camera’s firmware up to date automatically over Wi-Fi, avoiding the need to manually download and install via a memory card.

NEW MB-N14 POWER BATTERY PACK

The MB-N14 (release scheduled for Summer 2024) is an optional power battery pack with an integrated shutter button for the Z6III, Z7II and Z6II. The MB-N14 can hold two EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion batteries, allowing users to record approximately 1.9× more stills and extend video shoots. In addition to offering the same dust and drip resistance as the Z6III, the MB-N14 can also be used in conditions as cold as −10°C/14°F, making it extremely useful when shooting for extended periods of time in harsh conditions. What’s more, the MB-N14 is a “hot swap” power battery pack that continues to supply power even when one of the two batteries is removed. A built-in USB connector enables batteries inserted in the MB-N14 to be charged even when the MB-N14 is not attached to the camera.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The new Nikon Z6III will be available in late June for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $3,399.95* in the body-only configuration, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 lens for $4,199.95.*The MB-N14 power battery pack will be available this summer for an MSRP of $479.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca

With parts of Canada in the path of Monday’s solar eclipse, many are excited to photograph and/or record it. However, there are important steps you need to take in order to properly protect your equipment, as well as your eyes.

Nikon Canada has a two-part video series available that includes all you need to know to properly (and safely) capture this exciting event:

How to Prepare for The Solar Eclipse – Part 1: 

In this video, Nathan from Nikon will show you what kind of lenses, filter, and other accessories you will need to capture the eclipse.
*Please note there is an option for French captioning for this video under Settings.

A few important considerations from Nikon Canada:

• The solar filter must be placed in FRONT of any telescope, camera lens or mirror.
• It should NEVER be used behind an eyepiece, viewfinder or lens, including any drop-in filters found on lenses.
• Do NOT point the camera at the sun when the lens is NOT protected by a filter that is specifically designed for SOLAR VIEWING.
• Even if you are wearing solar observing glasses, do NOT look through a viewfinder of a camera if the lens is not protected by a solar viewing filter.

You can find additional resources on how to record the eclipse on Nikon.ca here: https://en.nikon.ca/learn-and-explore/s/solar+eclipse.html  

Nikon Canada Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR, a supremely versatile high-power super-zoom lens for Nikon Z series full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras. This latest addition to the expanding line of NIKKOR Z lenses offers the highest zoom ratio in its class, making it a must-have for travel, sports, backyard wildlife and more.

The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a high-magnification zoom lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths — from 28mm to 400mm. Whether up close or far away, from landscapes to distant vistas, users will appreciate the extreme versatility and powerful capabilities of the 14.2× zoom. Although it is a super-telephoto zoom lens with a range up to 400mm, it’s also the lightest in its class, weighing only approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g), making it easy to carry when travelling.

This new lens also has a remarkably close minimum focus distance of only 7.8 in. (0.2 m) at the maximum wide-angle position and 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) at the maximum telephoto position. The maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x lets users capture close-ups at short distances for food, flowers and animals. When shooting far away, users can fill the frame with their subject and still have a pleasing blurred background.

The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR uses a stepping motor (STM), which enables fast and quiet autofocusing, allowing rapid focus on moving subjects. The lens also features a vibration-reduction (VR) function with performance equivalent to 5.0 stops, which helps achieve sharp photos and stable video with ease, even when handheld.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

• Covers a broad range of focal lengths — from 28mm to 400mm, with a 14.2× zoom which is a first among NIKKOR Z lenses.
• A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m at the maximum wide-angle position and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35× allow users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
• A total length of approx. 5.57 in. (141.5 mm) and a weight of approx. 1.6lbs (725g) – the lightest lens in its class – make this an easy lens to carry and shoot hand-held. 
• Stable VR performance equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and with hand-held shooting. When paired with a compatible camera, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 5.5-stop stabilization⁴ by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
• Stepping motor (STM) enables high-speed AF drive.
• Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing, which is especially useful for video shooting.
• Comes with a compact, square lens hood that combines superior performance and usability.
• Designed to be dust- and drip-resistant with thorough sealing on various portions including movable parts of the lens barrel to keep dust and water droplets from entering the lens.⁵

Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens will be available in mid-April for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,699.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca. 

Nikon has released of firmware version 5.00 for its flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 9.

Firmware version 5.00 is the fourth major update since the release of the Z 9 and increases usability for sports photography by expanding the Auto Capture and High-Speed Frame Capture+ functions. Portrait photography is also enhanced for more effective capture of the images photographers want, with the Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance functions, and Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control that enables rendering of details of the subject’s complexion with rich tones. Furthermore, the evolution of the Z 9 continues with improved operability achieved in response to feedback from professionals requesting increased speed and efficiency.

Nikon will continuously meet users’ needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras.

Primary features of firmware version 5.00 for the Z 9

•   Expanded functions for sports photography

• A reserve function that lets users specify the shooting start date/time and duration in advance has been added to Auto Capture. This helps to reduce battery consumption for more efficient shooting, even when the camera must be positioned and configured well before it will actually be used. Auto Capture flexibility has also been increased to allow users to shoot using the DX crop (24×16) image area, and also adds the addition of an [Airplanes] AF subject-detection mode, plus the display of a yellow frame when the camera is in standby for shooting.
• In addition, a low-speed [C15] item has been added to High-Speed Frame Capture+ options for increased usability with continuous shooting. What’s more, frequency presets for common LED lighting and signboards have been added to the High-Frequency Flicker Reduction function, making it easier to choose the optimal shutter speed and efficiently reduce the effects of high-frequency flicker.

•   Enhanced portrait functions

• A Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control suitable for creating base images in situations that require retouching, such as wedding and studio photography, has been added. Also, a variety of functions designed to improve portrait photography, including Portrait Impression Balance and Skin Softening have been incorporated. Further, Nikon offers NIKKOR Z lenses including the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S, NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, and NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, all of which support the capture of portraits that accurately express the user’s intent.
• Overall convenience has been increased with the ability to use the continuous LED light of the Profoto A10 as an AF-assist illuminator and the addition of a [Prefer focus point (face priority)] option for frame advance when reviewing images displayed with playback zoom enabled.

•   Other features added for enhanced operability

• When [Extended menu banks] is enabled, users can now manage the shooting modes for photo mode and video mode, which were previously linked, separately.
• Visibility is improved with an option that allows the user to adjust the width of the focus point border.
• Manual focusing is now possible with maximum aperture live view in manual focus mode.
• A function that allows the user to cancel zoom when focus mode is set to manual focus and the view through the lens is zoomed in by pressing the shutter-release button halfway has been added.
• High-Res Zoom operability has been improved, and the AF-area brackets display colour when the subject is in focus has been changed from red to green.
• The number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls has been increased, as has the number of controls that can be customized.
• The addition of a [Customize retouch options] item allows the user to choose the functions displayed in the retouch menu.
• [Loop playback], [Wait before playback], and [Auto series playback speed] options have been added for playback of a series of images captured with a burst of continuous shooting.
• Playback speed for all videos can now be specified in advance from the i menu ([Original speed], [1/2× speed], [1/4× speed]).
• Wi-Fi station mode has been added to enable connection to SnapBridge without occupying the entire Wi-Fi connection on a smartphone.

Nikon SnapBridge Update
Nikon SnapBridge is Nikon’s companion Android and iOS app that connects to your camera to automatically download photos and videos and remotely activate the shutter. Now with Ver.2.11.0, SnapBridge adds new functions such as Easy Shooting Setup, which allows users to configure camera shooting settings suited to a particular scene or subject directly from a user’s smart device.

The new Easy Shooting Setup function can be used by tapping [Easy Shooting Setup] in the SnapBridge camera tab, selecting a main subject or situation, and deciding output parameters, such as having a soft out-of-focus background or motion blur. It allows even those who are unsure about camera functions and terms to easily create camera shooting settings that achieve desired results. Settings are applied the moment they’re sent to the camera, allowing users to immediately begin capturing their vision. Easy Shooting Setup also provides tips for available scenes and subjects such as people, landscapes and pets to help users better achieve the intended results. Furthermore, favourite shooting settings can be assigned to one of the user setting positions.

Supported operating systems
Android™ (version 10 or later), iOS (version 15.7 or later)

Cameras that support Ver.2.11.0’s Easy Shooting Setup:
Nikon Z f, Nikon Z 5, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z 50, and Nikon Z 30

The NX Ready app available in some regions will be discontinued with the release of SnapBridge Ver.2.11.0.