Nikon D3x performance data now available on DxOMark - With a DxOMark Sensor score of 88 points, the Nikon D3x takes the lead among the 54 cameras currently evaluated on the site.
Press Release:

DxO Labs announces today the addition of detailed RAW-based image quality data and DxOMark Sensor rankings for the Nikon D3x Digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera body on its popular DxOMark website.

According to DxO Labs, the Nikon D3x, the latest professional camera model in the “above 20 Megapixels” category, features high-end performance results across most dxomark.com image quality metrics. The D3x takes the lead on the DxOMark Sensor scale with a 6-point gain above all other camera bodies currently evaluated on the dxomark.com website.

With such performance, the Nikon D3x is the first camera which actually achieves more than 12-bit depth of effective image information and thus is able to take full advantage of its 14-bit Analog/Digital (A/D) converter. Complete image quality data is immediately accessible by visiting www.dxomark.com.

DxO Labs has expanded the DxOMark Q&A section in order to address more questions and comments from a rapidly-increasing audience.

Audi R8 inspired Catamaran

Ever wonder what an Audi R8 would look like if it were to transform into a speedboat? Neither had we, but maybe it would look a bit like this machine, developed by a Swedish company named Vizualtech. The most notable styling element of the R8 are its contrasting blades of color just aft of the doors, and these make the transition to Vizualtech's catamaran along with the integrated fuel-filler. At the rear are large openings with strakes that mimic the look of the R8's hind-end nicely. One thing that the Audi doesn't have are this catamaran's gull-wing doors. We expect Audi to drop a V10 engine in the R8's engine bay soon enough, and this sea worthy ship will feature one of its own, though powered by biodiesel and making about 320-horsepower. Top speed falls a bit behind the vehicle that inspired its design at 110 miles per hour, but that's supercar speed on the water.
An order has already been placed for this radical boat by a Dubai based race team, and we think it’s the coolest thing to hit the water since the Jackass boys’ lake jumping stunt.
The racing boat, dubbed the R8.8, has design cues taken from the road-fairing Audi R8. It is 8.8 meters in length (hence the name) and any potential owner will have the choice of two power options – a V10 diesel, powered by bio-fuel for the planet-friendly petrolhead, or a pair of thirsty V8s for those who can’t resist the grunt of a double whammy engine set-up.

British Professional Photography Awards

The British Professional Photography Awards - The date for the British Professional Photography Awards has been announced.

The organisers of the British Professional Photography Awards have unveiled details of the 2008 event. The Awards will be presented during a glittering presentation evening on Sunday 19th October 2008. Sponsored by PhotoShield Insurance, the Awards Dinner programme is followed by live entertainment and this year it is open to ALL photographers, not just members of the MPA or BIPP.Following the success of last year's move to Newcastle upon Tyne, the event will again be held at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton on the banks of the River Tyne. The main event will be preceded by a trade show that will run from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 19th October. The Awards are run jointly by the Master Photographers Association (MPA) and the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP). MPA chief executive, Colin Buck is looking forward to the event: "All entries have now been judged and the finalists notified. Everyone I spoke to agreed that the 2007 Awards were the best yet and we are aiming for this year to be even more spectacular. The Awards are one of the most anticipated events on the photographic calendar and it gives everyone a chance to recognise the huge talents our industry has to offer. Plus, for the first time we are opening our doors to the rest of the industry so that other photographers and photo trade members may take part in this exciting black-tie event."The British Professional Photography Awards have long been dubbed the photographic 'Oskars' and the cream of the world's photographic talent will be in Newcastle to see who collects the prestigious gongs that are up for grabs. Singapore and Malaysia will be represented, in addition to many photographers from across Europe. The Competition is supported by major names within the photographic industry plus two leading national bridal magazines.In addition, an exhibition of all the finalists' images will be on show at the Hilton Hotel on the Sunday together with a Photo Trade Exhibition, open free of charge to all photographers.For further information see here.

Nikon broadens FX-format DSLR camera range

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to enable many more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.
”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change brands and we expect the D700 to contin5ue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrows imaging needs too.”
D3 DNA
The D700 inherits the ‘must have’ image quality of the D3. Using the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array that affords bright, clean files across a broad ISO range. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

FX on the move
The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

Getting the shot right
Despite its attractive price tag, the D700 makes no compromises in its comprehensive feature array with a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms, the acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300. One of the most important advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience and the D700 features an outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. A clever new feature is the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode to determine camera orientation at arms length.

What NIKKORS have been waiting for
The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e, charger, and Nikon Software Suite and will go on sale from 25 July 2008 with a MSRP guide price of €2599.

Wacom enhances the Bamboo experience

With the introduction of the new consumer brand accompanied by a transformation of Wacom's corporate identity in September 2007, Bamboo has seen impressive sales results. Consumer sales almost doubled over the last year, with 80 per cent of users being first time buyers. It was also found that Bamboo has clearly reached different target groups - about a third of customers are using the tablet for navigation and a high percentage are using the pen based functionality integrated in Windows Vista.

The next generation Bamboo provides the tools for a more simple, fun and instantly accessible personal digital world. It enables users to experience benefits with a pen, using Bamboo to express themselves and share ideas. Simple, useful and funBamboo Scribe is one of the first available tools. It is a powerful handwriting recognition application that converts handwritten notes into digital text. Bamboo Scribe and the pen tablet provide a natural alternative to keyboard input. Bamboo Link is a new type of search tool that presents search results in a visually dynamic way. It also allows users to send, store, mark and annotate search results using the pen. With Bamboo Space, Wacom has started to develop a simple and intuitive online application for users to collect and share ideas. Photos, notes or sketches can be sorted and arranged in the same way as on a desk. The content can be easily shared by inviting others to the individual space. The service launches as a beta version and will grow within the next months. Through an icon that sits on the desktop, Bamboo Dock acts as a gateway to the new applications as well as an increasing set of Bamboo Minis. Bamboo Minis are small applications offering a variety of solutions from making doodles, sketches or add instructions on a map, to playing games with the pen tablet. Bamboo Dock provides an intuitive way to navigate using the pen and to stay updated about the latest tools to become available.Experience BambooBamboo Minis, Bamboo Dock and Bamboo Space are available for all Bamboo users here. From 16th September 2008, Bamboo Link and Bamboo Scribe will be included in all products of the Bamboo range. Customers who buy a Bamboo after 16th September 2008 but do not find the new applications included in the box will be able to download the applications for free from the Bamboo website by providing the product serial number. Bamboo is a more natural, vibrant and creative way of using technology to express ideas and to communicate in a more personal and unique way. It enhances the computing experience, offering new and individual ways to communicate, navigate and to personalise and share content. The new Bamboo applications are exclusively developed for Wacom. The Bamboo tools and applications will be available for Microsoft Windows as a first step. Versions supporting Mac OS will follow shortly, new tools and applications will continue to be developed.

The Ringflash Adapter at Photokina

See the Ringflash Adapter demonstrated by Dalibor Zyka at Photokina.

Press Release:Flaghead Photographic is the world-wide distributor for the Ringflash Adapter, which is made in The Czech Republic by RayFlash, and will be showing this product at this years Photokina in Cologne, Germany. The stand can be found in hall 6.1, B32. Dalibor Zyka the inventor of the Ringflash Adapter and Hardy Haase, MD of Flaghead Photographic, will be on the stand to demonstrate this unique product.German photographer Frank Winkler will be shooting images throughout the show in studio and location conditions to illustrate the unique properties of the Ringflash Adapter.Photokina is open from 23rd to 28th September 2008, for details please visit here.

Possible new medium-format digital for Nikon

Nikon MX medium-format rumours - Two sensor types are not enough for Nikon as rumours suggest a third format is on the way.
A picture taken on a mobile phone and a man, who wishes to remain anonymous have both suggested that Nikon are working on a new format.
The picture on the right, which was sent to NikonRumors shows a list of image sensors and underneath them the image size in pixels. The FX and DX sensors are already well known but at the top of the list is a sensor called MX and the sizes suggests it will have an image size of 40.7Mp.
If these rumours are true it means photographs taken with the camera should be bigger, have more detail and less noise.
Nikon watch received information from a man who said Nikon's new rangefinder will have a sensor that will be 48mmx48mm and may even be backward compatible with DX and FX lenses via a mount adaptor. However, I think that Nikon will have to make a new range of lenses for this format because of the size of the frame. Nikon have previously worked with Bronica to produce lenses for their medium format cameras so could this mean a revival or will Nikon create a completely new design?
The site also suggested that when shooting in FX mode you will not have to rotate the camera when taking a portrait shot as the sensor will do this and you will also be able to shoot at the full square resolution.