Nikon Announces The KeyMission 360 - A 360-degree Action Camera

Nikon unveils  the KeyMission 360, which is the company's first ever action camera — and it shoots 360-degree video in 4K. It's the first action camera in what Nikon is calling a new "family" of action cameras, and likely will be the only one that shoots 360-degree video.

The KeyMission 360 is a small square, a bit bigger than the GoPro Hero Session 4, but not as much of a cube. It also, obviously, has lenses on the front and back. It's also shockproof to 2 meters (about 7 feet), and waterproof to 30 meters (100 feet). The camera has electronic vibration reduction, too. Beyond that, Nikon hasn't shared any more details like pricing, availability, battery life, or the field of view of each lens.

The action camera industry has been dominated by GoPro ever since GoPro essentially created the idea in the early 2000s. The only other traditional camera company that makes an action camera is Sony, a company that also serves as GoPro's biggest competition. Other companies like Garmin and TomTom don't try to directly compete, and instead offer more niche features like GPS and accelerometers.

But none of those companies have small action cameras that can shoot 360-degree video. Most high-quality VR is being shot by large camera rigs, and only a few smaller companies like Ricoh and 360fly have released consumer-grade 360-degree cameras. That all leaves a lot of room for competition, especially from big companies like Nikon.



Source : The Verge

Read More

Nikon unleashes $1,400 supertelephoto zoom and more

Nikon Sigma and Tamron have heated up the competition for relatively inexpensive supertelephoto lenses geared to enthusiast wildlife and sports shooters, with models like the $1,100 (AU$1,250) Sigma 150-500mm f5-6.3 Contemporary (£903) and Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 (£770). Nikon's joining the club with the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6E ED VR, a faster lens at a slightly higher price of $1,400 (directly converted, about £900, AU$1,925).

The lens, designed for full-frame cameras but with the equivalent of a 300-750mm range on an APS-C dSLR, is fairly compact at 10.5 inches long (267mm) with a diameter of 4.2 inches (107mm). It doesn't use internal zoom so it will extend up to about 8 inches more (203mm) when fully extended, and overall it's still bigger than its Sigma and Tamron equivalents. Heavier, too: it weighs 80 ounces (2,300 g) compared to about 68 oz (around 1,950 g) for the others. Its end element is pretty big: it takes a 95mm filter.

As with an increasing number of Nikon's lenses, it uses an electromagnetic diaphragm for faster and more accurate response to changes in exposure and a 9-bladed aperture for rounded out-of-focus highlights. The lens is rated for 4.5 stops of VR stabilization, and includes Nikon's tripod and sport VR modes (to change compensation when mounted on a tripod or when panning). It has a minimum focus distance of 7.2 feet (2.2m) at all focal lengths. Note that it doesn't have any of the coatings offered on the higher-end lenses.

It's expected to ship in September.

Digital photography looked a lot different at this time in 2007 when Nikon released its 24-70mm f2.8 lens, a professional staple for events and portraits. Now it's bringing the essential pro full-frame AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR up to date with some essential enhancements including a rated four stops of optical image stabilization; an electromagnetic diaphragm; an enhanced optical design which includes a high-refractive element and an aspherical extra-low dispersion element for more precision; and updated coatings, including Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat, which reduces ghosting and flare, and protective fluorine coatings on the front and back elements.

Unfortunately, the lens hasn't gotten any smaller; it's actually slightly wider, longer and heavier. Nor has the minimum focus distance gotten any closer. It's priced a lot higher than the current lens at $2,400 (directly converted, ), and is expected to ship by the end of August.

Finally, a new landscape-friendly 24mm prime joins the other four 24mm FX lenses in Nikon's lineup; the $750 (directly converted, about £431, AU$1,030) AF-S Nikkor 24mm f1.8G ED, based on the same design as the AF-S Nikkor 28mm f1.8G,slides into the line between the old consumer 24mm f2.8 at about $400 (£370, AU$750) and the professional 24mm f1.4 at $2,200 (£1,380, AU$3,000). It too benefits from Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat, though it only has 7 aperture blades. It has a minimum focus distance of 9 inches (230mm). And sorry shaky-handed folks, there's no image stabilization.

It should be available in September.

Specifications

Mount type	F-mount
Format	FX/35mm
Maximum aperture	f2.8
Minimum Aperture	f22
Lens construction	20 elements in 16 groups (including 2 ED elements, 1 aspherical ED element, 3 aspherical elements, 1 high-refraction element, and elements with Nano-Crystal or fluorine coatings)
Angle of view	Nikon FX-format dSLR cameras: 84° to 34° 20′; Nikon DX-format dSLR cameras: 61° to 22° 50′
VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation	Yes
Diaphragm blades	9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Coating	Nano Chrystal coat, Fluorine coat
Diaphragm	Automatic electronic aperture control
Metering	Full aperture
Filter-attachment size	82mm (P = 0.75mm)
Dimensions	Approx. 88mm maximum diameter x 154.5mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)
Weight	Approx. 1,070gm (2.4lb)
Autofocus	Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)	Yes
Internal focusing	Yes
Focus mode	Yes
Focus distance indicator	Yes
Focus length scale	Yes
Zoom	Yes
Supplied accessories	82 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-82, Rear Lens Cap LF-4, Bayonet Hood HB-74, Lens Case CL-M3

Read More