D810: Nikon’s Flagship Camera
Nikon Inc. continues to roll out exciting new products, most notably its current high-end, full-frame DSLR, the D810. Also new is the full-frame D750, aimed towards the enthusiast market, and a prime AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lens.
D810: Nikon’s Flagship Camera
The D810 is geared towards the professional market and boasts a new 36.3-megapixel, full-frame, FX-format CMOS sensor. Steve Heiner, Senior Technical Manager of Nikon Inc., describes the D810 as a long-awaited camera, and points out that the optical low-pass filter (OLPF) has been eliminated to maximize resolution and sharpness. “The low-pass filter is important for cameras with lower resolution, but it’s not necessary in this model. As a result, the pictures that come out of this camera are incredibly sharp.” The D810 has an expanded ISO range from 64-12,800. “It’s even capable of a few steps above and below these numbers, which will allow you to shoot in just about any light,” he explains. Although you can photograph great landscapes and portraits with this camera, its fast five frames-per-second speed in burst mode enables sports photographers to easily get the decisive shot.
“It offers full HD 1920 x 1080 video capture,” Heiner says, “and users can get slow-motion effects or shoot fast action.” Videographers will get full HD-sized output from both DX and FX format lenses. Additional features include the ability to relay uncompressed digital video to an external recorder via HDMI, and to display a zebra pattern during live view to reveal overexposed areas. “We’ve also enhanced the timers that create interval time sequences,” he says. “The D810 will allow you to shoot up to 9,999 individual pictures, or it will shoot an interval timed sequence at your chosen movie output settings.” The camera will then produce a finished movie file, which enables you to put it into production quickly.
“The D810 accepts all of Nikon’s existing lenses, including the DX and FX format models,” adds Heiner. (However, all FX format cameras, including the D810, automatically detect when a DX lens is mounted and utilize a 1.5x crop factor to accommodate this lens.) All of Nikon’s other accessories, including Speedlight flash units, are fully compatible with this camera. With weather sealing around the camera’s buttons and dials to keep dust and moisture from getting inside, “it’s built to withstand the rigors of professional use,” he asserts. “This is the camera that professionals with very exacting standards will choose.” The price for the D810 camera body is $3,299.95.
D750: Pro Camera Features for the Enthusiast Market
D750: Pro Camera Features for the Enthusiast Market
Nikon’s new D750 is geared towards the serious enthusiast market. Like the D810, it also has a full-frame sensor, but with 24.3 megapixels (this camera incorporates an OLPF, which is positioned above the image sensor). Heiner says that the D750 has some features that are new to Nikon’s FX-format cameras, such as a 3.2-inch articulated Vari-Angle LCD screen. “It can be tilted upward or downward to get those hardto- reach angles, which is especially useful when shooting video since all your viewing is done via the LCD screen, not through the viewfinder.” He also points out that at a fast 6.5 frames per second burst rate, “it’s a very capable sports camera for those who want to shoot rapid sequences.”
The D750 has the identical video feature set as the D810, making it a great camera for video as well as still photography. “The D750 employs a compact, lightweight and slim monocoque body design,” Heiner comments, “which combines durable carbon fiber for the front body and front cover, and magnesium alloy for the rear cover and top cover.” The D750 is weather sealed at all the critical points to prevent dust and moisture from getting into the camera. And, as with the D810, the D750 accepts all DX and FX format lenses (the sensor will crop to 1.5x whenever a DX lens is used). The D750, like the D810, has a built-in flash that can be used to control remote Speedlights for creative lighting possibilities. The D750’s AF system has been improved with the capability to focus in light as low as -3 EV (exposure value) illumination. Its broad ISO range extends from 100-12,800 and can be expanded lower and higher. Its shutter speeds top out at 1/4000 second (vs. the D810 at 1/8000 second).
This camera is Nikon’s first full-frame DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi, to enable users to connect it directly to a smart phone or tablet. “This way, you can share your pictures immediately.” Heiner adds that Wi-Fi can also serve as a device for remote control photography, “so that you can view what the camera sees on your smart phone and fire the shutter button from there.” The D750 body alone sells for $2,299.95. It’s also available in a kit with a 24-120mm lens for $2,999.95.
AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED: Fast Ultra-Wide Lens
AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED: Fast Ultra-Wide Lens
According to Heiner, this lens is fifth in a series of economical f/1.8 prime lenses that Nikon has introduced over the past two years. “They’re an alternative to our very highly lauded f/1.4 primes, which tend to be quite a bit more expensive and heavier.” These lenses are targeted to those who may be moving up from the DX to the FX format. The 20mm f/1.8G incorporates two ED glass elements and two aspheric lens elements, and utilizes Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and lens flare. Heiner says that Nikon borrowed this technology from its semiconductor business, which was used in manufacturing computer chips. It has a very wide-angle optic and a 94° angle of view, making it ideal for interior, architectural and wideangle landscape photography. “This lens is very modest in size and lightweight.” Heiner points out that it lacks the distortion that’s common with wide-angle lenses. “Its rectilinear design ensures that all the lines are straight.” The 20mm f/1.8G ED lens sells for $799.95.
For more information, visit www.nikonusa.com.