Nikon patents digital sensor back for old-school 35mm film cameras

Can't let go of that aging 35mm SLR accustomed to a strict film-only diet? Nikon seems to be toying with the idea of feeding its older models digits instead, judging by a Japanese patent application published last week. It was filed just last year and shows a digital back designed to be swapped out easily, complete with a screw adjustment to fine-tune the all-important focal distance. The patent was scoped by prolific Japanese blogger Egami, who pointed out that a different design would be required for each of Nikon's film SLR models, which all have different backs -- but an actual product coming to market seems quite a stretch anyway, at this point. Such devices are commonplace on medium format cameras though, and Leica even offered one for its R8 and R9 35mm SLR cameras as recently as 2007. Still, a pure digital version of our classic F2? Yes please.

[Source: Engadget]

Nikon 1 V2 unveiled: 14.2 megapixel ILC shoots 15fps stills for $899.95 in November

It was just over a year ago when Nikon first dipped its toe into mirrorless waters with its first two 1 System cameras, the V1 and J1. Now, the company has released the V1's successor, the aptly named V2. Like its elders, the V2 has a 1200fps slo-mo capture mode, a 3-inch LCD display on the back, a high-res (1.4 million dot) electronic viewfinder, and does 1080/30p and 1080/60i video capture (Alas, 4K recording capability didn't make the cut). Unlike the V1, the V2 comes in only black or white and uses an upgraded 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 160-6,400. It also packs a new Expeed 3A image processor in tandem with Nikon's Advance Hybrid AF to deliver higher speed shooting. That autofocus system is comprised of 73 phase detect sensors and 135 contract detect sensors, which enables the V2 to capture stills at up to 15fps for 45 continuous frames -- and it can shoot 60 frames continuously using fixed focus.

[Source: Engadget]

Nikon Coolpix L610: an AA-powered, 1080p-capable point-and-shoot for $249

A flagship it isn't, but Nikon's newest Coolpix will certainly hit the sweet spot in terms of pricing for many. The Coolpix L610 is an entry-level compact that breaks away from proprietary cells in order to rely on a pair of AAs. World travelers may argue that it's easier to find a pack of those at any corner shop than a power outlet, and while it may only suit a select few, we're glad that the AA notion hasn't been tossed aside completely. Specs-wise, you're looking at a 16 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 1080p movie mode, 3-inch rear LCD, optical VR image stabilization, HDMI socket and a 14x wide-angle zoom lens. It's designed to sit between the P510 and P7100 in terms of size, with a newfangled design that looks pretty darn attractive at the $249 asking price. For those interested, it'll be hitting shelves in September donning a red, black or silver motif.

[Source: Engadget]

Nikon D4 Wireless Control Demo

The new mega awesome flagship Nikon D4 was announced and now we get to learn that it has a wireless control UI built right into the camera. The Nikon WT-5 attachment looks like it allows you to connect through many different devices. In this demo an iPad 2 is used.

Nikon 1 System Launch - part three

Nikon 1 System Launch - part three from What Digital Camera.

Nikon 1 System Launch - part two

Nikon 1 System Launch - part two from What Digital Camera.

Nikon 1 System Launch - part one

Nikon 1 System Launch from What Digital Camera.

Nikon 1 V1 First Look

Most of the features of the Nikon 1 V1 are similar to the Nikon 1 J1. There are 4 major differences - The Nikon 1 V1 is made of a magnesium body… check out this video for the rest of the differences.

NIKON 1 V1 Unboxing

Unboxing Nikon 1 V1, not in English, but well worth a watch.

Nikon 1 Pricing

Earlier today Nikon announced its new J1 and V1 cameras… here is the pricing & availability details.

Nikon 1 V1 10-30mm kit (available in black and white)

RRP: £829.99 / €962.00

Nikon 1 V1 10mm Kit (available in black and white)

RRP: £879.99 / €1020.00

Nikon V1 10-30mm & 30-110mm Twin Kit (available in black and white)

RRP: £979.99 / €1136.00

Nikon J1 10-30mm kit (available in red, black, silver, pink, white)

RRP: £549.99 / €638.00

Nikon J1 10mm kit (available in red, black, silver, pink, white)

RRP: £599.99 / €696.00

Nikon J1 10-30mm & 30-110mm kit (available in red, black, silver, pink, white)

RRP: £699.99 / €812.00

Nikon J1 10-30mm & 30-110mm kit Pink Special kit

RRP: £749.99 / €870.00

Sales start date: 20th October 2011