Proud Photography Blog

Nikon has released a software update for their newly released D3 and D300 Digital SLR’s.
The company has made available “Picture Controls” aiming to emulate the color reproduction of the D2X(s) on the new D3 and D300.
There are three controls, mirroring the original color modes I to III.
These settings may be used as a base point to add further tweaks and should prove a major time-saver to photographers wishing to upgrade their camera bodies and continue with their existing work flow.
The “Picture Controls” are available now via Nikon’s website.
Here are the modifications provided by Nikon :

D2XMODE1
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of I. Skin tones and gradations are reproduced naturally with rich reproduction of tones.

D2XMODE2
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of II. This optional Picture Control is suited to images that will be extensively processed or retouched.

D2XMODE3
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of III. Choose for nature or landscape shots. Greens and blues are vividly reproduced.

The links can be downloaded here:

Windows - DX2 Picture Control for D300
Macintosh - DX2 Picture Control for D300
Windows - DX2 Picture Control for D3
Macintosh - DX2 Picture Control for D3

Last August ,in Japan, Nikon gave a sneak peek of its newest generation of professional digital SLR cameras.
The company revealed the Nikon D3 Digital SLR Camera which will be released end of 2007.
The new Nikon D3 camera is one of the wisest moves by Nikon to recuperate the market it lost to Canon (Canon has 9 of the top 10 best selling cameras.)
Nikon has focused on redeveloping their flagship cameras to improve image quality and performance.

Nikon D3 comes with a full-frame sensor with a 12.1-megapixel resolution.
For complete accuracy, the sensor is less than a millimeter short of full-size, but for obvious purposes operates with no lens magnification.

The major changes include high sensitivity support by default, up to ISO 6400 with 25600 available as a boost option.
Other improvements are 14-bit A/D conversion, a new standard image processor, a new shutter, new auto focus sensor, focus tracking by color, nine frames per second continuous, dual compact flash support, DX lens support and a 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor.

Specifications:
12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch),ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25,600) ,also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens),5:4 ratio crop mode (10 megapixels, up to 9 fps, viewfinder masked),14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout,Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms),New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability,New Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage) and more.

The D3 is functional, with a very pleasing layout ,designed for photographers to take pictures with ease, accuracy, and comfort.
The camera’s viewfinder provides almost 100 percent coverage so pictures can be framed to a maximum.
The ultra-high definition 920,000 dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with great color and clarity.
The D3, which is rated to 150,000 shutter-cycles, will cost about $1799 and can be pre-ordered .