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Yearly Archives: 2012

Nikon D600, Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 lens and UT-1 communication unit announced

Nikon D600_18.5mm lens and UT-1 The speculations are over and the rumours are put to rest, Nikon announced 3 consumer products today – Nikon D600, Nikon 18.5mm f/1.8 and the Communication Unit UT-1, which supports more efficient image transfer over Ethernet and wireless networks for digital-SLR cameras.

Nikon D600 is a 24.3 mega pixel CMOS full frame (FX) sensor camera with a 100% viewfinder coverage and can capture Full HD. It has the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into high-end Nikon D-SLRs (D4, D800, D800E) for superior definition and image quality. The Nikon D600 would be available for US $2100 for body only and US $2700 with the Kit (24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR) Lens. Both Amazon and B&H has listed the Nikon D600 for pre-order on their online store, the product would start shipping from 18th september, 2012 onwards.

Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 Lens for CX Format is designed to give the Nikon 1 series digital camera a normal angle-of-view, which mimics the natural perspective of the human eye. The ultra-fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes this lens a great choice for low-light photography, and when shot wide open, is capable of exceptionally shallow depth of field. The lens is available to pre-order for US $187

Nikon Communication Unit UT-1 supports more efficient image transfer over Ethernet and wireless networks and also to control the camera remotely from a computer when connected to digital-SLR cameras. The UT-1 is compatible with the Nikon D4, D800, and D800E cameras for professional and advanced amateur photographers, as well as the D7000 for photo hobbyists. The lens is available for pre-order, though the price is not listed.

Check the Nikon D600 Product Tour

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Nikon Press Conference Product Launch

I Am NIKON According to rumors, Nikon would be launching the D600 today at Thailand followed by a another press conference launch in Dubai. If rumors are true then the Nikon D600 would be a 24.3 mega pixel CMOS full frame (FX) sensor camera with a 100% viewfinder coverage and can capture Full HD. I wouldn’t mention abouts the specs and other details, you can check [here]. The expected price is around US $2000.

It would be more interesting to see if both these event launches would be the same in 2 places or are we looking for a bigger surprise. It could well be that Nikon D600 would be launched in Thailand since D600 as speculated would be a “Made in Thailand” body and the Dubai launch will perhaps reveal a new upgrade for Nikon D7000 (DX) camera.

Whatever the surprise is in store Nikon would have to manage well to deal with the demand from consumers, they are still having a tough time dealing with the Nikon D800 supply.

Well its just a matter of few hours more, For sure with the type of specs rumored the Nikon D600 will sell like hot cakes.

Update: The speculation is over and the rumours are put to rest, Nikon releases 3 consumer products – Nikon D600, Nikon 18.5mm f/1.8 and the Communication Unit UT-1, which supports more efficient image transfer over Ethernet and wireless networks for digital-SLR cameras

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Importance of Joining Digital Photography Contest

Trust me I'm a Photographer Digital photography contest are organized online by most Photography Associations, Clubs, Websites, Blog and Facebook Groups (Facebook has certain policies and conditions, please read before hosting)

Joining a photography competition is always exciting as it not only encourages you to do something different from the rest of the participants but also helps you to learn from other participants entries. The prize and the recognition further helps to motivate as a photographer. Most photography competitions are open to all level of photographers and most likely associated under a specific theme (both photography related and generic).

Many people assume that to join photography contests, one need to have the image taken by the best of camera (preferably a DSLR). This assumption itself is quite debatable, since a good camera is just a medium or a tool, it’s always the person behind the camera who captures the image with the best composition, the feel, the experience and technical knowledge. You would be surprised some of the latest mobile held gadgets help to get best shots. Also many people think that to win a photography contests you need to be at the right place and right time. The key to photography is to take picture very often and to keep learning using different composition, different lens and various lighting conditions.

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Knowledge Base 2

Expression of Love – Photography Contest

Wishing all readers and friends “Happy World Photography Day”

It’s been a year and little more since I’ve started this blog, the idea was to network, share and communicate photography news, tips and takes on different photography subject. The journey has been quite exciting so far, ShutterXpose formed the Weekenders group for photo enthusiast to meet over alternate weekends and capture different themes on photography.

ShutterXpose team was officially engaged with the Kuwait Earth-Hour event which was definitely a new experience, the team express it’s gratitude to Kuwait Earth-Hour organisers for their warm felicitation. The team also actively participated in the Kuwait International Motocross Challenge 2012 and the Kuwait Rally Championship held in Kuwait. The team visit to Mutla Ridges energised the soul within us, the group had couple of visit capturing Bird and Sunrise Photography among the rest. Hope the journey continues….

ShutterXpose is inviting entries to their 1st Photography Competition under the theme “Expression of Love“.

Please read the General Rules and Photo Contest Guidelines to Participate and Win Exciting prizes.

I sincerely express my gratitude to all the readers of ShutterXpose blog for the continuous support, my special thanks to Prashanth Shetty, Rakshak Shetty, Yogeesh Jayaramu and Joyston D’souza for being part of this journey and for their support.

Update: Prizes for the contest

1st winner shall receive a Nikon Coolpix P7000 Digital Camera
2nd winner shall receive a Velbon Tripod & Case Logic DSLR Professional Backpack Bag.
3rd winner shall receive a Hama DSLR Camera Bag & Lexar Professional 8 GB SDHC memory card.

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Nikon announces 800mm Telephoto lens

Nikon 800 f/5.6 Nikon Corporation this month announced they will add the super-telephoto 800-mm, fixed local length lens to its lineup of NIKKOR lenses. This lens will offer a fixed focal length of 800 mm, a maximum aperture of f/5.6, and will be fully compatible with Nikon FX-format cameras. There is no price mentioned yet, nor any specification released. From the photo released by Nikon, the lens shows different switch for “Off”, “Normal”, “Active” VR modes, “Auto/ Manual (A/M)” focus modes. It would definetly boost of exclusive Nikon Nano Crystal Coat and a Meniscus protective glass element combine to reduce ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity. The current longest telephoto lens the “AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4 ED VR” weighs approx. 5060 gms with a whooping price tag of $9,799.

I would love to have this lens in my gear bag, but then who wouldn’t. Apart from being serious and earning enough to have this baby I would also have to strengthen my arms.

Nikon Press release:

This lens has been developed in order to strengthen the NIKKOR lineup of super-telephoto lenses. It will boast the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus lens, and will be best suited to capture of a wide variety of decisive outdoor scenes, from sporting events to wildlife. In addition to its superior optical performance, the lens will offer dust and water resistance.

In 2012, Nikon released three new FX-format digital-SLR cameras—the D4, the new flagship digital SLR, and the D800 and D800E, which offer incredible resolution and image quality. In addition to reinforcing its lineup of FX-format digital-SLR cameras, Nikon has also been working to expand the lineup of NIKKOR lenses. Nikon has been providing service and support to professional photographers for roughly fifty years through the activities of its Nikon Professional Services (NPS).

This lens is scheduled to be on display at the Nikon service depot that will be set up for professional photographers working at the Open Championship event. Nikon has been also an official sponsor of The Open Championship since 1993. The Open Championship is the oldest of the world’s four major tournaments in professional golf . Furthermore, this lens is scheduled to be on display at Photokina 2012, one of the world’s largest photo and imaging exhibitions, to be held in Cologne, Germany from September 18–23, 2012.

Release date and suggested retail price for this product have not yet been determined.

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My Style – Lee Llamas Workshop delights photographers to new height

Lee Llamas is one of the most successful and popular wedding photographer in the Philippines. In spite of his popularity, Lee Llamas is quite a modest and sincere person, an ardent listener a serious humorist. To his “Golden Boy” reputation Lee Llamas created wonders at his 1^st Kuwait Leg- My Style Wedding Photography workshop, which was held at the Safir Hotel- Fintas on the 15^th & 16^th June 2012.

Day 1 started with the formal introduction of Lee Lamas, his photography works, his approach and workflow while shooting models and his style of creating magic with dynamic dimension when it comes to wedding photography. The day continued with photo shoots covering every aspect of wedding photography including the E Session, Lighting details and Outdoor shoots. Lee Llamas took personal attention in composing couple of bridal shoots, attendees were given first-hand information on such composition and advised to be creative. He also took personal interests to observe each attendees (photographers) shot and end up either advising or complimenting the photo. To give a real feel of the wedding, 2 expensive bridal gowns were arranged along with 4 couple models (2 couples for Pre-Nuptial ceremony & 2 couples for Wedding ceremony), make-up as well as floral artist. The models were pampered with glory by the photographers who were trying to capture them with their best camera, available lens, light and creative angles.

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Events & Activities 2

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX Announced

Nikon-18-300mm-f3_5-5_6G-ED-VR Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX lens. This lens is a versatile and compact 16.7X all-in-one super zoom DX-format lens. The lens is an Ultra high-power approx. 16.7x zoom lens covering 18-300mm focal range. Just as the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR is equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization system which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The built-in Vibration Reduction will help photographers create blur-free images and video while shooting handheld and in challenging lighting conditions. Two focus modes, manual-priority autofocus (M/A) and manual focus (M), are easily selected in both lenses as well. When in manual-priority autofocus (M/A) mode, users will be able to instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus operation by simply rotating the focus ring, even during AF servo operation. Additionally, these lenses feature an internal focusing system, providing fast focus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology designed to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance. The lens also boast Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) which provides superb color reproduction, color consistency and reduced flaring.

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR also has a dedicated zoom lock switch which secures the lens barrel at its minimum length and will prevent the lens from sliding when not in use and during transportation. This lens is ideal for capturing close-ups with great detail, as it offers a 1.48 ft. minimum focusing distance at 300mm, as well as a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2x.

Price and Availability:

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available at the end of June 2012 and is available on pre-order for $999.95

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Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR Announced

Nikon-24-85mm-f3_5-4_5G-ED-VR Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR full-frame lens. This lens replaces the older 24-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S lens, which went out of production in 2006. The lens is a 3.5x standard zoom lens covering frequently used focal-length range from 24 to 85 mm. It’s also equiped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization system which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The lens construction consists of 16 optical elements in 11 groups with one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, three aspherical lens elements and a seven rounded blade diaphragm. It is a good quality affordable full-frame lens which is suitable for various shooting scenarios, from stunning landscapes to intimate portraits. This lens is lightweight and portable for regular use.

Price and Availability:

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens will be available at the end of June 2012 and is available on pre-order for $599.95

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Photo shoot at Mutla Ridge, Kuwait

Mutla Ridge is the highest point in Kuwait, even though it’s almost around 500 feet in elevation. It is located just north and west of Kuwait city and is part of Al Jahra Governorate. The Ridge has an historical reference during the 1991 war, when Kuwait was invaded by Iraq. In February 1991, during operation Desert Storm, U.S. forces managed to capture Mutla Ridge in a lopsided battle and cut off Iraqi forces fleeing to Iraq. A massive convoy of Iraqi vehicle was trapped on the highway leading to Mutla Ridge and was devastated by coalition aircraft, as well as by U.S. ground forces. The scene of the destruction became known as the “Highway of Death.” (historical reference as documented by award winning editor Spencer C. Tucker in his book “The Encyclopedia of Middle East Wars”)

ShutterXpose members had an early Friday morning (08th June,2012) trip to explore Mutla Ridge. The team was well in time for Sunrise (04:48 am), the weather was not good for photography as there was still a layer of dust in the air, but it wasn’t quite bad either. Generally any drastic change in wind current is good enough to blow enough sand in the desert and make the visibility bad. Mutla Ridge definitely gave us a breathtaking relief from the usual crowd and concrete jungles, the utter silence and freshness in the air, ripple sand pattern along with the mild sand blowing on to our face welcomed us in its rather unusual pleasant way.

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Events & Activities 3

Camera Panning Technique

Panning is a technique of moving the camera parallel in synchronize with the subject as it is moving. Panning is a good old technique of capturing speed whilst the subject is in motion, popularly among Sports, Wildlife and Bird Photography. Proper panning gives the viewer, a feel of motion and speed keeping the subject sharp and the background blur.

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Knowledge Base 6

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