La Nikon D40 con el objetivo del kit costará 40 euros menos y 60 si adquirimos el juego con el doble objetivo. Para la D80 trendían un descuento de 70 euros con un sólo objetivo o 100 en el kit de doble objetivo. Esta promoción, que está vigente desde el 25 de febrero hasta el 30 de junio 2008 ha sido lanzada en Reino Unido, pero es de suponer que estará disponible en el resto de Europa. Según las condiciones anunciadas, hay que enviar a Nikon el formulario correspondiente y se nos abonará la cantidad pertinente (hasta el 31 de julio de plazo).

Pienso que quizás con la llegada de la incipiente D60 y la premiada D300, estos modelos se verían afectados en el descenso de ventas y para sacar adelante el stock fabricado se oferta esta rebaja. No es mucho, pero algo es algo.

Vía | Photography Blog
Web oficial | Nikon Spring Cashback (Reino Unido)

En este tipo de comparativas hay que posicionarse con antelación y lo hago con claridad. He sido siempre nikonista desde la fotografía analógica, aunque he trabajado con réflex Canon que me han dado satisfactorios resultados. A pesar de ello, soy de los que piensa que no hay que cerrarse a una marca en concreto y como estoy a la espera de adquirir un nuevo modelo, tengo que reconocer que la 450D me ha seducido enormemente.

Esperaba este contraataque de Nikon que no se ha hecho esperar y ello me ha llevado a un primer análisis. He intentado desgranar, desde el punto de visto técnico, los pros y las contras de ambas cámaras. Al menos sobre el papel, con las especificaciones técnicas de las dos máquinas. Para otro momento quedará un análisis más exhaustivo y práctico, tras probarlas con detenimiento.

Vayamos por partes:

• Sensores. No hay que caer en la batalla de los megapíxeles por lo que aunque Canon ofrece su CMOS (22,2x14,8 mm) con 12,2 frente a la 60D con el CCD (23,6x15,8 mm) de 10,2 megapíxeles, ésta es más una cuestión de gustos personales frente al resultado final. Ambos, tecnológicamente a día de son excelentes sensores. Aunque en este sentido la D60 no ha innovado mucho, puesto que es el mismo sensor que viene montando en el la D40x.

• Las dos máquinas incorporan autolimpieza del sensor por vibración, algo que ya no puede faltar en cualquier réflex. Si bien es cierto que la D60 incorpora un vanguardista sistema de control de la circulación de aire, que aleja las partículas de polvo del sensor con cada movimiento del obturador. Muy interesante esta aportación que ya comprobaremos su eficacia real.

• Velocidad de disparo. Algo más veloz la Canon: 3,5 fps (frames por segundo) en la 450D, ganándole la partida a los 3 fps de la Nikon.

• Pantalla LCD. Quizás sea donde la balanza se inclina con más énfasis hacia la Canon 450D. Y es que la EOS incorpora una pantalla de 3 pulgadas (230.000 píxeles de resolución aproximada) con Live View y autoenfoque por contraste. La D60 lleva una de 2,5 pulgadas (también con 230.000 puntos), sin el útil Live View, aunque incorpora sensor de desconexión al aproximarnos al visor.

• El tamaño y el peso de ambas es muy similar (475 grs. de la 450D frente a 495 grs. de la D60), al igual que la sensibilidad ISO (las dos ofrecen hasta 1600, y forzado hasta 3200) y la capacidad de sus baterías (unos 500 disparos aproximadamente).

• Los modelos admiten tarjetas de memoria SD y SDHC, aunque Nikon anuncia que también es compatible con las de tecnología inalámbrica Eye-Fi (permiten conectividad Wi-Fi).

• El enfoque es otro punto fuerte a favor de la Canon. Y es que su AF de 9 puntos es uno de sus destacados aspectos, frente al de 3 puntos de la Nikon D60.

• El tiempo de arranque de la D60 es de tan sólo 0,18 segundos, una gran ventaja cuando necesitamos disparar al instante y tenemos la cámara desconectada.

• Un último aspecto a comparar es del procesador de la imagen, que en muchas ocasiones se suele pasar por alto a la hora de decantarse por algún modelo en concreto. Canon incorpora su conocido DIGIC III, cuyas ventajas primordiales son la reducción de ruido, la gran precisión en el balance de blancos, la obtención de colores brillantes con una profundidad de color de 14 bits y buena eficiencia en el ahorro de energía. Frente a la D60 de Nikon que incorpora su novedoso y veloz procesador EXPEED, que ha incorporado recientemente en sus modelos D3 y D300, y que tiene a favor que incrementa la precisión en balance de blancos, corrige las aberraciones cromáticas laterales y ofrece poco ruido en altos valores ISO, además de trabajar con una profundidad de color de 16 bit. En este terreno, la opción de Canon está bien experimentada y la de Nikon es más novedosa e interesante, pero una prueba en profundidad puede arrojar algo más de diferencia.

• El precio. Aunque Nikon no ha confirmado aún el precio con el que saldrá al mercado si parece que puede rondar los 700 euros, incluyendo en el kit el AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR. Por su parte Canon ha anunciado 859 euros con su objetivo EF18-55 IS y unos 759 euros sólo el cuerpo. A priori sería más interesante el kit de Nikon, no sólo por un precio más reducido, sino además porque el mencionado objetivo de Canon no suele generar mucho entusiasmo.

Como podéis comprobar muy igualada es la contienda y difícil se haría, a priori, elegir una u otra. Aunque es cierto que Canon ofrece más en su renovación, frente a los modelos anteriores. La 450D incorpora más novedades sobre la 400D que la Nikon D60 frente a la D40x. Aunque el precio más reducido (presumiblemente) del modelo de Nikon dará un buen pellizco a las ventas.

Se trata de dos réflex muy completas para los que exijan excelentes prestaciones en su primera réflex o para los que quieran disponer de la última tecnología. Creo que no me decantaré por ninguna hasta probarlas, pero la apuesta de Canon me sigue pareciendo la más interesante.

Aunque toda la información es fruto de una filtración que se ha producido en los foros de dpreview, y aun no hay anuncio oficial, parece que tienen bastantes papeletas de ser ciertos.

El material que Nikon presentaría sería el siguiente:

• Nikon D60, nueva réflex digital de 10.2 megapíxeles
• Nikon 24mm, nueva lente tilt shift de Nikon.
• Nikon 60mm f/2.8
• Nikon 16-85mm VR

Esperaremos al anuncio oficial (si se produce) para desgranar algo más los nuevos productos. De momento os dejamos con las características (en inglés) de cada uno de ellos:

On the Nikon D60:

Nikon D60 digital SLR camera : Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D60, one of the smallest Nikon digital SLRs ever. The Nikon D60 makes it fun and easy to take breathtaking pictures while also offering plenty of features for those who want to deepen their interest in creative shooting. With a split-second shutter response, the Nikon D60 captures pictures that cameras with longer time lags miss. Ease of use and creative options both come standard with the Nikon D60, whose exclusive Nikon technologies help deliver high-quality pictures with vibrant color and stunning, edge-to-edge detail. Such superior results are achieved through a high-resolution image sensor utilizing 10.2 megapixels and the world-famous Nikkor lenses delivering razor-sharp pictures.

Nikon D60 DSLR camera – 3D Color Matrix Metering II

Many cutting-edge Nikon features enhance your picture-taking experience. Nikon’s advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures consistently balanced exposures for images with natural color and contrast, while Nikon’s new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, makes it possible to deliver smoother tones and more accurate colors. Nikon’s fast, quiet and precise autofocus system adds significantly to the performance of the D60, capturing exact moments with astounding clarity.

Nikon D60 – Dust reduction & Image Sensor Cleaning function

Such clarity is reinforced by Nikon’s dust reduction countermeasures. To avoid picture-degrading dust particles accumulating near the imaging sensor, the Nikon D60 comes equipped with the innovative Image Sensor Cleaning function and Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System. These functions both reduce dust accumulation to give you even better picture quality.

Nikon D-60 reflex camera – Retouch menu

In addition to new dust reduction features, the Nikon D60 offers a variety of ways to experience more fun and creativity when taking pictures. Users can easily capture dynamic images in different shooting situations with a simple turn of the mode dial. The Retouch Menu offers even more creative excitement, letting you change your pictures into even more striking images – all fast, all simple and all without the need for a computer.

Nikon D60 body – Integrated Dust Reduction system

Compact and comfortable, the Nikon D60 has so much to offer: amazing picture quality, simple operation, an Integrated Dust Reduction System for clearer pictures and an extensive selection of creative features. The result: fun, fantastic and inspired pictures. The world of stunning photography is just a step away, with the Nikon D60.

Nikon D60 sensor – 10.2 Megapixels

The Nikon D60’s image sensor utilizes 10.2 megapixels to produce superb, high-quality images with incredible resolution, allowing you to make large prints, even if you only use part of an image. And thanks to EXPEED, Nikon’s unique digital image processing concept, your pictures will contain fine detail and smooth, natural tonal reproduction.

Nikon D 60 SLR – Integrated Dust Reduction System

The Airflow Control System used in the Nikon D60 leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base, directing dust away from the image sensor. The Image Sensor Cleaning function also reduces dust accumulation near the sensor using specifically determined vibrations, which activate automatically or whenever the user chooses. This team of dust reduction countermeasures lets the user switch lenses confidently, taking advantage of the extensive lineup of Nikkor interchangeable optics while worrying less about the effects of dust in the camera.

Nikon D60 D-SLR camera – Active D-Lighting
The Nikon D60’s new Active D-Lighting feature can adjust the look of the final image while you shoot. This automatic process works in the highlight and shadow areas, compensating for difficult lighting conditions and producing optimized exposures with rich, smooth detail.

Nikon D60 – Simple operation within a compact body

The Nikon D60 is not just compact; its shape is ergonomically designed to fit in your hand naturally and comfortably. The body design is inherited from the highly regarded Nikon D40 series. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the large, 2.5-in. LCD monitor displays an easy-to-use menu system with a wide viewing angle so that anyone can navigate the settings and view images with ease. The new Eye Sensor function turns off the LCD monitor when the viewfinder is used. When the user moves away from the viewfinder, the LCD monitor turns on again automatically.

Nikon D60 system reflex camera – Retouch Menu

The Nikon D60’s Retouch Menu offers many exclusive in-camera editing features to choose from. Use the Filter Effects option to intensify a color (Red/Green/Blue) of your choice, or try the Cross Screen feature to produce star-like lines radiating from brightly lit objects in the image. In-camera NEF (RAW) processing is also available. RAW format images are “developed” within the camera after shooting, allowing you to control specific aspects of your pictures, such as image quality, image size and white balance. With the new Stop-motion feature, a stop-motion animation (the consecutive playback of still images) can be created from a sequence of images (in JPEG format). Also included is a convenient Quick Retouch option, which enhances contrast and saturation, to improve images without using a computer. The D60’s extensive Retouch Menu increases the fun and creative freedom of using a digital SLR.

Nikon D60 digital SLR – Features

• Fast, 0.19-second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
• Split-second shutter response eliminates the annoyance of shooting lag
• Fast continuous shooting mode – up to 100 JPEG images at 3 frames per second
• Advanced three-point AF system offers fast, efficient and precise autofocus
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting situation
• Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery – up to 500 images with the R709 on a single charge

Nikon D60 digital SLR – Features

• Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for scene-specific pictures : Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
• Manual control over shutter speed and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
• Built-in flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation
• Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data of the same image
• Camera setting menus can be customized to suit individual preferences
• Imprint date function prints the date of capture directly on the picture
• Electronic rangefinder display – indicates also focus distance when using manual focus mode

Nikon D60 digital SLR – Lens compatibility & Accessories

• Fully compatible with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, equipped with an autofocus motor
• Compatible with most F-mount Nikkor lenses when using manual focus mode)
• Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system R1C1. Offers accurate exposures via i-TTL flash
• Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release

Included Nikon ViewNX software lets you share, organize and edit pictures with ease

On the new 24mm Tilt/Shift lens:

Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED Tilt/Shift lens : Nikon Europe announced the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED, a 24mm wide-angle tilt/shift lens for studio, architecture and landscape photography. Tilt/shift lenses incorporate the ability to move the internal optical elements to produce an effect called perspective control (PC). The PC-E Nikkor 24mm lens offers a tilt/shift capability range that leads its class, tilting up to +/-8.5º and shifting +/-11.5mm. The lens can be rotated a full 90° degrees left or right with convenient clicks-stops at 30° intervals. For precise manual focussing, the lens features compatibility with the electronic rangefinders in all Nikon SLRs, and offers auto-aperture control with the Nikon D3 / D300 cameras.

Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm ED lens – Perspective Control

Perspective control (PC) reduces distortion caused by the angle of camera relative to the subject, and is useful in architectural photography where the effect of converging vertical angles can be avoided. The perspective control offered by the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is also invaluable in studio work where extreme depth of field effects can be achieved.

Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED tilt / shift lens

“The very first 35mm tilt / shift lens was pioneered by Nikon in 1961 and the incredible image quality and class-leading levels of movement offered by the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED tilt/shift lens demonstrates the Nikkor heritage of innovation and optical quality,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS, Nikon Europe B.V. “

Nikon 24mm PC-E Nikkor lens – Easy to use controls

The lens offers photographers comprehensive control over all features with easy to use controls that include an aperture ring, aperture stop-down button, focusing ring, shift knob and tilt knob. The use of Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat, 3-element ED glass lens and aspherical elements combine to produce a lens that offers outstanding optical quality, with minimised ghosting, flare and chromatic aberration.

Nikon PC-E 24mm Nikkor lens – Price & Availability

The PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/32 and a closest focus distance of a mere 0.21 meters. The lens has extensive sealing against dust and moisture, and weighs 730 grams. The filter/attachment size is 77mm. Estimated pricing for the Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is €1829 and it is expected to go on sale this spring. A bayonet hood and soft case are included.

Nikon PC-Nikkor lenses – Availability

Nikon simultaneously announced two further PC-Nikkors that are now in the final stages of development, adding Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED and a PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D ED to the range of tilt/shift lenses. These new lenses are planned for availability in the summer 2008.

On the Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8 lens:

Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens : Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of the new AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED lens for micro or close-up photography, featuring a closest focus distance of just 185mm. The lens design includes Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and ED glass elements for outstanding image quality with minimised ghosting, flare and chromatic aberration Compact and easy to handle, the Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED features an internal focus (IF) design, and a non-rotating front element, to enable the use of accessories such as the SB-R1C1 Macro Speedlight Kit. Estimated retail price for the Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED is €519.

Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm lens – Manual & Autofocus operation
The lens supports both manual and autofocus operation, with the silent-wave motor (AF-S) providing whisper-quiet autofocus operation that will leave animals and insects undisturbed when focussing at close range. Designed for use with Nikon’s advanced line of digital single lens reflex cameras, the Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED makes an ideal alternative to the standard choice of a 50mm lens.

Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor lens – Close-up & Portrait photography

“The outstanding optical quality and silent performance of this lens make it ideal for both close-ups as well as portraits.” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS, Nikon Europe B.V. “

Nikon 60mm AF-S Micro Nikkor lens – Two aspherical lens elements

The rounded nine-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus background objects appear soft, natural-looking and unobtrusive, whilst the unique optical design incorporates two aspherical lens elements to minimize coma and spherical aberration effects.

Nikon AFS Micro 60mm Nikkor f/2.8G ED lens – Price

Photographers will also enjoy the light and compact dimensions of the Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED and extended aperture range from f/2.8 to f/32. The AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED measures just 73 x 89mm and weighs 425 grams. A soft case is included with the lens. Estimated pricing for the AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED is €519.

On the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Wide-Zoom lens :

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Wide-Zoom lens : Nikon Europe announced the new AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, featuring a wide zoom ratio of 5.3x. The lens is the first 16mm wide-angle lens to be equipped with Nikon’s exclusive VR II Vibration Reduction technology, which provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Aimed at users of Nikon’s popular D80, D200 and D300 digital single lens reflex cameras (D-SLRs), the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR features a 16mm wideangle for landscapes and interiors, through to 85mm telephoto that is ideal for portraits. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, the lens is suitable for travel and nature photography.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm VR lens – Close focus distance
The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm lens has a close focus distance of just 0.38m throughout the entire zoom range. The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is highly compact, measuring just 72 x 85mm and has a non-rotating 67mm attachment thread.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor Wide Zoom lens – Wide angle & Close up photography

“With both wide angle and close-up capability, the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR wide zoom lens is a great choice for interiors, weddings, portraits and more,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS, Nikon Europe B.V. “At just 485 grams, this advanced lens is compact and capable enough to be a photographer’s constant companion.”

AF-S DX 16-85mm Nikkor lens – Nikon Silent Wave Motor
The lens supports quick and whisper-quiet autofocus operation, thanks to its Nikon Silent Wave Motor. The VR II vibration reduction technology incorporated in the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR includes both Normal and Active modes, and ensures crisp, sharp results even in very low light conditions.

Nikon 16-85mm AFS DX Nikkor VR lens – Price & Availability

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR follows in the successful formula of the popular Nikkor 24-120mm VR lens but weighs about 90g less. The exclusive Super ED glass and Nano Crystal Coat contribute to high-contrast, high-quality images with minimised ghosting and flare. Estimated pricing for the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is €599. The lens will also be offered as part of a kit with the Nikon D300 D-SLR in certain European markets.

Vía | photographybay | fotomaf