The popular Web TV show, DTown TV, hosted by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski is set to return on January 7 after a hiatus of several weeks. The show originally covered only Nikon products, but the new version will be expanded to cover DSLRs in general, including lighting, studio, on location, post-processing and other digital photography topics.
Matt Kloskowski is the Education and Curriculum Developer for NAPP. He has written several books on the Photoshop and Illustrator Adobe® applications, and is a trainer of international reputation.
I watched all 24 of the show’s original episodes and found them entertaining and informative.
Congratulations are due to Dr. Willard Boyle, the Canadian scientist whose work virtually invented digital photography. Those of us who love to take pictures digitally owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Boyle, who along with Dr. George Smith invented the charge-coupled device (CCD) in 1969.
The CCD translates light into an electric charge and is the technology behind the sensors of many digital cameras. The CCD started its life as a “Bubble” memory device at the AT&T Bell Labs. By 1971, however, Bell researchers were able to capture images with it and the CCD imager was born, leading to the explosion in the growth of digital photography.
Nikon’s latest DX-format medium telephoto Micro (macro) lens is ideal for extreme close-up and general photography with continuous autofocus from infinity to life-size (1:1). The official name of the lens is AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR.
This is the latest in a series of DX lenses made specifically for digital SLRs with a 1.5x crop factor, i.e., one and a half times the size of 35mm film. On a DX format camera such as a D300 or D90, this lens is equivalent to 127.5mm in 35mm format.
Here are the highlights:
Closest focusing distance of 0.286 m/0.9 ft.
An optical system featuring an extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element and optimized for DX-format digital SLRs
Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet auto-focus operation
Internal Focusing (IF) without changing the length of lens barrel
The nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening gives out-of-focus elements a more natural appearance
Microsoft has released its new computer security program, Microsoft Security Essentials, and made it available for download starting on Tuesday. The free antivirus software has been available in a beta test version since June. The program updates “signatures” for the latest malicious programs daily, and Microsoft says it will be easy on computer resources.
This will not be good news for companies like McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., which make popular antivirus programs, however, since their offerings are important sources of revenue while Microsoft’s is free, though with less features. Microsoft says it hopes the free program will appeal to people who don’t already run antivirus software.
SanDisk Corporation, the flash memory card manufacturer, today released a series of Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards with the super-fast read and write speeds of up to 90MB/sec. This line of high-capacity memory cards is designed for professional photographers and replaces the Extreme IV range. The new cards will start shipping this week in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities at a MSRP ranging from $300 to $800.
SanDisk has also released another line CF and SDHC cards called the Extreme series, replacing the Extreme III series. These offer up to to 60MB/s transfer speed and will be available from 8GB to 32GB with their price ranging from $130 to $375.
I use both SanDisk and Lexar cards and have been happy with both. My current favourite is the 8GB Lexar Professional UDMA CompactFlash. This card has a speed of 300x (45MB/sec), which I consider screamingly fast. The new SanDisk cards are twice that speed—impressive indeed.
For those of us who use several Adobe software programs—in my case Photoshop, Lightroom and Dreamweaver—the Adobe TV Web site has been a useful resource for using these steep-learning-curve programs. This popular Web destination has recently been updated to make it even more useful.
The site has a new look and feel, and many new features, including:
• User-customizable homepage
• Improved navigation and search
• Save your favorite episodes to “My Library”
• Share videos on social networking sites
• Subscribe to the RSS feeds of your favorite shows
• Pop-out video player to view videos at any size
• Commenting & Rating
• Tags
This terrific resource just got a whole lot better.
There was a time several years ago when technologists foretold the day when the then dominant Web browser, Netscape Navigator, would become a full-fledged computer operating system (OS) going head to head with Microsoft’s ubiquitous Windows operating system.
That day never came, of course. In fact, Netscape Navigator has all but disappeared. Yet the idea that a Web browser could become the foundation of an OS is very much alive and is set to become a reality in about 12 months—assuming Web search giant and chief Microsoft rival, Google, has its way.
On July 7, the Silicon Valley-based Internet software giant, Google Inc., announced Google Chrome OS, an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks—small laptop-like computers retailing for less than $500. Google Chrome OS will eventually run on desktop computers, offering a realistic and low-cost alternative to Microsoft Windows.
The new OS will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. The Google Chrome OS project is separate from Google’s other operating system Android, which was designed to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks.
Few technologies in history have had the impact on as broad a cross-section of populations around the world as has the Internet and its most ubiquitous feature, the World Wide Web (the Web), invented in the early 1990s by Sir Timothy Berners-Lee, an English computer scientist and MIT professor.
By the formative years of the Web, 1991 through 1995, Microsoft had emerged as the leader in computer software technology, having vanquished all serious competitors who challenged its supremacy. All competitors, that is, except Netscape which by 1994 dominated the Web with its Netscape Navigator Web browser. Microsoft had failed to recognize the significance of the Web and its emerging technologies and had largely neglected to participate in the rise of the Internet.
Scrambling to recover from its strategic blunder, in 1995 Microsoft used a licensed version of Mosaic Web browser as the basis of Internet Explorer 1.0, which Microsoft released as part of its Windows 95 Plus! Pack. In that move, Microsoft engaged Netscape in a battle for Internet supremacy—a battle to Netscape’s death as it turned out.
During its struggle with Netscape, Microsoft wielded an almost invincible weapon in that it gave away for free a product that competed with the products that made up the great bulk of Netscape’s income: Navigator and its derivatives.
Google Inc. may now be set to turn the tables on Microsoft with Google Chrome OS, which is an open source product and will be free, while Microsoft’s Windows is a proprietary (closed) technology costing hundreds of dollars for its most robust versions.
Some analysts point out that the Google Chrome OS is just another Linux distribution, and, in the past decade, Linux has failed to gain much traction in the consumer marketplace. Perhaps, but what seems to be different this time is that this Linux distribution has gained the backing of a big outfit, Google Inc., with deep pockets and office floors filled with brilliant computer scientists and engineers, not to mention a level of credibility with consumers that rivals Microsoft’s own.
With the release of Windows 7 set for October 22, Microsoft is sure to be scrambling to adjust its pricing strategies. Currently, a full version of Windows Vista Home Basic retails for US $199.95 and the Ultimate edition costs US $319.95. This profit-rich price structure will not prevail for long if the Google Chrome OS turns out to be a serious product—good news for consumers.
Microsoft already announced that, for a limited time, consumers in the United States, Canada and some other countries will be able to buy an “upgrade” copy of Windows 7 Home Premium for $49 or Windows 7 Professional for $99. The sale began on June 26, and will end on July 11 according to Microsoft. The Ultimate Edition is priced at $219 for the upgrade.
Already we are hearing about a multi-license “family pack” for Windows 7 at US $149.99. At $149.99, the Family Pack would save a buyer US $210 over three separate Home Premium upgrades. Such Windows pricing was unheard of in the pre-Google Chrome OS days when I purchased my retail copy of Windows Vista. Look for more consumer-friendly pricing offers from Microsoft in the next 24 months.
Is Microsoft destined to learn the old adage: live by the sword, die by the sort, i.e., live by the predatory pricing strategy, die by the predatory pricing strategy? I hope so.
Microsoft Vista’s replacement, Windows 7, is expected to be released to manufacturing around July and be available in retail stores on October 22, 2009, just in time for the big holiday season. Vista never gained the market penetration Microsoft had hoped for so this new version of the ubiquitous operating system will have quite a pool of potential customers who still use XP and earlier versions.
Users of Windows 7 beta and release candidate seem to love the product.
Windows 7 is expected to be available in six product editions:
Home Basic
Starter
Home Premium
Professional
Enterprise
Ultimate
For this version of their operating system, Microsoft and its PC maker partners will market two mainstream product editions: Windows 7 Home Premium–the recommended choice for consumers–and Windows 7 Professional, which is aimed at enthusiasts and IT professionals. The other editions will be aimed at specific markets.
Microsoft has released Windows Vista - Service Pack 2. Although the Service Pack hasn’t yet made it to Windows Update, you can now download it from Microsoft’s Download Center. The installer includes Service Pack 2 for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, resulting in a 348.3MB file for 32-bit version and a 577.4MB file for 64-bit version. But, despite the impressive file size, there’s very little to get excited about. The update includes all of the updates released since Service Pack 1—excluding Internet Explorer 8—and not much more.
Microsoft says that the Service Pack will also bring you native writing to Blu-Ray discs, improved Wi-Fi performance when resuming from Sleep mode and support for Bluetooth 2.1.
The Service Pack 2 is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, German and French. If you’ve installed any other language packs, then you’ll have to remove them in order to install the new service pack.
Sigma offers a 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, a favourite lens category with sports and wildlife photographers. The really interesting factor is the sub-$3,000 price tag the Sigma version is expected to carry. I like the versatility of this f/2.8 lens which becomes f/4 with a 1.4X teleconverter or f/5.6 with a 2X teleconverter. Add the crop factor of most digital SLRs and you get 630mm and 900mm respectively on, for example, a Nikon DX digital SLR.
SLRGear gives the lens a pretty good review, which should be enough for amateur photographers to, at least, give this latest 300mm f/2.8 a serious look—I know it got my attention.
The lens it is available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony/Minolta mounts and comes standard with a soft case, tripod collar, caps and a large, round lens hood. The lens is apparently available for a street price of around US $2,700.
The reviewer concludes:
“Our tests show the Sigma 300mm ƒ/2.8 to perform very well: sharpness is very good, CA is optimized for use at ƒ/2.8, there’s virtually no distortion and light falloff is almost non-existent. Optically, the lens stands well on its own.”
Adobe has announced Creative Suite CS4, which means theres a new version of Photoshop on its way. Its not out yet but Adobe generally starts shipping within a month of their announcement.
As reported on Scott Kelby’s blog, Lightroom 2.1 Release Candidate is available for download from Adobe Labs. This newest release addresses a number of bugs and performance issues some users were experiencing. It also has the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw.
The release candidate label indicates that this update is well tested but would benefit from additional community testing before it is distributed automatically to all of our customers. The Lightroom team would like the community to help verify the quality of this update through normal usage as this will ensure that the application is tested on a diversity of hardware and software configurations not available internally at Adobe.
You can download the 2.1 release candidate right here.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. today introduced the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera. Canon has coupled the creative power of a full-frame CMOS sensor in a relatively compact and affordable camera body, together with HD video capture that opens the door to a much wider range of imaging possibilities for photographers.
Along with the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080 resolution, Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera features a 21.1 megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 imaging processor and significantly lower noise, with an expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25,600.
This is for those who had or coveted a medium format film camera and have dreamed of the equivalent using digital technology. Can you just imagine what you could do with a …medium-format sized sensor using pixels the size of the D3. Now add in pixel-binning and you could see ISOs in the stratosphere!? And how about a backwards compatible 48 megapixels with a 48×48mm sensor? Neat stuff.
I see at Nikonians.org that Nikon has made its new digital SLR official with the announcement of its D90, which is loaded with D300-like features. According to Nikon’s news release:
“…the D90 is a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera that redefines the creative boundaries of digital photography allowing photographers to easily create stunning still images and High Definition (HD) movie clips with soundwith the same camera. A host of Nikon core technologies were leveraged to develop the D90s scope of versatility, calling on years of photographic and optical expertise. Whether consumers are graduating from an advanced compact digital camera or are a seasoned D-SLR enthusiast, the Nikon D90 emphasizes brilliant image quality and versatility with its exclusive advanced Scene Recognition System, intuitive creative controls, blazing fast performance and the industry-first ability to create HD movie clips at 720p in the new D-Movie mode.
Inspired by Nikons acclaimed flagship DX-format digital SLR camera, the D300, and building on the success of the wildly popular D80, the D90 delivers stunning image quality. The CMOS image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combined with Nikons exclusive EXPEED™ image processing system deliver outstanding images with fine details, smooth tones, brilliant colors and low noise across a broad ISO range.”
According to another post at Nikonians.org, Canon has unveiled its answer to Nikon D300: Cannon 50D. In the United States, the Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399 USD.
Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 has become an indispensable part of my workflow. One new feature in this latest version of Adobe’s software is a digital graduated filter, which virtually eliminates the need for carrying around an optical filterin my case it eliminates the need to buy one.
Today, I saw an article at dolcepics.com covering the use of this handy tool. Pretty good stuff.
Beginning Tuesday morning, Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 became available—just in time for my birthday. And what a present it is. I’ve been using the Lightroom 2 beta for the past several weeks and found it a great improvement over version 1.x. And apparently, the shipping version of Lightroom 2 contains improvements over the beta. Great news all around.
I won’t delve into the details here since Lightroom 2 is so excellently covered elsewhere by experts such as Scott Kelby over at his Adobe Photoshop Insider blog.
The North American upgrade is a good value at USD $99, however, I gather that the International price (Europe, Australia, etc.) is much higher—go figure. Downloads are available on the Web, but retail copies do not seem to be generally available in Ontario.
W hen the final version of Adobe Lightroom 2 is released, users will not have to wait weeks for a Lightroom 1 book to be updated to cover the latest version. Famous photographer and best-selling author, Scott Kelby, made sure of that when he based his latest book on the Lightroom 2 beta so users can preorder it now.
Here’s a quote from Scott’s recent blog post:
I had planned on just doing an update of the book, and including the new features of Lightroom 2, but….well…I wound up rewriting the whole book from scratch (well, at least 95% of it. There’s probably a paragraph or two still left over, but not much).
Obviously, I have not read the book, but I own several of Kelby’s books, including the one on Lightroom 1 and can vouch for how useful his books are. Lightroom 2.0 beta has been available since April of this year, so I’d guess the final will be available this Fall.
ikon today announced its highly anticipated D700 full-frame D-SLR camera, featuring a 12.1 megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. There has been so much on-line chatter about this anticipated camera in recent days, this announcement is almost an anticlimax.
From the outside the D700 looks like a slightly larger D300; from the inside it’s almost identical to Nikon’s flagship D3. The D700 differs from D3 in some areas, such as five frames per second (FPS) instead of eight, although with a battery grip the rate increases to eight FPS, just as with the D3.
An improvement over the D3 is the inclusion of automatic dust removal, the same system as found in the D300. Nikon’s top-of-the-line 51 point metering and 15 cross sensor AF is also found, as is a top ISO capability of ISO 25,000.
The new camera will compete head-on with Canon’s EOS 5D, which will surely be updated very soon. According to Nikon, the D700 camera will be available in late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of (USD) $2,999.95 (body only).
Nikon has also announced a (USD) $500 SB-900 flash, featuring faster recycle time, more powerful, better software, larger LCD window and a switch on the back for Master and Remote wireless use. It automatically senses whether you’re using a DX or FX format camera and adjusts accordingly. SB-900 flash’s extended zoom range auto-zooms from 18-200mm, and it features the ability to have its firmware updated via user uploads. See Nikon’s brochure here.
As one might expect, dozens of blogs and news services are reporting on this story. See here for Scott Kelby’s take on the announcement, and here to download Nikon’s PDF brochure on the D700.
THE AGILE NEW NIKON D700 FX-FORMAT D-SLR CAMERA DELIVERS PERFORMANCE INSPIRED BY THE NIKON D3 IN A SMALLER, LIGHTER DESIGN
Nikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) – Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.
Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.
Nikon’s flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.
“Nikon FX-format cameras have teamed with our strong lineup of DX-format models to offer photographers unprecedented advancements in performance and versatility along with the freedom to choose the format that best serves their needs. Today’s introduction of the D700 offers an important new option to photographers who need the overall performance and imaging perspective Nikon FX-format cameras offer,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “Nikon has developed a host of innovative technologies such as the Scene Recognition System and Picture Control, incorporating them into both FX and DX-format digital SLRs to ensure that photographers can leverage the advantages of both formats seamlessly, and achieve the end-results that best fulfill their photographic vision.”
The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor
The D700’s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 µm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash™ card.
The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.
Also new to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.
Fastest speed and autofocus in its class
The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash™ cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.
The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.
Intelligent features for sophisticated performance
The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.
Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.
Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder
Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikon’s Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual Horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.
While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.
Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95 percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51 AF points, as well as a framing grid, can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographer’s personal preferences.
Rugged construction and durability
High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.
The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.
Price and availability
The new FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $2,999.95 (body only).*
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com * Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
June 16, 2008 at 10:28 am · Filed under Technology
Mozilla has announced that June 17 is the official date of the much-anticipated Firefox 3 release. I have been using Firefox 3 Release Candidate 3 for some time now and find it much improved over version 2. One thing, though: I really miss using the version 2 add-ons that have not yet been released for version 3—hopefully they’ll be available soon.
Mozilla revitalized the Web browser marketplace by distributing Firefox 1.0 in November 2004. Even as a beta product, Firefox had become a serious competitive alternative to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (IE). Within a year, the clearly superior Firefox showed signs of eroding Microsoft’s stranglehold on the Web browser market. And none too soon as IE had stagnated from lack of competition.
Not surprisingly, Microsoft was forced to update the very long-in-the-tooth IE to ward of the competition supplied by Firefox—though Microsoft has never regained the lost market share especially among tech-savvy users. According to Market Share, Firefox holds an 18.41% overall share of the Web browser market, but I suspect you could double or tripple that number if dealing solely within the tech community.
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price tag the Sigma version is expected to carry. I like the versatility of this f/2.8 lens which becomes f/4 with a 1.4X teleconverter or f/5.6 with a 2X teleconverter. Add the crop factor of most digital SLRs and you get 630mm and 900mm respectively on, for example, a Nikon DX digital SLR.
