Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2010 - Results

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition is a unique showcase the most incredible images submitted to The Royal Observatory competition. This years winning entries have just been published but you can join their Flickr group and vote for your favorite image online, or if you are in London why not visit the exhibition to see all of this year’s winning entries at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, alongside London’s only planetarium.

Dates: 10 September 2010–27 February 2011
Opening times: 10.00–5.00 daily (closed 24–26 December, early closing 31 December, late opening 1 January).
Last admission: 4.30pm
FREE Admission
See highlights from this year's competition at the Astronomy Photographer of the Year showcase. Right now, you can view your astro photos in Google Sky, thanks to the amazing astrotagging robot. You can also find out about the history of astrophotography at Greenwich.
Join The Flickr group here - and vote for your favorite image.

Competition winner – Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010 - Blazing Bristlecone

Congratulations to Tom Lowe who wins the title Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010 with this spectacular image of ancient trees silhouetted against the bright star clouds of the Milky Way. Competition judge Marek Kukula says: ‘I think this beautiful picture perfectly captures the spirit of Astronomy Photographer of the Year, linking the awe-inspiring vista of the night sky with life here on Earth. The bristlecone pines in the foreground can live as long as five thousand years. But, they are babies compared to the starlight shining behind them, some of which began its journey towards us almost 30,000 years ago.

What the photographer says: ‘If I could change anything about this photo, it would be the artificial lighting! The light on that tree occurred accidentally because I had my headlamp and possibly a camping lantern on while I was taking a series of test shots! The artificial light is too frontal and not evenly distributed, but in the end the light did in fact show the amazing patterns in the tree’s wood. The reason these trees inspire me so much, aside from their striking beauty, is their age. Many of them were standing while Genghis Khan marauded across the plains of Asia. Being a timelapse photographer, it's natural for me to attempt to picture our world from the point of view of these ancient trees. Seasons and weather would barely register as events over a lifetime of several thousand years. The lives of humans and other animals would appear simply as momentary flashes.’

What it shows: The gnarled branches of an ancient tree align with a view of our Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is a flat, disc-like structure of stars, gas and dust measuring more than 100,000 light years across. Our Sun lies within the disc, about two-thirds of the way out from the centre, so we see the Milky Way as a bright band encircling the sky. This view is looking towards the centre of our galaxy, 26,000 light years away, where dark clouds of dust blot out the light of more distant stars. What appears to be an artificial satellite orbiting the Earth makes a faint streak of light across the centre of the image.

Equipment: Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera with a Canon EF 16-35mm lens set at 16mm

What the judges say: Sir Patrick Moore says: ‘I like the way the tree follows the Milky Way and the definition is very good.’

What Flickr members say: Chaos2K says: ‘even your “accidents” are awesome – great shot Tom.

Category winners – Our Solar System - Siberian Totality by Anthony Ayiomamitis (Greece)

What the photographer says: ‘On eclipse day, the clouds were present everywhere and only one hour before first contact (partial phase) did the skies clear...and they cleared beautifully and with pristine transparency. There was a slight wind, especially at the top of the roof of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, but it was a very small price to pay.’

What it shows: During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun. For a few minutes, with the dazzling light of the solar disc blocked from view, we gain a rare glimpse of the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere. Powerful magnetic fields warp and shape the super-heated gas of the corona into glowing loops and streamers.

Equipment: Takahashi FSQ-106 106mm refractor telescope on a Celestron CG3 German equatorial mount with a Canon EOS 350D XT DSLR camera.

What the judges say: Pete Lawrence says: ‘The processing used maintains an exquisite level of detail right across the corona and delivers a view similar to what would be seen with the human eye. This is something that’s not easy to do with a camera and the end result completely justifies all the hard work that’s gone into producing this beautiful image.’

What Flickr members say: n.pantazis says: ‘That’s a masterpiece by any aspect! Congratulations, Anthony'.

Deep Space – winner - Orion Deep Wide Field

What the photographer says: ‘I love this image for several reasons. One, because it includes a feature easily recognizable even from light-polluted skies (Orion’s belt), so anyone can “place” this image in the sky. Another reason is because the composition resembles a complex and beautiful stellar landscape, rather than just an object placed in the middle of the frame.’

What it shows: The three bright stars of Orion's Belt, on the left of this image, are a familiar sight in the winter sky. Here, however, a long exposure reveals an epic vista of dust and gas clouds which are too faint to be seen by the naked eye. This is an immense region of space hundreds of light years across. It contains several well-known astronomical sights, including the Horsehead Nebula (bottom centre) and the Orion Nebula (top right).

Equipment: Takahashi FSQ 106 EDX 106mm refractor with 0.7x focal reducer with a SBIG STL11000 CCD camera on a Takahashi EM-400 equatorial mount.

What the judges say: Pete Lawrence says: ‘This is a truly superb image which reveals an amazing amount of dark dust permeating the space in the direction of Orion’s belt and down to his sword. The way the faint detail between the Orion Nebula and Horsehead Nebula has been brought out is nothing short of astonishing. This alien skyscape really captivates my imagination and I could look at it for hours on end!’.

What Flickr members say: Nightfly Photography says: ‘Amazingly deep and delicate at the same time. Kudos to you and your work.'

Young Astronomy Photographer 2010 – winner - A Perfect Circle by Dhruv Arvind Paranjpye (India), aged 14

What the photographer says: ‘My father got me a telescope and a digital camera, and the annular eclipse was a perfect opportunity to test my skills. The photograph was clicked from the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, Kanyakumari.’

What it shows: An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun’s disc, as it would during a total solar eclipse. Seen here through a layer of cloud, a bright ring appears as the uncovered part of the Sun shines around the edges of the Moon.

Specialist equipment is needed to safely observe or photograph the Sun. Looking at the Sun with the naked eye or through a telescope, binoculars or camera can cause injury or permanent blindness.

Equipment: Nikon E3700 digital camera.

What the judges say: Rebekah Higgitt says: ‘I loved how the perfect geometry of the eclipsed Sun contrasts with the chaotic shapes of the clouds. By using the clouds as a filter, Paranjpye has been able to reproduce wonderful, contrasting colour.

People and Space - Photon Worshippers by Steven Christenson (USA)

What the photographer says: ‘Astronomy and astronomical phenomenon have been a hobby for my entire life. Nothing is quite so awe-inspiring to me as being in a dark night sky and watching a meteor shower or a lunar eclipse – or just seeing the majesty of the Milky Way reaching from horizon to horizon.’

What it shows: For a few days each year, the setting Sun shines directly through the archway of a large rock formation at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California. This event has become very popular with photographers. Alignments of the Sun with natural and man-made structures have been significant to people for thousands of years.

Equipment: Canon EOS 50D DSLR camera with a Canon 10-22mm lens set at 10mm on a Manfrotto tripod.

What the judges say: Sir Patrick Moore says: ‘It’s a rare event – it happens only once a year and the photographer has taken full advantage – the composition is fabulous.’

What Flickr members say: rbitonti says: ‘Awesome shot! The light is amazing.

Best Newcomer - The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) by Ken Mackintosh (UK)

This new category is for photos by people who have taken up the hobby in the last year and have not entered the competition before. Special consideration is given to those using simple and inexpensive start-out kit. Congratulations to this year's Best Newcomer, Ken Mackintosh.

What the photographer says: ‘I have been interested in astronomy since I was very young and took it as an option at university. My interest was very much rekindled recently when I realized (just casually browsing through flickr in fact) how much more accessible the photography side of the hobby had become and what good results could be achieved at not such a great cost or effort.’

What it shows: Galaxies are vast collections of hundreds of billions of stars, gas and dust bound together by gravity. M51, or the Whirlpool, is a classic example of a spiral galaxy with swirling patterns of newly formed stars lacing gracefully through its disc. A smaller, rounder galaxy is seen towards the top of this image, slowly colliding with its larger neighbor.

Equipment: Maxvision 127mm apochromatic refractor with a modified Canon EOS 450D DSLR camera on an EQ6 mount.

What the judges say: Will Gator says: ‘This is a lovely image of the Whirlpool Galaxy and its companion galaxy (NGC 5195). I particularly like the detail that has been captured in the faint dust lanes that can be seen silhouetted against the Whirlpool’s bright spiral arms.’

What Flickr members say: Whispering Wombat ;) says: ‘Magnificent work...sigh...I can only enjoy it through your excellent handiwork. Well done.

Great Photography Tells Stories - International Photography Competition

You are invited to participate in a world wide search for photography that illuminates One Life, Your Life. You can submit photography illuminating your perspective, what you love, your travels or anything that shows your world and experience.

Great Prizes

There are several ways to win this competition. The judges below will select winners for each of the four categories: People, Places, Things and Ideas. They will also select the Grand Prize winner.

By entering you will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Award. Have your friends and family vote on your portfolio, whomever receives the most votes with the highest rating will win the People’s Choice Prize of $2,000. Public voting will have no effect on the Grand Prize award. The Grand Prize is decided by the judging panel, who will not see the public vote totals or rating on your portfolio.

This competition is being organized by PDN - click here for more details

Carl Zeiss roll out two Compact Primes

Further to yesterday's announcement, Carl Zeiss has officially unwrapped the Compact Prime 50mm T2.1 Makro and 100 mm T2.1 Planar for use with the Canon EOS 5D and similarly specified HD DSLRs. In case you're wondering what it is with the T-stops, they're the actual f-stop, as opposed to the relative aperture seen on still lenses. So, for instance it's fair to assume the 50mm f/2.0 Makro Planar on which the new CP.2 lens is based is actually f/2.1 or T/2.1. Not enough of a difference to cause a stir.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 09.09.2010. Carl Zeiss has expanded its popular Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two new focal lengths: the 50 mm with macro and 100 mm with close focus function. These lenses have been specially developed for filming with HDSLR cameras and will be presented for the first time at the IBC in Amsterdam (September 10-14). Product delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2010. Retail price starts at EUR 3.700 excl. VAT.
The CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF is based on the Planar design and is the longest focal length in the Compact Prime CP.2 lens series so far. It extends the series by adding a very fast telephoto lens with a close-up focusing range of 0.7 meters. The CP.2 50mm/T2.1 Makro is based on the Makro-Planar design and allows close-up shots to be taken with the object at a distance of just 24 centimeters. This responds to the wishes of many filmmakers. All Compact Prime CP.2 lenses come with interchangeable mounts, guaranteeing maximum flexibility now and in the future, in every situation, and for various camera platforms.
Thanks to the lenses’ aperture of T2.1, they are perfectly suited to filming in low-light situations. The macro lens allows the capture of even the smallest details, such as an engraving inside a ring. By contrast, the telephoto lens can be used to draw attention to picture elements at a distance, such as the facial expression of a main character. Both lenses reduce reflections, thus contributing to the creation of contrast-rich, expressive shots.
“With these new focal lengths, Carl Zeiss is expanding its Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two classic, highly light-intensive lenses that open up new creative possibilities for cinematographers during filming,” said Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are already available in seven focal lengths ranging from 18 to 85 mm.

Looks Aren't Everything, But They Help - Pentax K - r Red

Can Pentax really mix beauty and brains? Well some may disagree but the new Pentax K-r certainly packs a punch or two. With 12.4 Megapixels, HD video and a 3 inch LCD display. Available in basic black, classy white and PENTAX red.

As well as all that you will also find, PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, claimed 100-25600 ISO range, a 6fps high-speed mode, an 11-point AF system, Pentax's own Shake Reduction and dust removal mechanisms, and the option to source power from four AA batteries once you exhaust the rechargeable.

As a modern DSLR it also records 720p HD video at 25fps and even offers some obscure IrSimple high-speed infrared data transmission capabilites for all those IrSimple-compatible devices you don't own. PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images that works with every PENTAX lens ever made.

Prices

Shipping in October 2010
The PENTAX K-r K-r Body Kit ($799.95)
K-r Lens Kit w 18-55 ($849.95)
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 50-200 ($899.95)
K-r Double Lens Kit w 18-55, 55-300 ($999.95)

Think Tank Photo makes Sling-O-Matics official, celebrates 5th Anniversary

Think Tank Photo, who are celebrating their 5th anniversary, has officially announced the Sling-O-Matic shoulder bag. The new sling-type shoulder bags are the first to feature a reversible shoulder strap, using an innovative rail system. Three sizes are offered, the smallest taking a DSLR with up to a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached. Prices start at $129 and the bags will be available from early October.

Think Tank Photo’s New Sling-O-Matic™ Series
The First Sling Bags with Easily Reversible Shoulder Straps

SANTA ROSA, CALIF – Think Tank Photo today announced that in October it will release the Sling-O-Matic, the photo industry’s first sling bag that can be easily switched back and forth to either shoulder. The Sling-O-Matic’s adjustable, fully padded shoulder strap “automatically” slides along a set of rails to change which shoulder the bag can be worn on.
This innovation is the solution to the problem inherent with sling bags: they are designed to be to worn over one shoulder only. With one smooth motion, the Sling-O-Matic can be quickly switched to the opposite shoulder without losing the characteristics that have made sling bags popular among photographers.
The Sling-O-Matic series offers three unique bags to choose from, depending on the photo gear a photographer needs to carry. The Sling-O-Matic 10 can carry a pro-size DSLR and three to four lenses, including a 70-200 f2.8. The Sling-O-Matic 20 and Sling-O-Matic 30 can each carry a pro-size DSLR and four to six lenses, including a 70-200 f2.8. The Sling-O-Matic 30 also features a separate laptop compartment for carrying a 15.4” laptop.

Key Features:
• Industry’s first sling bag that can be easily switched back and forth to either shoulder.
• Each bag fits a DSLR with up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens with lens hood in position.
• All bags are flexible to fit most pro size DSLRs with a lens attached.
• Discreetly stylized to avoid obviously appearing like a camera bag.
• Long side pocket for carrying a tripod, large water bottle, or other accessories.
• Large handles on three sides.
• Wide zippered pockets on front, back, and side.
• Business card pocket for identification.
• Removable/adjustable straps and waist belt for additional stability.
• Small storage pocket for storing removable straps.
• Fully padded compartments for protection.
• Seam-sealed rain cover included.

“However flawed their basic design, sling bags have long been a favorite among photographers, especially those who like carrying their gear on their shoulders,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and lead designer. “With the Sling-O-Matic we solved one of their biggest problems, which is that carrying heavy equipment solely on one shoulder can cause pain. Within just a few seconds, photographers can quickly switch the load – and the weight – from one shoulder to the other.”
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Sling-O-Matic 10
SKU: 87453000 430 8 • Part Number: 430
• ID: 8.25” W x 15.5”H x 6”D* (21 x 39 x 16.5 cm*)
• OD: 9” W x 16.5” H x 6” D (23 x 42 x 15 cm)
• MIN WEIGHT: 2.3 lbs (1.0 kg)
• MAX WEIGHT: 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Sling-O-Matic 20
SKU: 87453000 434 6 • Part Number: 434
• ID: 10.25” W x 15.5” H x 6.5” D* (27.5 x 39 x 16.5 cm*)
• OD: 11” W x 16.5” H x 6” D (28 x 42 x 15 cm)
• MINIMUM WEIGHT: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
• MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg)

Sling-O-Matic 30
SKU: 87453000 438 4 • Part Number: 438
• ID of photo gear compartment: 11.25” W x 16” H x 6.5” D (28.5 x 41 x 16.5 cm”)
• ID of laptop compartment: 11.25” W x 16” H x 1.5” D* (28.5 x 41 x 3.5 cm*)
• OD: 12” W x 17.25” H x 7.5” D (30.5 x 44 x 19 cm)
• MINIMUM WEIGHT: 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
• MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)

Small World Big Pictures

Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. For over 30 years, Nikon has rewarded the world's best photomicrographers who make critically important scientific contributions to life sciences, bio-research and materials science. A photomicrograph is a technical document that can be of great significance to science or industry. But a good photomicrograph is also an image whose structure, color, composition, and content is an object of beauty, open to several levels of comprehension and appreciation.

The official judging for the 36th Annual Small World Photomicrography Competition took place on May 13, 2010. The winners will be announced on October 13, but you do get the chance to pick your favorites among this year’s top entries by clicking on the link at the end of this post.

 

Fabrice Parais, Atherix ibis (fly) aquatic larva (25X)

The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography through the microscope. Truly international in scope, entries have been received from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Winners have included both professionals and hobbyists.

Gerd A. Guenther, Sonchus asper (spiny sowthistle) flower stem section (150X)

The subject matter is unrestricted and any type of light microscopy technique is acceptable, including phase contrast, polarized light, fluorescence, interference contrast, darkfield, confocal, deconvolution, and mixed techniques. Entries submitted to Nikon are then judged by an independent panel of experts who are recognized authorities in the area of photomicrography and photography. These entries are judged on the basis of originality, informational content, technical proficiency and visual impact.

Entries may be submitted either on film (in 35 millimeter transparency format) or uploaded digitally through your web browser.

Pedro Barrios-Perez, Wrinkled photoresist (200X)

Winners will receive one of 20 prizes, sorted according to rank in the competition. First prize is $3,000 toward the purchase of Nikon equipment. In addition, the winner is invited to attend an awards presentation ceremony in New York City as Nikon’s special guest.

Heiti Paves, Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) anther (20X)

Each year, the top 20 prize-winners are exhibited at numerous museums and science centers throughout the United States and Canada. Many winning images are also featured on the covers of prestigious scientific and industrial journals.

Cast Your Vote

To cast your vote for this years entries, click here

Carl Zeiss to offer Compact Prime CP.2 lenses in Sony and Micro 4/3 mounts

Carl Zeiss has announced that Sony Alpha and Olympus/Panasonic Micro Four Thirds mounts will be an option for their CP.2 (Compact Prime ) lenses made for video-enabled DSLRs. The company has also said the CP.2 lenses using the Nikon F mount, also announced previously as an option, will be available in Q4 of 2010. Two new models, the Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100mm/T2.1 CF, previously available in PL and Canon EF mount will now also be offered in Nikon F mount. The CP.2 lenses differ externally to the Zeiss ZF and ZE range, with their calibrated lens scales, and cine style barrel but the optical train is identical. The CP-.2 lenses also feature interchangeable lens mounts, allowing the user to switch between camera makes.

Press release:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 08.09.2010.
In 4th quarter of 2010, ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 lenses will be available with F-mount. The Compact Prime CP.2 series, presented last April, were the first lenses developed especially for shooting with HDSLR cameras. Since then, the lenses have been highly sought after by cinematographers and film photographers alike. In addition to the PL-, EF- and F-mount, Carl Zeiss will soon also be offering the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with Micro 4/3 and A-mount.

The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses’ inter- changeable mount means the lenses can be used for many purposes. The lenses have a compact and robust build so that they can handle any demand on the film set.

“With the new enhancement of mounts we want to meet the needs of our customers”, says Michael Schiehlen, Head of Sales of Carl Zeiss AG Camera Lens Division. “The possibility of using our CP.2 lenses flexibly for three different camera systems is not only interesting for new customers. Stores that rent cameras and camera equipment also benefit from the lenses’ enhanced flexibility.”

Just in time for the IBC in Amsterdam, Carl Zeiss has announced two new focus lengths that will also be available with F-mount: Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100mm/T2.1 CF. They complement the seven focal lengths from 18 to 85 millimeters that are already available.

The S8100/S80 - Nikon's New Cooler COOLPIX

Nikon today unveils the latest compact camera to join the COOLPIX line-up. With an innovative, multi-touch, Organic LED (OLED) screen, 14.1 megapixels, 5x zoom NIKKOR lens and HD movie capability, the stylish COOLPIX S8100/S80 combines ease of use and great performance to guarantee stunning results and individual style. The S8100 is the US tradename and the S80 the European tradename, both are the same camera body.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe: “The S80 demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to lead the touch screen camera category. The chic, slim style and high-quality screen allows you to interact with your images with ease whilst its high-speed performance captures the perfect shot quickly and in clear definition. Providing substance as well as a unique sense of style, the S80 is the perfect camera for the fashionable photographer.”

Touch screen

The S80’s Touch Shutter function allows you to focus and take a picture or video simply by touching the relevant area on the screen, making framing your shots quick and easy; whilst the high resolution (819K dots) OLED touch screen allows you to scroll through the images you have already taken and share them easily with friends and family. The magic of the touch screen is that it makes on-camera retouching simple. With built-in filters such as a fisheye lens, selective colour and a miniature effect you can get creative on the go without having to use a computer.

HD movies made easy

Providing HD movie with stereo sound recording on the go, the COOLPIX S80 is the camera of choice for those looking for the latest in multi-format technology. It allows you to capture the moment as it happens – even zooming in and out while recording. If the large 8.7cm (3.5 inch) OLED screen is not large enough to share your memories, the HDMi connector enables you to instantly access your high-definition pictures and movies on a compatible TV.

Style and substance

Alongside the stylish, dual-coloured design, the S80’s surprisingly thin size makes it conveniently portable while Easy Auto Mode ensures you can take great shots without having to worry about the technicalities. Behind the scenes, technologies such as 5 built-in anti-blur functions (including lens-VR (Vibration Reduction) and Motion Detection) will ensure you capture images exactly as you see them.

To further ensure consistently great results the camera processing engine is based on EXPEED C2, Nikon’s improved digital image processing engine. EXPEED C2 helps expand the possibilities of photography, offering improved levels of high image quality, fine detail and processing speed. Custom-optimized for the COOLPIX S80, the EXPEED C2 engine helps ensure beautiful photographs and videos of every scene you shoot.

ViewNX 2

ViewNX 2 is an all-in-one software package that enables users to quickly and easily import, browse, edit and share still images and movies. Building on the highly successful ViewNX software, ViewNX 2 is a user-friendly suite that offers a huge range of features, going well beyond those supplied as part of a PC’s operating system. Newly-incorporated advanced movie-editing functions have been taken directly from Nikon’s award-winning DSLR range, enabling users to create stunning movie footage. ViewNX 2 is included with all Nikon digital cameras and is also available as a free download.

The COOLPIX S80 comes in two colours; black and red

US Price: $299 - European Price: 391 Euros - UK Price: £329.99

The New Nikon P7000

Is this Nikon's answer to the Canon G11? Many fans seem to think so. Interestingly it has a lower megapixel count that the P6000. The P7000’s superb image quality is guaranteed by a wide-angle 7.1x zoom NIKKOR lens giving a 28mm to 200mm range (35mm format equivalent), with optical Vibration Reduction (VR), two ED glass elements and Nikon’s brand new EXPEED C2 image processing system. The large 10.1 effective megapixel 1/1.7” CCD sensor facilitates wide dynamic range and exceptional low light performance whilst the 7.5cm (3.0”) high resolution LCD (920K dot) monitor assists composition, movie making and playback in brilliant detail.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager, Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V., says: “The COOLPIX P7000 boasts a raft of advanced features and ergonomics found in SLR cameras, making it the ultimate compact option for advanced SLR users and professional photographers who want high quality images in a discrete and responsive body.” He added, “Our professional customers have really helped to drive decisions about the feature set, and the results speak for themselves; great quality photography…anywhere”.

The P7000 is packed with cutting-edge technology to ensure the best image quality available, with a large 1/1.7” sensor and EXPEED C2 image processing system to provide enhanced low light performance and movie recording. Its 7.1x zoom NIKKOR lens has two ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and fringing at longer focal lengths. What is more, it also includes a built-in ND filter to expand exposure options in very bright conditions.

The P7000’s wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 3200 is expandable to Hi 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent), while low noise night mode ensures fine results in extremely low light conditions, such as in candlelit interiors and a Noise Reduction (NR) adjustment function enables photographers to manage the impact of noise in their images.

For situations where choosing the right setting proves difficult, D-Lighting automatically ensures images look natural, rescuing underexposed shadows caused by very high contrast lighting conditions. COOLPIX in-camera Picture Controls, based on the technology from Nikon's award winning digital SLRs, allow the user to manage camera processing according to personal taste while the new bracketing functions enable the photographer to take sequences with slightly different settings, varying exposure, ISO sensitivity, or white balance, and select the one that best suits the intended effect. A newly-added Virtual Horizon can also be displayed in the LCD to make sure the camera position is perfectly aligned.

Enhanced recording and playback

Some occasions call for capturing more than a picture, so the COOLPIX P7000 comes with an HD movie recording (720p) function. Stereo sound can be simultaneously recorded using a built-in microphone, while the microphone jack enables the use of an external microphone. The extra large 7.5cm (3.0”) ultra-high resolution (920K dot) LCD display offers almost 100% sRGB colour space to make image reviewing a pleasure and the optical viewfinder features diopter adjustment. In addition to this, the HDMI port enables instant sharing on external HD displays.
The P7000’s in-camera editing allows users to take control over their pictures. Tone level information is displayed on a histogram, and exposure compensation, aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity can be minutely adjusted while confirming highlights, shadows and intermediate tone.

For those who prefer to revise their images on a PC or Mac, images can be stored in the enhanced NRW+ (COOLPIX RAW) format, providing an uncompressed digital “negative” which enables advanced editing. NRW+ files are compatible with Nikon’s bundled ViewNX 2 software as well as the optional image editing software Capture NX2

Easy operation, everywhere

The P7000 has been designed for those who wish to have complete control over their photography with the familiar intuitive layout of buttons and dials found on Nikon DSLR cameras such as Command dial and AE-L/AF-L buttons. The P7000 also features an ‘analogue retro’ dial to manage exposure compensation levels in 1/3 EV steps. Manual control over other commonly used functions is accessible via the Quick Menu dial. A User-Setting Function enables users to switch zoom position to a preset focal length, as if using interchangeable lenses. The settings at each zoom position can also be customised according to the user’s intention. Alongside this, the added Zoom Memory function allows one-touch switching to any focal length setting, using a new manual mode dial.

The compact system camera

The COOLPIX P7000 forms the core of a mini-system and is i-TTL compatible with Nikon’s acclaimed Speedlights, a new WC-75A wide-angle convertor for a 21mm equivalent field of view and infra-red remote control ML-L3. The P7000 also comes complete with ViewNX 2 software, long life battery EN-EL14 and charger MH-24. The camera can be further expanded using an external microphone (not available from Nikon). To protect the camera, an optional carry case is also available (CS-P06).

EXPEED C2

The original EXPEED image processing system incorporated all of the accumulated expertise and technologies developed throughout Nikon’s long history. Now the latest evolution of Nikon’s renowned system, EXPEED C2, expands the possibilities of photography even further, with enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED C2 maximizes sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and movies.

ViewNX 2

ViewNX 2 is an all-in-one software package that enables users to quickly import, browse, edit and share still images and movies. Building upon the highly successful ViewNX software, ViewNX 2 is a user-friendly suite that offers a huge range of features, going well beyond those supplied as part of a PC’s operating system. Newly-incorporated advanced movie-editing functions have been taken directly from Nikon’s award-winning DSLR range, enabling users to trim clips and blend still images into stunning movie footage. ViewNX 2 comes with all Nikon digital cameras and is also available as a free download.

Nikon my Picturetown

You can now back-up your images safely and securely using my Picturetown, the free online digital photo storage and sharing service brought to you by Nikon. Easily share photo memories with friends and organise precious memories into online collections. You get 2GB of space free to use for storing thousands of memories and you can upgrade your membership to Gold Account at any time if you need to store more pictures.