Quadruple News From Nikon - D7000 & More

2010.09.15

Today Nikon demonstrated commitment to their DSLR systems by launching a high-end DSLR, 2 premium lenses and a powerful external flash. The big news is the Nikon D7000 which slots above the D90 and below the D300S but tops its bigger brother in several areas.

The new D7000 is an advanced DSLR built around a new 16 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of an extended ISO range up to 25600, with a standard range reaching ISO 6400. It can shoot at 6 FPS for an unspecified number of frames in both JPEG and RAW NEF formats. The Nikon D7000 brings in a 100% coverage viewfinder with 0.95X magnification to a new category of cameras and is now the first such non-weather-sealed camera. The third major news is the addition of full 1080p HD video recording at 24 FPS with full-time continuous autofocus, similarly to the recently announced Nikon D3100. This one features a connector for a stereo microphone with adjustable input level. Other great features include dual-axis virtual horizon and dual SDXC memory card slots.

The Nikkor 35mm F/1.4G is a high-end prime lens with bright F/1.4 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm to produce extremely smooth out-of-focus backgrounds. It features Nikon's quick and quiet SWM and full-time manual focusing. This lens is suitable for use by all Nikon DSLRs. On a cropped sensor it is roughly equivalent to a 50mm normal lens.

The Nikkor 200mm F/2G ED VR II is a refreshed version of its already high-end predecessor. This bright telephoto lens features the latest VR II system to provide stabilization when using slow shutter-speeds and produce pin-sharp images. To keep image quality as high as possible, this lens uses both Super Integrated and Nano Crystal coatings.

The final part of today's press releases is the SB-700 flash, a new 28 GN unit with wireless control and an improved user interface. This unit offers a tilt-and-swivel head for creative photography and offers a coverage for lenses up to 24mm wide.

The Nikon D7000 will be available for $1200 USD or $1280 CDN at the end of October. The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens in mid-November for $1800 USD or $2000 CDN and the new telephoto AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II in early October for $6000 USD or CDN. The new Nikon SB-700 Speedlight will be available in late November for $380 USD or CDN.

• Digital Camera