Nikon News by Ron Skinner

Nikon D300s Digitutor

2009-08-26T16:40:00.002-04:00

Find out all about the D300s with the D300s Digitutor

Go here to see it D300s Digitutor

Episode 23 of Nikon DTownTV

2009-08-01T08:34:00.001-04:00

Scott shares a tip for shooting better panoramas and editing them in Photoshop
Brad talks about the multiple exposure option and how to put it to use
Visit Zarias.com for some examples of multiple exposures
Bill Sanders from Bogen Imaging stops by to demonstrate the Manfrotto Quick Stack Stands for use with off-camera flashes
Brad has a tip on using the help button to describe your camera's menu options
Viewers can submit questions to the Ask Brad section of the website
Scott has a helpful tip when using the camera's diopter to adjust the focus of the viewfinder

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

2 New Cameras, 2 New Lenses

2009-07-30T18:21:00.002-04:00

Nikon is coming out with the D300s and D3000 cameras and new versions of the 70-200mm and 18 - 200mm lenses. Check the links below

July 30, 2009
NIKON FURTHER REFINES DX AND FX LENS FAVORITES
July 30, 2009
THE NEW NIKON D3000 PROVIDES AN EASY PATH TO FANTASTIC PHOTOS
July 30, 2009
NIKON D300s REVITALIZES THE STANDARD AND MEASURE OF AGILE, PRO-LEVEL DX-FORMAT D-SLR DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

Nikon DTownTV Episode 22

2009-07-25T19:15:00.001-04:00

Matt and Scott share some beginners tips about flash compensation and exposure modes
Moose Peterson has a tip about buffer management
Tips on protecting your gear when out in the field
Here is the Strobist post on quick-changing lenses
Keep your highlight warning turned on and use exposure compensation to get the best shot

[If you have a D40 or D60, your highlight warning option can't be turned off. Skip to the last paragraph to find out how to use it.]

To turn on your highlight warnings, go to your Playback menu, then to Display Mode. Here you will be able to check the Highlights box, then hit OK.

When you look at your images on your LCD, hit the up/down arrows to scroll through the different information options until you see the one that says "Highlights" in the corner. If there is any part of your picture that is blinking, that is where there is no information.

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV Episode 21

2009-07-21T20:43:00.001-04:00

Camera not beeping when you focus? Scott tells you why
Matt shares tips on shooting and processing panoramas or HDR images
Scott Diussa talks about setting your Flash Shutter Speed to make more evenly exposed images when using flash
Come see Scott, Matt, and many other great instructors at Photoshop World in Las Vegas!
Scott shows the difference between the Rotate Tall in the Playback menu and Auto Image Rotation in the Setup Menu
Matt explains the AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C autofocus modes
Don't forget to check out Scott's blog!

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

D5000 Power Problem

2009-07-16T17:08:00.000-04:00

July 16, 2009

Notice to users of the Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your imaging needs.

While Nikon takes great measures to assure high quality in its imaging products, it has come to our attention that an electronic component related to power control in some Nikon D5000 digital SLR cameras does not meet factory specifications and may, in certain circumstances, prevent the camera from turning on, thus preventing operation of the camera.

Indications of this issue include:

The camera cannot be operated when the power switch is on, even with a fully-charged battery.
The camera cannot be operated with the EH-5a AC Adapter connected through the EP-5 Power Connector and the power switch on.

The solution:
Nikon has isolated the issues related to this and is effectively resolving them. Preparations are under way at a special Nikon repair facility to streamline the processes associated to the solution and Nikon will be equipped to correct D5000 cameras at this facility, beginning July 23, 2009. Service related to this issue, including the cost of shipping affected D5000 cameras to Nikon, as well as their return to customers, will be free of charge. To further minimize customer inconvenience, Nikon will return serviced cameras to customers promptly, employing (whenever possible) transportation that limits transit time to two days.

Is your D5000 affected?
Your D5000 serial number will make it easy to determine if your D5000 is affected by this issue. A serial number look-up tool will be available on this page beginning July 23, 2009. Therefore, we kindly ask D5000 users to return to this page on or after July 23rd to establish whether or not your camera requires the complimentary service related to this Service Advisory.

If your serial number indicates that your D5000 requires service:
Beginning July 23, 2009, this page will include easy-to-follow instructions for customers whose D5000 cameras have been identified (by serial number as noted above) as needing service related to this Advisory. The instructions will include shipping tips and a shipping label generator will be provided. Using the Nikon-generated label is both convenient and relieves you of the expense of shipping your camera to Nikon.

We apologize for any inconvenience that Nikon customers may experience as a result of this issue.
Nikon remains committed to providing only the highest quality photographic products and hopes that you will continue to choose Nikon for your imaging needs.

For additional information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions provided in the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nikon DTownTV Episode 20

2009-07-09T21:17:00.002-04:00

Episode 20 of Nikon DTownTV

Scott and Matt discuss lens options that fall in the budget price range
Scott had an adventure when he misplaced his camera gear. Read about it on his blog
Lensprotogo.com has wonderful options for renting camera lenses
Scott and Matt define some of the terminology that they use in the show
Moose Peterson has a quick tip on macro focusing
Scott's new book, Digital Photography Volume 3, is available for preorder now
Matt and Scott talk about the benefits of using equipment like lens hoods, uv filters, circular polarizers, neutral density filters, and cleaning kits
Check out the entire selection of Nikon lenses at the B&H Photo website

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

Nikon D700x ???

2009-07-08T19:02:00.001-04:00

Just saw this on the Nikon Rumors site:

Nikon D700x sooner than expected

from Nikon Rumors by [NR] admin

I will continue to be “fair and balanced” and report that Thom Hogan has received some information that the Nikon D700x will be released before November 2009. The D700x is expected to have the 24MP sensor from the D3x and video.

I also received multiple tips on the Nikon D700x camera that I sumarized in this post a while ago and it seems that the time frame matches Thom’s prediction on the D700x release date.

Nikon D700x NR probability rating: 60% (up from 40% in the last post)

Nikon DTownTV Episode 19

2009-07-05T20:25:00.000-04:00

Here's what's covered in Episode 19 of Nikon DTownTV

If you haven't watched the other Lens shows, start at Episode 16
What happens when you put a DX lens on an FX body, or a non-DX lens on a DX body
Scott and Matt share their favorite travel lenses
Moose Peterson shows how to save your camera settings to a card
Nikon is now a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk, and they're giving away a D700 to the winner!
Check out example images here
Explore the Nikon "Lens Alphabet" here
Matt talks about using macro lenses for both macro photography and portraits

See it here Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV Episodes 17 and 18

2009-06-30T11:35:00.001-04:00

I've been on vacation so you guys have probably viewed these already but the next couple of episodes are ready to be viewed on Nikon DTownTV

Episode 17

Scott & Matt share their favorite lenses for shooting weddings
Scott Diussa shows more examples for when using Auto ISO might be useful
Scott gives a tip about using the D90 and D5000 to shoot video
Matt talks about using the Lensbaby for a special effects look
Scott shows how to turn the beep off to be less distracting

and Episode 18

Scott and Matt share their favorite lenses for shooting sports
The guys show the advantage of using the Black Rapid R-Strap
Moose Peterson tells how you can increase your Frames Per Second by changing camera settings
Matt and Scott go on location to give tips and share their favorite lenses for shooting landscapes

Go here to view them Nikon DTownTV

Episode 16 of Nikon DTownTV

2009-06-14T18:36:00.001-04:00

Episode 16 of DTownTV is online, here's what it covers

Variable Minimum Aperture vs. Constant Aperture
FX and DX cameras and lenses explained
If you own a lens, you're going to use it for everything!
Moose Peterson shows how to carry your camera to protect your lens
Scott and Matt share their favorite lenses for shooting portraits

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

Episode 15 of Nikon DTownTV

2009-06-06T20:52:00.000-04:00

Here's what's covered in Episode 15 of Nikon DTownTV:

Matt demonstrates in-camera NEF processing
Scott explains rear curtain sync for flash
Vincent Versace demonstrates selective sharpening in Capture NX2
Scott shows how to customize the Function and Depth of Field Preview buttons for quick shortcuts
Matt shows how to turn on the Viewfinder Grid Display to help line up the elements in your photos

See it here Nikon DTownTV Episode 15

Episode 14 of Nikon DTownTV

2009-05-28T16:25:00.001-04:00

Scott gives a tip on using Auto ISO to help sports photographers freeze action
Matt talks about using the self-timer as a substitute for a cable release
If you haven't already signed up to participate in the Worldwide Photo Walk, go check it out!
Learn how to use Picture Controls for creative looks in movie mode from Nikon Professional Services Manager Scott Diussa
Matt explains what Active D-Lighting is and when you want to use it
Scott demonstrates using the Hoodman Loupe to see your LCD in bright light
Have some equipment you want to sell? Send it to the Equipment Lady, Laurie Excell!

Go here to see it Nikon DTownTV

Nikon D300s ????

2009-05-28T16:23:00.000-04:00

There might be a Nikon D300s coming out, they have the specs posted on the Nikon Rumors site.

It adds dual card slots, an HDmovie mode and more. I'm not really interested in a movie mode but maybe some of you are:

Go here to read about it. Nikon Rumors D300s Specs

Episode 13 of Nikon DTownTV

2009-05-22T08:46:00.000-04:00

Here's what's covered in Episode 13 of Nikon DTownTV

Matt explains Autofocus Priority modes; when you want to be in release priority mode or focus priority mode.
Scott shows the built-in SCENE modes the new D5000.
Learn about Picture Control settings from Scott Diussa, Nikon Professional Services Manager.
Explore Picture Control settings on this website from Nikon http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/picturecontrol
Scott goes into the studio for a tip on avoiding the black gradient at the bottom of photos when using strobes.

Go here to view it Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV - Updating your firmware

2009-05-16T07:48:00.001-04:00

Matt demonstrates how to update your camera's firmware
Here's the link to the Nikon firmware update page. Find your product, then choose the Windows or Macintosh version. Detailed instructions to update firmware are on each product's page.
Scott shows how to turn off the Autofocus Assist light
Moose Peterson talks about using your camera strap to keep your camera safe
Vincent Versace demonstrates using Selection Control Points in Capture NX2
Scott shows how to reset your Quick Settings, like ISO and White Balance, back to their defaults

See Episode 12 here: Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV Episodes 10 and 11

2009-05-09T20:55:00.001-04:00

Here's whats covered in Episode 10

DTown TV is a weekly show brought to you by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski with KelbyTraining.com. In this week's episode they cover:

Scott shows you how to embed your copyright information into your image files in-camera.
Need to check if you have the latest firmware for your camera? Here's the link
Vincent Versace shows how to set black, white, and gray points in Capture NX2.
Matt gives a tip on time-lapse photography. Click here to download the JPEGS from Matt's Time Lapse Tip
Nikon Professional Services Manager Scott Diussa shows you the proper way to attach your camera strap.
For info on the St. Lucia workshop, check Joe McNally's blog, or the resort website to sign up.
Click here to download a PDF about Joe McNally's upcoming workshop
Scott shows how to attach the SD-9 battery pack to the bottom of a camera body
Scott's final tip... If you're wondering if a tip works for your camera, give it a try!

And heres Episode 11

This week, the Nikon guys share how they set up a brand new camera. You'll see exactly which settings Scott and Matt change right out of the box. They explain what each one does and the reason why they make it a priority to change right away.

To see previous Episodes just scroll down on the DTownTV Site

Go here to view the videos Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV Episode 9

2009-04-30T18:42:00.001-04:00

The latest Episode of Nikon DtownTV covers the following:

* Tips on understanding variable aperture
* Customizing menu settings using My Menu
* On Location camera leveling tip from Moose Peterson
* Formatting the memory card while it is inside the camera
* Nikon Manager Scott Diussa has a tip on printing images directly from the camera to the printer
* Tip on shooting quietly in Single Focus Mode
* Moose Peterson provides information about focus screens to assist in keeping your camera level. Check out this product at nikontech.com
* Here is a link to the product page for a Nikon Type E Focusing Screen
* Get more information from Moose on his blog at www.moosenewsblog.com
* Scott is teaching a landscape photography workshop in Savannah, GA. Visit GAPhotoworks.com for more information.

You can see it here Nikon DTownTV

Nikon D5000 coming soon...

2009-04-13T20:21:00.002-04:00

The Nikon Rumors site has photos of the new Nikon D5000 - the LCD flips down

Go here to see it Nikon D5000

Also rumored to be coming soon is a new Nikon 10-24 DX lens

Nikon DTownTV Episode 7

2009-04-09T16:39:00.002-04:00

* 3 reasons they love the vertical battery grip
* Increasing frames per second with the use of extra battery packs, like the MS-D10
* The basics of the 3 Auto Focus modes
* Special Nikon guest Scott Diussa talks about single focus modes and continuous focus modes
* There are some great Nikon seminars going around the country. Find out more at nikonschool.com
* Scott and Matt demonstrate the versatility of the ThinkTank photo belt system. Visit ThinkTankphoto.com for more information
* Ask Brad is a brand new link on the D-Town TV site. Viewers can submit questions and Brad will pick one to answer on the site

You can see it here Nikon DTownTV

Wireless Flash Tips Part 3

2009-04-03T18:57:00.001-04:00

Part 3 of Wireless Flash tips on Nikon DTownTV

* SB800 and SB900 accessories - the diffusion dome, wide angle diffuser, bounce card, and speed light stand
* Joe McNally’s SB900 tip about using IC Filters
* The added accessories - SD8A and SD9 battery packs

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

Also, check out this helpful PDF, Fast Track to Wireless Speedlights, from Nikon.

More Wireless Flash Tips on NikonDTownTV

2009-03-31T18:46:00.000-04:00

Part two of wireless flash tips is now showing on NikonDTownTV Episode 5

* How to setup channels on your wireless SB800 and SB900 flashes
* Joe McNally’s SB900 tip about using the flash zoom
* A demo of using flash groups with multiple flashes

See it here: Nikon DTownTV

Wireless Flash Tips

2009-03-20T21:42:00.000-04:00

Lots of Flash tips on Episode 4 of Nikon DTownTV

* How to set up a flash for wireless operation
* Joe McNally’s SB900 tip about setting Light Modes
* How to trigger a wireless flash with your camera

Go here to view it Nikon DTownTV

Nikon DTownTV Episode 3

2009-03-14T17:15:00.001-04:00

The latest episode of Nikon DtownTV is showing now, here's what this weeks show covers:

* The When, How, and Why behind the Color Space setting on your camera (Adobe RGB or sRGB)
* Some tips on using the INFO display on the back of your camera
* A look at battery grips and where they come in handy
* Some D-90 tips for photos and video

Nikon DTownTV is a weekly video show with tips on using Nikon Cameras
Go here to check it out: Nikon DTownTV

Nikon HDR Camera Setup on Nikon DTownTV

2009-03-06T20:14:00.002-05:00

The second episode of Nikon DTownTV is available, this episode has some really great tips on setting up your camera with Autoexposure Bracketing for HDR photos first watch Episode 2 then watch the special Bonus Video on using Photomatix

Go here to see the videos Nikon DTownTV