Nikon D4 Available for Pre-Order from Adorama & B&H

Adorama is taking orders NOW via THIS LINK.

B&H is now taking pre-orders too

The Nikon D4 has been announced and B&H has created a great page that offers info about it here. You can pre-order now which usually means B&H is expecting to get a decent size shipment in. I suspect this means earlier rumors about it shipping at the end of February are true so if plan to plunk down $6k for one then you’ll want to get in line as soon as you can as I’m sure the pre-orders will be nuts.

I’ve seen no official word on the D800 yet. Here’s what’s on Nikon’s site about the D4 though.

REVIEW: Eizo FlexScan SX2762W–27” Wide Gamut IPS Photography Display

Eizo FlexScan SX2762W

In early January 2011 Eizo had a press release for the FlexScan SX2762W that seemed to be too good to be true – a IPS LCD panel with a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, a maximum brightness of 270 cd/m², contrast ratio of 850:1, 6 ms gray-to-gray response time and 178° viewing angles – without the typical several thousand dollar Eizo price tag!

Here are some key features:

• Wide color gamut reproduces 97% of the Adobe RGB color space.
• 10-bit display allows the monitor to show 1.07 billion colors simultaneously from a 16-bit look-up table (LUT).¹
• Digital Uniformity Equalizer (DUE) compensates for fluctuations in brightness and chroma uniformity that are characteristic of LCD panels.
• EIZO-patented technology stabilizes the brightness after start up or coming out of sleep mode.
• Integrated sensor counteracts the influence that changes in ambient temperature have on the display of color tones.
• On-screen button guide for easy adjustment in dark work environments.
• USB 2.0 hub with one upstream and two downstream ports.
• Consumes less than one watt in power save mode and no power when turned off.
• Simulation of two types of red-green (protanopia and deuteranopia) and one type of blue-yellow (tritanopia) color blindness.³ This allows designers to ensure their color schemes can be recognized by people with all types of color vision.
• Limited five-year manufacturer's warranty.⁴

All of these features add up to a nice display that seems to be more consumer focused than their other offerings. One such feature is its EcoView sensor. This feature puts the display in sleep mode when you aren’t actively moving in front of the display. I had to disable this feature as apparently I don’t move much when I’m working and for photography you want the display running at full operating temperature when you are working, so this feature really isn’t for Photographers.

How does it compare to the CG243W?

The Eizo CG243W (replaced by the CG246-BK) is the best monitor I’ve ever used – period. While the SX2762W is nice because it offers a big honking amount of screen real estate and lots of cool new eco friendly features that make it cheaper to operate, I just never liked it as much as the CG243W. I’m probably biased as the CG243W was my first long-term personal experience with Eizo displays, but this display didn’t have that super high-end feel of the CG243W.

From what I can tell, this is not a hand inspected display like the CG series so it doesn’t come with an inspection report. The out of box quality of my test unit was outstanding (no dead pixels, calibrated very well out of the box, and fantastic edge to edge performance).

How does it compare to the NEC PA Series?

See my NEC PA Series article for comparison details.

Very unhappy with the calibration story

Let me state up front that this display supports the superior hardware calibration design and can be calibrated accurately. I just hate how that process works with this display.

Eizo tried to make this display easier to calibrate with its own Eizo branded EX1 Color Sensor, but honestly I hated the EasyPix calibration software. It also really annoyed me that it kept a window open all of the time so my task bar (instead of the system tray) was always occupied with a running app that I couldn’t close. I already own 4 other sensors, yet this display requires you to use their sensor to calibrate which is honestly just lame.

If you haven’t invested in a calibration solution then this shouldn’t deter you as the software works fine and using their sensor makes it very easy to calibrate your display accurately. However, I think hard core calibration geeks with existing hardware will be very frustrated as I was. Eizo users who have used Color Navigator will probably be rather upset at the dumbed down solution of the EasyPIX Software. I give Eizo kudos for trying to simplify the calibration process, but I absolutely dread this product,

WARNING: This display (like all good high-end displays) requires hardware calibration, so you may NOT use a third party calibration solution or software to calibrate it. Doing so is virtually useless.

Ordering

I recommend that you order the FlexScan SX2762W from B&H, Adorama or Amazon. At only $1469 (as of the time of this writing) it’s a screaming deal for an Eizo! A hood is also available.

Conclusion

If you are used to an Infiniti or Lexus car and you end up in a Nissan or Toyota that is functionally equivalent to the luxury brand, you can’t help but still think that the product you are in is inferior. Now a data analysis might suggest they are identical, but there’s that subjective thing that keeps getting in the way. This is basically how I feel about this display.

It’s a good product that performs well and is a true Eizo display, but it feels a bit like some magic is missing. I’m sure if I looked at it objectively I’d have to pinpoint my feelings on my desire to have more control over the calibration process using my preferred calibration hardware, so it really isn’t anything to do with the monitor itself. As a result, I think I can honestly give this display a solid recommendation as I can’t imagine anyone not loving the great picture it offers (especially when calibrated) as well as its great size and feature set.

I’d say that Eizo faithful are still probably going to be happier spending the extra money on something like a CG275W, but this display is half the cost of that so it’s hard not to choose this model instead. That’s the magic that NEC has enjoyed with its PA Series, and after having this display side by side to an NEC PA Series for a couple months, I’d say that the picture quality is probably better on this display. Given the superior warranty and Eizo’s good name, it’s tough not to spend the extra bucks and go for the SX2762W.

Disclosure

I was provided with a loaner display for review. I may also get a commission if you make a purchase using the links in this article. Thanks for supporting the blog by using my links!

REVIEW: Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap

Black Rapid SnapR Camera Bag + Sling Strap (SnapR 35 Left, SnapR 20 Right)

BlackRapid has a great reputation for creating high quality camera straps like the RS-7 I reviewed, but until I saw their display at PhotoPlus Expo I had no idea that they also made a camera bag.  I was very impressed with the SnapR product line when I first saw it because typical bags for this size are simply plastic pouches with cheap zippers, velcro or snaps. What I really wanted for my G12 and X10 was something that was built like a ThinkTankPhoto bag, but BlackRapid took that wish to the next level and threw in even more.

Here’s a short little video that shows how this bag not only offers a rapid strap, but also a hand strap for the bag or just for the camera. The net result is a nice design that offers multiple ways to transport and protect your camera:

Play in HD

SnapR 35 – Great for Mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds Cameras

SnapR 35 with a Nikon 1 V1 and 10-30mm lens

The first SnapR that I got my hands on was the 35 which was great because I was in the middle of my point and shoot comparison testing. It could hold my biggest camera, the V1, so everything else would work too. I loved having this bag for this testing and it was awesome for the bulky V1. I could even put the 10mm lens in the side pocket:

SnapR 35 with Nikon 1 10mm lens in the side pocket
with a V1 (with 10-30mm attached) zipped in the main compartment

It was too small to hold the massive 10-100mm lens, but I suspect few V1 owners would consider this bag if they had that big lens anyway. This is really a bag for those traveling light as this bag will hold the essentials in its two side pockets.

I tend to carry my smaller flip cage in the outer pocket (but it won’t zip when I do that) so I can have a tripod on the go. The iPhone also fits nicely in the outside pocket too!

SnapR 20 – Great for Mid-Size Point and Shoots like the Canon G12 & Fujifilm X Series

SnapR 20 with Fujifilm X10 inside (lens cap on)

Since I own a Canon G12 and now a new Fujifilm X10, I decided that the SnapR 35 was a little more bulky that what I needed for my cameras. As a result I decided to try out the SnapR 20 to see if it was a better solution for my cameras. It turns out that the G12 fits perfectly and the X10 fits, but it’s a little snug for rapid insert and removals with the lens cap on. It glides in and out better without the lens cap off, but I always want my lens cap on so I’ve just dealt with the snug fit. I’ve also kept my camera strap on the X10 which really isn’t needed with this bag, so that would free up some space too. Personally I’d rather the smaller bag since it works for my X10 and is a perfect fit (with plenty of space) for my G12.

Here’s a shot of how my X10 is attached by its tripod mount to the shoulder strap for a true BlackRapid experience:

The built-in shoulder rapid strap means you are always connected
by the tripod mount for rapid removal, stability, and safety

Using the SnapR

The SnapR is more than just a camera bag. It’s a versatile camera strap system. You can make it as simple as a wrist strap design as shown here:

Wrist Strap Connection
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

Or you can leave the camera attached to the rapid strap as shown here (my preference):

SnapR 10 shown with rapid strap use in action
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

When you are done using the camera you just leave it attached and insert it upside down back into the case as shown here:

Cameras are inserted upside down while still attached for rapid and safe removal
Photo Courtesy of BlackRapid

It’s a really cool design that works better in practice than you might think.

These are great bags with a sturdy external design, strong clips, and a super soft interior that won’t hurt your LCD or lens.There’s also a quick release zipper design for the front pouch that makes it really quick to remove your camera and pull it up the rapid strap.

Conclusion

Plain and simple – if you own a camera smaller than a DSLR and you want a great case and strap for on the go action, this is your bag. I’ve seen nothing on the market that I’ve liked as much so I highly recommend this product!

If you own a thin point and shoot like a Canon s100 then order the SnapR 10, if you have a mid-side point and shoot like a Canon G12, Fujifilm X10 or X100, then order the SnapR 20. If you have a mirrorless or micro four thirds camera that’s a little bigger then order the SnapR 35.

Disclosure

I was provided with sample bags for evaluation by BlackRapid and I may make a commission if you make a purchase using links on this blog. I believe in this product and use it personally, so I can honestly say that I would have bought it even if I wasn’t provided with sample bags by BlackRapid.

I live in the Seattle area so I was actually surprised to find out that BlackRapid is actually based in the Fremont area of Metropolitan Seattle, so that kinda gave me an extra reason to like them.

Guest Blog: Five reasons to try out Digital Photo Professional by Andrew S. Gibson

Canon Digital Photo Professional

Andrew S. Gibson is an expert on the Digital Photo Professional software that comes on the CD included with all Canon cameras. While most people ignore this software, he’d like to talk about a few reasons why you should consider installing it. Personally I use it as my RAW file processor when I need the best results out of RAW image, even though I’m no fan of its dated user-interface. Andrew has a few thoughts thoughts that might make you reconsider the usefulness of Digital Photo Professional (DPP). Here they are in his own words…

What Raw conversion software do you prefer to use? If you have a Canon EOS digital SLR, you're probably aware that it came with a free copy of Digital Photo Professional, Canon's proprietary Raw conversion software. What you may not know is that while it's not as advanced as applications like Lightroom 3, it's still a very good program. I know photographers who use nothing else. If you haven't yet, here are five reasons to try out Digital Photo Professional.

1. It's free – and so are updates.
   Yes, that's right. DPP is free and presumably always will be. It means that there's no immediate need to buy Raw conversion software if you've just bought your first Canon digital SLR. You can get started with DPP, and buy a more advanced program sometime in the future if you need to. DPP doesn't do everything – it's a Raw converter, not an editing program; but it works well in conjunction with an inexpensive editing program like the latest version of Photoshop Elements.
   
   Tip: If you purchased your EOS camera some time ago, you won't have the latest version of DPP. You can download an update from http://software.canon-europe.com/ (and Canon USA). It's free, but you do need an earlier version of DPP installed on your computer for the update to work.
   
2. DPP works in harmony with your EOS camera
   The controls in DPP mirror those on your EOS camera. For example, settings like white balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction can all be set in DPP as well as your camera, as long as you are shooting in Raw.
   
3. DPP has a Canon lens database
   DPP's database contains lens correction information for the majority of Canon lenses. You can use DPP to correct the effects of vignetting, chromatic aberration and barrel or pincushion distortion.
   
4. You can download extra Picture Styles
   EOS cameras (and DPP) come with six built-in Picture Styles. You can download another six Picture Styles from the Canon Japan website and either upload them to your camera or use them in DPP. You can even create your own Picture Styles with the Picture Style Editor application that also comes with your camera.
   
5. DPP is ideal for beginners
   For me, this is one of DPP's biggest advantages. I know (I've seen the queries on photography forums) that there are a lot of photographers who are new to Raw processing and somewhat put off by the expense and complexity of programs like Lightroom. While is not as advanced; DPP is much much simpler and easier to learn than Lightroom. As it also works in harmony with your camera's settings (see point two) it is an ideal way for newcomers to Raw processing to learn.

Understanding DPP

There isn't much written material available to help you learn to use DPP. Until now, that is, as I've just written an eBook called 'Understanding DPP' aimed at photographers who would like to learn to use the software. Understanding DPP is the most comprehensive resource that I've seen. It's available here and for a limited time only readers of Ron's blog can get a discount of £2 on the selling price. Just enter the discount code Ron2 when you checkout to get the deal.

The offer lasts until the end of January, 2012.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links found in this article.