| Palm Pre Experience Centers to rise in two Los Angeles, CA malls (The Grove and The Americana at Brand) Posted: 30 Jul 2009 03:00 PM PDT 
“Experience Centers” set to be promote the Palm Pre at The Grove and The Americana at Brand, both of which are based in Los Angeles, California and operated by Caruso Affiliated.
The Palm Pre will be shown to prospect buyers via a one-on-one demo or tutorial, large groups of people can watch demos showcased on several LCD screens. "The Grove and The Americana at Brand are known for being at the forefront of the latest retail trends, from fashion to technology. We're thrilled to be Palm's platform in Los Angeles for their latest innovation — the Palm Pre," said Jennifer Gordon, senior vice president of public relations and special events for Caruso Affiliated. "In addition to the Palm Pre Experience Center, Palm ambassadors will work with our concierge teams at both properties using Palm Pre to help visitors with their daily needs, from dinner reservations to purchasing movie tickets, or answer any questions new users have about their Palm Pre."
[via Business Wire]
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| Nikon D300S flagship DX-format 12.3-megapixel digital SLR announced Posted: 30 Jul 2009 01:00 PM PDT 
Quite a number of announcements from Nikon today, the refined AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lenses, plus the entry-level D3000 digital SLR. Now, here comes the D300S. The Nikon D300S is more of a refinement, rather than a revolutionary successor, of the tried and tested D300. It builds up on the features found on the D300.
The D300S features a 12.3-megapixel sensor (probably the same as that found on the D300), 720p video recording (stereo sound can be recorded through an optional external mic), 3-inch live view-capable high pixel density LCD screen, and a 51-point autofocus system. The D300S also features dual memory card slots, one CompactFlash (CF) and one Secure Digital (SD) slot. You have the option to select the primary recording slot and there are three recording methods: - Overflow – uses the secondary card for recording once the primary is full
- Backup – uses both cards to store the same images a.k.a. mirror copy
- RAW primary, JPEG secondary – stores RAW files on the primary card and high quality JPEG on the secondary
The Nikon D300s camera body will be available from Nikon Authorized dealers starting late August 2009 for an estimated price of $1799.95. [via Nikon USA Press Release]
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| Nikon D3000 entry-level 10.2-megapixel digital SLR announced Posted: 30 Jul 2009 11:00 AM PDT 
Nikon’s latest entry-level digital SLR, the D3000, features a 10.2-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch LCD screen which is 20% larger than previous Nikons, 11-point autofocus system and a new Miniature Effect Mode which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models.
While 720p video recording found on the Nikon D5000 is not present, there is a Stop Motion Movie Mode. The main highlight of the D3000 is the all-new Guide Mode which helps newbie digital SLR users along the ropes. Intuitive Assistance On-the-Fly
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images. Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000's Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.
The Nikon D3000 kit, including a AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available from Nikon Authorized dealers starting late August 2009 for an estimated price of $599.95. [via Nikon USA Press Release]
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| Nikon redesigns AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II (11.1x) for 2009 Posted: 30 Jul 2009 09:00 AM PDT 
Nikon is also updating their highly popular AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (11.1x) lens for 2009. The addition of a zoom-lock switch prevents the lens barrel from going downward during transport. And as previously mentioned, VR II technology provides shake compensation by four steps.
The same as the recently announced AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2.9x), the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II also features two VR (vibration reduction) modes. Normal for regular shake compensation and active for extreme shake compensation. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II will be available starting September 2009 for an estimated retail price of £729.99 / €887.00 / $849.95. Compact 11.1x Ultra-High Ratio Zoom Lens with Zoom Lock Switch TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the new ultra-high ratio zoom lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II for use expressly with Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been developed for, and applied to, including a high zoom magnification of 11.1x, a Vibration Reduction (VR II) image stabilization system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four stops, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), as well as a zoom lock switch. Designed expressly for use with Nikon digital-SLR cameras, exceptional image performance is assured. As the compact AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II covers an extremely wide range of focal lengths (18-200mm, equivalent to 27-300mm in 35mm format; a zoom magnification of 11.1x), it offers excellent versatility for various scenes that include portraits and landscapes. The addition of a zoom lock switch allows photographers to secure the lens barrel at its minimum length, eliminating the natural gravitational effect that can draw the barrel downward during transport. This lens offers superior optical performance in a compact size of just 77 x 96.5 mm, despite a high zoom magnification of 11.1x. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) assures fast and quiet autofocusing. The Vibration Reduction system (VR II) provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps. Two Vibration Reduction modes are available. NORMAL VR mode: Reduces ordinary camera shake. Panning is also supported.
ACTIVE VR mode: Reduces extreme camera shake, such as that which occurs when shooting from a moving vehicle. Optics, optimized for use with digital-SLR cameras, utilize two ED glass elements and three aspherical lenses for optimum balance of chromatic aberration, astigmatism and distortion compensation, allowing for capture of images exhibiting extraordinary fidelity, with vivid color, high resolution and crisp contrast. Note:
Although DX NIKKOR lenses can be attached to 35mm-format and IX 240-format film cameras, the smaller image circle they project on the film plane prohibits compatibility with these cameras. When this (or any DX NIKKOR) lens is mounted on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR, with the Image Area option set to Auto DX crop (default), the camera recognizes that a DX NIKKOR lens is in use and the DX crop mode is activated automatically. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Major Features - A zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio with magnification of 11.1x
- Equipped with a zoom lock switch
- Equipped with a compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II)
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) adopted
[via Nikon Press Release and DPReview]
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| Nikon updates AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (2.9x) for 2009 Posted: 30 Jul 2009 07:00 AM PDT 
Nikon is updating one of its super-zoom lenses for 2009, the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED (2.9x). The updated lens, although a bit shorter than its predecessor, weighs a bit more at 3.4 lbs (predecessor was 3.24 lbs).
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G utilizes VR II Vibration Reduction technology which compensates for camera shake by four steps. The 2003 model’s VR technology only compensates by three steps. A Nano Crystal Coat is used in order to reduce ghosting and flares. It also features two VR (vibration reduction) modes, normal for ordinary shake compensation and active mode for extreme shake compensation. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II will be available starting November 2009 for an estimated retail price of £1999 / €2430 / $2399.95. Fast Telephoto Zoom Lens Utilizing Nano Crystal Coat TOKYO — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the new fast telephoto zoom lens AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II for use with digital- and film-SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been adopted for this lens, including the use of seven ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, a vibration reduction (VR II) system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
This fast telephoto zoom lens provides the excellent performance and superior image quality demanded by professional and advanced amateur photographers. With release of this lens, Nikon has structured an incomparable NIKKOR zoom lens system that also includes the current AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED for complete coverage of focal lengths from 14mm to 200mm with support for a maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire range. The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II offers excellent performance throughout its range of focal lengths, from the natural rendering characteristics of mid-range telephoto positions to the compressed perspective of telephoto positions. The lens makes the most of a wide variety of scenes, from portraits to staged events as well as sports photography under nighttime lighting, press photography, and scenes that require soft rendering of out-of-focus portions. The use of seven ED glass elements provides the ultimate in rendering characteristics for capture of images exhibiting excellent resolution and high contrast. The additional use of Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses ghost and flare for clear images. Adoption of the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allows for smooth and quiet autofocusing that makes the most of camera autofocus subject tracking systems. The lens also provides superior operation with three focus modes — M, A/M, M/A — for manual focusing or manually fine-tuning focus acquired with autofocus by simply rotating the lens’ focus ring. The vibration reduction system (VR II) provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps*. Two vibration reduction modes are available. NORMAL mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces ordinary camera shake. Panning is also supported.
ACTIVE mode: The vibration reduction mechanism reduces extreme camera shake, such as that which occurs with shooting from a moving vehicle. *As determined in Nikon performance tests AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Major Features - Vibration reduction (VR II) equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps
- A new optical design utilizing seven ED glass elements
- Ghost and flare suppression with Nano Crystal Coat
- A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for superior autofocus that is smooth and quiet
- Three focus modes built in: M, M/A, A/M
- Aperture diaphragm utilizing an odd number of rounded blades (nine) for natural blur characteristics
- Shooting at distances as close as 1.4 m throughout the entire zoom range
- High-quality exterior design
[via Nikon Press Release and DPReview]
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| Belkin headphone adapter (F8Z452) allows you to use any headset with the 3rd generation iPod shuffle Posted: 29 Jul 2009 05:00 PM PDT 
Remember the 3rd generation iPod shuffle having a proprietary control chip? You don’t have to worry about that anymore since Belkin has reverse engineered (and probably licensed it from Apple too) the in-line controller that’s integrated onto the standard 3rd generation iPod shuffle headset.
What it essentially does, is simply providing an open 3.5mm jack for you to plug in your own headphone/earphone/headset. The controls are as follows: - Play/Pause: Single-Click
- Next track: Double-Click
- Previous track: Triple-Click
- Hear title and artist of song playing (VoiceOver): Press and hold the multifunction button
- Move between playlists (VoiceOver): Press and hold, and then release the multifunction button after you hear a tone. Click to select playlist.
The Belkin Headphone Adapter for the 3rd generation iPod shuffle (F8Z452) is priced at $19.99 and will be available in the US by the end of July 2009. The adapter will start appearing everywhere else starting mid-August. There’s just something weird, this thing costs 25% of an iPod shuffle! [via Belkin]
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