Nikon's D800 has been awarded the prestigious Camera Grand Prix 2012 title and also won the public vote for best camera. The awards, organized by the Japanese 'Camera Journal Press Club' also recognized the Canon EF8-15mm F4L USM as lens of the year. Meanwhile, the Editors Awards were given to Sony's NEX-7 and the Olympus m.Zuiko 45mm F1.8.

The main awards, established in 1984, are selected by a 57-member panel made up from the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPS), along with a selection of editors and experts from around the world. The Editors Awards, meanwhile, are decided between the council members of the CJPS. The Editors Awards have a history or recognising significant products, including Sony's back-illuminated CMOS technology and the Panasonic G1 (the first mirrorless interchangable lens camera), rather than just the high-end heavyweights.

Click here to read more about the Camera Grand Prix 2012 awards (Google Translated)

We've just posted our Nikon D800 review. At 36MP, the D800 is the highest resolution camera you can buy without making the step up to medium format, it's also one of the first DSLRs to offer uncompressed video output. Despite these drastic increases in capability over the D700, Nikon's latest full-frame offering will be immediately familiar to any one who's shot with one of the company's high-end cameras. So what's the D800 like to shoot with and does all that resolution render its competition redundant?

We've recently received a reviewable D800E - the more expensive variant with a self-cancelling low-pass filter, to allow the capture of even higher resolution. We've covered the camera in the review but will be extending the coverage when we've had a chance to fully test it.

Click here to read our Nikon D800 review

Accessory maker LockCircle has announced it will offer its 'LockPort' durable HDMI socket bracket for the Nikon D800. The LockPort800 combines a mounting plate that secures to the base of the camera with a miniHDMI-to-standard HDMI adapter that bolts onto it. This provides an easy-access full-size HDMI connector while also protecting your camera's miniHDMI socket from damage. The mounting plate is designed so that the camera can still be used with other mounts, tripod plates and accessories, in tandem with the LockPort. The LockPort800 will be available from June 2012 at a cost of $199/€99.

Press Release:

LockPort 800 by LockCircle

After the WORLDWIDE success of the LockPort Series for Canon HDSLR CAMERAS...
LockCircle is announcing the professional LockPort 800 for the powerful Nikon D800!

The LockPort 800 is a new product developed to help avoid damaging  your D800 mini HDMI camera port. The LockPort 800 protects definitely the fragile output on your camera from tough production abuse with a rock solid universal clamp and a smart mini to full-size HDMI adapter.

The LockPort 800 camera plate is designed to fit easily every head, baseplate, sliding plate, support out there using the original  camera screws already there. Ready in 10 seconds!

The LockPort 800 safely secures a 90° FRONT/REAR mini HDMI to full-size HDMI adapter, protecting forever the “expensive to repair” mini HDMI port on your expensive HDSLR camera.

The Adapter has gold plated contacts and  the full-size female output allows you to use stronger standard HDMI cables, you can purchase everywhere!

Standard size HDMI plugs locks securely in the socket – no signal loose, and if somebody walks over your cable, the plug still can pop-out saving your camera from falling on the ground.

The full-size HDMI 90° output can be used in FRONT or REAR position (2 different adapters) to reach the best cable ergonomics solution on your rig set-up!

The LockPort 800 adapters are available in FRONT and REAR editions, also available in kit or sold separately to upgrade the kits or like spare parts!

Instant reverse output direction set-up.

Can be ordered right now, shipment starts from the first week of June!

LockPort 800  Price List  USD 119,00  Euro  99,00

For more information:  info@lockcircle.com  www.lockcircle.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LockPort 800 highlights

• Works with Nikon D800 cameras.
• Saves the “expensive to repair” mini HDMI port on your D800 camera.
• Full Size HDMI output allows you to use stronger standard cables.
• Standard size HDMI plugs locks securely in the socket – no signal loose!
• 90° FRONT or REAR output editions.
• No loose of video signal anymore! The full size HDMI output has stronger locking capabilities.
• Gold plated contacts.
• Rock solid UNIVERSAL ultra low base clamp, can work on every plate, head, sliding plate, rig, support out there.
• Better cable layout on your rig set up.
• No longer camera screws, use all the camera screws already out there.
• Ready in a few seconds.
• Instant reverse output direction set up.
• New! Survival Kit with spare parts available online.

Nikon has confirmed to PDN that it is investigating a problem that can cause the D800 and D4 to lock-up while shooting. The company says that the issue - identified while PDN was reviewing the camera - can be avoided by disabling Highlights and RGB Histogram on the display. At present the lock-ups require the battery to be removed to restart the camera but PDN thinks it likely that Nikon will be able to come up with a permanent fix.

The issue isn't one we've encountered while working towards our reviews of both cameras, but we'll stay in touch with Nikon and report on any updates.

Click here to find out more at PDN Online

We've just posted our hands-on preview of the Nikon D3200 entry-level DSLR. The D3200 builds on the the company's line of simple, accessible beginners' DSLRs by adding a higher-resolution screen, boosting its continuous shooting rate and adding details such as a microphone jack and infrared remote sockets. And then, of course, there's the 24MP CMOS sensor, making it by far the highest pixel-count camera in its class. Our preview builds on the samples gallery we posted earlier this week and includes our standard studio test shots.

Click here to read our hands-on preview of the Nikon D3200

Nikon has announced a voluntary replacement scheme for a sub-standard batch of batteries for its 1 V1, D7000, D800 and D800E cameras. EN-EL15 batteries with an E or F as the 9th character of their serial numbers are at risk of overheating and becoming distorted, though the company says no customers have yet reported the problem. Nikon says it will replace any battery from the affected batch (which only became available after February 29th 2012).

Press statement:

Notice to users of the EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

This is an important announcement regarding the EN-EL15 battery which is used in the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras.

While Nikon takes great measures to assure high quality products, it has come to our attention that a certain number of EN-EL15 batteries manufactured by one of our suppliers did not meet Nikon’s internal quality standards. In extremely rare cases, this may cause the battery to overheat and the exterior casing to become deformed. Batteries exhibiting this problem have only been confirmed in the Nikon manufacturing process. We have received no reports of this problem from the market. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of our customers and their equipment, we have initiated a voluntary replacement scheme for applicable products.

Customers using an applicable EN-EL15 battery may request a replacement battery as indicated below.

Applicable batteries

1. Locate the lot number for your EN-EL15 battery. Lot numbers are alphanumeric characters printed at the bottom of the name plate on the bottom of the battery as shown below.
2. Check the 9th digit of the lot number as indicated below.

   

- If the 9th digit of the EN-EL15 battery lot number is E or F then the battery needs to be replaced as it may be affected by this issue.

- If the 9th digit of the EN-EL15 battery lot number is A, B, C, D, G or any subsequent letter in the alphabet then the battery is safe to use. This voluntary recall is limited only to those units of the model EN-EL15 in lots E and F.

This issue does not apply to EN-EL15 batteries supplied with the D7000 and Nikon 1 V1 purchased before February 29, 2012 or to batteries purchased individually before February 29, 2012.

Replacement battery requests

To return and receive your new EN-EL15 battery pack, click here and follow the instructions immediately below the battery image. You will need to click a link and enter the battery lot number to determine if the battery is eligible.

We've prepared a samples gallery using the D3200 - Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR. While many of the features are familiar from the D3100, the latest model incorporates a 24MP sensor, so we thought we'd see what the pictures look like. Given the kind of user it's aimed at, we decided to see what the D3200 could do using the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR kit lens, at a various of ISO settings and in different lighting conditions.

There's no Raw support for the D3200 yet, so all these images were shot with the camera's default JPEG settings (which has noise reduction and Active D-lighting on). The last nine images are JPEGs re-processed in camera, using a variety of post-capture filter options.

Nikon D3200 samples gallery

There are 36 images in this samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don't abuse it.

Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. Because our review images are now hosted on the 'galleries' section of dpreview.com, you can enjoy all of the galleries functionality when browsing these samples.

Nikon D3200 Preview Samples - posted on 24th April 2012

Nikon has announced the D3200 24MP entry-level DSLR that can be used with an optional WU-1a Wi-Fi module. The camera can now shoot up to 1080p30 video (rather than the D3100's 24p) and has a 920k dot LCD, up from 230k dots. Beyond this, and improved continuous shoot rate despite the pixel-count hike, the biggest change is the ability to add the Wi-Fi unit. The WU-1a will sell for a recommended sale price of $59.95/£54.99/€59 and will be able to broadcast to smartphones over a 49ft range. The D3200 is expected in late April at an MSRP of $699.95/£649.99/€699.

The WU-1a will be available from May and will initially support image upload and remote viewing/shutter release with a free app for Android phones (version 2.3 and newer). An iOS version of the app will follow later in the year. Details are vague but we're told the app allows full-sized or VGA images to be transferred from the camera and that a live preview is available on the phone, but with only the ability to fire the trigger, not change camera settings.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional Images

Press Release:

SIMPLY STUNNING: THE NEW NIKON D3200 IS THE SIMPLE WAY TO CHRONICLE MEMORIES WITH SUPERIOR IMAGE AND HD VIDEO QUALITY

The Nikon D3200 Provides New D-SLR Shooters a Powerful Combination of Effortless Operation, 24.2-Megapixel High Resolution and Wireless Connectivity to Mobile Devices

MELVILLE, N.Y. (APRIL 19, 2012) – Today, imaging leader Nikon Inc. introduced the new 24.2-megapixel Nikon D3200 HD-SLR; a camera designed for photo enthusiasts ready to step up to a D-SLR or for the busy family memory keeper with an active lifestyle who demands a camera that can keep pace. From low-light to fast action, the D3200 delivers the amazing image quality Nikon is known for, either indoors or outside. Whether new to photography or upgrading from a point-and-shoot, the D3200 features Nikon's acclaimed instructive Guide Mode to help unleash the photographer in everyone. From candid action shots to staged portraits that flatter, the Nikon D3200 provides the power to capture every moment easily and beautifully with stellar image quality and in stunning Full HD (1080p) video.

Ready to tag along for any outing, the Nikon D3200's compact, lightweight body makes it easy to pack for a quick day trip or the long haul. A host of advanced features, including a super high resolution 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, Full HD (1080p) video recording with full time autofocus (AF) and 4 frames-per-second (fps) high-speed continuous shooting mode, prepare the D3200 for challenging lighting conditions and fast paced action. Also, Nikon D3200 users will be able to take advantage of the new WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. When connected to the camera, this optional adapter can wirelessly send images to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, preview an image before shooting and control the camera remotely.

"When every moment is as precious as the next one, having a camera that takes the guesswork out of photography is important," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The Nikon D3200 HD-SLR offers effortless functionality and easy-to-use connectivity to mobile devices that answers the call for a capable, entry-level D-SLR that will change how you share amazing images with your friends and family."

Stunning Images to Last a Lifetime

The new Nikon D3200 delivers outstanding image quality no matter the user's skill level by leveraging Nikon's renowned technologies. The new 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor allows for incredibly sharp images with stunning detail and less noise, while Nikon's EXPEED 3™ image processing engine helps to create clear, lifelike images and video with vivid colors, smooth tonal gradations and low noise.
The Nikon D3200 grants users impressive performance in low-light, affording the ability to shoot with assurance even during night games and school plays. With a native ISO range that extends from ISO 100 to 6400, the D3200 can also be expanded to a high of ISO 12,800 for extreme low-light situations resulting in previously impossible photos. Additionally, Nikon's Scene Recognition System works in tandem with the camera's 3D Color Matrix Metering II to recognize factors such as color and brightness for balanced exposures, accurate AF, faithful white balance and beautiful flash photos.

Effortless Operation

Beginner photographers as well as those looking to expand their repertoire of shooting techniques will appreciate the Nikon D3200's Guide Mode which provides step-by-step photo instructions to capture amazing images. Easily accessible through the Mode Dial found on top of the camera body, the Guide Mode walks beginning D-SLR users through the process of set-up, shooting, viewing and deleting images. Because it asks the user what kind of creative photo technique they would like to learn, the Guide Mode has been widely acclaimed for its ability to build confidence and give users the tools to create amazing images. As more people discover the benefits of replacing their camcorder with a D-SLR, the Guide Mode also walks users through the best video settings to create home movies with blockbuster flair. For those with a more advanced skill level, the Guide Mode features helpful Assist Images that serve as a visual reference to inspire users and illustrate the desired result, while guiding them through easy-to-follow techniques.

Further taking the guesswork out of photography, the D3200 also includes six Scene Modes. Photographers can set the Mode Dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up or Night Portrait, and the D3200 will automatically adjust camera settings for optimal results in a variety of conditions.

Beautiful Home Movies in Full HD

When images alone can't tell the whole story, the Nikon D3200 offers the full HD experience of high quality 1080p video. Users can create memorable, cinematic quality videos at 24 or 30 fps and easily share HD content online with friends and family or on their own HDTV via the HDMI output.

Continuing down the path that its predecessor, the Nikon D3100, started, the D3200 implements full-time AF during video recording to help capture crisp video even during the most action-packed situations. To boost the production value of any home video, the camera offers manual or automatic exposure control, and a stereo microphone input to attach an optional external microphone such as the compact ME-1 Stereo Microphone. Furthermore, the D3200 offers other HD-SLR advantages including the ability to create a shallow depth of field, amazing low-light video performance and NIKKOR lens versatility.

Capturing videos on the D3200 is simple, even when in Live View. With a dedicated video record button and easy access to the Live View switch, users can capture video clips before the moment is gone. Additionally, videos play with astonishing detail and clarity on the D3200's 3-inch, high resolution 921,000-dot LCD screen.

A Camera to Keep Pace with an Energetic Existence

An active lifestyle requires a capable camera that is ready at a moment's notice, and the Nikon D3200 packs powerful technology to tackle just about any challenge. Delivering up to 4 fps in high-speed continuous shooting mode, the D3200 helps ensure that important, spontaneous and easy-to-miss memories are captured, from a baby's first smile to a game winning grand slam. Additionally, the D3200's advanced 11-point AF system allows the user to find and keep focus while maintaining a clear view of that subject. This advanced focusing system is ideal for capturing tricky subjects like a dancer mid-leap during the big recital or a dive for the line drive in centerfield.

The Nikon D3200's power is amplified when combined with the versatility of Nikon's legendary NIKKOR optics and powerful accessories. Compatible with Nikon's dedicated DX-format lenses and over 50 FX-format lenses as well as Nikon's Speedlight System, the Nikon D3200 puts creativity at the user's fingertips. The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter for the D3200 allows the connected user to easily share photos taken on the D3200 to an Android™ platform based smartphone or tablet, so friends and family can enjoy the moment almost as quickly as it happens.1 Android platform users are able to wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a mobile device, preview the image before shooting photos, and even remotely control the camera from up to 49 feet. The Application for use with an Android platform smartphone (2.3 series) and tablet (3.x series) is expected for release in May 2012.2 Additionally, an Application for the iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital device is expected for release in Fall 2012.3

Price and Availability

The Nikon D3200 outfit with the versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens will be available in late April 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $699.95* in either Black or Red. The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, sold separately, will be available in late May 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $59.95*. For more information on the Nikon D3200, NIKKOR lenses, additional Nikon D-SLR cameras and accessories, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon D3200 specifications

Additional images

Nikon WU-1a optional Wi-Fi unit	WU-1a attached to D3200

Nikon has announced the AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8 G, a fast wideangle lens for full frame SLRs such as the D800. It uses two aspherical elements in its 11 element / 9 group construction, along with Nano Crystal Coat to combat flare and ghosting. It can also be used on DX format cameras, giving a 42mm-equivalent 'normal' angle of view. It will be available from the end of May 2012 at a suggested retail price of $699.95. Updated with specifications.

Press Release:

NIKON'S NEW AF-S NIKKOR 28MM F/1.8G LENS MAKES WIDE-ANGLE AND FAST APERTURE AN ATTAINABLE REALITY

New NIKKOR Lens is the Latest Addition to Popular Series of FX-format f/1.8 Prime Lenses

MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 19, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the wide-angle AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G, a fixed focal length lens with a large maximum aperture to carry on the legacy of superior NIKKOR imaging technology for enthusiasts and professionals. With a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 and Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghost and flare, the 28mm FX-format lens offers stunning sharpness and versatility for both photos and HD video.

"This NIKKOR lens is the latest addition to the popular family of f/1.8 primes designed to give HD-SLR shooters the performance and versatility needed to capture images and HD video with outstanding image quality," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The new AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G is a great way for photographers to discover a high-quality, wide-angle prime lens that provides amazingly crisp focus and natural background blur."

Professional and enthusiast HD-SLR photographers will appreciate the 28mm f/1.8G's wide-angle versatility and enjoy the sharp focus and lightweight yet durable construction befitting a NIKKOR lens. The lens' Nano Crystal Coat prevents ghosting and flare and helps produce spectacular high-resolution photos and HD video in even the most challenging lighting conditions. This 28mm lens also features a large f/1.8 maximum aperture, giving the photographer the ability to effortlessly highlight natural background image blur.

The 28mm f/1.8G's construction and optical formula is deep-rooted with NIKKOR core technology to ensure the highest level performance and versatility for the most demanding imaging applications. Featuring eleven optical elements in nine groups with two aspherical elements, the 28mm f/1.8G is designed to be a compact and durable lens maximized for versatility. Additionally, the new 28mm lens is able to resolve high resolution images with amazing sharpness and clarity, making it an ideal companion for the new 36.3-megapixel Nikon D800 HD-SLR. Professionals and enthusiasts are offered complete lens control with two focus modes, (M) manual and (M/A) autofocus with manual override that allow the photographer to tailor their focus for any shooting scenario. The 28mm f/1.8G lens is also equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allowing for smooth, silent and precise autofocus operation essential for capturing pristine HD video.

Price and Availability

The AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G lens will be available at the end of May 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $699.95*. For more information please visit www.nikonusa.com.

AF-S Nikkor 28mm F1.8 G Specifications

DxO Labs has launched DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2, adding support for the Nikon D4, Olympus XZ-1 and PEN E-P1. The additions, which include a selection of camera/lens pairings for the PEN and D4, take the number of optical correction modules in DxO Optics Pro to more than 6000, with 500 added since February 2012. The D4 is only available to users of the Elite edition of Optics Pro. As usual, a 30-day free trial of the software is available.

Press Release:

DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 supports the new Nikon D4 and surpasses 6,000 DxO Optics Modules

More than 500 modules added to the library since the end of February

April 11, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 for Mac and Windows, its image processing software of reference for all serious photographers. DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 now offers support for the new Nikon D4, as well as for the Olympus XZ-1 and Olympus Pen E-P1 digital compacts, thus covering all Olympus micro 4/3 models currently available.

Recently tested on DxOMark, DxO Labs’ dedicated site for digital camera image quality measurements, the Nikon D4’s score of 89 points outclasses the Nikon D3x and puts it in second place for full frame cameras behind the Nikon D800 (95 points). (For more information, see the review on our dxomark.com website.)

DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. More than 500 new camera-lens combinations were added to the DxO Optics Module library during the past several weeks, crossing the milestone of 6,000 available modules. This means that DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2 now supports additional Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samyang, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina and Zeiss lenses for numerous Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony cameras.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICES

The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro 7 for Windows and Mac are available in the DxO Labs online boutique (www.dxo.com) and at photo resellers, at the following prices:

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: $169
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: $299

EUR: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: 149 €
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: 299 €

GBP: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: £135
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: £269

This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7 as well as for photographers who acquired a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 on or after September 1, 2011.

A fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro v7.2.2, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs website (http://www.dxo.com/intl/photo/free_trial_version).

Award-winning photojournalist and videographer Dan Chung from DSLR News Shooter has just posted a video shootout pitting the Canon EOS 5D Mark III against the Nikon D800. In the interesting and in-depth article accompanying it, Chung looks at the video features of both cameras in detail and compares them, not only in terms of output quality, but also usability.

Among the factors covered are the cameras' video detail resolution, susceptibility to moiré patterning and the extent of rolling shutter effect. Using a range of different lenses and accessories on both cameras, Dan also takes a detailed look at how well each camera fits into a professional video workflow.

Click here to read Dan's article: Video Shootout: Nikon D800 vs. Canon 5D MK III

Click here to read Dan Chung and other professionals' impressions of the D800 and D4

Nikon UK has officially confirmed increases to the prices of its D800, D800E and D4 DSLRs. The move, which Nikon blames on an 'internal systems error', sees the D800's recommended retail price rise by £200 to £2599.99, while the D4's goes up by £500 to £5299.99 and the D800E's becomes £2,899.99. However the company says it will honor the prices on existing pre-orders placed before March 24th.

Nikon UK has also confirmed to us that this price rise will only affect customers in the UK and Irish markets - other regions are not affected.

Press statement:

NIKON UK Press Statement 26-March-2012

Nikon UK can confirm a correction to the originally published recommended retail prices (RRP) on the D800, D800E and D4 products.

Due to a local internal systems error, the incorrect RRPs on the D800, D800E and D4 products were communicated in the UK and Irish markets at the time of announcement. The correct RRPs for the products should have been D4: £5289.99, D800: £2,599.99 and D800E: £2,899.99. We would like to apologise sincerely to our customers for this unfortunate mistake, which has been corrected with immediate effect. We know that there has been strong consumer interest in these products and a high level of pre-orders placed with retailers; Nikon will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24^th 2012.

We've just got hold of Nikon's 36MP D800 full-frame DSLR and have been seeing what it's like to shoot with. We've shot it alongside the D3S to see exactly what effect trebling the pixel count has. In addition we look at the handling, its video shooting controls and how it behaves with vintage lenses. To put our studio samples in context we've also included a 40-image real-world samples gallery and a look at the camera's low-light performance. You may be surprised by the outcome.

Nikon D800 first impressions

Click here to read our first impressions of the Nikon D800

Real world samples

There are 40 images in this review samples gallery - a mixture of default JPEGs and processed raw files. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don't abuse it.

Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. Because our review images are now hosted on the 'galleries' section of dpreview.com, you can enjoy all of the new galleries functionality when browsing these samples.

Nikon D800 Preview Samples - posted 22 March 2012

Just Posted: studio test samples from the Nikon D800. We're running the 36MP D800 through our standard set of studio tests and have completed the shots of our test scene. These have been appended to the D800 preview and include all the Raw files for download. You can also access the shots from other reviews or the standalone comparison tool.

Click here to see the samples in our Nikon D800 preview

Nikon USA has defended its decision to stop supplying spare parts to companies outside its authorized service network. Its intention is to deliver 'the best service experience to the customer,' says David Dentry, General Manager of Customer Relations at Nikon Inc, explaining that the complexity of modern cameras and the need for specialist analysis and calibration tools meant that repair attempts by ill-equipped retail or unauthorized repair shops could end up causing delays, increase the cost and risk voiding the camera's warranty. However, an independent service center we spoke to said its statements misrepresented the situation and is likely to mean small repairs take longer.

Nikon's Dentry says the move comes to ensure cameras are repaired properly with the right parts: 'Cameras are now far more technically advanced, and require testing equipment for a proper diagnosis and proper tools for adjustment and calibration. Years ago, you could look at a camera and diagnose a worn gear or some physical issue. Now cameras are advanced microcomputers and require skilled technicians and specialized tools to fix a camera and calibrate the focus of lenses to properly assure adherence specifications.'

Consumer benefits

'The benefits for the consumer were top of mind when implementing this policy. A consumer’s products are repaired properly in a timely fashion, often times with less waiting time and less cost to the consumer. Consumers can also have confidence in their cameras service, as authorized dealers receive factory training, tech bulletins for recent products, and possess proper tools for diagnostics and adjustments.'

Dentry suggests using independent servicing is something of a lottery: 'Often times, a retailer or unauthorized repair shop would attempt to repair a camera even though they were not able or equipped to make such repair and thereafter would have to send the camera to a Nikon authorized repair facility for proper repair, at the cost of increased wait times. Overall, this led to many delays and in the end increased the cost to the customer. Additionally, as with most consumer electronics, if there is evidence of improper repair, a camera warranty would likely be void.'

The mention of warranties is odd, an independent service center told us: 'most of our business is post-warranty work. Why should people be paying us for work if it's paid for under the warranty?'

He also dismissed the idea that damage during repair is commonplace: 'there are literally thousands of pieces of Nikon equipment being serviced by independent stores. We've been in business since the 1950's and there are plenty of businesses that have been here for 30, 40 years. 'They're lumping everyone together. Yes there are some places that are one guy working out of his house who thinks he can repair a camera, but that's not the all of us - we've had guys here working for 20 or more years. These are people who have trained at the Canon factory or the Nikon factory or the Sony factory.'

Modern DSLRs feature complex electronics as well as traditional precision engineering

'There are some tools and pieces of equipment that are too expensive for us to buy, or that we wouldn't use often enough to make it economic, and in those cases we send the cameras back to the factory. But this move means even small things will have to go back to the factory,' says the independent business.

Dentry points out that independent service shops can apply to join the 20 centers authorized to repair its DSLRs in the US, and says they can contact their local Nikon rep or the Nikon Inc. repair department for an application and Nikon tool requirement list and training information.

But the cost of becoming a Nikon authorized service center is prohibitive, the independent service center claims: 'There's an item on that list that costs $32,000. Overall you need to buy equipment costing over $160,000 and you sign a contract agreeing they could cut you out tomorrow. The cost of equipment, that only works with their products, is more than the cost of what every other manufacturer requires, put together.'

'We have a relationship with all the manufacturers - if it requires a specialist piece of equipment for the work, we send it back.'

'Independent servicing allows quicker repairs'

'It's odd to be someone's customer for 40 or 50 years and then be told 'we don't want your money anymore. The majority of businesses like ours are family owned. This takes business out of the local economy.' Ultimately, though, the option of turning to independent servicing is in the customers' interest, he says: 'Independent servicing allows small repairs to be done quickly'

'We're not sure what happens next - we haven't yet heard officially it they're completely cutting us out or if they'll allow their service centers to re-sell parts, or if some people will self-import components. We won't go down that route but I'm sure some will.'