It’s really hard to find enough space for a backyard pool, and it’s even harder to find enough money to pay for one. Swimming is such good exercise that most of us would likely do [...]

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Introduction

Probably one of the most highly anticipated DSLRs, and most widely rumoured cameras, of the past few months, the Nikon D800 is finally official.

With its substantial 36.3-megapixel full-frame FX sensor, Nikon is aiming the D800 at the higher end of the market, namely professionals and top-end enthusiasts. The £2399.99 price tag reflects that.

The company is keen to point out that it is not a replacement for the Nikon D700, but will sit alongside it (for the moment, at least).

This is of course Nikon’s second DSLR announcement of 2012, with the flagship Nikon D4 arriving just a couple of weeks ago. The D800 utilises many of the new features of the D4 in a smaller body and at a cheaper price point.

These include the same EXPEED 3 processor, the same Multi-Cam 3500 FX autofocus system which offers 51 autofocus points and the same 91k pixel metering system. It’s also capable of focusing right down to -2 EV (moonlight, essentially), which coupled with its ability to shoot at up to ISO 25,600 (at the Hi 2 setting), should make this a promising camera for its low-light shooting.

The D700 doesn’t feature a video mode, but the D800 brings Full HD functionality. It can record 1080p video at 30, 25 and 24fps frame rates, along with 60 and 50fps rates at 720p for shooting slow-motion movies. Both FX and DX crops are available in video mode, although the D800 lacks the D4’s useful new 1920 x 1080 crop mode.

In another upgrade over the D700, the D800 features dual memory card slots. Unlike the D4, the D800 makes use of existing memory card formats, namely Compact Flash and SD. The decision to include two formats might prove mildly frustrating for some pros, who will now have to carry two different sets of cards.

Altogether, Nikon claims to have included 36 new features or improvements to this camera, when compared to the D700, and is also introducing a new battery grip which is compatible with multiple types of Nikon batteries.

The D800 will be available in two versions: a ’standard’ body, plus a special edition, called the D800E. This will have the anti-aliasing filter removed, but comes with an extra £400 premium as a result.

Removing the filter allows for a potentially greater amount of detail to be resolved, and is a feature most commonly found on medium-format cameras, which Nikon is clearly aiming to target with this latest release. But this comes at the price of increasing the chances of false colour or moiré patterning.

This type of noise is relatively straightforward to remove in photo-editing software packages, such as Lightroom 4. Nikon’s own Capture NX2 can also be used to reduce or remove the effect, and will come bundled with the D800E.

Build quality and handling

In terms of size, shape and weight, the differences between the D800 and D700 are subtle. It’s 10% lighter than the D700 and the body has a more ‘contoured’ look and feel. Like the D4, the shutter release has been slightly repositioned for better ergonomics, while a number of the controls have been tweaked

New buttons include a direct video record button just behind the shutter release, which reflects the D800’s increased focus on high-end video. There’s also a new switch to the right of the rear screen that enables you to toggle between live view in stills mode and video mode.

These controls are mirrored on the D4, which should make switching between the two bodies a relatively straightforward process for pros packing both cameras.

Just to the left of the lens mount is a direct AF mode control button, which is used in conjunction with the camera’s two control dials. Rotating the rear dial enables switching between AF-S and AF-C, while the front dial can be used to toggle between the various options available in each mode.

Although it may be surprising to hear that such a video-focused camera doesn’t come with an articulating screen, the D800’s fixed 921k dot 3.2 inch LCD panel is promising. As with the D4, it features automatic monitor brightness control. During our brief time with the camera, we found reflections to be minimal with a good viewing experience to be had from a variety of different angles.

The viewfinder now offers 100% frame coverage, as opposed to the D700’s 95%, which is likely to be welcomed by photographers specialising in landscapes, and other disciplines that demand criticial framing.

A dual-axis electronic virtual horizon is also a useful addition for outdoor photographers, and can be viewed either on the LCD monitor or through the viewfinder, which is also extremely handy.

Anyone familiar with Nikon DSLRs, especially the D700, or D3 S/X professional series, will be at ease with the menu and operation of the camera.

Performance

Obviously it’s difficult to fully evaluate the performance of a camera without being able to shoot real-world images with it, but initial impressions are extremely promising.

Stills shot by John Wright, a fashion photographer using the D800, were on display at the camera’s launch and gave a good indication of the capabilities the new 36 million pixel sensor can offer. Video output looks like it will be similar to that seen in the D4.

As with the D4, the central 11 AF points are capable of functioning at f/8. This effectively means that teleconverters can be used to extend the reach of shorter length lenses, rather than having to worry about packing multiple long and heavy telephotos. For instance, a 200-400mm f/4 fitted with a 2x teleconverter effectively becomes a 400-800mm f/8 that still works with autofocus.

Like many of its competitors, Nikon has really ramped up its video efforts and the D800 is no exception, with several new features directly aimed at videographers. One such example of this is, as on the D4, uncompressed HDMI output, which is likely to be welcomed by those looking to produce broadcast quality video.

Although the Nikon D800 features 36.3 million pixels, which is more than three times that found on the D700, the company claims that noise performance is roughly equal. This is one of the key areas that we will be keen to test further in our full review once samples become available.

The shutter has been tested to around 200,000 cycles, while the battery life has been reduced from the D700 to around 850 shots at CIPA standard. While the D700 was capable of around 1000, the new battery has been made to comply with a new Japanese electronics law, hence the reduction in shot output. However, since those 850 also includes the flash being fired, it’s likely that the battery has the potential to last even longer, depending on the situation.

Verdict

It’s clear that Nikon is really striving to make 2012 its year. In the past 23 working days, the company has launched 20 products (which includes DSLRs, compacts and accessories).

With the Olympics coming up, Nikon is obviously trying to tap into the huge number of professionals who are demanding ever increasing amounts from their cameras, whether that is with higher resolution images or professional quality HD video.

For the price, the D800 represents a good investment. You get pretty much all of the best features of the D4 in a more compact and lighter body, for just shy of half of the price.

It’s perhaps a little bit strange to see older bodies in Nikon’s range continuing, namely the D700 and the D3X, which now offers a 24 million pixel sensor at greater expense than the D800’s 36MP one.

Nikon is also keen to tap into other areas of the market where it previously hasn’t quite had the reach. With the introduction of the D800E, this means medium-format users who are looking for large sensors with tons of details, especially for those working in fashion and studio environments.

It seems like a smart move to introduce this camera at around the same time as the D4 as we can see lots of pros deciding to invest in both, using the D800 as a good second body. High-end enthusiasts and videographers should find lots that they like about this camera, too.

With Canon also keeping its customer base waiting for a 5D Mark II upgrade, Nikon also has the potential to tempt a few of its rival’s core audience over to the other side.

Look out for a full Nikon D800 review in due course.

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After witnessing Woody Harrelson’s spectacular Reddit Ask Me Anything fail, we wanted to talk to the genius who asked him about the time he allegedly crashed a high school prom and took a female student’s virginity. So we messaged Reddit user AndyRooney. More »

Google’s always been a little bit hesitant to get into the hardware game, preferring instead to stick their software (and occasionally branding) on devices from others. But a new rumor suggests that Google may be working on a prototype for a pair of augmented reality glasses that they’ll be marketing directly to the public.

iLuv's Portfolio Stand for Kindle Fire retails for $49.99 but can be had for less online.

(Credit:
iLuv)

Companies send over samples for various accessories and I try to highlight some of the better ones for various devices. Case in point: iLuv’s Portfolio Stand for Kindle Fire.

It’s a nice, trim case that fits snuggly and turns into a stand by unhitching the Fire from bottom of the case. It’s a design we’ve seen before with iPad cases and works better than you’d think.

Drawbacks: this one isn’t made of leather (it is very good faux leather, however) and it’s fairly expensive at $49.99 (though it can be had online for less than $40).

iLuv makes several accessories for the Fire, including a screen cover and other cases, but the Portfolio Stand gets the highlight image and stamp of approval. We just wish it cost a bit less.

Best Kindle Fire cases and covers (photos)

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Apparently Apple has already decided that their current iPhone is the de facto size for a mobile. They never really consulted us, but for them 3.5-inches is more than enough for a mobile. Well, their closest smartphone competitor Samsung has other ideas, in fact, they think you should be able to choose whatever screen size you want. Anything from 3-inches to 5.6-inches. Sammy has launched a new smartphone with a gigantic 5.6-inch screen. Called the Galaxy Note it’s a smartphone that looks to combine the best of a tablet (screen size) with the portability of a mobile to create something genuinely different. Samsung is clearly hoping that the Note is a convergence device; marrying two devices into one. Has it worked? Almost.

The Screen of all screens

When you unbox the Note the first thing you’ll probably do is compare it against an iPhone and when you do you’ll come to the conclusion that it’ll never fit in anyone’s pockets (unless you own some hammer pants) – it’s massive. The extra size is obvious; a large 5.3-inch screen.

The Note uses Samsung AMOLED technology which is found the current S2. All of their current screens which use this tech are famed for incredible brightness, deep, bold colours and the Note is no exception. The 1280×800 resolution is a quite an achievement, but would have been a real man on the moon moment if they had managed to get this resolution onto a phone that wasn’t quite so big.

Power and Battery Life

With such a big screen and plenty more pixels to push around you’d think Samsung might want to add a new CPU. But, the have decided to run a clocked version of the same chip found in its smaller cousin the S2. With the increased power demands of the screen Samsung has decided to up the battery – to a 2500 Mah, meaning you can rely on the Note to last a full day without having to do a pit stop.

Software and Internal Storage

Google’s attempt to cure the fragmenting of the Android OS has seen the search giant release Ice Cream Sandwich, unfortunately if you pick a Note you’ll be waiting until March before Samsung can update the current Gingerbread OS to Ice Cream Sandwich.

From the face of it you’d probably struggle to tell the two OS’s apart, but it would have been nice to see the latest OS on the latest Android handsets. It would seem that in a cruel twist of fate Ice Cream may well fragment Android even further. The Note comes in two storage flavours – 16 and 32GB.

The Stylus is back

One of the main party pieces of the Note is the return of an old friend: the Stylus pen. Samsung hopes that the Note and S Pen will eventually replace the humble pen and paper. We’re not sure they’re quite there yet. While the stylus on the HTC Flyer was a disaster, the Note’s is actually rather good on the face of it. It comes free with the handset and has a holster on the bottom of the device. Using the S Pen, you can doodle images, write notes and interact with all elements of the Android operating system. But, upon closer inspection it begins to unravel: handwriting recognition software is onboard, but hasn’t really moved on from the early 90’s – it’s still terrible at recognising handwriting – therefore you’ll probably only use it for games and the odd doodle.

Gaming Credentials

Where the stylus does succeed is gaming. Playing any number of games with the stylus makes the Note more like a fancy Nintendo DS than a boring business phone. Games like Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds are a joy to play with the pen. If you’re playing games which require you to use your fingers you’ll find them much more engrossing than on a normal sized phone. The extra screen real-estate really comes into play when playing games like GTA 3. The Note’s large display goes some way to curing the traditional headache of touch-screen virtual controls, enriching the experience more than you might naturally assume.

Camera and Video Capture

Samsung’s Galaxy S2 has been a by-word for an amazing digital camera, and we’re glad to report that the Note also comes with the same 8-megapixel camera and the same set of slick image-capture tools. If you liked the camera on the S2 – then you’ll love the Note’s.

Samsung Galaxy Note Review: The World’s First Tablet/Phone Hybrid ? is a post from: UK Gadget and Tech News, Reviews and Shopping Site - Gaj-It.com

What is the first image that comes to your mind when you think of a QR Code? A confusing maze of black rectangular patterns arranged on a white background?

True, most QR Codes are available in black and white but they don’t have to be that way.

There’s an excellent online QR generator at qrhacker.com that lets you create colorful QR codes and what makes this tool different is that it provides you can option to embed photographs and logo images to your QR codes. You can even edit the colors of individual pixels that form the code.

To give you an example, here’s a QR code made using a picture of Zuckerberg and if you scan the code with an app on your phone, say Google Goggles, it should take you to Facebook.

Every QR code has a unique URL for easy sharing or you can download the image locally in PNG or PDF. Here are more examples.

QR Code made with a colored picture of Zuckerberg.

This story, Embed Images and Make your QR Codes Look Different, was originally published at Digital Inspiration on 06/02/2012 under Embed, Qr Code, Internet.

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