Nikon D300s video + mic = Great Hope for D700s?

Today, Nikon announced the late August release of the D300s and D3000, as well as two lenses (notably the 70-200) with improved VR capabilities. Press release here. DPReview has an all-too brief hands-on write-up here.

I’m hoping the new features in both cameras are tasters for better things to come in full-frame DSLR bodies (the D700x, according to this ‘leaked roadmap.’) released in the fall. (Here’s why you shouldn’t believe any supposed roadmaps)

For multimedia shooters, the D300s offers a 3.5mm external mic input and “contrast-based autofocus” for ‘tripod only’ use. As for how any of this will translate in real use, we’ll have to wait a few weeks. Video quality and the 5min time-constraint on long shots seem to be no improvement on the D90, although Nikon-released sample videos by professional photogs show almost no traces of the jello-effect (Editing?). Hit the jump for D300s video samples from award-winning photogs Ami Vitale and Richard Bosch.

Taipei Photowalk 2009 : VR Photography

An interactive panoramic photo of the Taipei Photowalk 2009 event this last Sunday. (Click here or on the photo to explore the panorama)  I had a heartbreaking 16GB CF card crash mid-transfer the same night and out of what I managed to save (the card’s with professionals now, fingers crossed) were just 3 fisheye images, from which I made this pano. More on VR (“Virtual Reality”) photography after the jump.

D90 Video – Taipei Night Test with DIY steadicam

Here’s a test-run edit of my new Nikon D90. It’s a little tricky having to pre-plan your focus but overall, I’m pretty happy with the camera & especially with the interchangeable lenses. Used in this clip – 80-400mm 2.8, 85mm 1.8 and a 20mm 2.8 for the scooter and homemade steadicam shots.

Click here for a larger version of the video. For slower computers, I find Vimeo works best in IE over Firefox.

Taiwan-HK Professional Ballroom Dancing Competition

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Totally unplanned, but all the more wonderful for that. I managed to wrangle my way into the event wearing badminton shorts with my D90 and the last business card in my wallet as street cred. After the clunky D3, it’s great to be able to carry a light camera around and catch things like this on the fly.