Tag: nikon

Nikon NEF image handcuffs

Nikon recently released a new digital SLR camera named the D2X. They have their own RAW file format named NEF which can be used to save images with no loss of quality, allowing the photographer greater control of the photo once it’s on his computer. Nikon provides software to load NEF files, but only for the Windows platform. The NEF file format has since been reverse engineered by various people, which allows the use of it in other non-Nikon and non-Windows software.

Nikon did something underhand with this new camera. They now encrypt the white balance data in the NEF file, the intention being to prevent reverse engineering. Remember, this is meta-data about photos taken by the photographer; the creator and copyright holder of the photo. Nikon seem to think they own it this meta-data.
(more…)

New photos, Armley and new lens test

I’ve uploaded some new shots around Armley (plus one errant one in Bradford of my Sister).

I also bought a cheap-ass telephoto/macro lens to try sate my close-up needs. I’ve bunged up a few shots I’ve taken with it. It’s a Sigma 70-300mm APO (f/4 – 5.6). f/5.6 is useless at 300mm in dim light, so this is a strictly bright daytime or flash lens (though the flash is obviously of no use with anything other than close-up at 300mm). The auto-focus drive is slow and noisy too. Compared to the fast and expensive Nikon lenses of equivalent focal length, this doesn’t seem bad for the hilariously low price (though to be honest, I’ve not used the expensive lenses). I’m not experienced enough yet to comment on sharpness or colour saturation or anything. I’ve not noticed any obvious problems yet, and no obvious lense distortion, but I really dont’ know what to look for yet.

Also, me rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.