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All about image quality Photography News was at the high-profile launch of the Nikon D810 to find out more about the big claims of image quality

NEWS INBRIEF GETYOUR QUATTRONOW The Sigma Quattro dp2 is now available, with a price of £899.99. Sigma has redesigned every aspect of the camera, including the body, for a unique look, and the camera includes the Foveon X3 Quattro direct image sensor with multiple layers. The dp2 has a high- performance 30mm f/2.8 fixed lens, offering the 35mm equivalent to a 45mm lens. www.sigma-imaging. co.uk TESTOUT PERMAJET PermaJet has launched new test packs that include a range of papers, including the new Smooth Pearl, Smooth Gloss and FB Gold Silk papers. The selection allows you to try a variety of finishes. The Digital Photo Range includes 30x A4 sheets, while the FB Baryta includes 14x A4 sheets.

Words by Ian Fyfe

there might be issues with moiré,” explained Iddon, “but the reality is, that situation doesn’t occur much, and if it does, there’s software that can easily rectify it. So the benefits of no optical low-pass filter far outweigh any potential negatives, and the D810 is just sticking strong to the best image quality.” Of course, the true test of the improvements to image quality in the D810 is in use, and D800E-using Nikon Ambassador John Wright had been using the camera before its unveiling. Speaking to us at the launch in his Motel Studios in Shoreditch, London, he was clearly convinced that the upgrade is worthwhile. “I think Nikon is right to be shouting about the sensor and the best quality Nikon image ever, because it genuinely surprised me and it is a better image,” he said. “And it’s improved on the D800E’s image quality that I was completely happy with.” We can’t wait to see the results for ourselves, and we’ll have a test of the D810 in a future issue.

When the D800 and D800E were launched, they brought a revolution in imaging, raising affordable DSLR resolution close to the level of medium-format. Nikon seemed to have the image quality box well and truly ticked, but that hasn’t stopped them striving for even better with the D810. “It’s all about image quality at this level of camera,” said Simon Iddon, Nikon UK Group product manager, speaking to Photography News , “and the most important feature of the D810 is the step up in image quality. With the combination of the EXPEED 4 processor, the new image sensor, no optical low-pass filter and Picture Control, the results are stunning.” Previously, the D800 series offered a choice – the D800 with a conventional optical low-pass filter, or the D800E with a modified filter to counteract the softening effect of a conventional one and offer more resolution. There’s just one D810 model with no optical low-pass filter at all. “There were some thoughts that with the modified optical low-pass filter in the D800E,

Both cost just £11.95. www.permajet.com

ABOVE Simon Iddon with the Nikon D810 at its launch at Nikon Ambassador John Wright’s Motel Studios.

A trio of Tamrons Superzooms for different sensor sizes

Swiftly following the recent launch of the Tamron 16-300mm superzoom (tested in this issue), a 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 for full-frame DSLRs spearheads a triplet of new Tamron superzoom lenses, with Micro Four Thirds and Canon EOS M users also in luck. The full-frame superzoom includes Tamron’s Piezo Drive ultrasonic autofocus motor system for almost silent and fast operation, alongside Vibration Control to keep things steady throughout the focal range. It’s available now in Canon, Nikon and Sony fit, with a price of £619. The Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 also offers Micro Four Thirds users the 35mm

equivalent focal range of 28-300mm. It includes one Low Dispersion glass element, two Anomalous Dispersion glass elements, two Molded Glass Aspherical elements and one Hybrid Aspherical element, all controlling aberrations for the highest image quality. A stepping motor provides fast and quiet autofocusing, and the lens weighs just 285g. It’s available now at £389. Completing the range of three new lenses is Tamron’s 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens with a Canon EOS M mount, adding to the existing Sony E-mount model. This provides a zoom range equivalent to 27-300mm. You can buy the new lens now for £389.

π To find out more, go to www.intro2020.co.uk.

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Issue 10 | Photography News

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