Genuine Parts

Barely 24 hours after yesterday's spoof D4 firmware update (available exclusively to readers of this blog) comes the real thing from Nikon. The current firmware version is now A 1.05, B 1.03. The D3 also gets an update, the first time I can recall this happening to a technically outdated, although still hugely popular, model.

Ironically, one of the claims Nikon makes for the new D4 update is that images will "appear more three dimensional". I had considered adding 3D to my own "firmware update". As with many technology based April Fool's, what seems unlikely today will probably happen tomorrow.

D4 Firmware Version 1.4.13

Released today, Nikon's newest firmware update for the D4 brings a host of new features to the camera:

• 4K Raw video together with the ability to use the optical viewfinder during movie recording. Files will be stored in the new NEVr format. Note: Capture NX2 has yet to be updated to support the new format
• Lo -2 (25 ISO equiv)
• A full suite of 'Kodak' Picture Controls based around a Kodachrome film emulator - these will operate in conjunction with the new Lo-2 ISO setting
•  'XQD Mode 2' for the XQD card slot is now unlocked which will enable Mp3 files stored on the card to be played back through the camera's speaker or headphones. Initially, only music purchased via Sony will be supported

Note: Owners of D4 bodies purchased outside the UK may need to upgrade to firmware version 4.1.13 first.

Nik Software Suite Offer

It's rare you get a bargain in photography, where a 20 inch metal pan costs $100 to ship across the Atlantic, but following the acquisition of Nik Software by Google, the entire suite of plug-ins for Photoshop and Lightroom is currently available for $149. Given the previous price being asked for the individual components I wouldn't hesitate. In fact  I didn't and snapped them up earlier in the week. I promise to use them wisely.

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Despite the defeat of Clause 43 of the Digital Economy Bill proposed under the last government, the threat to the viability of professional photography in the UK has returned in almost the same form, tucked away inside the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill.

More information in this blog post by Eddie Mulholland:

http://thebppa.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/the-copyright-fight

If at First You Don't Succeed

Hot on the heels of firmware update 1.03, stated to improve the D4's autofocus, comes firmware update 1.04 released today. To improve the autofocus.

The Last Roll of Kodachrome

This very interesting film tells the story of photographer Steve McCurry shooting the last roll of Kodachrome 64.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUL6MBVKVLI

Feeding Swans, Bosham Harbour

© Tom Parkes

While we wait for the promised snow, the Sunday afternoon tradition of a bracing walk goes on.

This image also marks a move from making raw conversions in Nikon Capture NX2 to the Adobe raw converter in Photoshop CS6. I've long preferred the conversions in NX2 over those offered by Adobe's converter built into Photoshop, Lightroom and Bridge, while at the same time admiring the workflow offered by those applications. I'm currently evaluating CS6 and while I can see some areas where NX2 offers a smother rendering, Camera Raw has moved ahead in others, notably sharpening.

The acid test will be the quality of Adobe's rendering of images created in mixed lighting.