Nikon D200, D50, and AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Named with TIPA European Photo & Imaging Awards
May 8, 2006
Tokyo-Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has honored three Nikon products with significant awards this year. TIPA named the Nikon D200 Digital SLR camera "Best D-SLR Expert in Europe 2006," the Nikon Digital SLR camera D50 "Best D-SLR Entry Level in Europe 2006," and the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED "Best Professional Lens in Europe 2006."
TIPA is a non-profit, independent professional organization open to all magazines within the European photo and imaging publishing industry. Each year a group of editor members representing leading photo and imaging magazines from across Europe choose the TIPA "European Photo & Imaging Award" winners by vote. These prestigious awards for the best photographic and imaging products of the year are widely recognized throughout the industry.
TIPA's official announcement included the following comments on the three winning products:
The Best D-SLR Expert in Europe 2006 – D200
Though it's less than 2000 euros, the Nikon D200 offers a resolution of 10 million pixels (3872 x 2592) with files of 32.78 x 21.95cm at 300 dpi. You can shoot with a sensitivity of up to ISO 400 and even 800 without too much concern about noise or colour shifts, while the camera's 3D Color Matrix Metering II measures exposure superbly without blowing highlight detail. However, it's the D200's handling speed which really impresses: it's up-and-running in just 0.15 seconds, and has a shutter lag of a mere 50 milliseconds. It offers 5 frames-per second for at least 37 consecutive shots in Fine JPEG, and this stunning performance is supported by a new 11-area AF system that the photographer can select at will.
The Best D-SLR Entry Level in Europe 2006 – D50
Little sister of the popular Nikon D70, the 6.1 megapixel D50 gives amateurs the chance to shoot high-resolution images at a very low cost. The ergonomics are well thought out and no major feature or function is missing. In the field, the Nikon D50 gives a performance beyond that expected at this price point. The automatic exposure system compensates for highlights and shadows in difficult lighting conditions, the 5-point autofocus system locks on quickly to the subject, and continuous shooting is possible at up to 2.5 frames per second. When necessary, the seven Digital Vari-Program Modes help optimise the settings for the best results. The D50 is compatible with all the AF Nikkor lenses and accessories, which make it a serious starting point for digital SLR photography.
The Best Professional Lens in Europe 2006 - AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
This lens is the first-ever macro model with an integrated optical stabilizer. This 105mm f/2.8 reaches a life-size reproduction ratio of 1:1 with an ambitious optical construction of 14 elements in 12 groups. It sports an ED lens and features new Nano Crystal Coat technology, which is designed to further minimize flare. With internal focusing and a gyroscope for the optical stabilization, this Micro Nikkor lens shows nearly a 4-stop gain in speed if compared to the same lens without the Vibration Reduction feature. The lens is large and robust, but its filter thread is a mere 62mm. With an attractive price, it comes complete with a soft case and lens hood, and will be the lens of choice for discerning macro photographers.
The official award ceremony will take place at Photokina 2006 held in Cologne, Germany in September.
- The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.