The British Journal of Photography has posted impressions of the Nikon D3s a few hours before the camera’s expected debut, and the initial report suggests that Nikon is still lagging behind when it comes to video. The author only mentions video recording at 720p/24 fps, no talk of 1080p at all. What’s worse is that the article pegs the D3s, body only, at £4,200. For comparison, since we only have British pricing for the moment, the 1080p-capable Canon 5D Mk II retails for £2,300. The D3s supposedly features amazing high ISO abilities, but the lack of 1080p video recording would still be a huge bummer. Hopefully, either the BJP left out some crucial details, or Nikon has some surprises in store for us.

Nikon’s holding a buttload of events around the world Oct. 14, meaning new camera. Specifically, it’s rumored to be the D3s —a tweaked version of the conveniently out-of-stock D3 with 1080p video recording, along with a new mystery camera. Rumored D3s specs follow thusly * Nikon D3s with ISO 200-12800 (D3 was with ISO 200-6400) * New ISO range HI-3 at 102,400 ISO * 12.1 mp FX sensor (same as the D3, but tweaked) * 14fps * D-movie with 24 fps/1080p Don’t hold your breath on that ISO, but the rest is very possible. It’d make sense that a D3s would be their first DSLR to make the jump to 1080p video (we’ll honestly cry if it has 720p). The other possible camera , which might just have us more excited is a compact with a DSLR-sized sensor inside, sorta like Leica’s X1.

This is what it’s like inside Nikon’s ridiculous projector-in-a-camera . Whoever fell asleep and drooled on the approval forms to make the s1000pj happen, thank you for something that should only exist on paper or in a Brando catalog. [ iFixit ]

Nikon’s S1000pj projector camera was obviously the result of some Japnese engineer’s crazed wet dream, but ripping it out of mere fantasy and into reality was no small feat, requiring Nikon to design and build a whole new projector system. A major problem was the heat put off by the projector, which was fashioned into an L-shaped module so it’d fit inside the case. They wound up having to move the CCD image sensor to a different part of the camera to isolate it from the heat, while also figuring out a way to focus scattered light emitted by the LED powering the projector. The result is that the camera doesn’t burn the crap out of your hand, even though there’s a full-fledged projector inside of it (which was surprisingly bright when I checked it out the other day).

Nikon’s D300s is the very same camera we loved two years ago, but with a few new tricks to try to stay relevant in this crazy video-shootin’ DSLR world we live in. Namely, 720p video. Same Ol’ Same Ol’ The D300s remains a capable, even impressive camera. I mean, it’s not like it got worse: The D300 retains the same sensor, excellent 51-point autofocus system, fantastic chassis build quality and ergonomics—just about the same everything—as the D300, and it still holds up 2 years later, mostly. Low-light performance is solid, as you can see in the giant sample gallery here that walks through ISO ranges. We’re talking fairly good-looking stuff up through ISO1600, though noise starts to creep in there, finally getting oogly around ISO3200.

Nikon’s D300s is the very same camera we loved two years ago, but with a few new tricks to try to stay relevant in this crazy video-shootin’ DSLR world we live in. Namely, 720p video. Same Ol’ Same Ol’ The D300s remains a capable, even impressive camera. I mean, it’s not like it got worse: The D300 retains the same sensor, excellent 51-point autofocus system, fantastic chassis build quality and ergonomics—just about the same everything—as the D300, and it still holds up 2 years later, mostly. Low-light performance is solid, as you can see in the giant sample gallery here that walks through ISO ranges.

This sort of burst out of nowhere today, but word is that a new Nikon D3s will hit on October 15 — the crew at NikonRumors puts it at “99 percent probability.” The D3s is expected to add 1080p video and an 14fps burst mode to the D3, as well as a 1.6x crop mode, but other than that we don’t know too much. We’ll keep you updated, it looks like the leaks are coming fast and furious. Filed under: Digital Cameras Nikon D3s with 1080p video rumored for release next month originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read

An anonymous tipster over at Nikon Rumors reports this weekend that the pro-level Nikon D3 will be on the receiving end of a refresh on or around October 15. Topping the list of expected features and improvements are 14fps and 1080p video, as well as a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens. Things I probably don’t need to remind you of but will say anyway: This is an “anonymous tip” at a web site with the word “rumors” in the title—to say you should remain dubious until more concrete info surfaces is an understatement. Editor’s Note: Pictured is the Nikon D3x. [ Nikon Rumors ]

We’re still curious to see how well the integrated projector in Nikon’s Coolpix S1000pj does under real-world lighting and usage conditions, but it sure seems pretty in the controlled environment of the company’s IFA booth. The crew from Engadget Spanish say the novel cam is a lot thinner than you’d expect — check out the video and a gallery of sample shots after the break. Continue reading Nikon Coolpix S1000pj hands-on at IFA Filed under: Digital Cameras Nikon Coolpix S1000pj hands-on at IFA originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read

The Coolpix S1000pj ’s built-in projector is an innovative first for digital cameras , but first combo honors go to the Wittnauer Cine-Twin 8mm film camera: special base and reel add-ons let it convert into a projector back way back in 1957. Wittnauer was actually a famous jeweler of all things, and the expensive Cine-Twin was only sold in jewelry stores. Ultimately, the novelty wasn’t enough to overcome practical concerns like price, huge D-cell batteries, and a delicate and expensive glass bulb. Interesting extra: Even before the Cine-Twin, the Cinématographe film camera/projector/developer was invented by French inventor, Léon Bouly, back in 1892. It wasn’t like you could just go and pick one up, though.