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Behind the scenes




In this section, we take you behind the scenes to learn more about the development of Nikon imaging products (e.g. cameras, lenses and Speedlights) and a number of advanced features.




The 75th Anniversary of the Launch of the NIKKOR

The lens?indispensable to the camera. This year sees the 75th anniversary of NIKKOR, the world class Japanese brand of lenses. We talked with two members of the marketing division about how the NIKKOR lens has miraculously kept pace with Nikon cameras, the secret of how these lenses have survived for so long, the celebratory events that are taking place, and their passion for the NIKKOR.




Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10

The flagship model in Nikon’s DX format range, the D300 digital single lens reflex camera, was launched in November of 2007. The Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 is a device that unobtrusively facilitates this camera’s outstanding portability. This revolutionary battery pack combines sleek design, functionality, and usability. We discussed its appeal with the people in charge of its design, mechanics and electronics.




The Nano Crystal Coat

Ghost and flare: Phenomena that occur due to reflection inside a lens barrel or camera. In the past it had been thought that it was impossible to eliminate the type of ghosts and flare that are caused by strong light entering the lens diagonally—even using various types of lens coating. Here we mark the arrival of the Nano Crystal Coat (as used on the AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED, the first ever ultra wideangle lens)—a truly revolutionary technology that has greatly alleviated these problems—and focus on the men who developed it.




Scene Recognition System

Before shooting a scene, a professional photographer adjusts focus, exposure and white balance based on his or her experience. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System represents a completely new concept whereby the camera makes this series of judgments as if it were the photographer’s brain. We would like to share with you some of the views of the developer of the Scene Recognition System, which has been introduced in the Nikon D3 and D300 digital SLR cameras.




Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1

Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1 consists of the Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800, two Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200s, and a variety of accessories to help users enjoy professional quality close-up flash photography. We spoke with two people involved with the development of these products.




New COOLPIX S-Series Design

Judging from its favorable reception in the marketplace, the COOLPIX S-Series is the shape of sophisticated style to come in compact digital cameras. We invited an industrial designer who has been instrumental to the development of the COOLPIX S-Series to provide insight into the visual and market appeal of these slim cameras including the Wave Surface Design.




Vibration Reduction (VR) Technology

As the performance of digital cameras advances, vibration reduction (VR) is becoming an increasingly key technology. Nikon has been gaining a high reputation in the market over many years since the company was the first to release a 35mm compact camera incorporating unique VR technology in 1994. Nikon's secret of high performance and reliability is examined in an interview with an engineer who has been involved with developing VR technology.




Capture NX

Taking a proud legacy of photo editing software to a higher level, Nikon has launched “Capture NX” as a successor to its earlier, universally acclaimed “Nikon Capture 4.” Here, the designer who developed “Capture NX” with an eye toward functional innovations and powerful enhancements reveals the inside story of the new software and how it takes state-of-the-art digital photo editing a quantum leap ahead.




Exposure Metering

Control of light is critical to heightening photography's expressive power. Nikon's light metering technologies are valued for their superior precision throughout the spectrum of lighting conditions. An engineer who has been developing these innovations for years offers insight into these technologies.




The Photoimaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA) presents its 2006 Technical Achievement Award

Established in 1939, PMDA is an American organization comprised of camera manufacturers and distributors that plays a central role in promoting imaging and charting the future of the photographic industry. PMDA annually awards outstanding individuals and services in the photographic industry.  We spoke with Mr. Naoki Tomino, Vice President, Imaging Company, Nikon Corporation, and recipient of the 2006 Technical Achievement Award.




Nikon Digital Image Processing Technologies and the D200

As digital cameras continue to evolve rapidly a key player in the development of digital imaging technology, since the beginning of the digital imaging age and the launch of the Nikon D1 digital-SLR camera, discusses the enormous advances achieved from a developer's standpoint.




Wireless Transmitter WT-2

The Wireless Transmitter WT-2 makes it possible to transmit at high speed image data taken by a digital SLR camera through wireless LAN. The man in charge of marketing it has a unique perspective of the product as a new kind of accessory to expand the possibilities of digital photography.




Digital SLR Camera D2X

The new Nikon digital camera flagship model on the market delivers superior high-resolution images, thanks to a newly-developed image processing engine with unprecedented capability for reproducing color. Here, the designer who helped create this processing engine proudly assesses the final result.




Nikon F6

2004 marks the arrival of the long-awaited Nikon F6 - a new flagship model embodying all of the qualities that photography enthusiasts could desire in the ultimate film SLR camera. Here is the inside story behind the development of the F6.




Multi-CAM 2000 AF Sensor Module

The D1H made its debut in 2001. The D2H digital SLR for professional use was launched last November. We spoke to a designer who devoted his career at Nikon to developing this camera's innovative AF system.




LBCAST

In July 2003, Nikon introduced LBCAST- a completely new type of image sensor, different from CCD and CMOS, that is a high-speed, power-efficient, low-noise device to be installed in Nikon's flagship camera, the D2H. Here is the inside story behind the creation of this innovation, from those who conceived and developed it.




SENDAI NIKON

Mr. Katsuyuki Inomata is an engineer at Sendai Nikon Corporation, a major producer of Nikon flagship SLR cameras including the F5 and D1-series. He spoke to us about what it takes to manufacture such highly advanced cameras.




AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED Lens

Among lenses of the new DX Nikkor series specially designed for Nikon digital SLR cameras, the first is small and light, with ultra-wideangle zoom capability. Here, the optical designer behind its development reveals the inside story.




Digital Camera Nikon COOLPIX 3100 / 2100

Almost immediately following the release of the cameras, we spoke with YAMADA, Yukako, the marketing staff for the two new digital compact cameras. She explained the key features of the cameras, and also shared some behind-the-scenes stories about their development.




AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

A brand new telephoto zoom lens featuring an internal Silent Wave Motor (SWM), extremely fast and extremely quiet autofocus operation, and the VR (Vibration Reduction) function to compensate for camera shake. We spoke with a member of the development team about this new lens.




Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX

The Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight, released in Feb., 2002, is a high-performance, highly functional flash unit designed for use with Nikon's advanced film-type SLRs as well as D1-series and D100 digital SLRs. In this issue, we take you behind the scenes to learn more about the development of the SB-80DX and some of its more advanced features.




Digital SLR Camera Nikon D100

The D100 digital SLR camera, released in Jun., 2002, offers a compact, lightweight body with ergonomic operability and high image quality. Here, the people who developed the D100 talk about its origins and other behind-the-scenes stories.



© 2008 Nikon Corporation