Nikon may have been quiet at Photokina, but there are some goodies for Nikon DSLR customers after allNikon has announced the availability of firmware and hardware upgrades for D1x, D1h and D100 digital SLR users, as well as the impending arrival of a new version of Nikon Capture software. For D1x users, a new buffer memory module is available that will double the buffer capacity, enabling up to 21 continuous shots rather than the 9 previously. It’s priced €250, or about $250 or £152. For all of the listed models, but not, alas, the original D1, a free firmware upgrade is being made available that will implement Lexar’s new memory card Write Acceleration system and add new embedded ICC profile support to speed up workflow. D100 owners also get Mac OS10.2 support. Available from next month, Nikon is releasing a new version of its Nikon Capture software. For more details, the official Nikon press release is reproduced below: Official Nikon press release:Nikon have announced a broad range of improvements for Nikon D1X, D1H and D100 Digital SLR users. In response to fast changing industry developments and answering the needs of customers Nikon are pleased to announce a wide array of hardware, firmware and software enhancements for Nikon D SLR customers. The enhancement package are summarized in short below: Hardware.
A superb new offer for D1X owners to double the size of the D1X buffer simply by purchasing an extra RAM memory module. Costing about Euro 250, D1X users can enjoy a massive 21 shot (Jpeg/Tiff format) buffer depth in place of the standard 9 shots. Firmware.
D100 users can enjoy full compatibility with Mac OSX 10.2 (Jaguar) including PTP USB protocols when using Nikon Capture 3 (using new version capture 3.5) Camera Control. Other improvements include ICC profile embedding, compatibility with Lexar Media new Write Acceleration technology, and practical organization of sound memo (.wav) files when using the optional MB-D100 Multi-function pack. D1X and D1H users can enjoy embedded ICC profiles (Adobe RGB, Colour Mode II) for colour management workflow, Lexar WA card technology increasing speeds by up to 30%, EXIF 2.2 and menu improvements with the addition of Spanish language option. Software.
A new version of Nikon Capture Ver. 3.5 offers a range of powerful and practical improvements designed to increase speed, output 10MP files from the D1X, and a unique Vignette Control feature to measure the D or G type lens data used and automatically compensate the effect of vignette for exposures at wide apertures. Refined noise reduction control and pixel value monitoring complete a major enhancement to Nikon’s Professional colour managed image editing application. Delivery method The hardware and firmware enhancements require customers to return cameras to national repair facilities; the software is downloadable from the internet. Availability.
D100 firmware available now. D1X/ D1H hardware and firmware will be available from November. Capture Ver. 3.5 available end November. Speaking about the wide range of improvements: Robert Cristina, Marketing Executive, Professional Film and Digital, Europe said; “This wide range of enhancements illustrate Nikon’s commitment to supporting Pros in the fast changing world of digital technology development. They are carefully designed to offer real improvements in performance and quality whilst allowing our customers to fully embrace the best of what the industry can offer”. Please visit http://www.nikon-euro.com or check with your national office for further details. Mac and OS X are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Lexar is a trademark of Lexar Media Corp. Photoshop is a trademark of Adobe. Products and brand names are trademarks or original trademarks of their respective companies. The firmware upgrade is free and if customers want to take advantage of it, they should phone 0870 0603515 from the morning of Wednesday 9 October. | 
