| Nikon J4 adds 171 AF points, 'faster than DSLR' continuous shooting speeds Apr 10th 2014, 07:49, by jmeyer Nikon has officially unveiled the Nikon J4, the latest addition to its range of portable Nikon 1 system cameras.  A Nikon J4 price was not available as of the time of writing. Among the Nikon J4′s key features are a hybrid AF system with 171 AF points, 105 of which are phase-detection points and continuous shooting speeds of up to 20 fps with continuous autofocus. The Nikon J4 can also take 20 RAW format images at up to 60 fps with focus fixed at the first frame. The new Nikon 1 camera includes the same 18.4-megapixel CMOS sensor as used in the recently announced Nikon 1 V3, as well as a native ISO range of ISO 160–12800, and Nikon's new EXPEED 4A image processor. Summary of the Nikon J4 key features - Large 18.4-megapixel CMOS sensor: fast CX-format sensor designed without an optical low-pass filter. Sharply captures fine textures and renders clean, crisp images.
- ISO 160–12800: auto ISO extends from 160–6400, and you can increase sensitivity to ISO 12800. Two sophisticated noise reduction settings reduce noise when shooting at ISO 6400 or 12800.
- EXPEED 4A: keeps you shooting spectacular images and HD movies at high speed.
- Wi-Fi enabled: connect, share, and create. Quickly and easily share high-quality Nikon 1 shots, or tap into a world of creative photo apps via your smart device.2
- Touchscreen operation: electromagnetic 7.5-cm (3.0-in.), 1037k-dot LCD monitor.
- Advanced hybrid AF: 171-point AF system. Boasts 105 phase action points that lock onto action with incredible speed and precision.
- Lightning-fast fps: shoot at up to 20 fps with continuous AF, or snap 20 RAW images at up to 60 fps with focus fixed at the first frame.
- Movie magic: Full HD (1080p) movies (aspect ratio 16:9) at 60p/30p frame rates. Electronic VR enables blur-free footage for HD movies shot at 1080/30p or 720/30p. Capture high-resolution stills while filming, and view HD movies recorded at 120 fps in extreme slow motion.
- Cinematic movie modes: Fast Motion, Jump Cut, and 4-Second Movie.
- Best Moment Capture (with the new Active Selection, Smart Photo Selector, and Slow View), Motion Snapshot.
Creative Palette: apply artistic, studio-quality filters to photos before you shoot via the touchscreen or the camera's multi selector.
Portable Nikon 1 design: perfectly minimal, irresistible looks. The remarkably small and lightweight aluminium body is available in modern white and brushed black, silver, or orange.
1 NIKKOR kit lens: keep the action in focus with the 1 NIKKOR VR 10–30mm f/3.5–5.6 PD-ZOOM lens. |  | Posing couples: 6 simple ways to create heartwarming photos Apr 9th 2014, 23:01, by jmeyer Two great people, six great poses. In this quick tutorial we’ll show you some simple ways for posing couples to make more interesting compositions. 
Posing two people in a portrait can often be twice as hard as shooting just one sitter. There are twice as many limbs to look out for, four eyes to keep in sharp focus, and double the chances of blinking or dodgy expressions. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding. At the risk of sounding a little sentimental, it gives you the chance to show the bond two people share and create images with real emotion. So how do you go about taking great shots of couples? To show their special connection you need to work on the composition, body language and expression. It's always best to keep things natural, but it can help if you have a few stock poses to rely on. SEE MORE: 17 romantic couple poses that will make you say, ‘I do’ Here we're going to look at six poses that you can try out on any couple. Each emphasises something different about their relationship, from their closeness to their sense of fun. Don't just go straight into the posing. Before the shoot, ask the couple about the style of shots they'd like. It'll give you a better idea of their tastes, and whether they'd prefer traditional or contemporary portraits. They'll be more relaxed, and the photos better, if they feel they're getting the shots they want. We're going to look at both formal and contemporary styles of images. We'll start off with a traditional pose, then move on to more relaxed, contemporary ideas. Give these poses a go, and be ready to capture the chance moments that'll crop up. You'll take portraits that are guaranteed to entertain and delight. SEE MORE: 10 posing mistakes every portrait photographer makes (and how to avoid them) 6 ideas for posing couples (1-2) 
01 Traditional pose
Ask the woman to stand slightly side-on, then get the man to stand behind and place his hand on her arm. Make sure both subjects' hands are neat and tidy, with fingers together. This angle works well for larger people, as standing side-on presents the slimmest view of the body to the camera. 
02 A passionate embrace
Get them facing one another with the main light source behind. Ask her to wrap her arms around his neck, keeping them straight, and rest their foreheads together. This'll give you a classic, passionate shot. You could ask for a kiss, but get them to touch lips lightly rather than squash faces. READ MORE How to pose for photos: find the most flattering angles for you and your subjects
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54 portrait ideas: free downloadable posing guide | | Winner announced for British Heart Foundation landscape photo competition Apr 9th 2014, 17:00, by jmeyer Back in February we gave you the opportunity to become the British Heart Foundation's official photographer on one of their stunning overseas treks. Well, today we can announce that a winner has been chosen! Entrants were set the task of photographing the spectacular beauty of some of the UK's most picturesque locations in order to encourage others to visit them. To be considered, contestants had the choice of Hadrian's Wall, the South Downs National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Peak District or central Scotland, all locations where the BHF runs fund-raising treks and hikes. The competition closed on 30 March 2014, with the winners being chosen shortly after. And the judging panel of Geoff Harris (editor of Digital Camera magazine), Nancy Prior (head of events at the BHF) and top landscape photographer David Clapp were clear in their choice of Sarah Willingham as overall winner for her superb shot of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. 
Sarah, 38, captured this beautiful shot in Wilmington, an area that she loves to visit with her family. The property consultant from Eastbourne described how she was "totally blown away" to hear that she had won the competition. "I have been a keen amateur photographer for the last three to four years and this is the first competition I have entered after being encouraged by a friend, so I am absolutely thrilled," she explained. She will now spend up to 10 days as the BHF's official photographer on a trek to one of the world's most impressive landscapes. Her choice of locations includes the BHF's Kilimanjaro Trek, the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, the Dalai Lama Trek in India and the Kenya Rift Valley Bike Ride. "I am extremely excited about the prize – all of the destinations sound so appealing," added Sarah. "I now have the difficult job of deciding which destination to choose from." Sarah's winning image will now be featured in the May issue of Digital Camera magazine, so be sure to get your copy to see the photo in all its glory! Runners up The judges also chose three runners up for their fantastic shots, each of whom has won a place on one of the BHF's hikes or treks around the British Isles. 
Stephen Hollin, a 53-year-old postman from Sheffield, was selected for his photo of Win Hill in the Peak District. He was thrilled to be recognised for the effort he has put into his photography, explaining that achieving the shot meant getting up at 4am and climbing 636m to reach the summit of Win Hill, all with only a small torch to light the way. 
NHS procurement officer Mark Lister, 30, had his image selected as a runner up. His winning shot was taken during a family holiday near the village of Grinton in the Yorkshire Dales. He described how the alternating showers and sun produced an array of rainbows, affording him the perfect opportunity to shoot a single tree dramatically silhouetted against the sky. 
A Durham science technician was also selected as a runner up for his shot of Hadrian's Wall. Mark Colledge, who works at Belmont Community School, took an evocative shot of the famous 'Sycamore Gap' along the wall. He shot the photo during a charity walk and stated that he wanted to "relive the moment of speed marching along the wall but at a much slower pace, taking in the beautiful scenery and the history of the wall." "Dramatic landscapes at their best" The BHF's Nancy Prior lauded the winners, saying that they "reflect[ed] the task we set photographers, to capture the natural and dramatic landscapes at their best where we hold BHF hikes and treks, and inspire people to visit them. "Our hikes and treks take place in some of the most beautiful parts of the British countryside," she added. "They are no stroll in the park, but with the right training, crossing the finishing line is an amazing feeling. Whatever BHF hike or trek you do – nine or 60 miles – you're getting yourself fit and healthy as well as helping to save the lives of others." The treks are a vital way for the BHF to raise funds in its fight against coronary heart disease. They help raise awareness of the work the BHF does and encourage more people to give to the charity. READ MORE
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44 essential digital camera tips and tricks | | Nikon D4s review Apr 9th 2014, 11:13, by anicholson Nikon D4s review: Nikon’s D4 replacement is a true workhorse of a camera, but has enough changed to warrant an upgrade? Find out in our Nikon D4s review. 
After weeks of cloak-and-dagger secrecy and sneak previews in glass cabinets, Nikon finally announced its Nikon D4 replacement. Many pundits were expecting a new sensor or some other headline-grabbing innovation, but what Nikon has done is both more subtle and more important. The Nikon D4s is a high-speed professional camera for sports and press photographers, and the improvements Nikon has made are aimed solely at taking what it does best and making it even better.  Click on the infographic to see the larger version. SEE MORE: Nikon D4s vs D4 – 14 things you need to know about Nikon’s flagship DSLR Nikon D4s Review Video Angela Nicholson and Amy Davies of our testing team recently put the Nikon D4s through its paces. Find out their verdict in their Nikon D4s review video. SEE MORE: 100 Nikon DSLR tips you need to know right now Nikon D4s Review Video Transcript Hi, I'm Angela Nicholson, head of testing for Future's photography portfolio and today I'm going to reviewing the Nikon D4S, the upgrade to the D4. Nikon tells us that the Nikon D4S has a new full-frame or FX format sensor with 16.23million effective pixels. The Nikon D4 has 16.25 million effective pixels – so there's very little difference and the pixel pitch is the same. Nikon isn't willing to divulge how the Nikon D4S's sensor design differs from the Nikon D4's, but the combination of it and the new Expeed 4 processing engine has allowed the company to increase the native sensitivity range by 1 stop making it ISO100 to 25,600. The headline grabber, however, is the maximum expansion setting, which has been pushed to a whopping ISO 409,600. Achieving an image at this setting is impressive, but the results aren't especially pretty and there's banding visible even at quite small viewing sizes. However, it's worth remembering that this is an expansion setting, so Nikon isn't intending for it to be used routinely. It's designed for use in one-off situations when getting an image in near darkness is essential or a huge bonus. It could prove useful to photo journalists working in war zones or disaster areas for example.
SEE MORE: Nikon Df vs D610 vs D800 – 12 things you need to know about Nikon’s full-frame cameras Like the D4, the Nikon D4S has a maximum continuous shooting rate of 11 frames per second. However, unlike the D4, the new camera can continue to focus and meter exposure between shots taken at this rate. That's probably down to a combination of the new processing engine and the decrease in the length of time that the mirror is lifted – giving the camera more time to work. Another interesting feature of the Nikon D4S is that buffer has been increased in capacity in comparison with the D4's and this enables huge burst depths. You can shoot up to 200 Fine quality JPEGs, for example or 60 uncompressed 14-bit raw files in a single burst. If you shoot lots of long sequences in close succession, you'll notice that the camera's grip heats up a little bit and I found that the number of shots you can get in a burst can drop off as this happens. Although it uses the same autofocus unit as the D4, Nikon has tweaked the algorithms and this seems to improve the system's speed and accuracy.
SEE MORE: Nikon D5300 vs D5100 vs D5200: 13 key differences you need to know about The peripheral AF points seem more sensitive and the newly introduced Group-area AF mode, does an excellent job of keeping a moving subject sharp. The 9,21 and 51 point Dynamic-area AF options are also still present along with 3D-tracking mode. The Nikon D4S is quite a beast to hold and use. It's big and it's loud, but it does everything it's supposed to very well. Exposures are generally very good and colours look nice and vibrant straight from the camera. The automatic white balance system also captures the atmosphere of the scene. Noise is controlled well throughout the native sensitivity range, ISO 100-25,600 and there's an impressive amount of detail that's better maintained into the higher sensitivity settings than with the D4.
SEE MORE: Nikon lenses from A-Z – the ultimate photographer’s guide The most obvious design changes made since the D4 are the change in the shape of the memory card port door, which makes the thumbrest a little more comfortable, and the introduction of a firmer top to these min-joystick style selectors. The camera feels very comfortable – if heavy – in the hand whichever grip you are using. However, because the vertical shutter release is recessed this ridge make this command dial is a little harder to locate with your finger than the horizontal one. That's a minor criticism though and the D4S is a great camera although it's about time the Wi-Fi connectivity and maybe GPS technology was built-in.
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