LATEST NIKON D3 UPGRADES FEATURES
Last month, Nikon took the wraps off a follow-up to the pro-level D3 DSLR with a new model that features advanced ISO and noise-handling capabilities for better low-light photography, as well as a high-definition movie mode.
The new D3s, a 12.1-megapixel camera with a body-only price of US$5,200 (that figure will stop most of you here), builds on the platform of the D3.
With a redesigned full-frame CMOS sensor and expanded ISO settings up to 12,800 (and a whopping 102,400 ISO using “expanded sensitivity” settings), it should excel in low-light photography.
To keep that sensor spiffy, Nikon has added an automatic sensor-cleaning capability.
As for movie clips, the D3s has a movie mode that captures video in 720p resolution at 24 frames a second in full manual mode, meaning you can set the aperture and also underexpose or overexpose scenes if you like.
Interested? You have about a couple of weeks to save up. The D3s will be available later this month.
A MORE AFFORDABLE WAY TO FILL A HOUSE WITH SOUND
In its five years of existence, Sonos has acquired an enthusiastic following of music lovers, keen on the idea of streaming their PC-based music collections to Sonos units set up throughout the house.
But such a system has never been cheap. To set up Sonos in just two rooms costs US$1,149, including one set of speakers.
The Sonos ZonePlayer S5, available from last month, is a remedy to that problem: This all-in-one device receives PC and Internet music wirelessly and is controlled with an iPhone or iPod Touch. Each unit costs US$399.
The S5 is like an iPod sound dock on steroids; rather than sticking the iPhone on the unit as you would an iPod, you use it to control the various S5 units in your home. And that’s a smart idea, because a dock is probably the last place you want to leave your cell phone.
Years ago, multiroom audio was the stuff of Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. And even until recently, it was still an expensive proposition. Breaking the US$1,000 barrier is a welcome development.
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