"Stanley Kubrick left school in the mid-1940s and became a professional photographer for Look magazine. In fact, as a teenager, he was the youngest staff photographer the magazine ever employed. He began with a plate camera and then moved on to the 2.25 format.

In the early 1950s he moved over to 35mm SLR cameras and never looked back. He probably had more cameras than shirts and though he sometimes dallied with other makes Nikon was always his preferred system.

I only ever knew him to defer to two people on matters photographic: Geoffrey Crawley, one time editor of the BJP*, and Gray Levett and the Grays of Westminster gang down in Pimlico who continue to give us an unrivalled service."

Nikon Corporation announces the launch of this year’s Nikon Photo Contest International with a call for entries from photographers of all skill levels around the world. Now in its 33rd year, the global competition is established as one of the world’s most important and inspiring contests.

Entries will be accepted between September 1 and November 30, 2010 and the winners announced in June 2011. The 33rd Nikon Photo Contest International provides an opportunity for photographers to showcase their work and to contribute to photographic culture.

Since it was first held in 1969, the contest has steadily gained popularity with more than 320,000 photographers who have collectively submitted over 1,310,000 photos. In 2008-2009 more than 18,000 photographers from 153 countries submitted over 51,000 photos. These numbers represent records for the largest number of entries by the most applicants from the most countries ever, establishing the Nikon Photo Contest International as a truly international competition.

This year’s categories and awards
Entries for the 2010-2011 contest will be accepted for two categories. The first category is a free subject category (A) and the second is based around the theme, "Energy” (B). Photos of any subject or theme are invited for the free subject category. Entries for the “Energy” category should be photos that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspire, motivate or excite either the photographer or people who see the image.

The Emerging Talent Award is awarded to provide younger photographers with an opportunity to share their photos and a goal towards which they may work, and many photos are entered by young photographers each time this contest is held.

53 prizes awarded by a panel of international photographers
Entries will be judged by photographers currently active on the world stage. Of a total of 53 prizes awarded, one photo will receive the Grand Prize, 16 photos from each category will receive first, second and third prizes; four photos entered by photographers aged 29 or younger will receive Emerging Talent Awards, and 16 Emerging Talent Award runners up will be selected.


Birgitta Olson, General Manager Communications at Nikon Europe B.V. said: “Nikon wants to stimulate people around the world to discover the joy of photography, letting them and others experience the communicative power of images. We are convinced that all contestants will again rise to the exciting challenge.”

Winners will be announced in June 2011 with an exhibition of the winning photographs planned.*

*Exhibition venue and dates to be decided at a later date.

Entry requirements
Any professional or amateur photographer, regardless of age, gender or nationality, may participate.

A single photo may not be entered in both categories.

Entry period
September 1 (Wednesday) through November 30 (Tuesday), 2010

Entry method
Image data will be accepted via the Internet. Fill out the application form on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website (http://www.nikon-npci.com) and transmit image data via the form.

Number of entries: 2 photos for each category (total of 4) may be submitted.

Entry format: Image data captured with a digital still camera (excluding that captured by medium-format and larger digital cameras) and image data created by scanning an image captured with a film camera (35mm or APS) will be accepted. Images that have been digitally enhanced or edited with software will also be accepted.

File size: 10 MB or less per file

Image data file format: JPEG only

Fill out the application form on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website (http://www.nikon-npci.com) and transmit image data via the form.

Judging and announcement
Entries will be judged by an impartial panel of well-known photographers currently active on the world stage. Winners will be announced by the end of June 2011 on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website (http://www.nikon-npci.com)

Awards and prizes

Recipients of a total of 53 awards and prizes will receive Nikon imaging products. In addition to their awards, 21 recipients of the Grand Prize, Emerging Talent Awards and Emerging Talent Awards runners up will be permitted to exhibit their entries in the contest Mini Gallery. The Mini Gallery will be accessible from the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website (http://www.nikon-npci.com).

Award	Number of Winners	Prize
Grand Prize	1	Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Winning photo to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website
First place	1 from each category (2 all together)	Nikon D300S digital-SLR camera SB-900 Speedlight AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Second place	5 from each category (10 all together)	Nikon D5000 digital-SLR camera AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Third place	10 from each category (20 all together)	Nikon D3000 digital-SLR camera AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
Emerging Talent Award	4 all together, regardless of category	Nikon COOLPIX P6000 digital camera Photos to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website
Emerging Talent Award runners up	16 all together, regardless of category	Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj digital camera Photos to be included in the Mini Gallery on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 website

For further details, please access the official Nikon Photo Contest International Web site at:
Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011
.

Nikon UK announces ViewNX 2, a comprehensive new version of its popular bundled software package that enables users to easily import, browse, edit and share images and D-movies.

Building upon the successful ViewNX software, ViewNX 2 is a feature-packed, user-friendly suite supplied with Nikon digital cameras and available for download. The software now offers a range of tools dedicated to editing D-movie files captured by today’s DSLR and compact cameras.

In addition to basic data importing and browsing, ViewNX 2 incorporates various frequently used adjust menus and tools such as resize, brightness control, crop and straighten, as well as sophisticated RAW processing functions.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, comments: “For many, ViewNX is the core software application to import and organise images. View NX 2 makes everything easier and smoother, and features a wealth of added benefits for D-movie shooters too”.

Present movies in style
ViewNX 2 includes several simple and intuitive editing tools which enable users to create great looking movies. The software allows you to trim and then merge clips together, apply a variety of attractive transition effects with the addition of still images and soundtracks of music to generate stylish and animated films to share with family and friends.

Refined, intuitive User Interface
The UI has been redesigned for maximum efficiency. Smooth graphics and an intuitive layout make it even simpler to access and use its wide range of creative tools. Different display options have been added to perfectly suit the task at hand; in addition to the ‘Browser’ and ‘Edit’ options, ‘GeoTag’ allows users to view images on a map relating to where the images were taken. And to make viewing and editing even easier on the eye, the background colour can be altered according to the brightness of the images.

Take Control
ViewNX 2 features many image-editing options, such as Crop, Straighten, Auto Red-Eye Reduction and Auto Lateral Color Aberration, along with crucial features including file-format conversion and a wide range of labeling and rating options, making it easy to navigate and sort through countless images. Integrated RAW image processing allows further control over the final output with numerous useful editing functions, such as white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, brightness, sharpness and many more. The software also increases the printing choices available, with new options such as background colour selection and metadata inclusion.

Sharing made simple
ViewNX 2 is closely integrated with my Picturetown, Nikon’s popular online digital image storage and sharing service. Images can be easily uploaded to the service with a simple drag/drop operation, and users can browse my Picturetown images online as well as directly in ViewNX 2.

With the addition of many new features based upon the feedback of Nikon’s users worldwide, ViewNX 2 takes Nikon’s already impressive free software package to the next level and empowers creative image makers of all levels to get the very best from their shooting.

Please visit http://nikonimglib.com/nvnx/ to download the free software.

Following his sell-out season of seminars earlier this year, Simon Stafford returns to Fitzroy House in London with a series of comprehensive training sessions. These will include practical workshops on the use of flash and ‘available light’ for portraiture, as well as seminars on the tools and techniques for close-up and macro photography, and general photographic techniques.



There will be a limited number of delegates at each seminar or workshop in order that each attendee will benefit more fully from the tuition. The cost of each session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber.

About Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford is one of the foremost technical Nikon experts in the world. With over twenty-five years of experience using the Nikon system, he brings his considerable expertise to bear both as technical editor for Nikon Owner, and as author of a number of comprehensive books on the Nikon system, including his best-seller series of Magic Lantern Guides on the Nikon D70s/D70, the Nikon D80, the Nikon D40, D40X, D50, D60, D200, D300, D700, D90, D3. The series includes a Magic Lantern Guide on the Nikon AF Speedlights & Creative Lighting System, and he is currently working on a fully updated, second edition to include the latest Nikon SB-900.

To log your interest, please email your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number to: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Special Nikon Owner discount off the price of the course
As mentioned, enrolling on any of these courses as a current Nikon Owner subscriber will allow you the benefit of a discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for each session.

What is Nikon Owner?
Nikon Owner Magazine and Interactive Website is considered by many to be the world’s number 1 user group for Nikon owners. It was initially founded with the purpose of assisting Nikon users to make full use of the Nikon equipment they own, to give advice on a wide spectrum of photographic queries and problems, and at the same time to offer ideas to bring about an increase in photographic skills.

Subscription to Nikon Owner magazine and interactive website provides a bridge between theory and practical, technical knowledge and accomplishment. As a subscriber to this group, you will receive an array of offers and assistance, as well as the unique photographic publication:

Nikon Owner Magazine

From the cold reaches of the Arctic to the muted ocres of The Palio, from the panoramic sweep of an alien landscape to the microscopic detail of a leaf in bud, Nikon Owner magazine is both inspirational and informative. With its mix of stunning images, illuminating articles to assist and enlighten the photographer, and the very latest reviews on Nikon equipment, it is the essential magazine for the Nikon user, and is 100% Nikon.

Nikon Owner subscriber benefits additionally include:

• Private user name and password to subscribers’-only website which includes a lively forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery.
• Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline: free technical consultation and support from Simon Stafford who is widely recognized as one of the top Nikon experts in the UK; you will be able to benefit from his formidable knowledge and have all your technical questions fully answered by email. This service is exclusive to Nikon Owner subscribers.
• FREE 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
• FREE 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
• 10% off Think-Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster.
• Special trips: past visits have included a two-week trip to Japan and a personal tour of the Nikon factory, a visit to Nikon Thailand, Angkor Watt, Cambodia.
• Substantial discounts on events and training sessions such as Mike Maloney’s House of Lords Photographic Workshop, Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Seminars.
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK.
• A range of complimentary meetings and outings organized by local Nikon Owner Groups.
• Nikon Owner Grand Christmas Dinner at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London.

Please email gillian.greenwood@nikonownermagazine.com with your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number if you are interested in finding out more about Nikon Owner or call after 10.00 a.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or 020 7828 8971 to speak to any of my colleagues; alternatively for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. The cost of an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59.

With kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor and Events & Training Coordinator

RRP: D3100 Body £499.99 / €593

D3100 Kit 18-55 (VR): £579.99 / €687

Sales start date: End of September 2010

Nikon UK introduces the D3100, the most easy-to-use D-SLR to date, with full High Definition (HD) video.

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe, says: “The D3100 is the successor to Europe’s best selling D-SLR[1], the D3000, offering 14.2 megapixels, full HD movie, Live View with new AF modes and improved ergonomics. It also has the popular Guide Mode as seen on the D3000, which now shows you sample images of what you can achieve with certain settings, for example if you change the shutter speed or aperture. This is the ideal camera for families who want to capture all the important moments in perfect quality, without worrying about settings.”


Pure and simple D-SLR for the family

The D3100 is designed for newcomers to D-SLR photography, especially young families who want to take beautiful pictures without worrying about complicated functionality. A range of automatic settings means the camera is doing all the hard work much like on a compact camera: Live View with Scene Auto Selector selects the mode that matches your shooting situation; Scene Recognition delivers sharply defined images by analyzing the scene and optimizing the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released; and Guide Mode will take you step-by-step through the process of how to get the picture you want.

The 11-point autofocus system will make sure everything is in focus and ensures razor-sharp images to capture even the most fleeting of expressions or movements. Additionally, the bright viewfinder means you can see and focus precisely on the image you want to capture, quickly and easily. Live View with Scene Auto Selector is an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures, useful for those who have only used a compact camera, and makes it easy to compose images using the LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture, and Fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button. Live View will also recognise as many as 35 faces at a time and even if people in the frame move, the camera will continue tracking and focusing on them.

Stunning pictures in every situation

The 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, new powerful EXPEED 2 processing engine and a wide range of NIKKOR[2] lenses deliver excellent pictures with amazing detail wherever you are and whatever you are doing. It has ISO 100-3200 sensitivity, with the versatility of effectively boosting ISO up to 12800. This significantly reduces the risk of blurred images when taking pictures of the most energetic children or an evening barbeque with all the family.

Full HD movies for all the family

Using the easy-access movie record button you can instantly switch to video mode on the D3100, and the D-Movie function allows you to record stunning HD movie clips with sound. The camera’s large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offers exceptional image quality, and the wide variety of NIKKOR lenses can be used to create cinematic effects. You can also make simple edits of your clips in-camera by deleting scenes or save specific frames as still images – nothing will be missed for the family photo album. The D3100 is also HDMI compatible so you can connect your camera to an HD television to view your movies in full HD from your sofa.

The Guide to great photos

For the newcomer to D-SLRs, the intelligent, improved Guide Mode, as seen on the D3000, gives you step-by-step instructions of how to change the camera settings. This means you not only get the picture you want but it helps you to understand how it was achieved so you can develop your photography skills. You can even view sample images of what you can expect from each setting, for example if you change the aperture or shutter speed settings.

Don’t miss a moment

The D3100 is the essential item for every family event or day out. The camera’s comprehensive technologies and tough exterior will keep up with any outing, whatever you’re doing. Its compact size and lightweight body make the D3100 easy to pack and carry around for all those unmissable moments.

Key features:

• DX-format, 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor: The high pixel sensor will give you outstanding colour and detail in pictures and movies you’ll want to see again and again

• New EXPEED 2 image processing engine: Provides enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality. EXPEED 2 maximises CMOS sensor performance for clear, lifelike images that exhibit vivid colours, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations for outstanding photos and movies

• High ISO (100-3200) sensitivity: Extendable up to 12800: Indoor shots or fast-moving children need never be blurry or dull again, even without a flash

• Guide Mode: Simply the easiest way to learn how to get great pictures, without having to read the manual

• D-Movie – full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24 fps movie clips: Record beautiful HD movie clips with sound and achieve exceptional image quality with high ISO sensitivity. NIKKOR lenses can be used for cinematic effects and simple edits can be made in-camera. In addition, HDMI connectivity means you can watch your HD movies on an HD television

• Live View with new AF-F mode and Scene Auto Selector: The new Live View provides an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures and it includes a Scene Auto Selector, which automatically selects the best mode to match the scene. The AF-F mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button

• 7.5 cm (3-inch) monitor: A great platform on which to share your beautiful images and movies with friends and family

• 11-point autofocus system: The quick and accurate autofocus ensures everything is in focus so you get the sharpest image

• Active D-Lighting: Bright sunshine need never wash out detail again. The balance of light and shade can be preserved forever

• Picture control: Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot. You can choose from six settings: Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape

• In-camera image and movie editing: Why wait for a PC? Retouching, filter effects and red-eye correction can be achieved in the palm of your hand

• Compact, light and durable: It’s the smallest and lightest Nikon D-SLR yet so you can sling it over your shoulder, ready for any picture or movie moment. Also, with improved ergonomics, you’ll now have direct access to shutter release, Live View and movie modes.

• Dual Integrated Dust Reduction System: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images

• New software, ViewNX2 will be bundled with the D3100: It inherits the basic operations of ViewNX whilst providing much enhanced operability, including a refined GUI, and a range of easy-to-use features allowing you to edit photos as well as movies

Images are available to download from www.nikon.co.uk/pressimages
Press contacts: Jenny Grace /020 8247 1797 / Jenny.grace@nikon.co.uk / Claudia Paul / 0208 481 6838 / claudia.paul@nikon.co.ukFor more information about

Nikon’s award winning products, please visit www.nikon.co.uk

About Nikon

Founded in Japan in 1917, Nikon has grown to become the world leader in digital and precision optics technology with a strong presence in all four corners of the world.

Through its award-winning productline-up, including entry-level and professional digital SLR cameras,interchangeable NIKKOR lenses and the consumer COOLPIX range, Nikon regularly raises the standard in product design and performance. With over 90 years of engineering expertise, it is no wonder that Nikon is the top choice for photographers around the world.

In 2009, Nikon celebrated two key milestones in the lens category – the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount SLR lens-mounting system, making it the only manufacturer to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period, and the production of its 50 millionth NIKKOR lens. Both highlight Nikon’s dedication to producing quality and functional products that can be used by photographers for years to come.

Nikon also produces equipment such as IC and LCD steppers and scanners, instruments such as microscopes and semiconductor inspection equipment. Other products include sports optics products such as binoculars, rangefinders and fieldscopes, ophthalmic lenses and surveying instruments. It is the only major optical company in the world that still controls and manufactures every aspect of its glass-making business, allowing it to finely tune Nikon lens specifications, quality and performance.

Nikon has consolidated net global sales of 879,719 million Japanese Yen (year ending 31 March, 2009) and Nikon Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikon: At the heart of the image.
.

RRP: £869.99 / €1030

RRP: £1499.99 / €1776

Sales start date: 2nd September 2010

RRP: £1049.99 / €1243

RRP: £369.99 /€438

Sales start date: 2nd September 2010

Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. With a focal length ranging from 55mm to 300mm (equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm on DX format D-SLRs) it enables the user to really get up closeand personal with distant subjects.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe BV, says: “The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a really useful and economical second lens alongside today’s standard 18-55mm kit lenses, enabling coverage of all subjects both near and
far. The compact dimensions and lightweight construction make it an ideal choice for the compact D-SLR customer.”

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300MM F/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Go further for less

The 5.5 times zoom ratio offers flexibility by drastically extending the telephoto reach. With 300mm (450mm equivalent on DX format cameras when compared to 35mm format) at the telephoto
end, this lens leads the way in affordable and portable telephoto photography, ideal for family sport events and holidays.

Hold Steady

Incorporating the latest VR II (second generation Vibration Reduction) technology, the lens delivers sharper images when the camera is hand-held. This is especially useful when using slower
shutter speeds at longer focal lengths, or when shooting in low light.

Keep Quiet

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR incorporates Nikon’s SWM (Silent Wave Motor). This ensures that the autofocus is fast and quiet so you don’t miss that crucial moment, nor draw attention to yourself in more private settings.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR incorporates high quality ED and new HRI (High Refractive Index) glass elements to help deliver crisp images, even under harsh lighting conditions. The lens has a weather sealed mount, which prevents moisture and dust infiltrating the lens or camera sensor.

Ready for adventure, the AF-S DX

NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an affordable and compact lens that will be a welcome addition to any camera bag. The lens is supplied with HB-57 lens hood to prevent flare in strong light and a lens pouch for safe storage and transportation. The lens will also be available in zoom kits with Nikon’s popular D-SLR range.

Specifications

Focal length	55-300mm (35mm format equivalent 82.5-450mm)
Maximum aperture	f/4.5-5.6
Minimum aperture	f/22-29
Lens construction	17 elements in 11 groups (with two ED glass elements and one HRI* lens element) *High Refractive Index
Angle of view	28°50’-5°20’
Closest focus distance	1.4m / 4.6ft.
Max reproduction ratio	0.28x
Diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)
Focusing	AF with built in SWM and Manual focus
Filter/attachment size	58mm
Diameter x length	Approx. 76.5 x 123 mm
Weight	Approx. 530g / 18.7oz.

Images are available to download from www.nikon.co.uk/pressimages

Press contacts: Jenny Grace /020 8247 1797 / Jenny.grace@nikon.co.uk / Claudia Paul / 0208 481 6838 / claudia.paul@nikon.co.ukFor more information about

Nikon’s award winning products, please visit www.nikon.co.uk

About Nikon

Founded in Japan in 1917, Nikon has grown to become the world leader in digital and precision optics technology with a strong presence in all four corners of the world.

Through its award-winning productline-up, including entry-level and professional digital SLR cameras,interchangeable NIKKOR lenses and the consumer COOLPIX range, Nikon regularly raises the standard in product design and performance. With over 90 years of engineering expertise, it is no wonder that Nikon is the top choice for photographers around the world.

In 2009, Nikon celebrated two key milestones in the lens category – the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount SLR lens-mounting system, making it the only manufacturer to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period, and the production of its 50 millionth NIKKOR lens. Both highlight Nikon’s dedication to producing quality and functional products that can be used by photographers for years to come.

Nikon also produces equipment such as IC and LCD steppers and scanners, instruments such as microscopes and semiconductor inspection equipment. Other products include sports optics products such as binoculars, rangefinders and fieldscopes, ophthalmic lenses and surveying instruments. It is the only major optical company in the world that still controls and manufactures every aspect of its glass-making business, allowing it to finely tune Nikon lens specifications, quality and performance.

Nikon has consolidated net global sales of 879,719 million Japanese Yen (year ending 31 March, 2009) and Nikon Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Nikon: At the heart of the image.
.