Demystifying Digital has a sample video from the new Nikon D500 digital SLR.

Also with the launch of the D5000, Nikon also released a new lens: 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED. With the previous release of the 35mm f1.8 DX lens and now this wide angle, it seems that Nikon is focusing on lenses for the DX format with a lot of new product. Clearly Nikon is supporting their line of DX cameras with all these new lens options. Like the 35mm that came out last month, expect a lot of supply shortages of this lens when it becomes available.

Well, Nikon Europe has unveiled the new Nikon D5000 entry-level SLR. Adding Liveview and HD Video found in other Nikons, a new feature that others do not have is the vari-angle LCD monitor. This would be very useful as I found with my D90 that LiveView and HD Video all depend on looking at the screen at a very awkward angle – made worse by the fact that you normally don’t hold an SLR the same way you do a camcorder.

The North American announcements will follow today (it’s 12:03am).

I’ve been looking for a nice camera bag to wear that is comfortable and not too bulky. A normal backpack is too big and usually the camera will be tossed around in the big pocket. Slingbags are something that I saw only from LowePro but now I see an alternative from Tenba. Both are pictured below and come in different sizes and colors.

These bags are perfect for one or two lenses and a flash, but not a full set of gear for a pro. Good for vacations.

This week, the first batch of Nikon’s 35mm f1.8 lens began arriving in stores. Call first – Henry’s, Black’s and Aden were all sold out on Friday.

I’ve often tried to picture how the image stabilization optics work inside a camera lens. Both Nikon and Canon offer this technology in many of their lenses. Even compact cameras now come bundled with this feature more often than not. The camera compensates for movement of the camera in an attempt to capture a better image. This works well in low light situations where the camera increases the time the shutter is open to let in more light.

This video at Gizmodo shows how the electro-mechanices of a Canon lens with image stabilization works.

Gizmodo continues their latest streak of good editorial content, not just the relinking of announcements and press releases from product companies. I may switch to them instead of Engadget as my primary source of “what’s new in gadgets” content.

Today they published a layman (well, internet layman) description about SLR lenses and their importance in taking good photographs. Sure, switching from your point-and-shoot camera to an SLR will undoubtably improve your pictures through a better sensor and more manual control, but the optics in good lenses is where the gravy is. By investing in a great zoom, and a good basic prime lens, you can enable some pretty great pictures through your camera.

Keep in mind, upgrading to an SLR is not the end all of your photography expenses. Most lenses are the cost of a small point-and-shoot camera so budget accordingly. Sometimes it’s not worth upgrading to an SLR with basic zoom.

On display in Tokyo is a Nikon D3 cut perfectly in half, as if someone used a laser or something. Check out all the photos at Tokyobling Blog.

Nikon introduced four new SLR bodies in 2008. That’s quite remarkable considering there were only three launches last year and one of them was the D40x small update. RIght now, the only model that hasn’t been updated in 2008 is the D300. Expect news on this next year – I expect some new updates to the D300 but nothing like it going to use the FX sensor or anything that earth shattering. Maybe only the addition of video capabilities like the D90.

Nikon D60 – Jan 29, 2008
Nikon D700 – Jul 1, 2008
Nikon D90 – Aug 27, 2008
Nikon D3X – Dec 1, 2008

After a series of leaks last week, Nikon just made official the new Nikon D3x – their new top-of-the-line digital SLR camera. The D3x is a D3 with a new sensor featuring a 24.5 MP full frame picture size. Full details are available at Nikon USA. Various blogs also are carrying info: DPReview and Ken Rockwell. And yes, if you have to ask, you cannot afford it ($7995 USA MSRP).