nikonanimatorskit

Animation just got a little easier with the introduction of the Nikon Animator’s Kit, which conveniently collects all the camera equipment and software needed for creating stop motion animation into one not-so-cheap package. The star of the kit is Nikon’s just-released 36.3Mp D810 DSLR camera, which has received high marks from the photography community. The kit also includes:

  • AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED FX-format macro prime lens
  • Dragonframe stop motion animation software and controller
  • EH-5b/EP-5B power supply and connector

It’s not entirely clear who Nikon is targeting with the kit. Their website suggests that this might be a good investment for beginners: “The animator’s kit contains what you need to get started in the incredibly fun and exciting medium of stop motion animation.” But not many novices have $4,000 to spend on a stop motion kit. The more likely market segment is stop motion pros who demand top-grade equipment, but if that’s the case, it’s hard to imagine any pro animator who doesn’t already own a lens or Dragonframe.

One artist who’ll definitely be using the camera is stop motion director PES, who will shoot his next short Submarine Sandwich using the Nikon D810 camera. Nikon, which is the lead sponsor of his film, is providing PES “a portion of the production funds” as well as all of his camera equipment. Nikon also provided PES with an additional camera kit to be given away to a backer of his film’s Kickstarter campaign. Here is PES unboxing the kit:

The Animator’s Kit can be pre-ordered for $3,999.95 on Nikon’s website.

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