[OMG] Nikon Uses 5d2, Phantom HD Footage To Promote D800

In what must be one of the largest faux-pas in camera news ever, Nikon has  used footage shot on Canon 5d Mark IIs and what appears to be a Phantom HD camera to promote their D800. But it doesn’t end there. Not only did they use footage from their competitors’ cameras  in the ad, but they also allegedly did not ask permission to use that footage in the first place.  Get the scoop after the jump.

The first news of things gone awry was when well-known photographer, videographer, and internet sensation TSO Photgraphy noticed that Nikon had used his footage in their promo. See exhibit A:

 

Many of you will remember TSO’s video titled “The Mountain,”  from which a few of the shots in the Nikon promo were lifted (which is definitely worth the watch if you haven’t seen it):

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

In addition, Nikon also apparently …ehem, “borrowed” some footage from a film released last year called “The Art of Flight.” This film was a pretty big deal – a very high budget, widely released and acclaimed movie showcasing some of the finest action sports athletes in action. The footage that Nikon used can be seen in the trailer below (and again, I highly recommend a viewing of this video, as well!)

Now, before I go running for my pitchfork and pots and pans, this begs the questions: What exactly happened? Who is to blame? Was it Nikon or a third party that created the video? As of 1:00AM on March 4th, this was posted on TSO Photography’s Facebook page:

This would appear to at least be an admission of guilt (even if it looks like they’re trying to keep hush) on Nikon’s part, and it seems that some resolution was arrived at between TSO and Nikon.

I’m sure we’ll be hearing more as things develop, and I’ll be updating this post periodically when that information becomes available. What do you think happened? Someone at Nikon going out with a bang, an honest mistake, or a third party trying to cut corners?

Update as of 1:30AM March 4th: Nikon has removed the offending video (understandbly so). I’ve linked to a low-res copy in its place.

Via Steve’s Digicams