Art of the Image: Nikon D4x

Showing posts with label Nikon D4x. Show all posts

Monday, October 25, 2010

Nikon D700x / D800 Status

Nikon D700x / D800 DSLR

For those of you that have read Nikon D4, D4x, 700s, 700x 2011 Lineup, you'll know I expect to see the Nikon D700x in 2011.

Perhaps one of the most written about, sought after, dreamed of DSLR cameras to date, the D700x / D800 will be the perfect camera for a lot of photographers. I know I want one!

The Nikon D700x, also referred to as the Nikon D800 and Nikon D900, will feature the sensor from the current DSLR King, the Nikon D3x. That means we'll be getting the 24 megapixel goodness in the wonderful D700 body, the perfect mating of performance and ergonomics for many shooters.

The Nikon D3x is the BEST camera in a 35mm DSLR that money can buy at the time of this writing. Check out DXOMark to see why.

Now take that BEST ranking and drop it into a smaller, lighter, more ergonomically friendly body, and it's easy to see what all the fuss is about.

The question on most people's minds is "Where is it?" or "Why hasn't Nikon released it yet?"

I touch on this in Nikon D4, D4x, 700s, 700x 2011 Lineup. Basically, I think Nikon didn't want to cannobilize D3x sales until they were close to releasing the D4x.

The Nikon D4x is expected to have a new 38 megapixel sensor, and when it's out, Nikon should have no fear of releasing the Nikon D700x with the D3x's 24MP sensor. The D4x will have no need to fear losing sales to the D700x as it'll be significantly more advanced with signficantly more resolution.

Nikon will have the best of both worlds. The D4x will sell well to those needing the BEST, and the D700x will sell like crazy to the rest of us who want the next closest thing to the BEST at a MUCH BETTER price.

When, in 2011, Nikon releases the Nikon D700x /D800 is dependant on a couple of things.

First off, it'll depend on whether Nikon chooses to release the D700x / D800 just before or just after the Nikon D4x. This could go either way as Nikon could benefit from either choice, especially if they leak info on either camera prior to releasing the other.

For example, let's say Nikon chooses to release the D700x /D800 before the D4x. If they leak info, images, arrange public sightings of the D4x in use, the D700x /D800 will sell very well and not hurt any sales of the D4x as those who would buy the D4x will know it's coming from the leaks.

Conversely, the same strategy could be used if the D4x is released before the D700x /D800.

I think we'll see the Nikon D4x released, or at least announced, first, followed by the Nikon D700x /D800.

When you say?

I expect we'll see the Nikon D4x announced by March 2011, and the D700x /D800 shortly after.

In the meantime, let me know by posting a comment or emailing me if you have any info to share on either the D4x or D700x /D800.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Canon 1Ds MarkIV or Nikon D4x - Which will come first?

Canon 1Ds Mark IV

CanonRumors has been posting various tidbits and rumors relating to when we might expect to see the Canon 1Ds MarkIV.

Most of us were expecting to see the 1Ds MarkIV announced by Photokina this year, but it would seem that may not be happening. In fact, if the rumors are true, Canon may be waiting for Nikon to announce the Nikon D4x before they make any Canon 1Ds MarkIV annoucements.

Regardless of if they wait for Nikon, the rumor now is that we won't see the 1Ds MarkIV until 2011, or (GASP!) even early 2012.

I'm kinda doubtful of this though. Traditionally, neither Nikon or Canon has held back new products in order to see what the other is doing. Even if Canon wanted to see what Nikon is going to announce with the Nikon D4x, why not release the 1Ds MarkIV now and then tweak an update as an "s" version later if need be?

Let's say Canon announces the 1Ds MarkIV this week in time for Photokina. They get to enjoy top spot in the game for a while until Nikon announces the Nikon D4x, both satisfying professionals who need the update to the 1Ds MarkIII and keeping the Canon faithful happy that Canon is remaining a strong competitor in the DSLR game.

Then, when Nikon announces the D4x, if Canon feels they need to do some tweaks and up-dates to the 1Ds MkIV in response, they can release an updated "s" version... the Canon 1Ds MarkIVs.

It's a win-win situation.

Frankly, I don't see any benefit in Canon waiting to release the 1Ds MarkIV. Just the opposite actually, I see a lot of potential negative to waiting.

Come on Canon... show us what you've got!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Nikon D4, D4x, D700s, D700x ( D800 ) 2011 Lineup

The Nikon D4 DSLR

I think it's a given now that we won't be seeing a Nikon D700 update for 2010. Call it an educated guess, my opinion, intuition... whatever, but I'd be willing to bet on it.

The good news is... strike that... the GREAT news is that I think we'll see a high megapixel Nikon D700x ( D800 ) in 2011. With the Nikon D4x anticipated in 2011, Nikon should have no problem letting the D700x /D800 have the existing Nikon D3x 24 megapixel sensor.

Now that's a camera a LOT of people are going to want, myself included! A D700 body with the D3x sensor will be a hot seller. I anticipate Nikon having a hard time keeping these in stock in the early days of the roll-out.

Here's how I see the Nikon 2011 Pro Level DSLR Line-Up...

Nikon D700s - Brings the INCREDIBLE Nikon D3s sensor to the super popular Nikon D700 making it capable of seeing in the dark, just like it's big brother. Will also have full 1080p HD video with full manual controls and an external mic input.

Nikon D700x /D800 - Brings the SUPER RESOLUTION D3x sensor to party in a Nikon D700 body. For those that need HIGH resolution, but can't afford the expense of a D4x or don't like the bigger, heavier bodies, this is your camera. May have 1080p HD video, may not. Let's hope it does.

Nikon D4 - Brings a new 16 megapixel sensor to the party, capable of the same SUPERB high ISO of the D3s sensor, maybe even a stop better. Will also have full 1080p HD video with full manual controls and an external mic input. May also have video RAW settings.

Nikon D4x - Brings a new 38 megapixel sensor to the party, putting Nikon back in the lead for highest megapixel sensor available in a DSLR. If you need MAXIMUM resolution, this is your camera. Medium format companies cry like babies when the D4x is officially announced, and plot to sabotage the production facility. May have 1080p HD video, may not. Let's hope it does.

May also have video RAW settings.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Nikon D4x at 38 Megapixels!

Ahhh Hahhh! I knew it was gonna be big, but this is BIGGER than I thought.

Thom Hogan is hinting at the D4x being 38 Megapixels! Yes, you read that right folks... 38 MEGAPIXELS!

That'll officially take the D4x to the top of the Megapixel Pile when it is released next year. The Canon 1Ds MkIV is rumored to come in at 29 or 30 megapixels, so that'll give the D4x a healthy 8 megapixel leg up.

The existing Megapixel King is Nikon's flagship top of the line D3x. It's 24.5 Megapixel sensor is a resolution giant!

Imagine the D4x topping the already excellent D3x by a whopping 14 megapixels!

I don't doubt it can be done. As Thom notes, Nikon's smallest sensel design is capable of 38 megapixels. Thom also notes that this would truly be a sensor that "exceed(s) what most lenses can resolve."

Good times! As the flagships get better, the trickle down flows faster into the rest of the fleet, and we get more technological goodness for much less... just look at the new Nikon D3100!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Nikon D700x, D800, D900... Where Is It?

Rumors have been flying around the internet for some time now about an up-grade to the Nikon D700. Many of us thought it would have been out by now. I certainly did.

And yet... no D700x, D800, D900 or whatever Nikon decides to name the D700 replacement.

Thom Hogan says he doesn't think there will be a D700 replacement until next year. I'm thinking he may be right.

The big question will be how Nikon structures the levels of the Nikon DSLR line-up. Most people have been thinking of the coming update as a replacement to the D700 having a much higher megapixel sensor.

It's possible the replacement may be a D700s, following in the footsteps of the D3s upgrade. This would see the D700s getting the D3s sensor.

If this was the case, then that leaves the door open for a D700x with something like the D3X sensor. Nikon probably didn't want to do this while the D3X was relatively new, but if a D700x was timed to be introduced just before the D4X comes out, then I could see them having no problem using the D3X 24 megapixel sensor.

This would give Nikon a rock solid DSLR line-up covering all bases.

A D700s at 12 megapixels for super high ISO use for those that prefer a compact pro body.

A D700x at 24 megapixels for super megapixel goodness for those that prefer a compact pro body.

A D4s at 16 megapixels for super high ISO use for those that prefer a full size pro body. I anticipate the D4s to be about a stop better at high ISO than the already incredible D3s.

A D4x at 32 megapixels for super megapixel goodness for those that prefer a full size pro body.