I just returned from an extended time away from the studio, traveling to Kenya and Costa Rica. During my time away Nikon announced information on their two newest DSLR’s and they are both very interesting. I’ve not had a chance to handle either the D800 or D4 at this point but Nikon has agreed to send me one of each a week or two after they start delivering the pre orders.
D800 Incorporates a 36 Megapixel Sensor
I have to say that I was a bit surprised by the rumor of 36 megapixels coming true. Understand that I was one of the very few photographers who actually bought Nikon’s D2H that sported a measly 4.1 megapixel sensor. You don’t remember that camera? Most don’t but I shot it for two years and I’ve never had an editor or any photo buyer complain about the lack of resolution from the images I captured with that body. Keep in mind all D2H files were sized up through Genuine Fractals now known as Perfect Resize but nobody has ever been the wiser. Additionally, I shot that camera like I do all digital cameras which means I shot it as if I were shooting 35mm film. In other words I rarely cropped the final image. The files were actually quite good from the D2H unless you went over 400 ISO. In short, the sensor produced great images to start with when using a low ISO and then Genuine Fractals did the rest. I’ve supplied dozens of images to a German calendar publisher that were proceed from the D2H and these guys are picky. They never published any calendar we did together that featured the photography smaller than 16×20 inches and never once did they complain.
Nikon's megapixel monster the new D800.
We’ve now found out that what I thought would be my next camera has 36 Megapixels and a frame rate of only 4 frames per second at full frame resolution. It bumps up to 6 FPS when switched to DX crop mode but that’s two frames slower than the D700 with the extra power booster and lager batteries. The D800 incorporates some amazing new video technology which I was hoping for so that’s good news. Overall I have very mixed emotions about this move on Nikon’s part. What do you guys and gals all think? I would love to hear your thoughts on this new camera.
As usual, DPReview has a great Preview on the D800/800E
Great ergonomics like nearly all of Nikon's top end models.
D4: Will it continue as the Low Light Champion?
The D4 I’m certain will not disappoint for those willing to shell out the nearly $6000.00 it will take to buy one. I predict it will remain the still camera of choice for the pro level shooters whose living depends on capturing just the right moment. Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of those people left in the world of photography. You can find out more about the D4 on DPReview.
- Top of the line, professional body that will most likely continue as the low light champion.
With the announcement these two new cameras I can’t help but hope Nikon may have a completely unexpected rabbit they may pull from their hat. It just seems obvious that there is now a gaping hole in the Nikon line. If anyone would be interested in asking me, which hasn’t happened yet, I would wish for an updated D700. Maybe a D700AS? Do any of you remember the Nikon F2, F2A, F2AS? All just updates to the original Nikon F camera. The D700AS would have video capabilities of the D4 and D800, the smaller sensor of the D4, low light capabilities of at least the D3S and a frame rate of 8FPS with the updated AF system incorporated into the D4. Even the AF of the D7000 would give it a leg up on the current D700. Am I the only one that would like to see this combination? Am I the only one that is predicting this camera may be the next rabbit pulled from the hat? This addition would really give them a well rounded amazing top end lineup.
Tell me what you folks think about this prediction. Better yet tell me if you think I’m nuts. Am I the only one not seeing the light on these two new products?