Comments on: Is the Nikon D3 next to go? http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/ where there’s smoke there’s fire Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:40:02 +0000 hourly 1 By: Anon http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33795 Anon Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:50:03 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33795 Having the D3 removed from the front page of the employee purchase program listing does not indicate that the product is unavailable for order. The front page usually lists new and popular models of DSLRs, lenses, flashes, and point and shoots, but you can order almost every product in their current line-up regardless of if it's listed or not. Having the D3 removed from the front page of the employee purchase program listing does not indicate that the product is unavailable for order. The front page usually lists new and popular models of DSLRs, lenses, flashes, and point and shoots, but you can order almost every product in their current line-up regardless of if it’s listed or not.

]]> By: Anonymous http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33750 Anonymous Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:25:34 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33750 the d3 is the first camera that I have owned that doesn't have me wanting others... I am very content..... I just hope they at least add the dust removal feature.... I am not sure if it works but my D3 is much more prone to dust than my D700... the d3 is the first camera that I have owned that doesn’t have me wanting others… I am very content….. I just hope they at least add the dust removal feature…. I am not sure if it works but my D3 is much more prone to dust than my D700…

]]> By: Mikael http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33711 Mikael Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:35:45 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33711 *Singing* Seems like everything's gone wrong, since Canada came along! *Singing* Seems like everything’s gone wrong, since Canada came along!

]]> By: PHB http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33666 PHB Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:55:19 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33666 I think the complaints about the ISO on the D3x are overblown, but I also think that there is a reason Nikon called it the D3x and not the D4 and that they priced it at $8000 rather than to sell. That name and that price says to me 'hey, we got a high res camera if you really need it, but the camera we really want to make will come out later'. Thats why I think talk about a D700x is premature. I think that we will see a D4 next. The D300 has almost exactly the same sensor pitch but manages ISO 3200. That is the reason that people think the D3x should have made the same. My guess is that it is a heat issue, more pixels means more heat and more heat means more noise. When the D3 was launched, Nikon had a problem, some photographers prefer the DX format over the FX. So the D300 came out at the same time so that they were assured that their needs would continue to be catered for. When the D4 comes out there will be an expectation that it will be followed by a less pricey version. So launching the D4 and the D800 at the same time might well make sense. I think the complaints about the ISO on the D3x are overblown, but I also think that there is a reason Nikon called it the D3x and not the D4 and that they priced it at $8000 rather than to sell. That name and that price says to me ‘hey, we got a high res camera if you really need it, but the camera we really want to make will come out later’.

Thats why I think talk about a D700x is premature. I think that we will see a D4 next.

The D300 has almost exactly the same sensor pitch but manages ISO 3200. That is the reason that people think the D3x should have made the same. My guess is that it is a heat issue, more pixels means more heat and more heat means more noise.

When the D3 was launched, Nikon had a problem, some photographers prefer the DX format over the FX. So the D300 came out at the same time so that they were assured that their needs would continue to be catered for.

When the D4 comes out there will be an expectation that it will be followed by a less pricey version. So launching the D4 and the D800 at the same time might well make sense.

]]> By: PHB http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33662 PHB Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:55:05 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33662 Unless Nikon have lost their minds, the D3x will have the same software and main logic boards. They will be using a faster DSP, but I would expect it is the same family. I find it rather interesting that so many people can argue the advantages of full frame over DX and how the D3 and D700 are real pro cameras and the D300 is only for amateurs, then a few posts later insist that there are real advantages of the D3 over the D3x. Hmm. Nikon has a heck of a lot of cameras in the catalog at the moment. I can imagine that there are endless discussions on strategy at Nikon itself. The speed and cost advantages of the D3 over the D3x are both fixable, what is not so easily fixed is the sensor. The D3x is a stopgap, it is for photographers who really need 24MP and are prepared to put up with a few limitations. If Nikon has managed to get the 24MP sensor to deliver ISO 3200 performance and sufficiently high yields to make it in volume, I would expect to see a D4 come out at roughly the current D3 price point and the D3/D3x go End of Life. If Nikon can deliver ISO 3200 on a 24MP sensor, the exact same camera can deliver ISO 6400 at 12MP through software. You probably would prefer to shoot raw and do the transformation in photoshop, but all that those larger pixel sites give you is averaging, so its not a difficult calculation. In that scenario I would expect a D700s to launch either before or with the D4. I do not think it makes sense for Nikon to have two flagship cameras. There should only be one ultimate body. There will of course be people who prefer an extra ISO stop to having twice the resolution, just as there are people who prefer a 1.5x focal length multiplier to an extra ISO stop. Those people will be expected to buy the D700s just as macro photography and wildlife photography enthusiasts are expected to buy the D300s. On the other hand, if Nikon is still having production issues and difficulty hitting ISO 3200, then it makes perfect sense to update the D3 to use the new, faster DSP and deliver a D3s. But any update to the D3 suggests that the D4 is further out. I somewhat suspect that the launch of the D300s suggests that the second scenario is more likely. I am less interested in the D4 than a D400 with a 24MP sensor in DX format or a lower price D800. In summary, my expected roadmap for high end Nikon still cameras is: D700s ... D4 ... D400 ..... D800 Alternatively, if the 24MP sensor still has production issues: D3s + D700s .... D4 + D400 .... D800 I do not see a D700x happening. Unless Nikon have lost their minds, the D3x will have the same software and main logic boards. They will be using a faster DSP, but I would expect it is the same family.

I find it rather interesting that so many people can argue the advantages of full frame over DX and how the D3 and D700 are real pro cameras and the D300 is only for amateurs, then a few posts later insist that there are real advantages of the D3 over the D3x. Hmm.

Nikon has a heck of a lot of cameras in the catalog at the moment. I can imagine that there are endless discussions on strategy at Nikon itself.

The speed and cost advantages of the D3 over the D3x are both fixable, what is not so easily fixed is the sensor. The D3x is a stopgap, it is for photographers who really need 24MP and are prepared to put up with a few limitations.

If Nikon has managed to get the 24MP sensor to deliver ISO 3200 performance and sufficiently high yields to make it in volume, I would expect to see a D4 come out at roughly the current D3 price point and the D3/D3x go End of Life.

If Nikon can deliver ISO 3200 on a 24MP sensor, the exact same camera can deliver ISO 6400 at 12MP through software. You probably would prefer to shoot raw and do the transformation in photoshop, but all that those larger pixel sites give you is averaging, so its not a difficult calculation.

In that scenario I would expect a D700s to launch either before or with the D4. I do not think it makes sense for Nikon to have two flagship cameras. There should only be one ultimate body. There will of course be people who prefer an extra ISO stop to having twice the resolution, just as there are people who prefer a 1.5x focal length multiplier to an extra ISO stop. Those people will be expected to buy the D700s just as macro photography and wildlife photography enthusiasts are expected to buy the D300s.

On the other hand, if Nikon is still having production issues and difficulty hitting ISO 3200, then it makes perfect sense to update the D3 to use the new, faster DSP and deliver a D3s. But any update to the D3 suggests that the D4 is further out.

I somewhat suspect that the launch of the D300s suggests that the second scenario is more likely. I am less interested in the D4 than a D400 with a 24MP sensor in DX format or a lower price D800.

In summary, my expected roadmap for high end Nikon still cameras is:

D700s … D4 … D400 ….. D800

Alternatively, if the 24MP sensor still has production issues:

D3s + D700s …. D4 + D400 …. D800

I do not see a D700x happening.

]]> By: fry26 http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33659 fry26 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:19:31 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33659 You are already able to get to StupidHi3 by underexposing 3 steps and correcting it in post. You are already able to get to StupidHi3 by underexposing 3 steps and correcting it in post.

]]> By: rhodium http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33657 rhodium Sun, 13 Sep 2009 08:19:52 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33657 In fact, people were straightening the horizon with 6 MP. More megapixels is nice, but not necessary. 12 MP is really more than enough for most uses. In fact, people were straightening the horizon with 6 MP. More megapixels is nice, but not necessary. 12 MP is really more than enough for most uses.

]]> By: Anonymous http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33654 Anonymous Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:24:34 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33654 There's the Olympics in 2010 as well... http://www.vancouver2010.com/ There’s the Olympics in 2010 as well…

http://www.vancouver2010.com/

]]> By: Peter http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33649 Peter Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:27:41 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33649 The D700x better not be any more than $3000 otherwise nikon will truly be out of touch with the market. 5DII is 2700 at B&H D3x has bad high ISO?? it's the 3rd best high iso camera nikon has ever made, and the 4th best anyone has ever made! with the 5DII sneaking in 3rd. The D700x better not be any more than $3000 otherwise nikon will truly be out of touch with the market. 5DII is 2700 at B&H

D3x has bad high ISO?? it’s the 3rd best high iso camera nikon has ever made, and the 4th best anyone has ever made! with the 5DII sneaking in 3rd.

]]> By: Brian http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33643 Brian Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:58:11 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33643 I think Nikon offered a $500 upgrade for D3 owners to increase/double the buffer size awhile back, for the 14-Bit RAW shooters. I'm also thinking a D3H is the next version. The updated buffer is now standard, increase fps for 14 bit raw, perhaps even better performance for ISO's above 6400 etc. (Take the knowledge that they put into the D700 and put it in the next version of the D3.) The D3 is an amazing camera and Nikon isn't going to mess with the formula that much, esp. in today's market. Plus by releasing a D3H instead of a D3s will help differentiate the "New" D3 from the D300s, to further emphasize each class of camera. I think Nikon offered a $500 upgrade for D3 owners to increase/double the buffer size awhile back, for the 14-Bit RAW shooters. I’m also thinking a D3H is the next version. The updated buffer is now standard, increase fps for 14 bit raw, perhaps even better performance for ISO’s above 6400 etc. (Take the knowledge that they put into the D700 and put it in the next version of the D3.)

The D3 is an amazing camera and Nikon isn’t going to mess with the formula that much, esp. in today’s market. Plus by releasing a D3H instead of a D3s will help differentiate the “New” D3 from the D300s, to further emphasize each class of camera.

]]> By: rhodium http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33641 rhodium Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:44:24 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33641 What I want is a D3H - a high speed version of the D3. Sensor and processor technology has definitely advanced a great deal since the D3. I believe it's possible to squeeze another stop of ISO out of the current 12.1 MP sensor (I'd much rather have a more sensitive sensor with the same resolution rather than a sensor with a higher resolution and the same sensitivity - that said, it'd be nice to have a 18 MP sensor with an extra stop of ISO). Processor technology has also improved greatly - It should be entirely possible to shoot at 11 FPS while still churning out full-sized 14-bit .NEF files (it is physically possible for the shutter and the mirror to accomplish this, given how the D3 already does this in DX crop mode). Buffer size can also be increased to at least double the current size. What I want is a D3H – a high speed version of the D3. Sensor and processor technology has definitely advanced a great deal since the D3. I believe it’s possible to squeeze another stop of ISO out of the current 12.1 MP sensor (I’d much rather have a more sensitive sensor with the same resolution rather than a sensor with a higher resolution and the same sensitivity – that said, it’d be nice to have a 18 MP sensor with an extra stop of ISO). Processor technology has also improved greatly – It should be entirely possible to shoot at 11 FPS while still churning out full-sized 14-bit .NEF files (it is physically possible for the shutter and the mirror to accomplish this, given how the D3 already does this in DX crop mode). Buffer size can also be increased to at least double the current size.

]]> By: anon http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33639 anon Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:29:57 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33639 i seriously don't think Nikon will downgrade the 700x's AF system to that of the D2x. I don't know why everyone thinks that the D700x will cannibalize the d3x, and i'm also not sure why the same is thought about the d700 and d3. 90% of the people who were actually (keyword) going to buy the d3 did so before the d700 came out. Probably 50% of the reminaing 10% still bought or will still buy the d3 for the other differences the d3 has over the d700. The other people wanting it wouldn't have bought it anyway becuase of the high price. The same is going to be true about the d700x/d3x. You can't say that the d3x sales are cannibalized when most people who aren't buying it now won't buy the d3x if a d700x doesn't come out. I'm sure nikon ran a ton of sensors, put very few of that batch into d3xs, sold those to people who "need" 24 mpx right away, at a big premium at that, and now will use the remaining majority of that sensor production run for the d700x. Nikon is not stupid, they know 90% of people won't buy an 8000 dollar pro body, but i guarantee you there is a huge profit margin for the ones that do, and won't discount it until they need to. Maybe when the d700x comes out, maybe not. There still could be many people who are willing to spend the extra cash over the d700x to get the additional features of the d3x. Plus i wouldn't expect the d700x to be at all different than the d700 other than the sensor. no second card slot, frame rate will most likely be slow, no video (well maybe i guess since this is "so important") . If you are like a lot of people, you'll think there are other features more important than megapixels, like the autofocus. If they downgrade that i certaintly will wait until the d4/d800 i seriously don’t think Nikon will downgrade the 700x’s AF system to that of the D2x. I don’t know why everyone thinks that the D700x will cannibalize the d3x, and i’m also not sure why the same is thought about the d700 and d3. 90% of the people who were actually (keyword) going to buy the d3 did so before the d700 came out. Probably 50% of the reminaing 10% still bought or will still buy the d3 for the other differences the d3 has over the d700. The other people wanting it wouldn’t have bought it anyway becuase of the high price. The same is going to be true about the d700x/d3x. You can’t say that the d3x sales are cannibalized when most people who aren’t buying it now won’t buy the d3x if a d700x doesn’t come out. I’m sure nikon ran a ton of sensors, put very few of that batch into d3xs, sold those to people who “need” 24 mpx right away, at a big premium at that, and now will use the remaining majority of that sensor production run for the d700x. Nikon is not stupid, they know 90% of people won’t buy an 8000 dollar pro body, but i guarantee you there is a huge profit margin for the ones that do, and won’t discount it until they need to. Maybe when the d700x comes out, maybe not. There still could be many people who are willing to spend the extra cash over the d700x to get the additional features of the d3x. Plus i wouldn’t expect the d700x to be at all different than the d700 other than the sensor. no second card slot, frame rate will most likely be slow, no video (well maybe i guess since this is “so important”) . If you are like a lot of people, you’ll think there are other features more important than megapixels, like the autofocus. If they downgrade that i certaintly will wait until the d4/d800

]]> By: Jonathan F/2 http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33637 Jonathan F/2 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:14:25 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33637 CAM2000 was not bad at all. In fact the focus accuracy is excellent. The newer AF system though does a better job in focus tracking in my opinion. CAM2000 was not bad at all. In fact the focus accuracy is excellent. The newer AF system though does a better job in focus tracking in my opinion.

]]> By: Peter http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33636 Peter Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:52:42 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33636 The forthcoming USB3 and firewire 3200 will need faster cards and faster connections, so on it goes. By the way wont a D4 be unlucky in China? The forthcoming USB3 and firewire 3200 will need faster cards and faster connections, so on it goes. By the way wont a D4 be unlucky in China?

]]> By: Jim http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33632 Jim Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:13:43 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33632 I have been watching D3 availability on sites like amazon and pricegrabber for over a month. It looks like the availability has been progressively shrinking. It looks pretty clear that they are letting inventory run out before introducing a new d3s or d4. I have been watching D3 availability on sites like amazon and pricegrabber for over a month. It looks like the availability has been progressively shrinking. It looks pretty clear that they are letting inventory run out before introducing a new d3s or d4.

]]> By: d4n131m3j14 http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33629 d4n131m3j14 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:58:18 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33629 Ok.. I guess you could be right... Still I will wait until the D800 is released, only because I don't have the money to det a D700 now hehehe. I will settle with my d300 for a couple of years more, gathering lenses like there's no tomorrow. Ok.. I guess you could be right…
Still I will wait until the D800 is released, only because I don’t have the money to det a D700 now hehehe.
I will settle with my d300 for a couple of years more, gathering lenses like there’s no tomorrow.

]]> By: Nandub http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33627 Nandub Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:33:51 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33627 Is it possible that Nikon re-use the focus system of D2x and put it into a 24MP D700x? That way D700x will have a significant shortage compared with D3x so that make a deeper gap between the two, and possibly put a smaller impact on D3x? I've always been curious of D2x focus system CAM 2000, it was a really nice one and can still hold some ground even today, why did Nikon give it up so quickly? Had it been kept, there is at least one more choice for top performance focus system, and make it much easier to differ camera bodies in function. Is it possible that Nikon re-use the focus system of D2x and put it into a 24MP D700x? That way D700x will have a significant shortage compared with D3x so that make a deeper gap between the two, and possibly put a smaller impact on D3x?

I’ve always been curious of D2x focus system CAM 2000, it was a really nice one and can still hold some ground even today, why did Nikon give it up so quickly? Had it been kept, there is at least one more choice for top performance focus system, and make it much easier to differ camera bodies in function.

]]> By: Gra http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33624 Gra Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:01:57 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33624 I reckon D3sx... With a projector... I reckon D3sx…

With a projector…

]]> By: Ronan http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33622 Ronan Sat, 12 Sep 2009 01:43:47 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33622 D3 and D3x share the same body thats it. They are two completly different camera's... I thought it was quite oblivious? D3 and D3x share the same body thats it. They are two completly different camera’s… I thought it was quite oblivious?

]]> By: Anon http://nikonrumors.com/2009/09/10/is-the-nikon-d3-next-to-go.aspx/comment-page-1/#comment-33617 Anon Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:11:26 +0000 http://nikonrumors.com/?p=6853#comment-33617 "I don’t think they will release a d700, then nobody will buy the d3." "I don’t think they will release a d200, then nobody will buy the d2x. Think about what you just said there for a moment. “I don’t think they will release a d700, then nobody will buy the d3.”
“I don’t think they will release a d200, then nobody will buy the d2x.

Think about what you just said there for a moment.

]]>