kyoshinikon said:
Although new nikon lenses don't use the screw AF anymore what If Nikon could re-purpose the screw to zoom lenses for video. Although a more consumer type feature that would allow for a more camcorder like shooting style with a dslr. Obviously both firmware and lenses would need to be changed to make this possible but it is just an idea.

Very interesting idea. But I can't see it taking off.

Changing the firmware would be relatively easy, but changing existing lenses? And if the screw only drives new lenses why not just introduce a whole new zoom system?

Presumably, the firmware would need to recognise the lens and decide if it needs auto-focus or zoom (or both??).

And as has been mentioned, noisy motors for still photography are bad enough. But would you want a noisy motor that close to the microphone for movies?

Interesting, but back to the drawing board, I think, Kyoshi.

heartyfisher said:
LOL! Thanks mate ! Happy 2K to you !!

Thanks right back. Just some warm wishes from your most supportive skeptical 'septic' ;-)

ja - yup u can run ms office on linux through wine

pb pm - I like this idea too, only af-s lenses, as for open firmware I like this idea too, would let ppl do their own customization

jonnyapple said:
Happy thousandth post, hearty.

LOL! Thanks mate ! Happy 2K to you !!

Happy thousandth post, hearty.

LOL ... Yeah I have MSOffice running in a Virtual machine on my ubuntu linux box. just for the rare occasion that a document needs it(re the macros/security paswords etc.) Other than that.. I am free from windows !! yeah ! Been free for 2 years now.

Does linux even run MS office?

Kyoshi, why not just add another ultrasonic motor? Is it the cost? I think you answered your question when you pointed out that lower-end models wouldn't have powered zoom. That would be an important part of the video market, I would think.

Back to the open firmware again eh hearty? I bet you use open office rather than MS office too!

on the other hand.. stick an interface point on the baseplate and open up the software api and imagine the wonders we can create!

+1 with PB PM. I can already hear all the complaining about the loud zoom noise and focus while recording video.

I'd be against this for the same reason I want to get all AF-S lenses, the body motor is noisy.

Although new nikon lenses don't use the screw AF anymore what If Nikon could re-purpose the screw to zoom lenses for video. Although a more consumer type feature that would allow for a more camcorder like shooting style with a dslr. Obviously both firmware and lenses would need to be changed to make this possible but it is just an idea. Thoughts, criticisms, other ideas? What can be done about the vc zoom issue or should anything be done about it.

(consider that consumer bodies are missing the screw)