What you would like to see on the D4

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What you would like to see on the D4

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kyoshinikon

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ALthough I'm pretty sure we can agree that the D4 is coming out spring/summer 2011 I thought it would be fun to start a early thread about the D4. What internal, physical, and features would you like to see changed or added in the D4.

Mine would be 1080 video with in camera stabilization(the second part is probably not going to happen), 17-20mpx, splashproof like olympuses E-3, and I would like an exposure toggle feature. I find that often aperture/shutter priority and program do not give me the results I need and would like a feature where there is a fifth mode that allows you to program your own exposures in (like you can do for WB) and toggle through them using the command or subcommand dial while shooting as opposed to the camera coming up with exposures.

It would also be nice to have a built in GPS and a switch to automatically back your images up on both CF cards

Posted 3 years ago #
smarterchild

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I would really love to see a easy iso function such as the one on the D90. i cant find anyway to be able to switch my iso on the back scroll button while in Aperature priority mode on my D3.

keep dual cf cards, 14-20mp, 10fps, i would like to see better seals(i dont know how good d3 is but i still feel nervous going into a hard rain with it), ISO 12,600 ( better then the D3s. Better buffer. Everything in the D3 series but better basically. Priced around 5500. id like them to release some lenses with it such as when they introduced the D3. and offer package deals where you save $300.

I would like to see a wireless radio slave from a radio frequency that works between the D4 and nikon flashes. 40foot rangeish.

Posted 3 years ago #
mb

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D3 already can save on both CF cards simultaneously.
As for D4 D3x resolution plus D3s sensitivity and fps and some minor improvements like better and larger screen and GPS built in would do the job. Full HD Video is a must though I do not see much use of it.

Posted 3 years ago #
adamz

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kyoshi - 16mpx, same iso as in d3s, build in wi-fi, better CF w/r speed

smarter - You have d3, and You are afraid to take it out in rain? hmm.. I have d90 and I'm not afraid at all, and it's lightyears behind d3 in water resistance

Posted 3 years ago #
kyoshinikon

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mb said:
D3 already can save on both CF cards simultaneously.

I was referring to a button on which held down would save and released wouldn't (like for multiple frame action shots where others may be useful but not as important as the "shot"

The feature I want the most is the "exposure toggle above" where it shoots like program but you set up the exposure and save it as a preset...

Posted 3 years ago #
ted2001

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I'd like to see Nikon separate the battery pack from the body ala D300s and D700. I would love to have the imaging ability the DX series has, but I don't need high frame rates and would prefer a smaller (less expensive would be good too) body. I loved the option with my F3HP to go with motor or without.

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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That option exists, it's called the D700.

Posted 3 years ago #
kyoshinikon

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But the D700 can't do 9.5 fps

Posted 3 years ago #
ted2001

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The D700 doesn't have 100% viewfinder. It's the #1 "defect" (?) in my D90. I'll never buy a camera without it again if I can avoid it. I don't need as many fps as my D90 can deliver. I want IQ and small sized body.

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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kyoshinikon said:
But the D700 can't do 9.5 fps

It can do 8FPS with the grip though, should you need the extra speed. I do agree about the Viewfinder issue, not having a 100% viewfinder is a pain. I guess I don't see the need since I like having the grip, and don't notice the weight difference.

Posted 3 years ago #
kyoshinikon

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But the grip takes away the size convenience which I prefer about the D700... I agree about the viewfinder too... especially when doing extreme zoom or fisheye work

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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I don't see Nikon doing what you want, primarily because it would cut into D3s sales, which I'm sure Nikon would dislike. The batteries are the limiting factor, Nikon would need to design a new battery type with more current, to allow faster frame rates on a body the size of the D700. Since Nikon does not seem overly inclined to make new batteries the last few years I just don't see it happening.

Posted 3 years ago #
gelu88

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ted2001 said:
but I don't need high frame rates and would prefer a smaller (less expensive would be good too) body.

umm, then get a D700 with grip but keep it in your bag. Since you mostly don't need high speed there's no problem

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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Frankly a lot of this discussion is aimed more at a D700 replacement, not a D3s replacement. Back to the D4 shall we?

I think it would be nice to see faster native flash sync speeds. Yes you can use FP, but you loose a lot of power, very quickly.

Posted 3 years ago #
NSXType-R

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Just curious, how important is a really fast shutter speed like 1/16,000? That's been missing for a while from Nikon's top DSLRs, they used to have it though.

And yeah, the flash sync speeds haven't improved all that much since the D40 was the last Nikon camera to have a 1/500th flash sync speed.

Posted 3 years ago #
shivaswrath

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i'd have to say very little to improve. . .I've played around with the D3s, and truth be told, it's f'ing amazing!

sure, if I was shooting for commercial, I'd say ummm, 16-18mpx for optimal resolution options. . .otherwise, I think we're pretty much at the pinnacle. . .

love to be proved wrong though!

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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Another nice feature would be a 3:2 aspect rear LCD to match the sensor, like the Canon T2i.

Posted 3 years ago #
ted2001

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I was talking about the D4. I want Nikon's best sensor technology, weather sealing, 100% viewfinder - I just don't need high frame rates. When my F3HP came out, it was Nikon's best SLR. Without the motor drive it was small, fairly inconspicuous, rugged, 100% finder. With the motor drive attached it was much larger and heavier and had the highest frame rate available. I still prefer that approach. The very size of the D3 series makes them useless for street use, my D90 is small enough to go unnoticed, yet I'd love the D3s sensor. I liked that old modular approach.

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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Well, what you want isn't the D4, just look at what you are typing. Other than the viewfinder the camera you want is the D700. The Nikon D4 will not be a small body, it just isn't going to happen, all of the high end pro cameras have built in grips. The last pro camera from Nikon without a built in grip was the F6.

Posted 3 years ago #
ted2001

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I thought the question was what we'd like to see re the D4. I said what I wanted to see. Whether Nikon makes it was not the question. If asked what I'd want in a D700 replacement, I say 100% finder coverage. I don't care how Nikon does it. I simply want their best imaging quality in a smaller body, plus I'm very willing to sacrifice frame rates to get it. btw, I consider the D300s a "pro" camera and it has a separate battery grip.

Posted 3 years ago #
NSXType-R

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ted2001 said:
I thought the question was what we'd like to see re the D4. I said what I wanted to see. Whether Nikon makes it was not the question. If asked what I'd want in a D700 replacement, I say 100% finder coverage. I don't care how Nikon does it. I simply want their best imaging quality in a smaller body, plus I'm very willing to sacrifice frame rates to get it. btw, I consider the D300s a "pro" camera and it has a separate battery grip.

I think the D300s has 100% viewfinder coverage, so you may like that better. Yes I know it's DX and all, but maybe it'll work out for you?

Posted 3 years ago #
ted2001

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The question was what would we like to see in the D4. Yes, I know the D300s meets all the criteria except the question was about Nikon's top FX body.

I'm currently happy with my D90 (lack of 100% viewfinder and AIS metering not-with-standing), but if I were to buy today, I would probably get the D300s. I just can't see upgrading to the D300s for the same sensor I have now.

One factor that has always been true in semiconductors is that with each generation devices become more powerful, but also smaller and require less power. If you compare the first cell phones to those of today, the size change is huge. I see no reason that Nikon can't begin reducing camera size, rather than only increasing the feature set. Clearly the Leica M-9 can manage an FX sensor, with necessary processing for 18MP in a very small body, albeit at slow frame rates. I would like to see Nikon maintain their unmatched ergonomics, just in a smaller size. When the successor bodies to the F3HP were release, many photographers preferred the older smaller F3.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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What do I like to see in a Nikon D4 and in other future Nikon DSLR

Wifi, with the ability to control and being controlled by other devices, remote, flashes, computers, (incl the Iphone, without the help of a computer)

Electronic Shutter like the old D1, D70 and D40, then you can sync all the way to 1/8000 with a none dedicated flash, but at the same time have updates to the current SB900 and allow the 2 to sync up to 1/8000 also. Note: this is full power not the current strobe with huge loss in power

Full HD video, combined with higher picture/video frame rates using the Electronic Shutter/liveview. Video up to 60 fps, pictures up to 1000 fps at lower resolution like done on a Casio camera

Have an electronic viewfinder that will attach to the hotshoe and connected/powered just like the Panasonic/Olympus Evil cameras

Have an open software area, to allow neat software upgrades

Have a histogram that can meter live and can spot meter on different areas of the screen

Higher MP, but do not kill the higher ISO area

That is about all

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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bmxdad said:
Electronic Shutter like the old D1, D70 and D40, then you can sync all the way to 1/8000 with a none dedicated flash, but at the same time have updates to the current SB900 and allow the 2 to sync up to 1/8000 also. Note: this is full power not the current strobe with huge loss in power

I like your ideas, Pete, but I don't think this one works. If your strobe's flash duration is about 1/1000 of a second, it doesn't matter how you shutter the sensor to 1/8000. Mechanical or electronic, you'll still lose about two stops of light because you're throwing away the rest of the light.

bmxdad said:
That is about all

Pete

Oh, is that all? ;-)

My favorite would be the wifi with ipod/iphone control. what about bluetooth, BTW? seems perfect for controlling cameras, being low power and all. I'm imagining controlling focus in video by tilting a wii remote with wii motion plus.

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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ted2001 said:
I thought the question was what we'd like to see re the D4. I said what I wanted to see. Whether Nikon makes it was not the question. If asked what I'd want in a D700 replacement, I say 100% finder coverage. I don't care how Nikon does it. I simply want their best imaging quality in a smaller body, plus I'm very willing to sacrifice frame rates to get it. btw, I consider the D300s a "pro" camera and it has a separate battery grip.

True, I guess I'm just a bit of a realist and forget that it is okay to have unrealistic expectations. ;-) Seriously though, I truly believe the D700 replacement will be just what you want. I consider the D300 and D700 to only be semi-pro cameras, because they lack the grip, so I guess we all look at it differently. I have other cameras for when I want to travel light, or if I want to be discrete.

Posted 3 years ago #