What should the Nikon D6 be by Darren Cassar:
We are all eagerly waiting for Nikon to reveal their new D6 DSLR flagship camera. This is a list from somebody that has used the D5, D850 and other Nikon bodies for events ranging from weddings to sports for both video and photos:
1. POE – power over ethernet
A great addition would be the ability to have the camera powered over the ethernet port. This is very useful for professionals who use this camera as remote-cams in places which are hard to access during an event (example: behind the basket during a basketball game). This will allow for easier installing of remote-cams as this only requires the installment of 1 cable (instead of 3) that does power, image transfer and shooting wire.
2. OLED Screen
An OLED screen is a type of LED screen that can light specific areas of the screen. This provides more real blacks and greater contrast on the screens. Nikon should also change the LCD screens from the top (that show the settings) to OLED as well. This would allow customization from the user and allows him to change this to his specific needs. This could show exposure details, recording-time, histograms, waveforms, audio levels and more.
3. Tilting screen
A tilting screen would allow for easier and more comfortable use of the D6. This would allow getting low-shots and high-shots without rolling on the floor or trying to see the Live View from the top. Nikon should build a strong and rigid frame for the tilt screen.
4. Tally/recording light
Having the ability to turn on/off a video tally light (in the front of the body) would allow for much easier use of the camera while doing video recording.
5. Better user experience
Nikon lacks greatly in this field. Its team should make the menu touch-capable (like the d850) and also add a search box for the settings. Nikon could also open all buttons for all of the functions of the camera (and not limiting certain buttons for two or three actions).
6. SnapBridge/WiFi connectivity
These days professional photographers have to increasingly send photos instantaneously and therefore need easier ways to connect and send images to the interwebs.
7. NDI connectivity or over IP video protocol
The Nikon D5 has an ethernet port (and so will the D6 99.9%). The latest protocol in the broadcast industry that allows great video live stream over a network is NDI. Nikon should make it an extra purchase for the NDI licence. This would increase Nikon’s product range to include live broadcast capabilities (as to my understanding, no video camera does NDI natively). This would raise Nikon’s financial security as its profit depends on something wider.
Most of these suggestions can be implemented to make the D6 one of the best cameras out there. Personally, the D5 is the closest to perfect camera out there, offering a mix of speed and resolution with professionalism and ergonomics.
What do you think?
