D300s Successor-D400, what and when

blackfox

got to agree the split seems pretty equal in the u.k to ,it also depends on what you call serious wildlife photographers ,if that just equates to long lens penis envy types your probably right about canon users ,but i can do equally as well 75% of the time with my paltry 300mm f4 ,the backstop of my wildlife photography and far far superior to anything canon offers in the price/weight.useability stakes .just had a really good read through dp reviews on the canon 70d and they state quiet clearly that its biased towards live view users ,rather than normal photographers .
time will tell on this one nikon are overdue for a mid range camera along the lines of the d400 ,and my gut feeling says they have either waited for this canon or a bit longer for a 7d replacement before making there move .the coming months have that feel good factor of anticipation about them

scoobysmak

From reading a few comments a thought occured to me. If Nikon produced a Pro-DX camera, some people might keep to the DX lineup. If Nikon came out with more DX pro lenses I could see the D400 comming sooner than later (maybe Nikon has all the pro DX lenses already out, I admit I do not track the DX lineup). If its priced at a pro camera price nikon might sell more Nikon pro DX lenses and some might keep with the DX format. Others will have both the FX and DX pro line cameras but if you invest in FX lenses the only reason I see to have pro DX lenses is size and weight savings (travel, size of the photog, and lenght of normal shooting might have a significant impact).

Just my thoughts for the second but I still think a pro-D400 with the right features would "wake up" the market.

spraynpray

Whether Nikon tries to takes on the Canon 70D with a D400 or a D7200 remains to be seen
my money is on a D7200

I think you should change your pseudonym to 'flip-flop' or 'yo-yo' seven - this week it is back on "no D400" is it? O:-)

I am still willing to bet you're wrong.... :P

sevencrossing

spraynpray I think you should change your pseudonym to 'flip-flop' or 'yo-yo' seven


To clarify my thoughts

Would I like to see a D400 with all the features hoped for in this thread ; for less than a D600?

Yes, I defiantly would


Do I think we will get them ?

Very unlikely

I think Nikon have got to come up with a USP that is not on any of their other cameras

I think the USP will be in the video specification

Most young photographic students I talk to, want to do video

they are on a tight budget and they will looking at the Canon 70D

Will they pay more for the features on the D400 wish list? probably not
Yes Nikon have got to look after their current customer base but they must also look to the new generation of photographers and videographers

Photobug

This morning, about 12 hours ago, I got two notifications from Adorama and B&H Photo about the just announced Canon EOS 70D, $1,199. Below are the features for the EOS 70D, how about some comments are these needed in the Nikon D400.

Canon EOS 70D
++Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth and intelligent autofocus
++Newly designed 20.2MP APS-C CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor
++3" 1,040k-dot vari-angle Clear View II touchscreen LCD for intuitive control
++Build-in-Wi-FI connectivity for direct sharing and wireless remote control over camera functions
++Full HD 1080p video recording in multiple frame rates with manual exposure and audio control
++19-point all cross-type AF system, 7 fps continuous shooting, and expandable ISO 25,600

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF is a refined autofocus technology that uses two separate photodiodes in each pixel to provide fast and smooth intelligent focusing with full STM lens support.

Enhancing this focus system is the 3" 1,040k-dot vari-angle Clear View II touchscreen LCD monitor with touch AF control for precisely setting points of focus in the scene.

The updated EOS Remote mobile App with provide remote control and monitoring capabilities. Body only $1,199, with 18-55 lens, $1,349, and $1,549 with 18-135 lens.

The 20.2 MP CMOS (APS-C) sensor with 14-bit A/D conversion, ISO 100-12,800 expandable to H: 25,600.

EOS Full HD Movie mode with Movie SErvo AF for improved continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, manual exposure control and multiple frame rate plus build in stereo mic with manual level adjustment.
=========================
Now I am a dedicated Nikon man and I don't remember seeing some of these key features in our list of expectations for the D400. Comments, what do you think?

Finally, does the Canon EOS 70D affect the release of the Nikon D400? Oh I hope so.

SNRatio

Canon EOS 70D
++Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quick, smooth and intelligent autofocus
++Newly designed 20.2MP APS-C CMOS image sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor
++3" 1,040k-dot vari-angle Clear View II touchscreen LCD for intuitive control
++Build-in-Wi-FI connectivity for direct sharing and wireless remote control over camera functions
++Full HD 1080p video recording in multiple frame rates with manual exposure and audio control
++19-point all cross-type AF system, 7 fps continuous shooting, and expandable ISO 25,600

Now I am a dedicated Nikon man and I don't remember seeing some of these key features in our list of expectations for the D400. Comments, what do you think?

Actually, before the 70D, Nikon 1 was the leader in on-chip AF, and of course an improved version of this has been on the list of expectations. As has Wi-Fi, higher frame rates and improved video features.

I think most now expect a 24MP sensor, but I would rather have 20MP, and really beating Canon in high ISO IQ. That is a bit harder with 24MP, and high ISO is clearly the weakest point of my D7100.

As for vari-angle screen etc, I think that can wait for the D7200. It is much more important with Wi-Fi, to be able operate the camera from a phone or tablet, and also transfer images and video.

Ordinary AF is probably better on the D7100 already.

So, actually, I don't think this introduction changes the premises for a D400 an awful lot. For the future D7200, it is of course another matter. I'm not sure Nikon needs to beat Canon in live view/video AF this time, as long as the functionality is perceived as good enough. It just can't lag clearly behind. General IQ and ordinary AF is more important, but of course Canon marketing will try to make people believe something else.

In view of the 70D, it is the D7100 that strikes me as the odd man out in the lineup. But that is probably because Nikon will let it slide to a cheaper price point than the 70D, pressing the 70D both from above and below. If Nikon releases a D400 that is "generally adequate", it does not really matter so much where a 7D Mk II is placed - short of miracles, Canon hasn't got that much space to differentiate in. (Think resolution, high ISO, frame rates, ordinary and on-chip AF, connectivity etc.)

gidewey52

they are gonna lose a hell of a lot of wildlife guys to canon ,

Every one I know who is a serious wildlife photographer is already a canon user

I'm a birder using a Pentax K-5, looking at both Canon and Nikon. Between the both non-existant D400 and 7DMII, I have to go with the Canon. Why? Glass . . . Canon has two very affordable (< USD1600) lenses in the 400mm range (the 100-400 and the 400). It's not just about the camera for me.

YMMV.

Jerry

sevencrossing

gidewey52>

. . . Canon has two very affordable (< USD1600) lenses in the 400mm range (the 100-400 and the 400). It's not just about the camera for me.


may not be as affordable but the new Nikon 80 -400 is sharper and focuses a lot lot faster then the Canon 100 -400

Photobug

As for vari-angle screen on the Canon 70D, it's not important for me so I don' need it on the D400.

SNrRtio said:
I think most now expect a 24MP sensor, but I would rather have 20MP, and really beating Canon in high ISO IQ. That is a bit harder with 24MP, and high ISO is clearly the weakest point of my D7100.

I am with you, it's more important to me for high scores and low noise on the the high ISO's. I would give up 24MP sensor for a 20MP sensor if I can have superior high ISO.

ano

I have been reading with interest rumours or speculation about D400 for a long time ...
but somestimes I wonder if we should not stop dreaming ...
we have nothing of reliable information about that ... in the past NR has specs for D800 more than 6 months before release ... but for d400, we have nothing, NOTHING ... but we are dreaming of a D400 for 3 years (since d7000 release) ... per haps it is time to stop dreaming ...

please admin, if you have something to share ...

Msmoto

If one looks at Thom Hogan's comments. He suggests September announcement date and explains his thinking.

What is going to be interesting is the specs. Will Nikon give us a crop sensor D4, now that the D4 is a year and a half old? Or will they come up with something really new?

Anyway, I think September is most likely it, but I also said the same thing last year. Maybe we will find out something at the NRF get together in a couple weeks in Colorado Springs.......mmm......

ano

I remember that Thom has predicted the same thing in 2012, no ?
http://photographylife.com/nikon-d400-announcement-this-fall

Msmoto

@ano

I thought that was NASIM MANSUROV....

Photobug

How long can Nikon continue to string us along. They must love reading the highlights of what is said at NR.

DaveyJ

I see almost an equal amount of Nikons and Canons in pro wildlife shooters I know from Maine to Alaska. Sports Photographers seem to be more in the Canon Camp. And many I talk to say they see little difference but ALL say once you are with Nikon or Canon it is tough to switch.

PB_PM

How long can Nikon continue to string us along. They must love reading the highlights of what is said at NR.

I doubt Nikon even pays sites like NR a moments notice.

spraynpray

How long can Nikon continue to string us along. They must love reading the highlights of what is said at NR.

I doubt Nikon even pays sites like NR a moments notice.

+1. Just what I was thinking as I read it.

SquamishPhoto

They have a web analyst, so don't think they aren't aware off all the blathering and whining. Its more that the people that make the important decisions aren't likely to be working too closely with said information tech.

DaveyJ

Nikon is as concerned with the inroads of the smart phones buyers on their sales of compact cameras as their prestigious position in the DSLR market. Problem is that their REPUTATION is built on TWO elements only:
35mm SLR cameras and lens. If at the cooperate level they ignore that fact they are in danger of failing as a company. There is absolutely NO loyalty factor in the new smart phone market whatsoever.

sevencrossing

...... Problem is that their REPUTATION is built on TWO elements only:
35mm SLR cameras and lens. .

Absolutely

It is built on top quality Pro cameras, such as the F, used by Don McCullin and on the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs,

and the D3s used in the ISS

it is also built on "bangs for your backs" cameras such as the D90 and the D7000

They also a fine reputation for FieldScopes and microscopes

Sorry , but I don't think it s built on the D300s or film prosumer cameras such as the Nikormat

PB_PM

Nikon's bread and butter is point and shootings and entry level DSLR's. Higher end gear is developed to help strength the brand and make it attractive to consumers, so they can say "Look Joe McNally uses Nikon gear to take great photos! If you want to take photos like Joe, use Nikon!"

spraynpray

Yes - some of the 'smaller' companies only make point & shoot's, they don't makes high end pro stuff - the larger $ numbers are in the higher volume items.

Photobug

I totally agree that there is no loyalty with smart phone users. Many switch to what ever is the hot item of the month. Nikon can compete and raise the camera quality...but why would you do that if your going to hurt your bread and butter line of point & shoot.

Okay, this is off target.

sevencrossing

Photobug
Okay, this is off target


time for a new thread

donaldejose

Maybe Photobug's comment is not so "off target." Consider three markets: 1. the Pro market-Cannon took over the lead years ago and is keeping it, there are only so many D4 and D800 and $6,000 lenses Nikon can even hope to sell. Not much growth can be expected in the pro market. 2. the point and shoot market has accounted for the bulk of Nikon's income but is shrinking world wide due to better cameras in cell phones. Nikon cannot expect growth there; it has to expect lost income. 3. The Prosumer market like the D5200 and D7100. Probably not much growth can be expected here either.

So how does this all affect the long awaited D400? Perhaps Nikon senses it needs a fourth product such as an Android cell phone or at least a great camera module to sell to Android cell phone companies for inclusion in their cell phone. Perhaps corporate resources have to go into the new "secret product" for the sake of future growth and are therefore not available for the D400.

But really, I think the most logical explanation for the delayed D400 is that Nikon realizes it needs to have a sensor which will not be outdated in a year or two or three. The D400 body will be built to last 4 to 8 years and should have a sensor which can be competent for the next 4 to 8 years. It should not have the same sensor as found in the D7100. So the delay is due to waiting for the development of new sensor/software technology. Maybe the use of "binning" at high ISO? Maybe something we don't expect? Hopefully, will will see it out in then next 4 months.