Will there Be a Professional DX Body From Nikon?

Photobug

After seeing the local price reduction on the D7100 in today's newspaper, the D7200 must be in Q1 or Q2. They are selling D7100 at $949 for the body through 11/29 (D7100+18-140mm at $1249). This is the National ad for USA dealers. That is a very strong indicator that the D7200 is in the near future.

retread

I think I would prefer a D9300. Either way D7200 or the D9300 replacement for the D300 I am interested. May just pull the trigger after it is around long enough to see how it works out.

Photobug

IMHO, the D7200 IS NOT the replacement for the D300. If there is no D9300 then you have to decide if the D7200 will meet your shooting requirements. Your other option is to consider a FX body. I really think Nikon wants the D300 users to upgrade to the D7100/D7200 or full frame DSLR. It would be nice if I am wrong but I am convinced otherwise.

Godless

The D300s is an excellent camera except for the sensor. In good lighting or studio conditions it is very, very good indeed. If Nikon made a D400 with the D7000 sensor or better for HIGH ISO shoots, I would be really, really happy. A fast burst rate with huge buffer, 51 point AF system and we have a direct competitor to the other brand's 7Dmk2

I am 100% sure the D400 will be released by next autumn.

retread

The D7100 with a quiet shutter and layout of the D810, a few more FPS and a good buffer, expeed 4, and whatever Nikon may through in may just do it for me.

Photobug

It's good to see some people continue to dream...@Godless & @retread. It's possible I may have to eat my words next year but based upon that last Nikon interview posted on the main blog, it sure doesn't look like it.

retread

Remember "This is the year of the DX" somebody said. Hope hope. **==

Photobug

Remember "This is the year of the DX" somebody said. Hope hope. **==

Very Funny and right on....I do remember saying that multiple times and it has spread to others.

You know when you wait and hope for something and it doesn't happen in a reasonable time frame you give up on it and move on. I really really do believe many people have moved on. Not saying it's better than the D300/D300s...just saying many have moved on.

Forgot to comment on your moving flag...very nice: **==

sevencrossing

would people consider a dx version of the D750 a"Pro" camera ?

retread

You know when you wait and hope for something and it doesn't happen in a reasonable time frame you give up on it and move on. I really really do believe many people have moved on. Not saying it's better than the D300/D300s...just saying many have moved on.

If I move on it will most likely be a D810. If the pro bodied DXXX comes later I can always come back. I think both formats have a place in by bag. How many of those who have moved on will do the same?

donaldejose

Look at the Nikon website which categorizes certain bodies as "Pro."

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/dslr-cameras/D-SLR.page#Professional

What do they all share in common that the D300s also had? Look at the control knob to the left of the viewfinder (looking from the back of the camera). It has buttons on the top. This is a very quick visual clue to the build of the body which makes a body a "Pro" body according to Nikon. The D750 does not use this control layout. It uses the layout Nikon describes as "Enthusiast." I think those of us at Nikon Rumors should stick to the same terminology Nikon uses. Thus, the D750 is not a "Pro" camera. However, it certainly is rugged enough and high enough quality to serve a professional for many years until its successor comes out. In other words it can do "pro" work but it just doesn't have the body build Nikon describes as "Pro." Therefore, a DX version of the D750 cannot be the successor to the D300s. If there is to be a true successor to the D300s it will have to have the build with includes those buttons on the top of the control knob as does all other Nikon "Pro" bodies.

PB_PM

would people consider a dx version of the D750 a"Pro" camera ?

You mean the D7100? I think that's already been covered.

spraynpray

Look at the Nikon website which categorizes certain bodies as "Pro."

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/dslr-cameras/D-SLR.page#Professional

What do they all share in common that the D300s also had? Look at the control knob to the left of the viewfinder (looking from the back of the camera). It has buttons on the top. This is a very quick visual clue to the build of the body which makes a body a "Pro" body according to Nikon. The D750 does not use this control layout. It uses the layout Nikon describes as "Enthusiast." I think those of us at Nikon Rumors should stick to the same terminology Nikon uses. Thus, the D750 is not a "Pro" camera. However, it certainly is rugged enough and high enough quality to serve a professional for many years until its successor comes out. In other words it can do "pro" work but it just doesn't have the body build Nikon describes as "Pro." Therefore, a DX version of the D750 cannot be the successor to the D300s. If there is to be a true successor to the D300s it will have to have the build with includes those buttons on the top of the control knob as does all other Nikon "Pro" bodies.

Here is an extract from the Nikon UK website Donald. It is a list of bodies and lenses that qualify one for membership of the 'pro users' scheme. From this, it seems that button layouts and f1.4/1.8/2.8 aren't the ultimate qualification for being associated with the word 'pro':

D300, D300S, D700, D750, D810, D800, D800E, D600, D610, D3, D3X, D3S, D4, D4S

AF-S DX 35mm f1.8G
AF-S 35mm 1.4G
AF-S 24mm 1.4G
AF-DX 10.5mm F/2.8G
AF-S 50mm f1.4G
AF 16mm F/2.8D
AF 18mm F/2.8
AF 28mm F/1.4D
AF 14mm F/2.8
AF 24mm F/2.8D
AF 20mm F/2.8
AF 28mm F/2.8D
AF 35mm F/2D
AF 85mm F/1.4
AF 85mm F/1.8
AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
AF DC 105mm F/2
AF DC 135mm F/2
AF 180mm F/2.8
AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
AF-S 14 - 24mm f/2.8G
AF-S VR 200-400 F/4G
AF-S VR 200-400 F/4G VR II
AF-S VR 70-200 F/2.8G IF-ED VR
AF-S VR 70-200 F/2.8G IF-ED VR II
AF--S DX 17-55MM F/2.8G
AF-S DX 12-24mm F/4G
AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
AF-S 24-120 f/4G ED VR
AF-S 16-35 f/4G ED VR
AF-S VR 200mm F/2
AF-S 300mm F/4
AF-S VR 300mm F/2.8
AF-S 400mm VR f/2.8G ED
AF-S 400mm VR f/2.8E FL ED
AF-S 500mm VRf/4G ED
AF-S 600mm VR f/4G ED
AF-S 800mm VR f/5.6E FL ED
AF 60mm F/2.8D
AF 105 mmF/2.8
AF-S 105mm F/2.8 VR
AF-S 60mm F2.8
AF-S 85mm f/3.5G ED VR DX
AF 200mm F/4
PC 85mm F/2.8
PC-E 24mm F/3.5
PC-E 45mm F/2.8
PC-E 85mm F/2.8

*This is a UK and Ireland membership scheme only.

Note the very excellent 70-200mm f4 VR is missing. I pointed that out to Nikon when I joined up the other day and they were confused too and agreed it should be there so are going to amend the list.

My point is, if they are confused about what is 'pro', why shouldn't we be? Carbon-fibre trumps magnesium in other areas of engineering, so perhaps the others are all old hat now! :P

heartyfisher

would people consider a dx version of the D750 a"Pro" camera ?

You mean the D7100? I think that's already been covered.

D7100 has no flippy screen., no expeed 4, no -3ev af. etc..

sevencrossing

Look at the Nikon website which categorizes certain bodies as "Pro."

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/dslr-cameras/D-SLR.page#Professional

But the UK have a different list

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/products/category_pages/digital_cameras/category_SLR.page?
( go to "filter by type" and select Pro)

So we might get a Pro Dx in the UK

but you guys the other side of the pond will be left out


spraynpray said:
My point is, if they are confused about what is 'pro', why shouldn't we be? Carbon-fibre trumps magnesium in other areas of engineering, so perhaps the others are all old hat now!


Hats are at stake !! @ S&P what is your definition of a Pro DX ?

donaldejose

sevencrossing and spraynpray: very interesting! I am surprised to see the D600, D610 and D750 on that list. No question about their excellent image quality but their body build is not up to the prior "Pro" standards. Certainly if Nikon is going to consider them "Pro" models in any part of the world it is fair for us here to use the same terminology as Nikon. Perhaps we will see a DX version of the 750 body in 2015. That would be fine with me. Make it with a built in hand grip, 10 fps, large buffer and that would be even better for me.

sevencrossing

.....but their body build is not up to the prior "Pro" standards........ Perhaps we will see a DX version of the 750 body in 2015. That would be fine with me. Make it with a built in hand grip, 10 fps, large buffer and that would be even better for me.

I think the pro build of the D4 is for full time photojournalists working in whatnotistan
Does a Pro wedding photographer need this build quality?
I think there is possibility of DX 750 with possibly 8 fps
but not built in grip
and no D4 sized buffer
yes ISO 12,800 but not to the same IQ as the D750

retread

would people consider a dx version of the D750 a"Pro" camera ?

I don't know if a DX version of the D710 would be called a pro camera or not. A DX version of the D810 could be called my camera.

spraynpray

Look at the Nikon website which categorizes certain bodies as "Pro."

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/dslr-cameras/D-SLR.page#Professional

But the UK have a different list

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/products/category_pages/digital_cameras/category_SLR.page?
( go to "filter by type" and select Pro)

So we might get a Pro Dx in the UK

but you guys the other side of the pond will be left out


spraynpray said:
My point is, if they are confused about what is 'pro', why shouldn't we be? Carbon-fibre trumps magnesium in other areas of engineering, so perhaps the others are all old hat now!


Hats are at stake !! @ S&P what is your definition of a Pro DX ?

My definition is not the point seven, I merely pointed out that Nikon is inconsistent in defining pro gear, so how the heck can we know?

Seriously though, in a perfect world, the D7100 and D750 in a D800 body with the fps and buffer to go with it would be perfect to complete the pro range but they would then be a/ more expensive, and b/ heavier than they are now so I'm happy with them as they are really. My gear bag is big and heavy enough thanks.

donaldejose

Yes, most of us on NR really don't need the rugged build of a D4s. The build of a D7100 or D750 is durable enough to last the few years which will pass until the next iteration of those bodies. Consider this: You can buy two D750s with battery grips for about $5,200 in the US and one D7100 with battery grip for $1,300 in the US. This gives you three bodies for the cost of one D4s. The D4s shutter is rated for 400,000 shots (a replacement shutter is said to cost about $400). The D750 shutter is rated for 150,000 shots and the D7100 shutter is rated for 150,000 shots. So with the three bodies you have a total shutter lifespan of 450,000 shots. Most professional wedding photographers are likely to be better served by two D750s carried with attached lenses to quickly swap between than by one D4s. Most nature photographers are likely to be better served by one D750 plus one D7100 and putting the additional money saved into good telephoto lens. Most nature or studio photographers are likely to be better served by a D810 than a D4s. Yes, sports photographers who need to shoot at high ISO and high fps will be better served by a D4s. Also consider how fast technology changes now or is expected to change in the future. In the old film days the "sensor" (film) was not a part of the body and one body would adopt to the latest film technology. Today the "film" (sensor) is built into the body and improves every few years. Thus, many people are better served by replacing a D750 or D7100 level body with every iteration than by keeping a D4s body for a much longer span of time.

I have enough money invested in Nikon bodies to have purchased a D4. However, I did not do so and will not do so because I don't really shoot in the niche for which it is unsurpassed. Rather than having a D4 I am better served by one of NIkon's 36mp FX bodies plus one of Nikons 24mp FX bodies plus one of Nikons 24 mp DX bodies. There isn't anything I do which I cannot do with those three bodies and a have great versatility which one D4 body would not give me. I really don't care whether the bodies which best suit me are called "Pro" or not.

retread

donaldejose

I agree whole heartedly. For me it would be one 36mp FX body and one 24mp DX. Additional glass and other accessories can be bought with additional money. If it does what I need and doesn't fall apart out of the box I am good.

I have numerous hammers when I need to drive nails.

DaveyJ

@retread: "I have numerous hammers when I need to drive nails". I couldn't agree more! I could easily subscribe to donalddejose's one 36mp FX body and one 24mp DX. And I still am pretty happy with the D7100 plus the D3200 and Nikon 1 AW1 for heavy field use. Our company just finished building a lake and the only imagery I have seen yet is my own Nikon DSLR work but that is very good. Adding our Go Pro 4 from heavy machinery operators point of view, aerial (Phantom II Drone, etc) and UW it should present a pretty complete and unusual documentary. But when the next big deal comes up it might be nice to have a D7200. A heavily weather sealed and fast frame rate Pro DX Body I just feel is going to cost too much to justify using in farm work.

Photobug

You know when you wait and hope for something and it doesn't happen in a reasonable time frame you give up on it and move on. I really really do believe many people have moved on. Not saying it's better than the D300/D300s...just saying many have moved on.

If I move on it will most likely be a D810. If the pro bodied DXXX comes later I can always come back. I think both formats have a place in by bag. How many of those who have moved on will do the same?

That is an excellent comment. Pros seem to carry both FX and DX in their tool bag and more and more advanced amateurs seem to be doing this as well. In fact my equipment list changes on Friday and I will be in that position. Those photographers with "deep pockets" will come back to upgrade their DX body if a pro DX is introduced. Excellent assessment @retread.

Photobug

Look at the Nikon website which categorizes certain bodies as "Pro."

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/dslr-cameras/D-SLR.page#Professional

What do they all share in common that the D300s also had? Look at the control knob to the left of the viewfinder (looking from the back of the camera). It has buttons on the top. This is a very quick visual clue to the build of the body which makes a body a "Pro" body according to Nikon. The D750 does not use this control layout. It uses the layout Nikon describes as "Enthusiast." I think those of us at Nikon Rumors should stick to the same terminology Nikon uses. Thus, the D750 is not a "Pro" camera. However, it certainly is rugged enough and high enough quality to serve a professional for many years until its successor comes out. In other words it can do "pro" work but it just doesn't have the body build Nikon describes as "Pro." Therefore, a DX version of the D750 cannot be the successor to the D300s. If there is to be a true successor to the D300s it will have to have the build with includes those buttons on the top of the control knob as does all other Nikon "Pro" bodies.

Totally agree with that assessment...the layout of the controls determine if it is a pro body. And IMHO, size is not one of those criteria as a Pro body. Good suggestion that we follow that same guideline.

retread

Those photographers with "deep pockets" will come back to upgrade their DX body if a pro DX is introduced.

Deep pockets have I not. I tend to buy the best I can and then wear it out before I replace it. I am getting to the point I may wear out first.