D5 -- What will it take to make you upgrade from a D3s, D4, or D4s to a D5?

rmp

like any other leading-acceptor, I look forward to the next new toy. But, the rumored specs of the supposedly upcoming D5, just leave me cold. So, I began wondering what would it take to make me upgrade, and I do not know the answer. What would it take to make you upgrade from a D3s, D4 or D4s?

Snapyouraw

Hmm, well, we should see what they bring new to D5 but I do not expect much !
I personally will buy it anyway just to add it to my addiction as I like to connect it to the new 300mm f4 ph.

Photobug

What would it take for me to upgrade to a D5.
++Good specifications, excellent IQ, large buffer for BIF photography
++Fit a need in my tool bag
++The resources (money) to buy a D5

From my perspective not worried about the first point. Do I need a D5, probably not. Would I want one, of course. Finally the resources. Now that is an issue. Don't see a D5 in my future.

sevencrossing

What would it take to make you upgrade from a D3s, D4 or D4s?

The Emperor's new Vapor DSLR
costs less than a D3400

donaldejose

Each D_ model number increase should be a significant improvement over the previous D_ number. Thus, I would expect a D5 to offer a lot more then what has been listed as rumored specs so far. Minor improved upgrades are marketed as D_s or D_x models. When a D5 is announced it will have some great things sufficient to make most D4 users want one. Because I have not been shooting sports lately, I don't even want a D4 and would rather have a D750 or a D810.

Msmoto

If it were mirrorless....

donaldejose

Just might be . . . . .

WestEndFoto

54 megapixels, but I would probably prefer a D820 with 54 megapixels.

Rx4Photo

One Solid Florida Lottery win !!

HipShot

One Solid Florida Lottery win !!

Yes, that.

I just recently bought a used D3S with an acceptably low shutter count at a decent price. The seller had just bought a D4S. I'm content at this location behind the technology curve.

Msmoto

The difference between images from a D3s, D4, D4s, D5 is about 99% due to the person behind the camera. The other 1 % is the camera. I will pass on an update if the D5 has 20 MP, better focusing and processor as none of this will actually improve my abilities to any great extent....

However, the OP may want to get a D5 and sell the used camera he currently owns to some deserving soul......LOL )

Beso

I was hoping for at least 24MP with close to the D4s fps speed and same or better high ISO/low light performance. Having shot with 36MP cameras for the last 3 years and loving the big print and tight crop potential, I may have a hard time dropping back to 20MP. Rather than jumping for the rumored D5, I think I will probably wait for awhile to: 1) See if the camera is problem free (D800, D810, D750, D600 all had problems); 2) Evaluate objective testing of the camera; 3) Evaluate what else may be in the pipeline at that juncture; and 4) Determine if there is any advantage for selling or shelving one of my Nikon bodies for another one. If the rumored D5 is simply moving from a 16MP sensor to a 20MP sensor I probably won't be persuaded.

Photobug

@Beso - agree if the D5 was just moving from 16MP to 20MP sensor, it's not worth moving up.

But it's not a D4T or what ever they chose it's a D5. To me that implies lots of changes. That also helps drive up the price which I expect will be more than the D4S.

kenadams

If you read the comments, check out what user Thom Hogan has to say.. no way to prove it's the real guy, but it seems likely. Anyway, he seems pretty sure there'll be a big surprise coming with a D5.

If you have the cash to throw at Nikon, read the rumored specs closely. I don't think anyone on the D4 upgrade front will care much whether the new sensor is 20MP or 24MP, this is not a D4X rumor. But look at what else is on the list: 170+ AF fields screams for some new tech or new approach.

It will be interesting to see what (if at all) Nikon has up its sleeve. However, for most of us foot soldiers in the amateur section here, it'll most likely be completely irrelevant. ;-)

Msmoto

"If you have the cash to throw at Nikon"....I love this..... along with "it'll most likely be completely irrelevant." )

True for me!.... the latter that is...

WestEndFoto

If you read the comments, check out what user Thom Hogan has to say.. no way to prove it's the real guy, but it seems likely. Anyway, he seems pretty sure there'll be a big surprise coming with a D5.

If you have the cash to throw at Nikon, read the rumored specs closely. I don't think anyone on the D4 upgrade front will care much whether the new sensor is 20MP or 24MP, this is not a D4X rumor. But look at what else is on the list: 170+ AF fields screams for some new tech or new approach.

It will be interesting to see what (if at all) Nikon has up its sleeve. However, for most of us foot soldiers in the amateur section here, it'll most likely be completely irrelevant. ;-)

w

I was wondering about that. If it means focus points across the whole FX frame, then it will be worth an upgrade to a lot of people.

donaldejose

170+ AF points could suggest a mirrorless design with focusing being accomplished on the sensor.

autofocus

Admin, is it possible this leak was purposeful to keep Nikonians in the camp (content) with the Canon 5Ds announcement?

WestEndFoto

170+ AF points could suggest a mirrorless design with focusing being accomplished on the sensor.

I doubt they would hobble the model where focus counts the most with an inferior focus system.

danhowl

I am still struggling to understand why they have left D3X users in the weeds waiting for a new pro-level studio camera. I got the D3X when it was brand new and it was the only thing in it's class for quite a while. And although I have a D800, it is not the same build quality that I expect from a top-level professional camera from Nikon. I do not understand why they would force catalog/advertising photographers to go backwards in terms of file size to replace a 6-7 yr old camera. The D4S was certainly not aimed at studio photographers.

I have to say that 90% of my motivation for looking at this site is to catch word on an update/replacement for my now-aging D3X. It ain't gonna last forever...

PB_PM

Admin, is it possible this leak was purposeful to keep Nikonians in the camp (content) with the Canon 5Ds announcement?

Totally different target users. The 5D targets the D810 level. The 1DX update would challenge the D4s/D5.

autofocus

@PB_PM I understand that. No matter which camp you are in D8xx or Dx you see Canon moving forward with a noteworthy advance. Is the leak of the D5 to reassure Nikon shooters there are even bigger Nikon advancements on the way. Maybe not, the timing may be coincidental. After reading all the blog comments I realized the Dx series is due for an update this year. Also, Thom Hoagn seems somewhat excited about it.

scoobysmak

I noticed the 170+ focus points as well. To the right people this would be invaluable but for many wouldn't be that big of a deal. If the dynamic range and ISO is as good or better than the D4s I could see people upgrading.

Nikon and Canon have been playing "tag" for a while in the FX department.
Before Sept 2008, most FX digital cameras were 12 MP and lower, I did not list minor upgrades such as the D4s if it used the same sensor as the D4.

Canon 5D mk2, 21 MP, Sept 2008
Nikon D3x, 24 MP, Dec 2008 (Pro body)
Canon 1D Mark IV, 16 MP, Oct 2009 (Pro body)
Nikon D4, 16 MP, Jan 2012 (Pro Body)
Nikon D800, 36 MP, Feb 2012
Canon 1D Mark V,18 MP, March 2012 (Pro body)
Canon 5Ds, 50 MP ?, waiting announcement
Nikon 5D, ??? MP, just a dream

Since 2008 Canon has not had a camera with more MP available, it seems shortly this will not be the case (of course the Nikon MP master in 2008 was ultra expensive so until the D800 came most could not enjoy more than 12 MP). If the D5 gets 20-24 MP, that beats Canons 1D Mark V but notice that camera is probably due for an upgrade as well. In the future I see upgrades for ISO, dynamic range and FPS being more important than MP in most cases. I think you can already see that trend in the above "flow chart" for Pro cameras. I do wonder if Nikon sent a questionnaire to the D4(s) users to see what they would really like in an upgrade or just plan to release something they think pro shooters want.

Snowleopard

My path has been a D70 to a D700.... I would want better high ISO performance than the D4s @ 36mp and 15fps with 51af points, but the more accurate cross type ones... with the ability to focus lock at F/12.

sleipnir

I agree with msmoto about the difference between d3s to d4s. Except maybe in the video department.

The new 300 pf looks extremely appealing... wonder how it truly compares to the 300 2.8 vr2 before I jump the gun. Size and weight are not a factor for me.

Ironheart

170+ AF points could suggest a mirrorless design with focusing being accomplished on the sensor.

I doubt they would hobble the model where focus counts the most with an inferior focus system.

Don't think hobble, think hybrid. Is it a coincidence that the nikon 1 also has 171 focus points? I don't think so...