patriot
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 p.3 #5 · Nikon D800 on February 7th... | |
I think everyone will be happy ... well, as happy as can be, given that nothing is ever 100% perfect, and selecting gear always involves some compromises. And not all at once, at least everybody. Forget model numbers.
These rumored D800 specs, if true, do not sound like a replacement for the D700, but rather a whole new body aimed clearly at a sub-set of studio and landscape shooters who need\demand the highest resolution. Depending on the AF and build quality, which I believe is all speculation at this point, this could either be a $4,000 body with pro-grade AF and build, or a 5D MkIII competitor with modest build and AF, priced to compete at that level.
The second option sounds more logical to me, since it does not sound like the market for $4,000 pro-grade studio\landscape body is all that big (evidenced by sales of the 3DX, Canon apparently not planning on a 1Ds MkIII upgrade, and the success of the 5D MkII with this group). The second option also allows Nikon to go after what I think is the real prize, and the bulk of the 5D MkII unit sales: well heeled soccer moms\dads (substitute kid's activity to suit: baseball, hockey, dance, etc). Keep the retail well under $3,000.
That leaves the current D700 crowd disappointed, but the D4 is not even out yet. I think the D700 crowd is too big to ignore. Sure, not as big as the 5D MkII crowd, but D700 shooters are pro's, amateurs, enthusiasts, etc. Meaning these people buy lenses ... good lenses ... and other gear. They want a small body D4 ... not a 5D ... overwhelmingly, as evidenced by this and other threads, polls, etc. Contrary to what some have said, I do not believe the D700 cannibalized the 3D all that much: D700 shooters seem to fall into two predominant groups: those that also bought a D3, and those that never would have bought a D3.
So I think we'll see a small body D4 near the end of the year or early next. In the meantime, my D700 works just fine, and I have no interest in this rumored D800. But I do hope Nikon launches it and soon because it would be a great addition to their line up, generating cash, leading to more good things down the road for all who shoot with Nikon.
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