CES Speculation

[gordon_g]

I'd like to see a d850 upgrade... because I'm going to buy my first full frame camera this year... and I would love to see the 600PF... 1 outta 2 isn't bad I guess (hope) if they come out with a D500 upgrade I will probably upgrade to that so I hope they don't do that this year... LOL

 

[Marcus Slade]

The thing is, it's such an innovative idea that I think it will appeal to a ton of people. Plus, it's great for those who can't decide between mirrorless and a DSLR - why not have both at the same time?

I seem to recall that there was some speculation that the D850 might have been just that when it was launched three years ago (obviously didn’t happen) and that the patent they’ve had for that has been on the books for a while. Agreed, it would make for a killer body and appeal to so many people. I too would likely throw caution to the wind and add such a body almost immediately. Here’s hoping.

 

[fcotterill]

Agree 100%. This is precisely the type of Great Leap Fwd Nikon have pulled off repeatedly since the early 1960s. For example the F SLR, ED glass, Internal Focusing of extoci telephotos, and quite a few innovative lenses; cameras such including the F2, F3, D1, D3, D500, D850 have repositioned their F system, and attracted investors.... In its own right, the Z system is one of their most strategic designs (Iit is impossible to adapt Z-mount lenses to any other mount etc...)

So a D880 with the D6 AF engine and D6 menus incl. as the power-core. Push the D780-style integration a leap ahead with the hybrid EVF. It should sell well. IF Nikon can do this, the first half of 2021 is precisely the time and the place in the shrinking ILC market to maximize buy in. It should sell well, and also sell more F-Nikkors.

Extending this hypothetical scenario, one wonders how many will continue to invest in the Z system for "pure" mirrorless and the high quality Z-Nikkors?

As for the credibility of the principal sources of industry rumours... NR has a record of often being correct on a high percentage of products. BUT don't forget the fictitious Z Lens Map they published. And if I recall rightly, they missed the D500 outright, which was announced alongside the D5 (Jan2016). Thom Hogan appears to have sources inside of Nikon, which he hints at. Nothing to say on Utube influencers, recyclers of anything and more that is likely to garner clicks. I ignore all of them

Honestly, I think that's what the D850 replacement will look like.

What's interesting is that Nikon has a patent for a hybrid EVF system too. In essence, you flip a switch / lever and go from the optical viewfinder to an EVF. If they used it, you could have Z7ii AF with the EVF and all over the viewfinder. If you needed more performance, switch to the optical viewfinder for D6 AF. I'd buy one instantly.

I think one of the main manufacturers will do it eventually, and like all things the other will see the initial reaction and then jump on the wagon. It's smart for Nikon to do it with a F mount first until they get the full lens line-up in Z... people that haven't tried mirrorless will have the opportunity to get accustom to the mirrorless advantages without spending a tone on lenses, enjoy it and then the transition to mirrorless occurs.

 

[Robin]

Seems like a wish list, so if I could wish for Nikon to make an upgraded D 500 either a DSLR or mirrorless with even better AF , 25 -30 mp sensor. Silent shooting good frames per sec.
NowThis might seem a bit drastic but hey it’s my wish list. If Canon were to make a cheaper R5 by dumping video altogether .

 

[Robin]

Adobe announces one off price for their products with updates as extra.......

 

[jeffnles1]

Maybe I'm "one of one" here but in a hybrid camera the feature I'd like to see is OVF for still shooting and switch over to EVF for video. My wife shoots Sony and I still prefer the look of the OVF when shooting stills. However, with DSLR, to shoot video, the mirror flips up and then one has to shoot video off the rear screen which is sub optimal on a good day. Granted neither she nor I shoot a lot of video and our video isn't intended for high quality viewing or even a YouTube channel. Our video is mainly if we see some interesting behavior or some sequence where video would be better than stills. She can just press the record button while the camera is still up to her eye and shoot video. I have to flip a switch on the rear, pull the camera away from my eye, hold it out far enough that I can see the rear screen and then try to find the scene. Oh, the critter is already gone and my wife has video on her SD card while I'm trying to switch back to still shooting mode before I miss something else.

Having a DSLR hybrid where I can use the OVF still shooting but just press the record button and "almost instantly" have the camera switch to EVF and go into video mode would be a welcome innovation and one I'd buy in a heartbeat.

 

[Warren D]

Just thinking back to last fall and the fire at the fab plant in Japan. I'm doubting we'll see a D850 replacement or any other dslr related announcement anytime soon. The plant made electronics for dslr bodies and lenses for Nikon, Canon and Sony and is suspected to be the cause of the current shortages of the D850. If the fire hadn't been an issue, I would have suspected that Nikon was running it's D850 stock down in anticipation of a roll out but from what I'm reading that isn't the case.

 

[Steve]

I seem to recall that there was some speculation that the D850 might have been just that when it was launched three years ago (obviously didn’t happen) and that the patent they’ve had for that has been on the books for a while. Agreed, it would make for a killer body and appeal to so many people. I too would likely throw caution to the wind and add such a body almost immediately. Here’s hoping.

I remember that too, although I don't think it was ever a strong rumor. I do know they have a patent - I hope they use it. Realistically, I think it's more wishful thinking than anything else, but we can hope

 

[Steve]

Just thinking back to last fall and the fire at the fab plant in Japan. I'm doubting we'll see a D850 replacement or any other dslr related announcement anytime soon. The plant made electronics for dslr bodies and lenses for Nikon, Canon and Sony and is suspected to be the cause of the current shortages of the D850. If the fire hadn't been an issue, I would have suspected that Nikon was running it's D850 stock down in anticipation of a roll out but from what I'm reading that isn't the case.

Agree 100%. That could stall a lot of production and I think we may see announcements but not release dates - or release dates further out than we are used to.

 

[kbrkr]

Big question I have is; Do we NEED more Megapixels? I honestly feel the 45mp I have now are more than I can handle. I actually thought the D810 with 36mp was more than enough. Do you think the next set of sensors from Sony/Nikon will push 45 to 100mp? I'd rather give up MP to DR and ISO sensitivity, not to mention FPS.

What more do we really need in a new camera?

 

[DavidT]

Big question I have is; Do we NEED more Megapixels? I honestly feel the 45mp I have now are more than I can handle. I actually thought the D810 with 36mp was more than enough. Do you think the next set of sensors from Sony/Nikon will push 45 to 100mp? I'd rather give up MP to DR and ISO sensitivity, not to mention FPS.

What more do we really need in a new camera?

It depends on how the sensor is executed. I would be happy with 45-50 MP and improve the FPS and AF performance. Keep the noise to around what we have now and I will be happy.
With denoise and gigapixel I think we can overcome some limitations with software.

 

[FB101]

Big question I have is; Do we NEED more Megapixels? I honestly feel the 45mp I have now are more than I can handle. I actually thought the D810 with 36mp was more than enough. Do you think the next set of sensors from Sony/Nikon will push 45 to 100mp? I'd rather give up MP to DR and ISO sensitivity, not to mention FPS.

What more do we really need in a new camera?

I'd take higher DR and lower noise any day rather than resolution over 45mp - I am with you, I find 36 to 45 to be a sweet spot. And my 2015 iMac already is already complaining about my brand new D850... I don't need to add to its suffering

 

[Marcus Slade]

I'd take higher DR and lower noise any day rather than resolution over 45mp - I am with you, I find 36 to 45 to be a sweet spot. And my 2015 iMac already is already complaining about my brand new D850... I don't need to add to its suffering

Well said. By some measures you could say I just took a step backwards by adding a D6 to my bag but in the brief time I've had it, its lower light/higher ISO capability have been a powerful addition to my kit. Much less noise on certain shots. Yes, I've had to give back a bit on MPs but I believe I am getting and will get pictures that would otherwise be elusive. And I still love my D850...but a hybrid DSLR/mirrorless with a combination OVF/EVF and accompanying focus system would be absolutely awesome and I'd buy one.

 

[BillNaiman]

As a serious hobbyist, I don't need a high end mirrorless pro body for $6-7K. However, I would really like a D750/D850 style body for mirrorless. I have migrated to the Z series (Z6ii, Z7ii, Z6 IR converted) and am generally happy with imaging. Of course, action tracking even with the ii bodies can still be improved. My biggest frustration with the Z bodies is the elimination of helpful buttons for quickly changing settings in deference to the I-Menu.

Why not have a more ergonomically responsive body and the I-Menu in a D750/850 form factor and a next generation evolved AF?

 

[Maurie]

C’mon Grandma Nikon, give us those Z lenses you’ve been teasing us with on your Roadmap.

 

[kbrkr]

As a serious hobbyist, I don't need a high end mirrorless pro body for $6-7K. However, I would really like a D750/D850 style body for mirrorless. I have migrated to the Z series (Z6ii, Z7ii, Z6 IR converted) and am generally happy with imaging. Of course, action tracking even with the ii bodies can still be improved. My biggest frustration with the Z bodies is the elimination of helpful buttons for quickly changing settings in deference to the I-Menu.

Why not have a more ergonomically responsive body and the I-Menu in a D750/850 form factor and a next generation evolved AF?

Very interesting assessment Bill. I've been curious of the Z7II coming from the D850 and my concern is with the ergonomics and settings/buttons. Something which led me to abandon my experiment with the Sony mirrorless cameras. Can you specify which settings you have difficulty with?

 

[BillNaiman]

I miss the AF button on the left side, the bracketing button, and metering buttons the most.

True, the Z bodies have programmable F1, F2, Record buttons, and the I-menu. However, even after using a Z body for more than a year, I simply do not feel I can change key settings as quickly as say a D850/D750/D500. The F2 button is an awkward reach, F1 can only be assigned to a single function at any given time, and the I-Menu, while flexible, is in my mind is not as well suited to keeping your eye on a target or scene while the finger muscle memory of both right and left hands can make the desired change.

 

[O]

I bought a D6 today, promised myself that it is the last camera I will ever buy. But that promise is BS if they toss out a 5xx with D6 focus,
I expect an 850 replacement will be announced at that CES

Don't let it bother us, the best camera in the world is the one you have in your hand at the time.
Remember the gear only represent a very small part of the equations.
Cameras are only tools, we are the craftsman.
Composition and story telling is the most powerful tool of all.
But yes if and when something new really comes along that really stands out its worth mulling over.

Oz Down under

 

[kfc]

I am a bit confused about the Custom Menu Banks and the Shooting Menu Banks. How do you use these? I do understand that you can configure these for different settings in the camera, but where, Custom or Shooting? Why would you put some in Custom menu, and why will you put some in Shooting menu. If you use these settings , can you tell me how you do it. I am shooting with a D810, and I am a street, travel, landscape, and a want to be, portrait photographer.

 

[O]

CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, starts a week from today (Monday Jan 11). With Photokina canceled, this is (I think) about the only major electronics show left, so I think we'll see some announcements from Nikon Canon, Sony etc. What do you think we'll see?

For Sony, I think we'll see either an a9iii, an A74, or maybe both. Probably a new lens or two as well.

For Nikon, I wonder if we'll see something like a Z30 and maybe a D850 replacement. Not sure on lenses, but I'd love to see that new 100-400 or 200-600

For Canon and the rest, no idea at all.

Your thoughts?

It would be nice to see Nikon bring up to par the focus tracking system on all cameras. Its not that hard.
A D850 refresh to stay competitive, with Sensor stabilisation and large lens mount and free adaptor.
The D500 needs a refresh big time, with Sensor stabilisation and large lens mount and free adaptor.

Glass, bring out a full range of large PF lenses especially in Zooms.
Up grade the 200mm F4 macro.
But what is coming in this electronics show I don't know, probably nothing really much yet...???


WISH LIST.........

I would like to see in the future of all New Nikon SLR models having In sensor image stabilisation and the Z large lens mount and have a free adaptor for FX glass, this would be a fantastic way to make greater use of the new Z lens line up as well as increase profitability and lens sales dramatically.

Oz down under

 

[fcotterill]

This is my personal setup etc on the D850 . I'm not familiar with the D810 but Nikon has a tendency to be conservative of the core design, but (frustratingly) tweak workings of key controls between cameras.

Custom Settings (Nikon DSLRs) for (Fleeting) Wildlife Subjects

I have refined the following Custom setups linking menus with control buttons on a D500 and latterly D850. These have proven to work rather well, particularly captures of fleeting animals and birds. However, Nikon has designed these features primarily to help Pro sports photographers capture...

bcgforums.com

I am a bit confused about the Custom Menu Banks and the Shooting Menu Banks. How do you use these? I do understand that you can configure these for different settings in the camera, but where, Custom or Shooting? Why would you put some in Custom menu, and why will you put some in Shooting menu. If you use these settings , can you tell me how you do it. I am shooting with a D810, and I am a street, travel, landscape, and a want to be, portrait photographer.

 

[BillW]

It would be nice to see Nikon bring up to par the focus tracking system on all cameras. Its not that hard.
A D850 refresh to stay competitive, with Sensor stabilisation and large lens mount and free adaptor.
The D500 needs a refresh big time, with Sensor stabilisation and large lens mount and free adaptor.

Glass, bring out a full range of large PF lenses especially in Zooms.
Up grade the 200mm F4 macro.
But what is coming in this electronics show I don't know, probably nothing really much yet...???


WISH LIST.........

I would like to see in the future of all New Nikon SLR models having In sensor image stabilisation and the Z large lens mount and have a free adaptor for FX glass, this would be a fantastic way to make greater use of the new Z lens line up as well as increase profitability and lens sales dramatically.

Oz down under

Agree with many of your suggestions. But I think Z mount lenses have a very short distance between the mount and sensor. I may be wrong, but I think this means there is no room for a mirror to operate, meaning that it would be difficult or even not possible to design a DSLR to use Z lenses. While you could make a larger mount on a DSLR, that would be a third lens mount and something I suspect Nikon would not do. I think this is the reason that there is no adapter to use Z lenses on DSLRs.

 

[bjanes]

I'd take higher DR and lower noise any day rather than resolution over 45mp - I am with you, I find 36 to 45 to be a sweet spot. And my 2015 iMac already is already complaining about my brand new D850... I don't need to add to its suffering

The tradeoffs between resolution and low noise may be minimal in the near future according to a post by Thom Hogan on his sansmirror web site. It will be interesting.

Bill

 

[O]

Agree with many of your suggestions. But I think Z mount lenses have a very short distance between the mount and sensor. I may be wrong, but I think this means there is no room for a mirror to operate, meaning that it would be difficult or even not possible to design a DSLR to use Z lenses. While you could make a larger mount on a DSLR, that would be a third lens mount and something I suspect Nikon would not do. I think this is the reason that there is no adapter to use Z lenses on DSLRs.

All good
Now understood, I guess my wish list is going to get smaller LOL
it was an idea anyway, but wouldn't it be nice....

 

[Steve]

CES opens today but so far no announcements. I thought of sure we'd see some releases last night, but maybe not. The fire at the plant Warren mentioned might play a part - after all, it may not pay to announce new products that are months away. Still, I hope we see something from someone today...