Heard anything about a new Nikon DSLR coming out in FEB?

I have heard a rumor of an 18MP DSLR from Nikon that will keep them in step with the Canon EOS 7D. Anyone heard anything of this coming out?

Hi Donald,

I haven't heard any specific dates yet, but pretty much everyone "in the know" (which doesn't include me, of course ) is expecting a new 16-18 MP DX body (rumour is it will be called a D400) by spring. There's also strong rumours of a "D700-like" FX body (made in Japan) with the 24.5 MP sensor of the D3x in it coming soon (or at least "soonish"). This one will likely be called a D700x or a D800. This also expected by many by spring. I personally would be surprised if either of them showed up in February, especially the D400 given how recently the D300s was introduced (it would, of course, severely eat into the sales of the D300s). But with Nikon you never know - they work by their own schedules and rarely directly "react" to what anyone else is doing.

Cheers...

Brad

Any thoughts on if any of these bodies will include 1080 30p video?

Thats what I am waiting on.....

Drew

Hey Drew,

My GUESS (and I do mean guess) is that it would most likely be found on the D700x/D800. But pure speculation on my part. Personally I have no use for video on my DSLR's (but I totally accept that others may feel differently) - I'd prefer they cut the video completely out and get the base price of the camera down. I've asked Nikon to do this but I guess they're not listening to me!

Brad

I have mixed feelings on the whole DSLR video thing. For my purposes, I only foresee myself using the video on my super teles, the 200-400 and the 600mm. I have a Pro Level Panasonic HD Camera that gets up to about 450mm or so and does a lot for what I need to do. However, I have a new project in mind and basically it is a multimedia approach and requires getting some video of birds. I am starting with easier birds (Florida Scrub Jay in January) and will be working up to warblers this spring and summer but the name of the game there is going to be getting close. For the video, I don't expect (nor do I want) the DSLR to handle the audio. I'll be using pro level mics and recording gear for any audio recordings. The reality is though, to get an HD camera with a super tele lens equivalent the price is unthinkable for me. I've even considered picking up a Canon 7D and getting one of the 16:9 nikon lens conversion deals to put the Canon 7D on my 600mm just to shoot video. Hopefully by the time I can put the $2,000 together to go that route, we'll see a D300 successor with 1080p video and I can go there.

In the meantime, It's time to practice getting really really close. Thanks for the feedback, I can totally understand your viewpoint and I had the same view until a month or two ago...

Drew

I would like to know how much in cost it REALLY adds. I mean, all of the technical gear is there.... it's just a matter of adjusting the software to allow for capture of 24(30)/fps and an internal mic. It's not like they are reinventing the wheel. . . and the more cameras they put them in, the more the cost will go down. I'm a fan of it... in all honesty though I've only used it once - but once it's summer I forsee using the feature a lot more. It can be extremely helpful when trying to document a rare bird that you can't get great photos of anyways. A video will could demonstrate feeding behavior, flight patterns and other subtle things which can't be picked up in a still image. It also can be helpful in research projects, as Drew indicates. I photographed a canada goose that had been collared in Greenland last summer, and told the research if I spot another one I'll take some video of it which could be quite helpful to their research, or at the very least aid in any of their future presentations.

As for Nikon competing with the 7D, the d300s is it. Sure, it falls a bit flat in megapixels (though I think we are all smart enough here to understand that 12.3 megapixels is MORE Than adequate for a DX camera) and it can't handle noise as good as the 7D (though the D90 reportedly can) but otherwise they are nearly identical in frame rate, price, features, and performance. Don't think Nikon feels as though it needs to keep up with the Joneses... I'm expecting (based PURELY on personal speculation, nothing to back this up) something new and innovative with the next line of Nikons... not sure what it will be, but I expect something Canon won't have.

- Luke

I already have a camcorder so I don't know how much I would use the video feature but I would like to see an upgrade to 1080p if they do include it. But it is just one more thing that could break and render the camera inoperable.

Glad I read these posts. I'm looking to upgrade from my D200 primarily for a better ISO, but higher resolution would be great.