D700/SB900 Rumors?

[photofox]

Could this be legit? The new FF version of the D300 that is expected. Seems like an odd model number to select, but here is the link:
Nikon D700 ... - FM Forums

(Added: Seems the original thread from the Chinese forum was deleted, but the FM thread mentions that the original thread mentioned an SB900 and 4 new lenses).

[cyclohexane]

Very interesting, especially if it is legit.

Round eyepiece is certainly welcome, especially if it means getting the high eyepoint back. Not being able to see all the information easily was probably one of my biggest issues after moving from a D2H to the D300. Of course, I had been shooting a D70 before, but going backwards always kind of stinks.

[photofox]

It will be interesting to see what is announced. Naming it the D700 would make sense if they intend to release a couple more DX generations in the D300 range.

Few more pictures to save digging all the way through the FM thread Nikon Rumors: More Nikon D700 pictures plus do I see some new lenses?

[Nikonfreak]

Well, if Thom Hogan is right... and he usually has some pretty good information... we'll probably see a FX camera in a D300 or so size package as well as a new Flagship model camera body (d3X or whatever name)...

If you also look at Nikon's predicted numbers through the end of the year, I wonder when they'd be shipping them. If previous Nikon success with camera bodies is to be repeated, well.... it'd be some time until these are available.

Julio

[cyclohexane]

Nikon Rumors: Nikon D700 specs revealed

Discussion @ Chasseur d'Images (French)

[moizes]

Hell interesting situation... Canon must fight back! With what?? Sony with its FF soon - its Zeiss FF line is simply stunning - and going further! So Nikon will show new primes soon, to not lost the market to competitors.

[Nikonfreak]

So.... are we getting a new sensor or is it the D3 sensor with some scale-downs?

Interesting... Of course, all new releases are interesting. I'd be curious as to the lens releases. Do we wonder whether or not we're looking at the possiblity of an update to the 70-200 f/2.8 VR?

There is something for folks to seriously consider with this new round of camera body releases... and that is the functional differences between various camera bodies. I'm really curious as to the new D700 coming out. On one hand, I still really do want to have one camera body at least with a DX crop factor for wildlife. On the other hand, usually, that kind of work for me is for fun... it might mean going to a 400 f/2.8 though

Julio

[Jeff Perry]

The leaked snapshot of the "press release" for the lenses indicates four new lenses, three of which are PCs (one of which looks to be a newer "D-model"release of the existing 24mm, and at least one of the news PCs, the 45mm, is also a "micro"). The fourth lens mentioned appears to be a true Micro, my guess in the 150mm range, perhaps even a VR model to go along with the 60 and 105 true macros. Perhaps there is a better "photo" of the release somewhere that has all the details.

I am really not sure about having all those perspective control lenses in the Nikkor stable. Is there really that kind of market for them? Has the recently released 85mm PC-E been that big of a success to warrant three more?

Jeff

[Nikonfreak]

I could see an update to the 200 Micro to give it AF-S, but I don't understand all the new PC releases unless it's something to throw people off. Nikon didn't have that many PC lenses before but to introduce 3 new ones?... unless of course, it's a mistake and some are DC (that would kind of make some sense with primes...) Hmm...

Well, speculation is some fun...

Julio

[cyclohexane]

Is there really that kind of market for them? Has the recently released 85mm PC-E been that big of a success to warrant three more?

Canon's perspective control lenses are pretty popular (24, 45, 85?), and are often touted as a reason for choosing Canon.

[Jeff Perry]

The images and the text in the snapshot are clearly PC lenses, and I am with you Julio, I don't see the reason. There are a lot of other new lenses or upgrades they could release that IMHO would be a lot more important to a wider body of photographer.

We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

Jeff

[cyclohexane]

Nikon's 24 f/3.5 PC-E is already available, if I'm not mistaken.

This is why Nikon is releasing new perspective control/tilt-shift lenses:

Canon | Wide Angle Tilt Shift TS-E 24mm f/3.5L Manual | 2543A004
Canon | Normal Tilt Shift TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Manual | 2536A004
Canon | Telephoto Tilt Shift TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Manual | 2544A003

These are pretty popular with those who want them. Nikon previously only had one somewhat modern tilt shift lens- the old 85 plain "PC". The new ones feature electronic aperture control, which allows metering at open aperture and if I'm not mistaken (again) shifting without stopping down, which allows a brighter image in the viewfinder.

Canon's long had their three TS-E lenses which have a decent following; Nikon wants to present a "complete" system, and it is hard to lure users to switch if their favorite lenses aren't available in the mount.

Personally, I have very, very limited need for tilts and shifts, and it'd be cheaper to just borrow a 4x5 view camera and have the negatives or slides scanned. I'd have access to significantly more control in tilting and shifting not to mention the huge negative... of course, a 4x5 view camera isn't something that is easily transported...

[eClix]

This seems tempting But I'll keep saving for the D300 myself. I would have the D300 already if we hadn't gotten a car ha ha.

[cyclohexane]

I would have the D300 already if we hadn't gotten a car ha ha.

To quote an old instructor: "A good, reliable car gets you from assignment to assignment; a... [camera] ...can't do that."

Personally, I'm intrigued by the D700. If I had one, it'd open up a multitude of possibilities. It'd be my primary for shooting wide (the return of the 17-35!), as well as gym sports such as hoops, while the D300 would be my primary for things field sports like soccer/football, American football, etc.

I was kind of hoping for 18 MP for extra enlargement capability, but the fact of the matter is I shoot my D300 at 6 MP for work so I really wouldn't need the extra resolution.