Nikon end production cycle consideration

[Michael Tam]

With the Nikon production history of updating approximately every three years, a new line of DSLR is on the horizon in the next several months.  By examining the past release schedule, being the D300 in Aug, 2007, D700 in July, 2008, D90 in Aug, 2008, D300S in July, 2009 and more recently, the D7000 in Sept, 2011, the most anticipated new release is the full-frame D800, as well as D400 DX format,  with a class leading rumored at 36 mega-pixels sensor.  Please see one of many sites reporting below:

http://www.lensrumors.com/nikon/nikon-d800

With the ending of a production cycle, it offers an opportunity to purchase the D700 FX format and D300s DX format bodies at a discounted price.  The D90 is on sale near $650 compared to its launched price of near $1,100 prior to its disappearance off the market.  

For photographers who are not inclined towards "must have"  temperament, but rather oriented towards long term value, it would be a suitable opportunity to consider an "up-grade" (pardon for the irony) at this time.  As an example, there are wedding photographers who "stocked up" on several D700 bodies because of its performance such that their work-flow would not be interrupted by the change of a new camera body.  So good luck with your Christmas shopping   .

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

With the next cycle of upgrade at hand, the giant leap into the realm of 36 MB represents a benchmark in the pixel counts amongst the DSLR manufacturers.  With this, one must begin to understand the basic physics of PIXEL DENSITY and its relation to image quality.  

The following two articles, one short and the second one comprehensive may be very helpful to understand this issue, whether  "it is too much of a good thing:

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossar ... ity_01.htm

http://www.sphoto.com/techinfo/dslrsens ... ensors.htm

Good birding and photography.

[Kin Lau]

Just be aware that due to the earthquake in Japan and floods in Thailand, Nikon was heavily affected, much more so than any other manufacturer, and new product releases as well as regular production lines have been delayed at least by months if not a whole year.

Canon has openly admitted their planned releases were delayed, and Sony lost their entire warehouse stock of the NEX 7's.

[Michael Tam]

Well, rumors are rumors, so take it as it is.  The anticipated new Nikon D400 is also delayed with all other releases due to the Thailand flood and Japan earth-quake.  For us Nikon "die-hard" who are interested, this website is dedicated to Nikon rumors:

http://nikonrumors.com/2011/12/20/nikon ... 00d4.aspx/

Good birding and photography...... and    Happy New Year.

[Michael Tam]

For the Canon "die-hard", this is the all new flag-ship Canon DSLR.  It is not a rumor this time, please read the site below as well check your lottery winning  :roll: :

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear ... -1d-x.html

Good birding and photography........and a prosperous 2012 in your image making.

[Kin Lau]

Yes, the 1Dx was announced almost 2.5 months ago.

[Michael Tam]

For whatever the latest or selecting a long term value end-production cycle body, one must focus your photographic passion with a purpose as described in this article:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/loca ... rpose.html

Good birding and photography.......with the best of effort in 2012, the Year of the Dragon.

PS For those curious about the all important 2012, whether one should sell everything to travel or put a pillow over the head, this informative site is outside the topic of photography for your interest:

http://www.geomancy.net/resources/yearl ... s-2012.htm

[Michael Tam]

This is a preview article about the all new Nikon D4 DSLR body.  It may serve as a glimpse to the possible spec of the all new D400 APS-C format DSLR body as seen below:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/779991 ... 4-overview

For the all new Canon EOS-1D X DSLR body, this is an overview of the new spec of this pro level camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/514997 ... x-overview

Good birding and photography.