The next generation of Nikon DSLR

[Michael Tam]

The hands-on preview of the all new Nikon full-frame D800 with the 36 MB sensor ends all rumors of the possible spec of this new generation of Nikon DSLR body.  Please read the details below, then check the updates of your bank account  :lol: :

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikonD800/

Not to forget the flag-ship D4 where much of the technologies are shared with the D800:

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

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

In reviewing the experience with the Nikon D3X with 24.5 MB sensor back in 2009, several observations were drawn from the conclusions of the In-depth Review by DP review below:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3x/page33.asp

In specifics, quote: "The class-leading image detail comes at a price though. A 14-bit RAW+JPEG image occupies 30MB + on your memory card and this inevitably has an impact on in-camera processing, buffering and continuous shooting. Having said that the D3X's five frames per second (12-bit RAW and JPEG) in continuous shooting will still suffice for most applications, and if they don't you can always switch to DX mode to speed things up and shoot 10.5 megapixel images at seven frames per second. It's not quite D3 speed but still impressively fast.

The other area in which the D3X, mainly because of its pixel-denser sensor, can't quite keep up with the D3 is the high ISO performance (and that's not really a surprise). The D3X is designed for 'high resolution' applications such as studio or landscape photography' and low light is not really its natural environment; nevertheless it still offers a maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400 and, despite its pixel-packed sensor, delivers surprisingly good results at higher sensitivities......"

Another consideration observed was that the high density sensor began to test the resolution of the quality of the lens optics as this quote from Nikon D800 Brochure: " To best draw out the full potential that a 36.3 megapixel camera can offer, lens quality is of vital importance. Even subtle differences in optical performance make a difference when utilizing such a large pixel count..."  One may infer that an investment of top quality optics may be prudent to go hand in hand with the all new D800  36.3 MB sensor, or otherwise it may become a counter-productive exercise. As a result, for Bird Photography application, one must take into consideration the parameters of continuous frame rate, high ISO performance and lens quality while looking forward to the new D400 APS-C format DSLR body.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

To understand further the relationship between the "sensor system", not just the pixel density and the lens quality, I found this link from Photozone on Lens Test FAQ has much to be learned with regard to this issue:

http://www.photozone.de/lens-test-faq

In partular, quote: "Q: Are the figures comparable between cameras or different systems ? It depends on the similarities between the image sensor system. A sensor SYSTEM contains the image sensor with or without micro-lenses, an IR filter, a low-pass (Moire) filter and the signal processing. As you can imagine the output quality is largely dependent on the whole chain on not just on the amount of megapixels."

Further, quote: "Q: Why are the quality ratings different from system to system ? As mentioned above the lens quality is affected by the sensor "system". Every additional step in the pipeline decreases the output quality, specifically the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. Assuming you mount the same lens on different system its maximum resolution will vary according to the max. quality of the sensor system."

Finally, quote: "Q: Will the resolution increase with new sensor related technologies ? To some degree - yes. Assuming the manufacturers will find a way to get rid of the sensor low-pass filter there'll be a substantial gain for instance. Some lenses will also benefit from higher megapixels specifically in the center. However, a lens with a mediocre border performance will only marginally benefit from such measurements. Assuming optimal conditions I would guess that some lenses have the potential to go up to 20mp on APS-C but only with their center portion.

More food for thought when stretching the neck in looking out for the all new D400 APC-S DSLR.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

This elaborate Nikon D800 Brochure will further wet your "must have the latest" appetite and be stupefied from any irrelevant issue with the banking system, please sit down to enjoy reading the following:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d8 ... 00_28p.pdf

Be prepared to invest into large capacity CF cards since the spec described an      8 GB card holds just 133 NEF (RAW) lossless compressed, 12 bit image.  That's when the Transcend brand of CF card recommended to me comes into the picture with its very reasonable price.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

When comparing the spec of the D4 with the D800, it is immediately apparent that the two bodies are designed for photographers with a different application.  The D4 is built for speed with 10-11 fps at 16.2 MB while the D800 is built for details as in landscape and studio applications with 4 fps at 36.3 MB.  Please see the details of the Nikon D4 Brochure below:

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d4/pdf/d4_12p.pdf

As for the D800 and D800E, there are further descriptions in the following links below:

http://photo.net/equipment/nikon/D800/preview/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d800A.HTM

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d800.htm

For the "die hard" other than Canon and Nikon, here is the offerings by the other manufacturers as well:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear ... dslrs.html

So please continue to stretch your neck out for the new Nikon D400 APS-C format DSLR release in the near future before the "must have" appetite overtakes all senses.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

With the excitement of the release of two very different new generation of Nikon DSLR, the D4 and D800, it is interesting to hear what the various professionals think of the technical improvements of these new bodies:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/289686 ... nals-think

One have to make a guess of the possible spec of the D400 APS-C format body.  Well, stay tune for more news.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

As a comparison with the offering from Canon, this is the preview of the all new 5D Mark III full-frame DSLR for your enjoyment:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos5dmarkiii

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

For those who enjoy the video feature of your DSLR, this in-depth article compares the all new Nikon D800 against the Canon 5D Mark III by a professional photojournalist:

http://www.dslrnewsshooter.com/2012/04/ ... -5d-mkiii/

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

For those who has not placed an order  :twisted:  for the world's highest mega-pixels 35mm format DSLR, the following detail article reviewing the all new Nikon D800 may help with your decision:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d800-d800e/

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

For those who are still undecided to move into the new era of "medium format" sensor in a traditional DSLR body, look no further than this Nikon D800 or D800E.  This lengthy article should help with your decision process whether it is for you:

http://www.bythom.com/nikond800review.htm

For a second body in APS-C format while you are at it, there is the Nikon D7000 at 1/3 the cost of the above or wait for the "D400" arrival:

http://bythom.com/nikond7000review.htm

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

For those thinking of moving to FX or full-frame format in your photography but was held back by the price tag, Nikon just announced the all new D600 FX DSLR with 24.3 MP sensor for the price of $2,099.  

Please sit down to enjoy reading the following:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog ... -2099.html

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d600/

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm#comp

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

Before you check into your piggy bank under the mattress, the all new Nikon D600 FX DSLR brochure may help you solidify the "must have" appetite:

http://chsvimg.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d6 ... 00_20p.pdf

Here is another hands-on preview by Imaging-Resource.com:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/n ... -d600A.HTM

Enjoy your reading before heading downtown.

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

Not to be outdone by its rival, Canon also announced an equivalent step-down version, EOS 6D with 20.2 MP full-frame sensor for a price of $2,099.  

For the Canon users, please sit down to enjoy reading the following:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-6d/

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d600.htm

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

The studio and Nikkor 24-85 mm f3.5-4.5 ED lens sample gallery is now available for comparison against Canon equivalent DSLR performance.  This may help you to get set out the door to enter the full-frame era:

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikon-d6000

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

The new generation of DSLR by the major manufacturers, namely Nikon, Canon and Sony are trending towards the full-frame configuration.  The advantage for full-frame can readily be seen if one take a comparison shot wih a crop-frame and a full-frame DSLRs,  This is particularly true in landscape and portrait photography.

The following article helps to further understand the development strategies by the various DSLR competitors on their full-frame CMOS sensors:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/20 ... sony-dslrs

Good birding and photography.