Article: Nikon D400 reported to be coming this Sept

AC016

Senior Member
I will follow Nikonrumors on this one. Hmmmm, wonder if anyone will come along and scold you for mentioning the D400?? Laughable.
 

Billy Y.

Senior Member
Well, Nasim seems to have an inside source - I am actually very hopefull on this one. Would be a stellar wildlife camera - although I would rather it were only 16-20 megapixels instead of 24.
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
Well, Nasim seems to have an inside source - I am actually very hopefull on this one. Would be a stellar wildlife camera - although I would rather it were only 16-20 megapixels instead of 24.

Nasim Mansurov May 31 said:
As of today, I have not received a single reliable piece of information indicating that the D400 even exists.

My sense is if there is going to be one, they'll wait until early 2014 to give the d7100 a chance to turn a few bucks and to see what Canon has in the offing. They are just releasing their 70d as well.
 

Cowleystjames

Senior Member
I think you've not a cat in hell chance of seeing this illusive camera appearing. The D7100 is still fresh so why would they damage sales of that for an imaginary new camera that wouldn't offer much difference :confused:

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I think you've not a cat in hell chance of seeing this illusive camera appearing. The D7100 is still fresh so why would they damage sales of that for an imaginary new camera that wouldn't offer much difference :confused:

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

There are still many holding out for a new Pro Dx body. The question is does Nikon think that that demand is large enough to build it. I'm doubtfully optimistic :)
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
Rick,

As someone fairly new to the dslr, coming from film ages ago, my first thoughts in looking at dslr's was that most people would want to replicate 35mm in a digital format. As you are aware, graininess in cropping and blowups was the issue so the "real McCoy" photographers ran medium size formats, like the Hasselblad. In 1984 I needed a magazine product ad so I hired a studio photograph and he used a Hasselblad. I still have the negatives today and they are impressive.

But, I understand differently now and some of the reasons why (still learning) :) It seems there is a lot of chatter in favor of a dx frame size. Considering that making things smaller is the trend, I don't see how Nikon's business wonks can ignore that market opportunity.

The problem is a company can't have two competitive products in the same market segment, so my sense is for it to really compete above the d7100 it will need to be a next gen d800 w/ a dx sensor. It's a matter of timing for proper market positioning. It's likely that Nikon doesn't want to lose it's d7100 investment. Maybe early to mid 2014?

There are still many holding out for a new Pro Dx body. The question is does Nikon think that that demand is large enough to build it. I'm doubtfully optimistic :)
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
Rick,

As someone fairly new to the dslr, coming from film ages ago, my first thoughts in looking at dslr's was that most people would want to replicate 35mm in a digital format. As you are aware, graininess in cropping and blowups was the issue so the "real McCoy" photographers ran medium size formats, like the Hasselblad. In 1984 I needed a magazine product ad so I hired a studio photograph and he used a Hasselblad. I still have the negatives today and they are impressive.

But, I understand differently now and some of the reasons why (still learning) :) It seems there is a lot of chatter in favor of a dx frame size. Considering that making things smaller is the trend, I don't see how Nikon's business wonks can ignore that market opportunity.

The problem is a company can't have two competitive products in the same market segment, so my sense is for it to really compete above the d7100 it will need to be a next gen d800 in dx format. It's a matter of timing for proper market positioning. It's likely that Nikon doesn't want to lose it's d7100 investment. Maybe early to mid 2014?

I agree, they do not want to loose a segment and timing is important.

​In the past they have ran with about 4-5 "current" Dx models including the D300 series as the flagship Dx. I think the next (if ever) Pro Dx will be more akin to the D4 which is the top of the line Fx, even above the D800. There has been a lot of expectation for years of the D400 (or some D300 series replacement) by many, but Nikon has not responded. The thinking (or Nikon's desired thinking) may be that the D7xxx series has become the top of the line Dx and Nikon will not offer a pro Dx body again.

So this market segment is divided, there are some users that feel the D7xxx series is it and all that is needed. Others don't feel the D7xxx series is enough to satisfy the desire for a pro body. So either Nikon will build it, or THEY think the D7xxx series fills the needs as the fladship Dx. There are pro features missing from the D7100 that leave the possibility of a pro body open. Many Pro Dx shooters are not going to buy a D7100, they are not going to fall in line for a D7100 as Nikon might want them to. Many variables at play here, will a D400 deminish D7100 sales? Depends on the price point. If it's 500-600 more, maybe not. For many, the D7xxx series holds the middle space in the Dx lineup and they are waiting for something Nikon may never deliver.
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
Wow - a dx D4. That's hot.

I'm guessing the frame construction would be better, no Mode Dial, a higher ISO, and faster frame rate.

But what really makes it a "pro" body vs "advanced"?

Also, it seems that Canon's direction is toward cinematography, even with the 70d, and was watching a Canon tutorial on the EOS C100. Is Nikon going be more focused toward still photography or will they follow Canon's lead?
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
Wow - a dx D4. That's hot.

I'm guessing the frame would be better, no Mode Dial, a higher ISO, and faster frame rate.

But what really makes it a "pro" body vs "advanced"?

It's fun to guess!

From what I gather it's generally the materials used in construction and the degree of weather sealing. I think the subdued functional technology is the most significant indicator that something else may be in the works. On the other hand, Nikon may have decided if you want the top frame rate and buffer capacity, you have to go to a pro Fx. Similar to what they have done with the D600. I don't need the fastest buffer or frame rate so it works for me.

I think with the P&S market collapsing they will try anything to preserve market share. They were really hyping the D800's video capabilities when that came out. I have no interest in it as I am "old fashion", but the younger generations are expecting it (as they "expect" everything else :)).

It's an interesting time for photography!
 

Nathan Lanni

Senior Member
I think he meant all P&S. P&S cameras have been replaced by smartphone cameras. Here's a brief mention of the declining P&S sales:

Stating the Obvious | Gearophile | Thom Hogan

With the key number:

CIPA compact camera shipment numbers for the first four months of 2013: 55.9% of last year.

Interesting read.

It's good they are asking questions (as so many reporters fail to really "report") but they missed it slightly with this one:

Moreover, all their extra design capacity has achieved nothing that has put a stop to the compact camera sales fall. Isn't that an indictment of the design groups in those camera companies?

No, design is a function of engineering. Marketing and executive management direct their engineering products and steer companies to maintain or gain market.

I would suggest history indicates, although Asian company's are good at following and maximizing existing model line trends, they are not good at recognizing massive shifts in trends.

Thanks for the info.
 

jwstl

Senior Member
Interesting read.

It's good they are asking questions (as so many reporters fail to really "report") but they missed it slightly with this one:



No, design is a function of engineering. Marketing and executive management direct their engineering products and steer companies to maintain or gain market.

I would suggest history indicates, although Asian company's are good at following and maximizing existing model line trends, they are not good at recognizing massive shifts in trends.

Thanks for the info.

We are getting off track for this thread but one last thought. I don't think it's an indictment of design or engineering but of upper management. I don't think there's anything that can be done to stop the fall of sales of P&S...cell phone cameras keep getting better and are so convenient as the phone is the one thing you have with you all the time. So someone in management believes the sales can be salvaged and keeps authorizing new design and more engineering for a product that is nearly dead. That's where the mistake lies.
 
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