Nikon calls for your feedback
It looks like Nikon wants to know what you want in their cameras. Good. I thought it would be interesting if everyone who sent their feedback posted it here as well so we can see what other people want to change in their cameras. I'll start.
" My feedback isn't so much for a new particular feature or design idea. It's just what my ideal camera would look like in a near future. I think a great deal of people would be interested in a camera like this.
D700 body
Dual card slots ( from the D3s or D7000 )
FX sensor from the D3s
Such a camera would be a great refresh to the D700 and another use for the great D3s sensor at a much lower price.
However, for a truly outstanding camera, the following features would also be implemented:
Video comparable the the new Sony a77 ( 1080p at 60fps, newer codec )
Tiltable screen ( much like the Sony a77 )
Clearer, sharper LCD ( manually focusing on Nikon cameras using live view is much harder than doing it on a Canon 5DMkII for example, the image is much fuzzier )
100% viewfinder coverage
Wider spread of focus sensors ( Would be similar to the D300s disposition )
And for a real special camera:
1/500th of a second sync speed.
Hope to hear back from you if possible.
Thanks "
" My feedback isn't so much for a new particular feature or design idea. It's just what my ideal camera would look like in a near future. I think a great deal of people would be interested in a camera like this.
D700 body
Dual card slots ( from the D3s or D7000 )
FX sensor from the D3s
Such a camera would be a great refresh to the D700 and another use for the great D3s sensor at a much lower price.
However, for a truly outstanding camera, the following features would also be implemented:
Video comparable the the new Sony a77 ( 1080p at 60fps, newer codec )
Tiltable screen ( much like the Sony a77 )
Clearer, sharper LCD ( manually focusing on Nikon cameras using live view is much harder than doing it on a Canon 5DMkII for example, the image is much fuzzier )
100% viewfinder coverage
Wider spread of focus sensors ( Would be similar to the D300s disposition )
And for a real special camera:
1/500th of a second sync speed.
Hope to hear back from you if possible.
Thanks "
0
Comments
1. A histogram display based on the RAW data, not the JPEG
2. An SDK for developers to add extra functionality to cameras and native recognition of external devices such as I pad/android tablets, etc.
Oh yeah, the suggestion box has been there for a long time. Do they actually listen, who knows.
But you know what I would change.
D700 body
larger grip like a D3
slightly tilted primary dial like the D3
better weather seals that can meet IPX-1 and actually has it in writing. And is included in the warranty (wishful thinking)
5:4 native sensor
no video
extended AF points (at least rule of thirds)
User can customize which AF points that can be selected.
110% viewfinder.
replace the flash with a su-800 or radio commander.
Fix the rubber gripping so that the glue/tape doesn't just come off over time.
There is more but, that is what I'd like to see changed.
The video would be a nice upgrade to have, but even D7000 video quality would be ok. And you know it will only improve in future cameras, no point in asking for no video.
The tiltable screen is useful for photography as well.
Why would you want the D3 grip in a D700 ?
Oh, yeah, forgot that one, the "film" aspect ratio would be nice.
Su-800 built in would be awesome.
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The grip on the D3 is bigger (beefier) and more ergonomic, hence more comfortable for all day shooting. The MB-D10 only extends the grip.
Rearrange the back controls. Bigger screen, less buttons.
Touch screen.
Support for apps. Android is fine, or maybe a brand-specific OS. It has to have easy 3rd party app development.
Oh, speaking of wanted features: http://bythom.com/usersuggestions.htm
The day my beloved digital cameras are as buggy and un-reliable as my Android phone, I'm quitting professional photography and buying a fridge full of film and a 4x5. No thank you!
:-P
=Matt=
My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
Nikon wouldn't make something buggy and unreliable. I can only hope Canon wouldn't
=Matt=
My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
I would go back to film, if they did this to Nikon's higher end cameras.
Sounds like you you want something like this: http://www.gizmag.com/iphone-slr-mount-announced/19193/
http://joves.smugmug.com/
I can see a entry level full frame model, just the basics. Lightwieght, small'ish, full manual controls and etc..
Canon did this with the 5D. If Nikon can do it at $1,500 or so it will be huge. I don't think they will though.
Why go back to film?
It's like video, not everyone will use it. But unlike video, this would add many more possibilities/features for stills. There could be a "Menu" app. They could put a few customizable hard buttons on the camera body that open the app you want (like a menu button).
It's change, and innovation requires change. You can't just keep adding fps, mp's, stuff like that. It'd take some getting used to, but I think it would be a change for the better.
However, this is all useless if the (iphone) camera makes it nearly impossible for you to take a half decent photo
Can't tell if serious.
Sure, totally. I realize calling them "apps" implies consumer electronics, they would have to be called some fancy photography word, but this would really allow for creative stuff. I'm not talking about an ipod touch on the back of your camera, I'm thinking of an open-source platform where developers can write their own useful photography applications. It'd be revolutionary, and true, some people wouldn't like it. But I can see it being really, really useful.
Really you just need a small netbook or laptop and you can do plenty of tethering, note taking, sharing, syncing and etc... Somethings are already built in like intervalometer..
I really don't want more things to clutter existing cameras. Just an improvement of what they have already.
HOWEVER, there is an equal part in me that is a connoisseur of "oldschool". I still use an FM2 from the early 80's, when I feel like "playing". If I won the lottery, the first camera I'd buy would be a D1X, not a D3X. Heck, if I won the lottery I'd probably have WAY more AIS lenses than AFS lenses on my wishlist!
So, forgive me if I say that I condemn progress just for the sake of progress. Give me a D700s and a D700X combo, with dual card slots and a re-arrangement of the cross-type AF points, and I might NEVER buy another DSLR. Or at least, I wouldn't NEED to.
Don't get me wrong, the geek in me would LOVE to be able to monitor a time lapse (shots remaining, image review, battery life, ambient temp, moisture alert, etc.) ...from my smart phone in the comfort of a tent + sleeping bag.
But then again, some of my best stories are from laying in the dirt or standing in the rain, next to my tripod in the middle of flippin' nowhere. Conveniences of technology be damned! (some of the time...)
=Matt=
My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
pp
Flickr
Push ISO quality to the max so I don't have to use any flash for journalistic style photography is the number one new feature for me.
Phil
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
Great article. I have been involved in IT for longer than I want to note here, and Hogan makes some excellent points. I think I can envision what he wants as the ultimate DSLR. And only one word would describe it - Wow!
It seems to me that if Canon, Nikon or Sony don't do it somebody else will reinvent the camera along his suggestions because the know how and technology are probably all there.
Love technology.
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
Great article. I have been involved in IT for longer than I want to note here (used Wang Computers and went through the "sneaker net" as he mentions). Hogan makes some excellent points.
I think I can envision what he wants as the ultimate DSLR. And I agree with him. I would take it a step farther though - If Canon, Nikon or Sony don't do it somebody else will reinvent the camera as he suggests because the know how and technology are probably all there.
I could further envision the capability of building a custom camera from different manufacturers or modular parts from the same manufacturer. And using different apps to differentiate my style and goals.
Phil
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil
D7K sensor upgraded to full frame (so about 1.5 stop better ISO performance then current D700 with 16Mpixels)
D3 like autofocus
expanded focal point selection in frame
dual CF
8 FPS
double the buffer
100% viewfinder coverage
in camera HDR
$3k price
14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
85 and 50 1.4
45 PC and sb910 x2
http://www.danielkimphotography.com
I sure hope some company will. I don't understand why no one has done it yet. The technology is there, the know-how is... why doesn't anyone do it? Is there some drawback that we don't know about? Thom has talked about how he gives presentations to Nikon designers/engineers... don't they get it? Sorry, this just completely baffles me. What kind of pro wouldn't want to put a D3x hi-res sensor module on a camera body, then take it off and snap on the D3s low-light sensor?
Maybe it's because if you buy a D3s and D3x, you've spent $12,000 (5K + 7K). Could they get as much profit out of a base body + two modules? Not sure. But it would give users more incentive to upgrade.
The modular system would also allow for unconventional uses. Wifi module, GPS module, 1TB hard drive module... I'm sure there's more.
Ricoh took a stab at the modular thing, but they attached the lens to the sensor module. I like how Ricoh made an attempt at market differentiation, and the Leica mount module looks good, but a Sony/Canon/Nikon one with lens compatibility... that'd be something.
I do enjoy reading his site... seems like he just gets it, and the camera makers don't. The latest front-page article is a good read, it's about how Panasonic gives Apple free advertising
Qarik: I think it'll be better than that
Yeah that is the other thing I forgot to put in my post. Actually making the sensor and filter into a single unit that could be easily changed out would not be that hard at all. All you would need is a system like AMD has for its CPUs or the Zero Insertion Force sockets. All you do is lift a lever and the socket shifts to unlock and put it down and it is locked. I personally see modular cameras as being the wave of the future. Being able to totally customize would serve the customer best and the first to implement it would get the market share. Or so I think.
http://joves.smugmug.com/