Nikon to expand full-frame SLR line

[TNB]

Nikon to expand full-frame SLR line

SAN FRANCISCO--It looks like Nikon, having followed Canon into the market for high-end SLRs with full-frame image sensors, will continue the effort by offering lower-end models as well.....

http://www.news.com/8301-13580_3-9795957-39.html

[achuang]

Sounds like good news. I won't be upgrading my camera until after I finish university so I'm sure something fancy and new will be out by then. But I think I'll be choosing full frame when I do upgrade since I prefer wide angle to telephoto and I'd like the shallower DOF offered with full frame.

[XaiLo]

Oh Yeah, don't you just love it when a plan comes together:D I wonder if they'll name it the D5D:confused: lol

[hankbeblazin]

its good to see Nikon is getting it back together. hopefully they'll steal alot of people from canon. haha. its like rooting for your highschool football team

[fionndruinne]

Here's to the D40FX.

:p

[swpars]

Makes me think twice about acquiring more DX-format lenses now.

Instead of the 55-200mm AF-S DX VR, maybe the 70-300mm AF-S VR would be a better choice. True, it's bigger and 2x the price, but it's built to work with a full-frame.

[r3g]

Yeah wouldnt it suck for those who have a good number DX format lenses in there bag....

[fionndruinne]

I suspect, though, that Nikon may opt for a higher-megapixel model before attempting a 5D competitor. It would be wise to take a stab at the 1D Mk. III's 21 MP advantage, but less wise to possibly undercut the D300 by putting out a more affordable FX camera in the near future. Of course, for those with a lot of DX format lenses, the D300 will still be more desirable... but full frame, well, it certainly has a ring to it.

[yewsef]

What's wrong with the DX lenses? won't work on a full-frame Nikon Body?

[rawpaw18]

DX lenses can still be used on the D3.

Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
Courtesy of DPReview

[K1W1]

DX lenses cast an image circle that is smaller in diameter than older full frame lenses because they are designed for DX sized sensors that are smaller than a 35mm negative.
That is why the lenses are smaller and lighter (less glass) than the equivalent full frame lens.
A DX lens will show vignetting (shadows in the corners) if used with a full frame (35mm sized) sensor.
The D3 has the ability to "reduce" the usable size of it's sensor to allow for DX lenses.

This is not a technical explanation I suggest that you look through this page on DP Review for all the details (http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/)

[erichlund]

Yeah wouldnt it suck for those who have a good number DX format lenses in there bag....

Not really. If you keep the DX camera, you keep the lenses. If not, you sell the lenses with the camera. The only other option is to use DX crop mode, and there's no guarantee that a cheaper FX camera will have the crop mode. Also, the crop mode won't be really successful until it has enough pixels to make it desireable, and that means a higher pixel FX camera.

[hankbeblazin]

i thought i read somewhere that DX lenses have vignetting on full format cameras. i might be wrong i think thats i read.

[tcadwall]

ya'll know how this goes... The D300 "almost as good / better" than the D2Xs... The D70 better than the D100, etc. This WILL trickle down, but it probably will be the NEXT generation - D80 replacement. Or maybe it will end up being a MID cycle "keep em happy" model... The "D80fs" Then the D90 will be DX with a D90fs - speculation... guess we are bored again.

[DonSchap]

Well, let's see ...

You've got the Nikon D40 vs the Canon 40D

You got the Nikon D300 vs the Canon 400D? Uh ... what's wrong with this picture?

Then again ... the Nikon D3 vs the Canon EOS 1D Mk III?

OKay, so the Canon prosumer FF 5D vs ... the new prosumer FF -> Nikon D5?

Corn-fusin' I say. :p

[tcadwall]

thought i read somewhere that DX lenses have vignetting on full format camerasYes. true - to varying degrees. Most DX lenses will have full black on the corners of film 35mm cameras.

From what I recall of the specs, the D3 does have a crop mode, that will crop to the DX format for DX lenses. I am thinking that this might be automatic based on the camera recognizing the DX lens too. Of course, I don't know how the viewfinder compensates for that... maybe a soft frame? kinda like the rule of thirds gridlines?

So you will lose some of the FF resolution, but still get a high rez picture (since the FF sensors already have a ton of photosites).

[erichlund]

Yes. true - to varying degrees. Most DX lenses will have full black on the corners of film 35mm cameras.

From what I recall of the specs, the D3 does have a crop mode, that will crop to the DX format for DX lenses. I am thinking that this might be automatic based on the camera recognizing the DX lens too. Of course, I don't know how the viewfinder compensates for that... maybe a soft frame? kinda like the rule of thirds gridlines?

So you will lose some of the FF resolution, but still get a high rez picture (since the FF sensors already have a ton of photosites).

The D3 DX crop mode is somewhere between 5 and 6 megapixels. That has a lot of people wondering about its usefulness. It allows you to continue to use the lenses, but at significant loss of resolution. From what I recall, the viewfinder is automatically masked for the crop size. The DX crop mode is automatic, but I believe you can turn it off. There is also an 8X10 crop mode.

Without the crop mode, most DX lenses will have total black vignetting through much of the corner space of the FX frame. Some DX lenses can cover the full frame through part of their range. The Nikkor 12-24DX is one of these, IIRC.

[tcadwall]

Yeah was thinking that the D3 was higher the 12MP

Still - Put a consumer lens on a pro body, and you will still have 6MP at a large photosite per pixel. You can still print poster size shots if the exposure was good.

Granted it wouldn't be the high resolution you are paying for with the camera, but still would be fairly acceptable.

[K1W1]

Still - Put a consumer lens on a pro body, and you will still have 6MP at a large photosite per pixel. You can still print poster size shots if the exposure was good.
Granted it wouldn't be the high resolution you are paying for with the camera, but still would be fairly acceptable.

A bit like running a Porsche on retread crossplies really. You could do both things and they will work but you are compromising the investment greatly when you do it. I suspect that the vast majority of D3 buyers will also be able to afford good lenses.

[hankbeblazin]

i would hope so considering the d3 is 5 grand :p

[tcadwall]

Yeah but in the context of the thread, the trickle down of FF versions of lower models, you will see more owners that already have some DX lenses. Chances are that the results will still be similar resolution to those of us with 6MP cameras when using the DX format lenses.

Still not a bad thing really, It would give upgraders the utility of existing lenses that they own, with better performance of the pixels that ARE used. They can upgrade the lenses as they feel the need. At least they aren't suddenly useless. I would imagine that some upgraders would still be keeping their older body for backup or to "wear" a DX lens on one shoulder while having the better glass on the FF on their other shoulder. I could see myself doing that.

[XaiLo]

It's not really like the DX camera upgrade path is all that bleak... currently available D50, D70s, D200, D80, D40, and now the D300. Even though my only DX lens is the kit lens. I don't see DX lenses being an issue. More likely than not, most willing to move to say the D3 were already aquiring "Pro type Lenses". While the full frame of the D3 is a welcomed feature, it's far from being the only thing that makes it an attractive deal. And there is still backward compatibility to the DX lens line. While it may not provide an optimum solution it does address the issue and IQ should be great. The more important question is how many people with a significant investment in DX lenses are going to purchase a D3? For that matter is there anyone whose replied to this thread even going to purchase a D300 let alone the D3? Just food for thought.

[K1W1]

Nikon have made a huge investment in DX lenses in the last couple of years. They are not going to suddenly start making cameras that can't use them.

[fionndruinne]

I'd love a D300 for that new 12MP CMOS sensor, plus the other advancements in technology it looks to boast. However, if Nikon chose to make something like an entry-level full-frame camera, I'd choose that. We all want the highest IQ possible in our photos, right? I'm thinking FF would get one there the most reliably.

But considering Nikon's investment in DX lenses, I'm sure that any FF models they make will have the crop feature allowing for DX-format lenses... it can't be that expensive of a feature to implement. And heck, 5.1MP isn't all that smaller than my 6.1MP.

[jcon]

My "plan" is to purchase a D3 after its been on the shelves a month or so. Sure most of you will laugh and say "Yeah, right!" but in all honesty, its what I am going to try to do. Ive always wanted FF and this looks like the body I want. What does bother me is my 17-55 F2.8 will not be able to be used to its full potential on the FF body. I LOVE this lens for my work and it angers me alot that I will need to purchase something else for the D3. However, the lenses they announced for release for the D3, look to be pro grade as well. My D200 and 17-55 F2.8 will help fund the cost of the D3 and a similar focal length lens. Any takers?:D:o:p

[K1W1]

My "plan" is to purchase a D3 after its been on the shelves a month or so.

Do you mean a month or so after they have been released or after one has been sitting in inventory unsold for a month?
If it's the former order now.
If it's the later I hope that you enjoy the camera in your retirement years. :):):)

(I'm only being pedantic because it's Sunday morning and the Poms beat the French so I'm annoyed).