Onyx is online

[birddog114]

Will be 8MP for sure, body similar to the D100, vertical grip as optional

[MHD]

The question is:
CMOS, CCD or LBCAST?

[Onyx]

I don't expect it'll be that much, honestly... just enough to throw down the gauntlet to Canon's weakened offering again...

And it'll take 2 generations for Canon to play catch up, but they'll still fall short in the metering dept. Especially availability of a spot meter. Perhaps by then "near instantaneous" startup isn't good enough - the Nikon will have read the photog's mind and turn itself on before it's needed, calculate the right exposure and have a suggested framing/composition overlaid on the viewing screen. While Canon still plays the numbers game - offering yet higher resolution (but not too much higher as to eclipse its 1 series).

[johndec]

Birddog, I'm betting strongly that the D70 replacement (presumably the D90) will have a slightly upped res (I'm guessing 8-10 mp) and maybe a light magnesium alloy in the build... I don't expect it'll be that much, honestly... just enough to throw down the gauntlet to Canon's weakened offering again...

I'm guessing that the next camera from Nikon (not counting the rumoured D50 - a crippled D70) will be the D100 replacement. It will hopefully come with the D2x sensor but missing some of the features, just like the D100 compared to the D1X.

The D70, landmark camera that it is, doesn't lend itself to an obvious successor. Nikon has neither the R&D budget nor hopefully the brains to chase the dribble XT with an 8-10 MP camera. It would be better to take a quantam leap above the dribble and introduce a killer camera that would crush the dribble and 20D which would be available at a price that would tempt those that lust after the D2X but aren't willing to pay the price for the "Pro" features that they would never use...

[Nnnnsic]

Don't be too hasty to ward off a replacement to the D70. Nikon are probably aware that there are a bunch of people who are foolish enough to buy the 350 because of the extra mp (pointless, in my opinion).

Plus, we've heard a rumour of both the D200 and the D90, which suggests to me that there will be a D70 replacement fairly early (the D90) and then of course the D100 replacement (the D200).

However, what this also tells me is that aside for the D50, the D70/90 series won't evolve much past where they are and these will be the consumer DSLR's for a while to come as, even at 5-8mp, there isn't much need for a higher resolution for consumer cameras.

[johndec]

Don't be too hasty to ward off a replacement to the D70. Nikon are probably aware that there are a bunch of people who are foolish enough to buy the 350 because of the extra mp (pointless, in my opinion).

Plus, we've heard a rumour of both the D200 and the D90, which suggests to me that there will be a D70 replacement fairly early (the D90) and then of course the D100 replacement (the D200).

However, what this also tells me is that aside for the D50, the D70/90 series won't evolve much past where they are and these will be the consumer DSLR's for a while to come as, even at 5-8mp, there isn't much need for a higher resolution for consumer cameras.

All true Leigh, but who is going to buy the D90? New to DSLR will probably go the D50 route. Current D70 users wont buy the D90 (at least I wont and you wont). D70 users will probably upgrade to the D200.

So why bring out a D90. Even more importantantly, why bother with a D50, it's outdated before it's even introduced

Caveat: This discussion is entirely based on rumours and speculation. Even the names of the models are probably incorrect

[Nnnnsic]

Well, it works the same way as the F50/55/60/65 and F70.80/90 did, actually. While the proposed D50 will be in essence a crippled D70, that's not far off from what the F60 was in comparison to the F80.

The market is still there for these kinds of things.

For instance, the D50 will make a great beginners DSLR... for people who want a bit more control and who want to learn DSLRs without forking out more money. I'm wondering, too, if this box will be 5mp instead of 6mp, just to cut down on costs a bit.

The D90 will probably replace the D70, if only for resolution and a few extra features and that's really no different from say something like the F80.. people who know their SLRs already but don't want to fork out for the extra cost of a unit like the D200 will go the D70/90 route.

People who like their SLRs up there in the peaks of the range without going completely pro will attack the D200, just as they probably would have bought the F100.

[gstark]

Perhaps by then "near instantaneous" startup isn't good enough - the Nikon will have read the photog's mind and turn itself on before it's needed,

There is a camcorder - either available or in the final stages of design - that can start recording 30 seconds before you press the play button.

Seriously.

[gstark]

The D50 will come in as a bottom feeder unit, aimed squarely at those who want to upgrade from a PHD, but would be buying their first SLR.

That said, it will still need to compete on features and price with the dribble, so expect it to, as the D70 did when compared with the D100, enjoy an expanded featureset when compared with the D70.

The D90 will come in as a more advanced camera, probably in the form of a slightly lobotomised D2X. And it will be priced somewhat affordably, but not totally at the amateur end of the spectrum.

[Nnnnsic]

Perhaps by then "near instantaneous" startup isn't good enough - the Nikon will have read the photog's mind and turn itself on before it's needed,

There is a camcorder - either available or in the final stages of design - that can start recording 30 seconds before you press the play button.

Seriously.

From what I remember, it's either still a prototype or out in Japan.

[Onyx]

Continuing on earlier in this thread:



Two things I found hilarious about China - the Engrish signs and their driving.

Gallery of more images here

[sirhc55]

Onyx - I agree 110% with your comment on the driving in China - they are basically MAD

[gstark]

At least they got the apostrophe right.

[sirhc55]

Actually on re-reading the notice they are correct! If you turn the notice over you would not be able to read it

[Nnnnsic]

Actually on re-reading the notice they are correct! If you turn the notice over you would not be able to read it

I'm not sure if you can read it either way.

[MCWB]

Two things I found hilarious about China - the Engrish signs and their driving.

Agreed on both! In the big shopping centre just across the border in Shenzhen, I saw something on the scrolling noticeboard that read, "Beware the whacking of the picking-ups". To this day I still don't know what it meant!

http://dr-cbtan.fotopic.net/p12688880.html Point 4: glad to see you were ok with your D70!

[Onyx]

...I saw something on the scrolling noticeboard that read, "Beware the whacking of the picking-ups".

 LOL, I regret not taking a picture of an english menu from a food joint inside the Folk Culture Village. Cabbage become Cacle, Vegetables was Vecelabels, and the whole thing was no clearer than the chinese version to me.

I used to think some of engrish.com was made up, but now it's entirely plausible they all came from China.

eg. there's an underwear brand "Scheisser" which the german equivalent means 'shit.' How ironic...

[Onyx]

Ok, an update of the happenings at HKSupplies -

We just got in a shipment of 4 D2X bodies - it's brightened up my day.

I presume 1 of these have been allocated to Birdy (so you can expect yours soon), 2 are Europe bound, which leaves 1 open to offers. Huyhnie - it's calling out your name.

More interestingly, a carton of Coolpix 5600 arrived. These things are amazingly small! 5MP, 3x zoom (35-105mm eqv). It's styled after the 2200/3200 series, but overally smaller in size. Runs on 2 AA batteries and takes SD cards. Plastic metallic spraypainted silver finish. I'm seriously considering one for PHD purposes. It can do 1 thing the D70 can't - movie mode!

[MHD]

buy a movie camera

[birddog114]

Wooooohoooooooooooo! my D2x, I'll have it for Easter break! too late for Blackheath or Avalon airshow.

[Onyx]

This picture will save me a thousand words.

[birddog114]

Onyx,
Thanks guy, that's the beauti beast! are U writing a report for it? seen some paperwork under the power adapter

Repack it and put it aside!, if it's allocated to me then it'll be heading South tomorrow.

[BBJ]

I think he is teasing Birdy dont you??? Oh well Onyx have fun while you can mate and yeh why you there does poon have Sigma 120-300 F/2.8?? LOL What better place to work right in the midle of it all.
Thanks mate.
John
BBJ

[Glen]

Congratulations Birddog, a very nice Easter for you, maybe even a great weekend this weekend

[MHD]

Hey you sexy thing!

Its on the right forum too!

[birddog114]

Sigma 120-300 F/2.8??
BBJ

BBJ,
Less than AU$3K

[birddog114]

Congratulations Birddog, a very nice Easter for you, maybe even a great weekend this weekend

Talk to my account manager tomorrow at HKG Supplies, ask her to ship it out immediately, hopefully for the Avalon Airshow.

[fozzie]

Birddog114,

That is one mighty fine piece of equipment, and it has your name written across it, congratulations.

Cheers,

[BBJ]

Yeh would be good, my compitition in town here is going to Airshow this weekend, but oh well cant be everywhere at once i got a keep them Adelaide mob in control on sunday at the zoo meet. Then 3 days shooting at the track over easter. Then i have a break for a few weeks.
Oh well looks like 70-200 sigma soon. LOL

[birddog114]

Yeh would be good, my compitition in town here is going to Airshow this weekend, but oh well cant be everywhere at once i got a keep them Adelaide mob in control on sunday at the zoo meet. Then 3 days shooting at the track over easter. Then i have a break for a few weeks.
Oh well looks like 70-200 sigma soon. LOL

Not the Sig 120-300/2.8? it's brilliant glass, fast too.

[BBJ]

ok so we was talking less $3k for that lens? or we talking about that other issue that onyx is teasing us with.? lol

[birddog114]

ok so we was talking less $3k for that lens? or we talking about that other issue that onyx is teasing us with.? lol

the Sig lens! other thing is more than double the cost of the lens.

[BBJ]

Ok mate,LOL yeh well outa my league for awhile then, oh well will make do with the 70-200 hsm soon as i get more financial. Good things comes to those who wait.LOL

[huynhie]

Ok, an update of the happenings at HKSupplies -

We just got in a shipment of 4 D2X bodies - it's brightened up my day.

I presume 1 of these have been allocated to Birdy (so you can expect yours soon), 2 are Europe bound, which leaves 1 open to offers. Huyhnie - it's calling out your name.

More interestingly, a carton of Coolpix 5600 arrived. These things are amazingly small! 5MP, 3x zoom (35-105mm eqv). It's styled after the 2200/3200 series, but overally smaller in size. Runs on 2 AA batteries and takes SD cards. Plastic metallic spraypainted silver finish. I'm seriously considering one for PHD purposes. It can do 1 thing the D70 can't - movie mode!

Onyx

It's very tempting, but unfortunately I'm using my money this year for a European Holiday


Maybe you can find it a home for the D2X in Kings Park?

[birddog114]

huynhie,
Forget Europe Holidays, the D2x will remain with you, holiday same as pouring monies down the drain

[sirhc55]

Ok mate,LOL yeh well outa my league for awhile then, oh well will make do with the 70-200 hsm soon as i get more financial. Good things comes to those who wait.LOL

John - I have just ordered the 70-200 Sigma - a lot of thought went into this. The 70-200VR is a lovely piece of glass but after looking at hundreds of photos taken with the Sigma I decided to go that way. The difference in price enables me to purchase the Sigma 2x teleconverter (which has had amazing reviews) and save around $1000 which can go on other requirements. There are always other things in life that need to be paid for I will post some pics as soon as I can.

[Glen]

nice purchase Chris, will look forward to seeing some of your fine images with it

[huynhie]

huynhie,
Forget Europe Holidays, the D2x will remain with you, holiday same as pouring monies down the drain

This is my thought exactly, but the better half disagrees

[birddog114]

huynhie,
Forget Europe Holidays, the D2x will remain with you, holiday same as pouring monies down the drain

This is my thought exactly, but the better half disagrees

Can't win, can't you?

[huynhie]

huynhie,
Forget Europe Holidays, the D2x will remain with you, holiday same as pouring monies down the drain

This is my thought exactly, but the better half disagrees

Can't win, can't you?

It'll be abit too ambitious to say that I'll purchase my D2X during my European vacation

[birddog114]

huynhie,
Forget Europe Holidays, the D2x will remain with you, holiday same as pouring monies down the drain

This is my thought exactly, but the better half disagrees

Can't win, can't you?

It'll be abit too ambitious to say that I'll purchase my D2X during my European vacation

Huynhie,
Do you want your name on my waiting list?

[fozzie]

Chris,

I have just ordered the 70-200 Sigma - a lot of thought went into this. The 70-200VR is a lovely piece of glass but after looking at hundreds of photos taken with the Sigma I decided to go that way. The difference in price enables me to purchase the Sigma 2x teleconverter (which has had amazing reviews) and save around $1000 which can go on other requirements. There are always other things in life that need to be paid for I will post some pics as soon as I can.

Congratulations.

$1000 on fine booz sounds good to me .

Cheers,

[huynhie]

Birddog,

If I put my name on your waiting list, I will also have to put my name down for a second job.

[Onyx]

I've just feed the first 'roll of film' thru a D2X. The file sizes were MASSIVE! Anyone contemplating buying one had better make sure they have big storage and shooting space. I shot NEF + jpeg large normal (the jpeg portion is fully customisable), and only got in several shots plus 2 continuous bursts (5FPS FF and 8FPS HSC mode) before my 512Mb CF card was full. I didn't even max out the buffer to test how deep it was!

Back on the desktop, I note 20 NEFs (some full size, some high speed cropped) came out to be 200Mb. AFAIK, the D2X doesn't support compressed NEFs.

The images obtained were VERY clean. ISO 100 to 400, and at ISO800 there's noticeable trace of luminance blotches (I presume the camera came by default with some sort of NR on), but no random colour specks as with the D70. I've yet to test Hi1 and Hi2. Images do appear a little Canoneque - ie. fine details smoothed over. But I'll have to play with NR and other settings incamera as well as in NEFs via NCapture to determine if it's inherited this undesireable CMOS trait.

Also, it is true it demands to be mated to good glass. It's showing the flaws of my 18-70DX quite disturbingly (granted, I had to shoot near wide open due to lack of light).

[birddog114]

I've just feed the first 'roll of film' thru a D2X. The file sizes were MASSIVE! Anyone contemplating buying one had better make sure they have big storage and shooting space. I shot NEF + jpeg large normal (the jpeg portion is fully customisable), and only got in several shots plus 2 continuous bursts (5FPS FF and 8FPS HSC mode) before my 512Mb CF card was full. I didn't even max out the buffer to test how deep it was!

Back on the desktop, I note 20 NEFs (some full size, some high speed cropped) came out to be 200Mb. AFAIK, the D2X doesn't support compressed NEFs.

The images obtained were VERY clean. ISO 100 to 400, and at ISO800 there's noticeable trace of luminance blotches (I presume the camera came by default with some sort of NR on), but no random colour specks as with the D70. I've yet to test Hi1 and Hi2. Images do appear a little Canoneque - ie. fine details smoothed over. But I'll have to play with NR and other settings incamera as well as in NEFs via NCapture to determine if it's inherited this undesireable CMOS trait.

Also, it is true it demands to be mated to good glass. It's showing the flaws of my 18-70DX quite disturbingly (granted, I had to shoot near wide open due to lack of light).

Onyx,
I grant you a permission to play on my D2x so make sure it's viruses free in the firmware

[Onyx]

Birdy, I believe yours has already been sent out before I came in this morning... I can only see 3 D2X boxes - hey that's just given me an idea for the challenge.

Edit: I just tried out the incamera multiple exposure function... Ooooh, groovy!

[Nnnnsic]

I thought the images in the competition were to be judged on their photographic merit in conjunction with the subject... not the drool factor.

You might get death threats from the amount of jeaousy that picture would make, Onyx.

From me.

[Geoff]

Birdy, I believe yours has already been sent out before I came in this morning... I can only see 3 D2X boxes - hey that's just given me an idea for the challenge.

Edit: I just tried out the incamera multiple exposure function... Ooooh, groovy!

Post some images Onyx from the D2X!?

[Onyx]

I don't want to misrepresent the D2x by posting the crap images I shot from it...

But sooner or later it'll end up in normal (albeit rich) people's hands and will produce ordinary/mediocre images and it won't be as revered as it is now, so I'll speed up the process by posting crap. So all the lurkers with Canon can pass comment about how crap it is, and how crap I am.

My first try at in-camera multiple exposure. Let me re-iterate, I know how crap it is! It's just a pic of the screen of my workstation superimposed with my D70 sitting on the desk. You can select how many frames and how much exposure bias to give each 'frame' within the one image - many options available, and each remembered the next time you visit the multiple exposure shooting menu.



I was wishing to post a full sized out of camera jpeg from the D2X for people to see and pixel peep over, but it's simply too big a filesize for free image hosts.

[Onyx]

Click to see 12.2MP (4288x2848 - dialup warning). Edit: click on the image after clicking on the image above to see fullsize.

ISO 100, 300mm, f/2.8. 1/125s. Orig. out of camera image (with AWB) was a little cool, as per usual from Nikon. What you see has been tweaked slightly to "correct" it, with no other changes.

Note the lack of noise even in severely underexposed parts - eg. mudguards and underside of bus. The blockiness is due to out of gamut colours and PS compression artifacts (had to convert to sRGB for mainstream viewing and reduce the filesize significantly for the host to accept).

Apparent lens abberations and unsharpness is due entirely to the slow shutter speed used (my mistake), not to do with the lens at all (AF-S 300/2.8 II)!