Nikon: News, Rumors and Discussion Thread
#201
Senior Moderator
aren't these cameras (D3 and D800) completely different in their application and scope? From what I've seen of you, I think you are way more of a D3 guy than a D800 guy. Maybe you are just looking to satisfy a "I want a new camera" itch? In that case, I would say, shrug it off, the D3 is a much more dynamic camera in terms of low-light work and speed, in general. And I know you are not telling us that the IQ leaves something to be desired.
#202
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
Being able to shoot images that can be easily blown up is a bonus...as is the outstanding video performance of that camera. It gives me another tool as a growing director of photography. As much as I despise shooting on DLSR professionally...there is a market for it, and a potential to generate some extra income with the camera. Or at least have my own camera again for lower/no budget projects that help get my name out there.
If I were in a position (project willing to pay for it) to just buy the body outright and keep my D3...I would go that route.
#203
Senior Moderator
I hear you on those fronts. Good luck.
#204
I know what he's talking about. He is still dealing with the same devaluation that has swept the country over the last couple of years, be it his used camera, or new equipment. Did you know that you as a consumer can purchase just about any piece of equipment I sell, from Amazon BELOW what I pay at dealer cost?
#205
Senior Moderator
from last month, I hadn't seen it before.
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/con...=7-11673-12267
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/con...=7-11673-12267
Q&A with Nikon D4 engineer Toshiaki Akagi
Saturday, January 14, 2012 | by Rob Galbraith
We sat down this week with Toshiaki Akagi, an engineer and senior manager at Nikon in Japan, as well as a key figure in the development of the company's newest flagship digital SLR, the D4. In an hour-long chat at the 2012 International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Akagi, whose title is General Manager, 1st Designing Department, Development Headquarters, Imaging Company, answered our questions about D4 autofocus, image quality and more.
The answers are not verbatim transcriptions. Our questions were posed in English, and Akagi replied in Japanese, with Nikon USA's Kenji Suzuki and Yasuhiro Nozaki acting as interpreters. Interviews conducted in this way require constant clarifying of meaning, of both the questions and the responses, which leads to fairly extensive back and forth discussion about each answer. From this we distilled what we asked, and Akagi's replies, into the text below.
Saturday, January 14, 2012 | by Rob Galbraith
We sat down this week with Toshiaki Akagi, an engineer and senior manager at Nikon in Japan, as well as a key figure in the development of the company's newest flagship digital SLR, the D4. In an hour-long chat at the 2012 International CES trade show in Las Vegas, Akagi, whose title is General Manager, 1st Designing Department, Development Headquarters, Imaging Company, answered our questions about D4 autofocus, image quality and more.
The answers are not verbatim transcriptions. Our questions were posed in English, and Akagi replied in Japanese, with Nikon USA's Kenji Suzuki and Yasuhiro Nozaki acting as interpreters. Interviews conducted in this way require constant clarifying of meaning, of both the questions and the responses, which leads to fairly extensive back and forth discussion about each answer. From this we distilled what we asked, and Akagi's replies, into the text below.
Q. Has the speed of the autofocus system improved, specifically the time it takes to acquire focus when first engaged or when rapidly switching to a new target at a different distance? For example, when shifting from the quarterback throwing the football to the receiver catching it, the D3S' AF system is a bit too slow to always bring the receiver into focus in time to get him making the catch.
Yes, it is faster. First, the D4 is able to autofocus at 10fps, vs the D3S at 9fps, so that's one improvement. Second, in situations where the D3S might have taken until the third frame in a burst to bring the subject into focus, the D4 will get it on the first frame. Third, some professional photographers in Japan, ones who told us the D3S was a little bit slow to acquire focus before the first frame, have tried the D4 and said it is improved, said it is faster.
(Akagi then showed on his computer an example sequence of a significantly defocused subject coming into focus by the fourth frame with the D3S, and by the second frame with the D4. The photos appeared to have been taken with a long lens, and showed exactly the sort of AF system speedup that should, in our football example, lead to more properly-focused pictures of the receiver receiving the ball.)
The autofocus calculation is done in the camera's main CPU, which is faster in the D4 than the D3S and which contributes to the AF system's better speed.
Yes, it is faster. First, the D4 is able to autofocus at 10fps, vs the D3S at 9fps, so that's one improvement. Second, in situations where the D3S might have taken until the third frame in a burst to bring the subject into focus, the D4 will get it on the first frame. Third, some professional photographers in Japan, ones who told us the D3S was a little bit slow to acquire focus before the first frame, have tried the D4 and said it is improved, said it is faster.
(Akagi then showed on his computer an example sequence of a significantly defocused subject coming into focus by the fourth frame with the D3S, and by the second frame with the D4. The photos appeared to have been taken with a long lens, and showed exactly the sort of AF system speedup that should, in our football example, lead to more properly-focused pictures of the receiver receiving the ball.)
The autofocus calculation is done in the camera's main CPU, which is faster in the D4 than the D3S and which contributes to the AF system's better speed.
Q. Has tracking accuracy been improved in sunlight vs lower light? This is a quirk we've experienced with supertelephotos such as the 400mm f/2.8 when photographing the same team at a night game and then at a day game: the in-focus percentage is consistently somewhat higher at the night game (as long as the field lighting isn't completely terrible).
This has not been reported to us as a problem.
(Nikon USA's Lindsay Silverman spoke up to say that, at Nikon USA, they have received some reports of this phenomenon.)
The new 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor, which also plays a role in autofocus tracking, we believe will improve autofocus accuracy generally. This is true not just when the AF system is set to Auto-Area AF or 3D tracking, but also, for example, with 9-point Dynamic AF too.
This has not been reported to us as a problem.
(Nikon USA's Lindsay Silverman spoke up to say that, at Nikon USA, they have received some reports of this phenomenon.)
The new 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor, which also plays a role in autofocus tracking, we believe will improve autofocus accuracy generally. This is true not just when the AF system is set to Auto-Area AF or 3D tracking, but also, for example, with 9-point Dynamic AF too.
Q. How would you compare the high ISO image quality of the D4 to the D3S?
Overall, D4 high ISO noise levels are very similar to the D3S, though photos shot with the D4 will have reduced colour noise (thanks mainly to noise reduction improvements in the D4's EXPEED 3 processing hardware). The main difference you'll see in pictures from the two cameras at high sensitivities is in the fine detail: D4 photos are noticeably better in this way.
(Akagi then showed several 13 x 19-inch prints of the same scene, captured as NEFs with the D3S and D4 at ISO 12,800, in which the overall colour, tonality, visibility of noise and shadow rendering couldn't have been more similar. But, the D4 photos looked sharper and more detailed. The D4's crispness advantage in Nikon's comparisons was significant, suggesting that we were seeing the effect of more than just the new camera's higher pixel count.)
Overall, D4 high ISO noise levels are very similar to the D3S, though photos shot with the D4 will have reduced colour noise (thanks mainly to noise reduction improvements in the D4's EXPEED 3 processing hardware). The main difference you'll see in pictures from the two cameras at high sensitivities is in the fine detail: D4 photos are noticeably better in this way.
(Akagi then showed several 13 x 19-inch prints of the same scene, captured as NEFs with the D3S and D4 at ISO 12,800, in which the overall colour, tonality, visibility of noise and shadow rendering couldn't have been more similar. But, the D4 photos looked sharper and more detailed. The D4's crispness advantage in Nikon's comparisons was significant, suggesting that we were seeing the effect of more than just the new camera's higher pixel count.)
Q. Among the image quality improvements cited for the D4 is better skin tones. What difference would we notice in a portrait shot with the D3S and then the D4?
You will notice better tonality. We have reshaped the tone curve to give more natural-looking shadows and shadow transitions in faces.
(This change presumably will be apparent in photos processed to JPEG and TIFF in the camera, as well as NEFs converted to finished files in Capture NX2.)
You will notice better tonality. We have reshaped the tone curve to give more natural-looking shadows and shadow transitions in faces.
(This change presumably will be apparent in photos processed to JPEG and TIFF in the camera, as well as NEFs converted to finished files in Capture NX2.)
Q. Have there been any changes to the optical low pass filter?
The D3S has a resolution of 12MP, and the D4 has a resolution of 16MP, so we had to make the filter thinner in the D4, to match its finer pixel pitch. But, the effect of the filter in the D3S and D4 is the same.
The D3S has a resolution of 12MP, and the D4 has a resolution of 16MP, so we had to make the filter thinner in the D4, to match its finer pixel pitch. But, the effect of the filter in the D3S and D4 is the same.
Q. Have there been any changes to the self-cleaning mechanism?
No, it's comparable to the D3S.
No, it's comparable to the D3S.
Q. Are there any changes to the long exposure noise reduction, include a shortening of the delay between frames?
No, the dark frame subtraction works the same as the D3S, and takes the same amount of processing time.
No, the dark frame subtraction works the same as the D3S, and takes the same amount of processing time.
Q. Why did you choose the XQD format for one of the D4's card slots?
The main reason is the XQD format is faster than CompactFlash. We worked with Sony (the maker of the first XQD cards) to get better write speed in the D4. Sony says their first XQD cards will be capable of 125MB/s, and the D4 will be able to take advantage of that level of performance. In fact, the camera's XQD slot can go much faster than that, well over 200MB/s, as higher-speed XQD cards come out in the future.
This is faster than CompactFlash cards today, though the D4 will be able to take advantage of fast UDMA 7 CompactFlash cards as well.
The main reason is the XQD format is faster than CompactFlash. We worked with Sony (the maker of the first XQD cards) to get better write speed in the D4. Sony says their first XQD cards will be capable of 125MB/s, and the D4 will be able to take advantage of that level of performance. In fact, the camera's XQD slot can go much faster than that, well over 200MB/s, as higher-speed XQD cards come out in the future.
This is faster than CompactFlash cards today, though the D4 will be able to take advantage of fast UDMA 7 CompactFlash cards as well.
Q. Both SanDisk and Lexar have told us that XQD is not on their product roadmap currently. Have any companies other than Sony told you they will be making XQD cards?
At this moment we don't know which companies will be making XQD, other than Sony.
At this moment we don't know which companies will be making XQD, other than Sony.
Q. Why does the D4's EN-EL18 battery have a lower capacity than the D3S' EN-EL4a?
(The answer to this question is in its own, separate article.)
(The answer to this question is in its own, separate article.)
Q. The Nikon 1 J1 and V1 demonstrate that a camera without a mirror can be made to autofocus quickly and accurately, and the ultra-quiet operation of these cameras is really useful in certain situations. Do you see a mirrorless design eventually coming to Nikon's F-mount digital cameras, including flagship models?
We cannot comment. What do you suggest we do to improve our cameras in the future?
We cannot comment. What do you suggest we do to improve our cameras in the future?
#206
Senior Moderator
PDF link is in bold.
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/con...=7-11674-12352
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/con...=7-11674-12352
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" valign="top">Nikon releases D800/D800E Technical Guide </td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" valign="top">Friday, February 17, 2012 | by Rob Galbraith</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2"> Nikon USA has released an informative PDF document of tips and techniques for the Nikon D800 and D800E. The 20-page Nikon D800/D800E Technical Guide's most interesting sections are on the D800E and how to maximize its sensor's resolution while also being aware of, and correcting for, instances of moiré and other colour artifacts that may occur.
<table style="width: 606px; border-collapse: collapse;" width="" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="padding-right: 2px; padding-left: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; padding-top: 3px; letter-spacing: 0pt; word-spacing: 0pt;"> PDF: The Nikon D800/D800E Technical Guide</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table style="width: 606px; border-collapse: collapse;" width="" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td>
</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="padding-right: 2px; padding-left: 2px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; padding-top: 3px; letter-spacing: 0pt; word-spacing: 0pt;"> PDF: The Nikon D800/D800E Technical Guide</td></tr></tbody></table>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
#207
Senior Moderator
holy. sh*t.... this will shutup all the megapixel haters / naysayers.... LMAO this camera is B*MB!!!!!!!
http://nikonrumors.com/2012/02/22/ni...omparison.aspx
http://nikonrumors.com/2012/02/22/ni...omparison.aspx
Nikon D800 vs. Nikon D700 high ISO comparison
By [NR] admin | Published: <abbr title="2012-02-22T11:44:47-0500" class="published">February 22, 2012</abbr>
This Nikon D800 vs. D700 ISO comparison was initially posted on the techbang.com.tw and my understanding is that it was later removed. I have not seen the original post and I don't know all the details, but I assume those are 100% crops. You will have to ignore the fact that all D700 samples are blurry and just pay attention to the ISO performance. Keep also in mind that the D800 was probably a pre-production version. I did not include the samples bellow ISO 3200 because there was no visible noise. You can click on the sample images for a slightly larger view:
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
ISO 25600
ISO 25600 (NR on)
The Nikon D800 and D700 cameras have identical ISO ranges with the only exception being that the D800 starts at ISO 100 (Lo-1 ISO 50) and the D700 starts at ISO 200 (Lo-1 ISO 100).
Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/02/22/ni...#ixzz1nEadyHKI
By [NR] admin | Published: <abbr title="2012-02-22T11:44:47-0500" class="published">February 22, 2012</abbr>
This Nikon D800 vs. D700 ISO comparison was initially posted on the techbang.com.tw and my understanding is that it was later removed. I have not seen the original post and I don't know all the details, but I assume those are 100% crops. You will have to ignore the fact that all D700 samples are blurry and just pay attention to the ISO performance. Keep also in mind that the D800 was probably a pre-production version. I did not include the samples bellow ISO 3200 because there was no visible noise. You can click on the sample images for a slightly larger view:
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
ISO 25600
ISO 25600 (NR on)
The Nikon D800 and D700 cameras have identical ISO ranges with the only exception being that the D800 starts at ISO 100 (Lo-1 ISO 50) and the D700 starts at ISO 200 (Lo-1 ISO 100).
Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/2012/02/22/ni...#ixzz1nEadyHKI
The following 2 users liked this post by srika:
is300eater (02-23-2012),
Sly Raskal (02-23-2012)
#208
I shoot people
#209
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
If thats real...then badass!
What I can't remember was how comparable the d700 is to the d3...same chip, etc, but I think it wasn't made to be AS good if memory serves.
Jupie will hopefully weigh in on this, cause if i remember correct he has both? or maybe it was a d3s and a d300s
What I can't remember was how comparable the d700 is to the d3...same chip, etc, but I think it wasn't made to be AS good if memory serves.
Jupie will hopefully weigh in on this, cause if i remember correct he has both? or maybe it was a d3s and a d300s
#210
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
I dunno, When I've had some images OOF they appear to have more noise then when in focus so
I want to see an APPLES to APPLES comparison.
I want to see an APPLES to APPLES comparison.
#211
Senior Moderator
#212
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
I also want to see 100% crops. Those images from the D800 the FOV of the images are just about the same as the D700. So they could be shrunk down to match or be close to the resolution of the D700
#213
Senior Moderator
I would hope they are at 100%! if not, kind of makes the comparison pointless.
#214
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
#215
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
#216
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
kind of makes sense in that if you view a 36mp image at 100% i should be more "zoomed in" than a 12mp image at 100%
although not an entirely pointless comparison in that if you print at say 8x10 the images on the 36mp D800 should look better than the D700 printed on the same 8x10. i think
#217
Senior Moderator
yeah, its tough to compare such drastic different cameras (resolution wise). but if they are reduced as in resized to 12mp, then the comparison is pointless. noise is reduced when you downsize.
#218
If thats real...then badass!
What I can't remember was how comparable the d700 is to the d3...same chip, etc, but I think it wasn't made to be AS good if memory serves.
Jupie will hopefully weigh in on this, cause if i remember correct he has both? or maybe it was a d3s and a d300s
What I can't remember was how comparable the d700 is to the d3...same chip, etc, but I think it wasn't made to be AS good if memory serves.
Jupie will hopefully weigh in on this, cause if i remember correct he has both? or maybe it was a d3s and a d300s
With them to be able to two up on the noise with the D3s, no doubt that the D800 will be better than the D700 and close to the D3s, even with more pixels.
#219
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
yeah....damnit....I want this camera
#220
More ISO sample for the D800, site it Swedish.
http://www.fotosidan.se/forum/showpo...postcount=1457
http://www.fotosidan.se/forum/showpo...postcount=1457
#221
Senior Moderator
anyone else think this camera is a steal, for its price? I do.
Also, I think it would help me with its filesizes. I would really try to make every shot count and work to perfect each one as I take it, rather than rattling off a series with the 5D knowing I can easily go home and edit the 10-11 MB files, no problem. Just thinking out loud.
Also, I think it would help me with its filesizes. I would really try to make every shot count and work to perfect each one as I take it, rather than rattling off a series with the 5D knowing I can easily go home and edit the 10-11 MB files, no problem. Just thinking out loud.
#222
anyone else think this camera is a steal, for its price? I do.
Also, I think it would help me with its filesizes. I would really try to make every shot count and work to perfect each one as I take it, rather than rattling off a series with the 5D knowing I can easily go home and edit the 10-11 MB files, no problem. Just thinking out loud.
Also, I think it would help me with its filesizes. I would really try to make every shot count and work to perfect each one as I take it, rather than rattling off a series with the 5D knowing I can easily go home and edit the 10-11 MB files, no problem. Just thinking out loud.
#223
I'm thinking a D800 and the new 85 1.8G would be killer.
#224
Senior Moderator
#225
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
Shoot with a smaller memory card?
#226
screen
#227
Senior Moderator
#228
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
Have I mentioned I want this camera?
#229
Senior Moderator
#230
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
And I'm going to keep on saying it!
#231
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
D4 sample pics from engadget...
http://www.engadget.com/photos/nikon-d4-sample-shots/
video with full-time focus
<iframe id="viddler-99ab6f11" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/99ab6f11/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=107835917&disableb randing=0" width="545" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>
with manual focus
<iframe id="viddler-c9343d68" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/c9343d68/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=66214391&disablebr anding=0" width="545" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>
http://www.engadget.com/photos/nikon-d4-sample-shots/
video with full-time focus
<iframe id="viddler-99ab6f11" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/99ab6f11/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=107835917&disableb randing=0" width="545" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>
with manual focus
<iframe id="viddler-c9343d68" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/c9343d68/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=66214391&disablebr anding=0" width="545" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>
#232
Senior Moderator
wow, their photographer sucks
#233
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
#234
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
i wasnt really expecting stellar photos coming from engadget...
#235
Senior Moderator
pretty lame, with so many good photographers out there, they should have at least one on board.
it's not rocket science.
it's not rocket science.
#236
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
yes, but their "journalists" AFAIK are the ones that do the reporting and photo taking so
#237
Three Wheelin'
iTrader: (1)
Which one I should pick, D800 or D800E?
I currently have a D700. I'm pretty satisfied with it, I won't need anywhere near 36MP, so 36MP is a bonus. I shoot landscape most of the time. Curious about this video thing.
I'm worried about the lack of AA filter for video, is moire fixable in video?
I currently have a D700. I'm pretty satisfied with it, I won't need anywhere near 36MP, so 36MP is a bonus. I shoot landscape most of the time. Curious about this video thing.
I'm worried about the lack of AA filter for video, is moire fixable in video?
#238
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,124
Received 4,824 Likes
on
2,571 Posts
Which one I should pick, D800 or D800E?
I currently have a D700. I'm pretty satisfied with it, I won't need anywhere near 36MP, so 36MP is a bonus. I shoot landscape most of the time. Curious about this video thing.
I'm worried about the lack of AA filter for video, is moire fixable in video?
I currently have a D700. I'm pretty satisfied with it, I won't need anywhere near 36MP, so 36MP is a bonus. I shoot landscape most of the time. Curious about this video thing.
I'm worried about the lack of AA filter for video, is moire fixable in video?
#239
I shoot people
Holy Shit!! DxOmark gave the D800 a score of 95!!!
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cam...ase/Nikon/D800
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cam...ase/Nikon/D800
#240
Moderator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Not Las Vegas (SF Bay Area)
Age: 39
Posts: 63,172
Received 2,773 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
Meh