Nikon D700 FX
Once Nikon announced the full-frame (FX) Nikon D3, it was just a matter of time before they came out with a lower priced and lower specified model. Canon, with it’s Canon 5D has shown that there is an ardent full-frame prosumer segment. All along we had been thinking that Nikon’s junior FX model would be named the Nikon D10, until a few days ago.
A Chinese forum user has posted some images (taken with a cellphone) of Nikon’s junior FX offering, the Nikon D700 FX. The name and numbering seems out of place. We have a Nikon D300 that is a DX. The logical progression would be D400, D500, etc. in the DX line. If they were to create a new FX series, then the Nikon D10 FX name would be spot-on, except that Canon had a 10D, 20D and so forth. Maybe that is why Nikon chose to stick with the Nikon D700 FX! Does that mean there will be no D400, D500? Or does it signal the end of prosumer DX line? We still believe that all Nikon consumer cameras will be DX, for quite a while.
Analyzing the images, it seems like the pentaprism is rather puny for a full-frame camera. Some language in the literature is not very Nikon-speak, to put it mildly. Other than that it seems real legit though. If it turns out to be a hoax, it is one hell of a con-job.
Brief Specifications:
- Sensor - 12 megapixel CMOS FX
- Processor - EXPEED 14-bit with 16-bit in certain areas
- Body - Magnesium Alloy based on the Nikon D300
- AF Module - Multi-CAM 3500 FX
- ISO Speed - 200 to 6400 (Boost: Low - 100, High - 25,600)
- Price - $2,999
[...] Nikon D700 FX spy images [...]
[...] Nikon D700 FX [...]
Well, it’s an inteesting news but here in Japan no such rumors except for anonymous BBSs are talked. Maybe you and your friends and acquaintances know it better than the average Japanese.
Jack,
It is ironical, isn’t it? Few weeks ago, there were strong rumors about a 18 megapixel Nikon D10. It made sense, given that Canon is dressing up the second edition of Canon 5D. The Canon 5D Mark II is rumored to sport a 16 megapixel sensor.
If you read my other posts about Canon 5D, you’ll see, I predicted 2 camera replacement for the current Canon 5D
- 12 megapixel
- 16 megapixel
Canon has been caught with their pants down with the Nikon D3 and Nikon D300. You know how Japanese value pride. I still think Canon may come out swinging. If this becomes a reality, then Nikon will need 2 prosumer level full-frame cameras. The Nikon D700 turns out to be the 12 megapixel one and the Nikon D10 may be the bigger brother with a 18 megapixel sensor. And, it may be smart move by Nikon when they deliver Nikon D10 and Nikon D3x next year in PMA 2009. Stay tuned.
When did Nikon brochures/manuals start quoting a US$ list price ? And if they didn’t, where did option 6 above come from ?