D3100 is announced (But wait, there's more)

[gstark]

It's official. From the press release :

Nikon Australia introduces its much anticipated new entry-level Digital SLR and four new NIKKOR lenses.

Nikon Australia is pleased to announce the release of its newest DX-format digital SLR; the Nikon D3100. Raising the bar for entry-level photography, the D3100 is equipped with a refined Guide mode to ensure easy operation. Featuring Nikon’s new 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor, updated EXPEED 2 image processing system and D-Movie function, the D3100 is guaranteed to deliver exceptional high-definition images and video of superior quality.

And ....

Nikon is also pleased to announce the release of THREE new lenses compatible with their FX-format digital SLR cameras.

· The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a fast, mid-telephoto 85mm fixed focal length lens.

· The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a 5x standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its entire zoom range.

· The NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a 10.7x super-telephoto lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths from the wide-angle 28mm to telephoto 300mm

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[wendellt]

hi
what do you think the rrp would be
would it be the same price as the d3000 when it first came out

do you think the 14megapixel sensor will see itself into the d4?

[gstark]

hi
what do you think the rrp would be

Price hasn't yet been announced, but ...

The D3000 continues alongside this, so I expect a slight drop in the D3000's price, and this should come in somewhere similar the the D300's original price.

you think the 14megapixel sensor will see itself into the d4?

I very much doubt it.

Sensor technology usually trickles down from the high end cameras to the lower-level units, rather than trickling up.

[radar]

I'm probably most interested in the new 24-120. Looking forward to seeing some reviews. That was one lens that was really missing in the Nikon range. The old 24-120 just didn't cut most of the time.

On the Nikon USA site, they have RRP for the lenses but not yet the camera.
http://www.nikonusa.com/

For the 24-120 the RRP is twice the price of the old lens. Hope the quality is there to match, certainly the specs look good. Looks like they are charging similar price to what Canon are charging for their 24-105.

cheers,

André

[stubbsy]

What I find most interesting about the lens side of this announcement (other than the VR in everything approach that seems to be emerging ) is they haven't yet updated the aging 80-400 VR.

I was hoping they might do so for Photokina and I might get my hands on one before November. Guess I have to buy a Sigma lens after all

[gstark]

Peter,

I think there's still some announcements to be made: D90 and D300 replacements, for instance. Yesterday they announced a couple of PHDs, including the S1100pj.

What we are seeing is not, I believe, the Photokina stuff. Mind you, I'm merely speculating.

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[aim54x]

We are living in strange times, with an entry level body introducing a new sensor....

I like the look of those new lenses though.

[gstark]

While I was up at the Gold Coast for Tech Ed, learning all about their new technologies and some of their upcoming products, and sweating over the meter Maids, Leigh was hard at work at a Sydney based Christmas in August party held at the Belgian Bier Cafe in York St, where lots of new products were showcased. Along with an ample sufficiency of alcohol based products.

Including the D3100.

I was jealous, but he was impressed.

We are hoping that one of us should have a review unit within a week or two.

[surenj]

I think we will find the D700 gets a refresh first.
It was released in July 2008, (8 quarters ago), and the update is due now!

How do you propose they improve the D700?

[gstark]

The D7000 is slated as the D90's replacement, btw ... announcement expected Sept 15.

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[surenj]

DVEous, I take your point but the 10th improvement is built-in WIFI!!

IMHO, there isn't much that can be improved on the D700 as a still camera. OK they can improve the viewfinder coverage perhaps.

If they improve the D700 too much, then it will rival the D3s...

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[Murray Foote]

Well, off the cuff I would have thought - better built, better ergonomics, better weather sealing and better low light sensitivity.

[pucara]

yesterday, I order the new nikon D3100, Michaels camara the cost is 1199.00 and will be delivery after the 15 september, I keep the cross fingers...... Carlos

[gstark]

That price sounds too high. What glass did you order with it?

[pucara]

the kit came with 18-55vr

[gstark]

In which case, Carlos, talk with Teds, or refer Michaels to http://www.teds.com.au/nikon-d3100/w1/i9617725/ where it's advertised for $999 with the 18-55.

They should be doing way better than that.

But congrats; please let us know how you like like it

[surenj]

where it's advertised for $999 with the 18-55.

Carlos, I reckon you can still ask for a price match although you have ordered.

[aim54x]

Well, off the cuff I would have thought - better built, better ergonomics, better weather sealing and better low light sensitivity.

How do you propose they improve the D700?

Well, here's 10 suggestions already out there: http://www.nikonhq.com/2010/07/10-improvements-the-d700-replacement-should-have/

The D700 competes directly against Canon's 5D MkII, which features 1080i video, and an 21MP sensor.
Considering the 5D MkII was announced almost two years ago, Nikon are well and truly lagging behind in bang for buck in this price bracket.

I expect there are purists out there who disapprove with incorporating video into a stills camera, but love, or hate the idea, 1080i video even features in Canon's flagship model, the EOS1D Mk IV.

I dont think I can agree with all those suggestions....GPS and WiFi (I dont need them, nor want to pay for them, the GP1 is easy enough to use although it could be cheaper), BKT button (I dont mind using my FN button for this...it is in a good position).

You have to also remember that the D700 and the 5D Mk II are built to meet different aims (utility vs resolution) for different markets (photojournalists vs studio) hence there is a difference in the feature set. It is the consumer who draws them level to compare. If you value pixels and video then the 5D Mk II is better bang for your buck as it will take a D3x to meet your needs, but if you value AF, fps, weather sealing and low light performance then the D700 is better bang for your buck as it will take a 1Ds III to meet your needs.

[pucara]

thanks Gary for that information, tomorrow I'll ring to Michaels about the price, thanks Carlos....