Nikon Prediction for Year 2008

Posted on December 17th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I read some predictions in the net on what Nikon will update or comes out in year 2008…really can’t agree with some of those predictions or rumors…so I decided to write my own one here.

I have been using Nikon system since year 2000, following every Nikon news and was (probably still am) crazy of Nikon stuff.

Here’s what I think in Nikon DSLR department:

Nikon D40 / D40X

I don’t know about others, but personally I never like and will never recommend my customers or friends for this camera. The fact that it can only use lens with built in motor really is a limitation and disadvantage. It can’t even use the very popular and good value Nikon AFD 50mm F1.8 lens!

I believe Nikon will discard this model in year 2008 and comes out with a Nikon D60 for it that is able to focus with “normal” lenses. Probably still 10MP. D40 will be discontinued.

Nikon D80

Time for it to get some boost up in order to create another sales frenzy. Call it D90.

Main features:

  • 12.1MP 1.5X FOV CMOS sensor with self sensor cleaning ability
  • Uses MB-D90 battery pack
  • 3″ LCD with 900k dots (same as D300)
  • unable to meter with manual lenses
  • Live View

Will we see another DSLR from Nikon? Some rumors say that there will be a D3X. I really doubt so. I don’t think there is a need for X or H model differentiation from Nikon in their professional DSLR anymore. I have told many…and my firm believing is that there should only be one TOP model at one time from Nikon. Previous D1X, D1H and D2X, D2H are needed due to the limitation and lacking in technology, so Nikon has to push out two different DSLR for different market needs. Now, with the advancement and maturity of sensor and processor technology, one camera is capable of doing both X and H jobs. No need to separate into two again.

So in year 2008, we will see Nikon DSLR range of:

  • D60 (replacement of D40/D40X)
  • D90 (replacement of D80)
  • D300 (D200 will discontinue)
  • D3 (D2Xs and D2h will discontinue)

How about Lenses?

There will definitely be some lenses update from Nikon, the question is which?

Here’s my prediction:

AFS 300mm F/4 VR N

  • Time to add VR to this lens. In my opinion, everything that is longer than 200mm should have VR inside. This AFS 300mm F/4 lens has been in the market for quite some time. Nikon will update this lens to AFS 300mm F/4 VR N in year 2008.

AFS 85mm F1.4 N

  • Yes, time to update this legendary portrait lens to AFS motor and add nano coating to it.

AFS 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 (IF) VR

  • This kit lens will have VR added to it in order to make it more attractive for general consumer. It will be the standard bundled kit lens for D90.

AFS 17-55mm DX G VR

  • Time to update this lens to boost the sales and market of DX users. Though not very likely, but still a possibility.

AFS 200mm F/4 Macro N

  • This legendary macro lens from Nikon has been around for ages. Time for Nikon to update it to AFS motor and nano coating.

AFS 60mm F/2.8 N

  • Similar to 200macro, but as 60mm macro is more affordable to the general consumer, so the urge to update it should be higher than the 200macro version.

Besides the above, how about some wild thought and dream from Nikon?

Wild dreams?

Just some dreams…might not happen in year 2008…but dream for the future!

FD3A

Digital version of the mechanical manual version of FM3A. M stands for mechanical, which is impossible for digital camera to function without electric power, so remove the word M and replace it with D (digital). Rewind crank will still remain, must advance the crank before pressing the shutter release.

Main features:

  • 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV 1.5X)
  • ISO100-6400
  • 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
  • Shutter speed from 8s to 1/4000s with B mode
  • Manual mirror lock up possible
  • Fully manual mode, no autofocus
  • Price (street) = US$1.2k-1.3k

SP Digital

Reintroduction of the rangefinder system from Nikon that bring new life to their S series rangefinder! Using Nikon S mount, compatible with all previous Nikon S mount lenses.

Main features

  • 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV1.5X)
  • ISO100-6400
  • 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
  • Shutter speed 8s to 1/8000s with B mode
  • Fully mechanical
  • Price (street) = US$5.5k

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