Every few months we hear a little murmur about a Nikon D400 down the road. The latest rumors point to a possibility of announcement later this summer – maybe August or September.
This month is the 4 year mark since the D300s’ original announcement. That’s an eternity in DSLR years – especially for an APS-C line. If the D400 is going to ever appear, now is as good a time as any.
According to Nikon Rumors, three new DSLR-related products are slated for release soon – “a D300s sucessor, a new 300mm f/4 lens and a new DX zoom lens (probably to be sold as a kit with the D300s successor).”
Previously rumored specs for the Nikon D400 include more processing power to handle the high resolution files at a faster frame rate (something in which the D7100 lags behind). Additionally, the faster processor may lead to 60p video at higher resolutions. An improved AF system is also rumored for the D400, as well as the Nikon D4s, which is rumored for a 2014 release. The D400 is also rumored to pack the same 24MP sensor as the D7100 with no AA filter to boot.
What’s the point? It would have the same Sony 24 MP sensor as the D3200, D5200 and D7100. Where is the sense in having four different DSLRs in the Nikon range, all using the same DX sensor? There is no need to fill the gap between the D7100 and D600 with yet another 24 MP APS-C model.
Another camera with (maybe) the same sensor perhaps, but D400 would be considered a semi-pro camera, or a pro back up, with features and build quality to match, the D7100 is at the enthusiast level.
Those who say there is no need to fill the gap between the D7100 and the D600 havent used either camera in a situation requiring 8 fps or the quick rear button access to focus modes or metering, etc. The D400 will fill a huge gap.
The D400 is the only Nikon I am remotely interested in. And if we’re really lucky, they’ll learn from the lessons of the D800 and 600 and actually build it right
All good points, especially about “building it right”! As a Senior QA Analyst by day, I cannot stress enough the importance of good QA/QC at the earliest phases of design and prototype testing, let alone production. Early detection and resolution of issues (major and minor) is the only way to ensure the type of consistent Quality that Nikon is recognized for!
Hey gang : the DX zoom lens has been realeased : the 18-140mm. Is D400 next???? :D :D :D
It would be nice to put a higher ISO, the same as the D4, but a lighter body, for people to handle. Also, a 24 mp. camera is useful, but not important, due to more camera shake showing up. I am a D4 user, and at times my wife struggles with the camera body weight.