A few weeks ago, I asked Canon users what they wanted to see in the Canon 5D Mark III (or whatever it’s called). Better autofocus, enhanced AEB options and dual CF card slots were some of the popular requests for Canon.
The Nikon D700 is a bit of a different animal though. It’s got great AF, but no video options. The photo purists out there would probably be happy to keep it that way; however, I suspect that the inclusion of HD video capture on the D3s likely signals that the smaller-bodied, full frame D700 replacement will get a dose of HD video as well.
Here’s what I think would be a great feature set for the D800 (on top of what’s already great about the D700):
- 1080p video w/ multiple frame rates (60fps+)
- Ability to change aperture in live view mode (see D7000 live view/video mode)
- Dual CF card slots
- 18-20MP
- Audio monitoring during video capture
That’s what I think would make a nice improvement on the D700’s successor. What do you want? Are you D700 shooters missing out on the megapixels? Or, are the low noise levels at high ISOs worth sticking with 12MP?
For the sake of squashing any rumors, I don’t know when a D700 replacement is coming and I don’t know that it will or won’t be called the Nikon D800. The point of this post is just to open the mic to Nikon users since the Canon guys had such strong opinions last time around.
What would you add to the D800 that’s not in the D700?
The 12mp may be a little on the small side but I think the 16mp choice was a good one. I’d be fine with the 16MP and great low noise levels. I’m right with you on the other features.
I’d be happy if the D800 was just a small body D3x for $3500
My wish list:
1. More MP. I tend to crop A LOT in post so starting with more MP is a definite plus. I can live with sacrificing some MP at high ISO if necessary. Yes, I know if I was better at visualizing the final image this wouldn’t be such a big deal.
2. Better noise handling at high ISO.
3. Higher ISO settings.
4. 100% viewfinder coverage – this is much more annoying that I thought it would be when I bought my D700.
5. Better lighting at high shutter speeds. I’ve found that if I take a photo at low f-stop/high shutter speed it will sometimes be darker than if I use a higher f-stop/lower shutter speed. Very annoying.
No camera has better noise handling as the D700, so you don’t seem to know what you’re talking about, or you’re expecting the impossible.
I would like to see a combined effort made in taking the best features from both the D3s and the D3x. Since it is technology already establish why do we need to pay an extra $1000. What is wrong with 2799? Its hard to say if I would like to have the ability to capture video but if it there at no extra cost why not? I sometimes get the impression that the manufactures are sitting on some serious tech and only come out with it a little at a time to keep the competition going. But what ever the reason I would like to see some realistic pricing come out it.
If you crop a lot, why does the D700’s 95% viewfinder bother you? If your cropping corners you have a larger problem.
So you crop A LOT and still need 100% viewfinder coverage?
Rumors from both Nikon and Canon abound, regarding their prosumer dslr’s. Nikon D700 and Canon 5D II. Now what can be on the wish list for a new D800, 22 mp, improved af system, 1080p and the real beef a mirror-less view finder. As you know this is only a wish list.
I have no need for more megapixels, and I would certainly hate to sacrifice any high ISO capabilities just to have larger images clogging my drives, slowing down my write times to card, etc.
Primarily, I want better high ISO capabilities. HD video would be nice and I anticipate it, but it wouldn’t kill me if the next release skipped it. If it has HD video, it definitely needs input for an external mic.
Something I don’t expect, but would like, would be built-in GPS. I keep my GP-1 with me pretty much all the time, but I’d occasionally like to use it with the MC-36. Can’t do it right now, since both use the same input to the camera.
I’m a D700 shooter.
I’d like to see:
1080p with stereo mic
16mp would be nice simply to help when I crop. The 12mp (so far) has been more than adequate
DUAL CF SLOTS! So I can have redundancy built into the body <- this is #1 for me
Be a first to offer a greater dynamic range than the other SLR's (add a couple more stops of light detail captured)
Rock on!
Been stuck with a P&S while saving $ for this next model, I’d like to see~ 16mp, HD video and 100% viewfinder coverage as well, also I’d like to have an articulating LCD, customizable HDR bracketing control ie: choice of # of pics 1-9 at least and Ev steps in 1/3 increments up to 3ev.
Also I’d love to see Nikon, Canon, Sony and everyone else start running downloadable scripts/apps on their cameras to allow customization ie: CHDK this is all firmware based and has very little to do with hardware changes and totally possible. Lets get with the present camera makers and maybe even get a step on the future.
All of your list (although I don’t really care about video myself). 100% viewfinder is the big one for me. Good chance of getting it too as the D7000 has it.
As we ger more advanced in digital photography, we want things to perform a little more smoothly. I tink a built-in wifi capability would be nice. Because, correct me if I am wrong, Eye-fi does not even make CF wifi cards, and their SD cards are not very fast with files—not to mention they are way more expensive. With a built-in wifi capability in the camera body, you can stick with regular cards and still be able to upload files with no physical connection. But this might be asking for a more efficient battery.
-Just my own thoughts and wishes that were included in the most recent D7000.
I’d like to see:
– 18-20 MP at same high ISO noise levels
– 100% viewfinder
– a quiet-mode and quiet operation
– the AF assist light working for MF lenses
– the red AF indicators in the viewfinder working with MF lenses to indicate which regions are currently in focus.
That’s it!
1. ISO 102400
2. Around 20mp
3. 100% viewfinder(getting to much nasty surprise with my current 0.94x viewfinder)
4. improve bracketing control for HDR photo
5. some kind of full user control video will be good
6. bluetooth GPS tracker support
7. direct video output/camera remote control to/by all kind of non apple smart phone and tablet
I don’t give a rip about doing video with my SLR, but I’d love to be able to do exposure bracketing on a single shutter release to facilitate HDR work.
Spot on: Easier bracketing is the thing. Plus efficient sensor cleaning.
One other feature might be easier attachability of a cable release – ever tried that with European size fingers at 5° below zero?
-No video
-big sensor
-15 MP
-better Bracketing
-better meter
-water tight seals
-100% view finder
Q, M, A, S, P
That is it, also should bring down the cost, simple is better to me
1. D3s ISO capability
2. Keep on camera flash for Commander Mode
3. Design an on camera flash that can rotate 180 degrees from left to right and the ability to raise to vertical. This would give better control and reception with remote flashes when operating in Commander Mode and an increased ability to manipulate your on camera flash for bouncing light producing better images.
4. 18MP with 9fps
5. Ability to display Live View in B&W
Easy………………………..MORE MP
Forget about video……We dont need it
Not necessarily in order of priority…
– Tilt/swivel LCD
– 16-20 MP
– +/- 1/3 stop EV bracketing up to 9 frames
– mirror-less VF for faster fps rates, at least 10 fps
– 100% VF as in D7000
– 3 customisable shooting modes (D700 has 2)
– support for older lenses (a la D7000)
– aperture control in live-view
– HD video with variable fps (up to 60 at different qualities)
– full time AF for video
– built in GPS
– built in stereo mic for video, with level control (like Canon)
maybe I’m dreaming…but are you listening NIKON?
I am a D700 shooter. More pixel will be welcomed but I find lens quality are always more critical to the image quality. I would like nikon to develop more lenses for full frame more than new bodies.
There are so much room for body and interface improvement. Most owners I know are amateurs. All their complains are about the heavy weight. The interface is not friendly at all, even for me as a nikon user since 1980’s. My family is also using it but it took so much time to remind them and myself the operations.
What I really want is for Nikon to offer not just one, but two cameras of the D700’s general physical size. One would be a small version high mp, such as downsized version of D3x (perhaps 21-25mp). The other would stay around 12-18 mp and retain the superb low light performance — perhaps upgraded to the D3s iso range. Very much hope they don’t just increase the mp and give up the spectacular low light capability.
The other characteristics of importance to me are: Dual CF slots (please .. not just a CF and a SD slot); and, full viewfinder coverage.
I think advanced GPS with stereo mic and movable LCD are good ideas to be included
I would like 16+, good ISO performace.
And the most important thing….Radio for flashtriggering. That would be nice
A high quality sensor – with great shadow detail and as little noise as it can get.
16-20MP
CF cards
I honestly don’t care about live view or video – and I don’t really care if the ISO goes up to 12 hundred million, billion, zillion..
A smooth shutter with as little sound and vibration as possible.
A solidly constructed body with a cheery, bright, big viewfinder.
Properly water and dust sealed.
Besides maybe some more pixels it really needs a 100 % viewfinder.. Not much but its hard to improve an allready really good camera.!
I would prefer not to have video. I’d rather the extra weight and space on the camera be devoted to quality images and a good, secure camera. Developing systems for video and sound diffuse what the camera is made for.
Other than that, live view with an articulating LCD would be handy, better bracketing for HDR control and more on-camera flash control would be nice. I’m assuming the MPs will be in the 16-20 range with little noise at higher ISOs with a reduction in MPs with DX lenses.
1) No video
2) D3s Sensor
3) Class leading high ISO performance
4) Class leading DR
5) 8fps
6) Better metering
7) Better AF subject tracking
8) As small and light as possible
A very simple request from a flower photographer … please forget the video capability, the mic’s and the high ISO’s … in fact, please forget the D800!
I just want and yearn for the brilliance of the Nikon 995 (Yes, the 995) with many, many more pixels … and that is all I have ever wanted. Please Mr. Nikon … revive the best of what you have succeeded with in the past?
I can hear the torrent of condemnation brewing already! LOL
Able to manually set exposures over 30sec – up to say 2 hours.
Built in interval timer for time lapse capability.
Less weight!
D700 and a 24-70 lens is almost 3.5 kg! the improvement technology should make easier the life… I remember when I could travel with the f90x and everything packed in a small bag…
Although low mp would mean less noise, low cropping capability is often disappointing. Often times, people would like to have their picures turned into high quqlity posters. So a minimum of 18 mp seems to be a must. Adding video would be exciting for some consumers. Full viewfinder is also important.
Meantime, I’m getting sick and tired of waiting for d800. If this game continues, most consumers might turn to canon!!! NIKON! Please shake a leg!
B.Delgoshaei, PhD
What I miss on all Nikon bodies (I have D700, D3 and D3x) is a ”Zero out button”
When you press it, the camera goes back to what is standard settings for you.
The ISO, the quality (RAW, JPG), the white balance and the compensation. In 90% of the time, I use the same settings. Sometimes after I have changed some settings, I forget to reset or ”zero out”. Very annoying! Give me that button/buttons please
Great idea! Would be nice if we could program that into the Function button.
No video.
Better flash metering.
Apart from that the D700 is perfect
d700 is a great camera.but some features are missing in it.what i want is
better focusing in low light
more focal points
better autofocusing in live view like sony a55
very high frame rate(60 fps+)
side tilt lcd
large viewfinder
very high iso(like d3s)
easy retouching menu
large buffer
high speed burst mode
internal gps and wireless transmitter
very high resolution(20MP+)
very light weight etc etc……………………………
24mp with same all round performance as D700 would suit me just fine thankyou.
The D700 is a great camera, but it could be improved with:
*100% viewfinder
*Quieter shutter
*More MP (16-18) to allow for post cropping/adjusting
*D3s high ISO sensitivity
What I want from D800?
Please put it in market ASAP, Nikon.
We have been waiting for it tooooo looooong!!
Don’t want to see some of your market is given to Canon.
Almost like Sherry:
Not necessarily in order of priority…
– Tilt/swivel LCD !!!!! Necessary for video, good for travel photography
– High ISO and 16-20 MP, as long as high iso 102.400 ISO is guaranteed. ISO priority!!!
– +/- 1/3 stop EV bracketing up to 9 frames
– mirror-less VF for faster fps rates, at least 10 fps
– 100% VF as in D7000 !!!!!
– HD video with variable fps (up to 60 at different qualities)
– full time AF for video !!!
– built in GPS
– built in stereo mic for video, with level control (like Canon) !”!!!
Carl
Even though I rarely need the HD video feature, it would be nice to have, including an
external stereo mike capability. Another feature I would like to see is built in HDR.
A Quick control menu screen button like on Canon cameras to control exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, aperture, shutter, and iso with one hand. Not like Nikon where you have to hold a button and turn a dial . Get with it Nikon!
Live view histogram!
I’d like to see Panoramic capability like on the new Nikon P500 and P300’s. I’d like 16mp, ISO like on the D3s (or better?), 1080p movie capability, 100% viewfinder coverage, words on the LCD screen when choosing WB settings as it is difficult in low light to see & interpret the symbols. That all sounds good to me!
Gordon
Most everyone has mentioned the main ones
Just wanted to emphasize on the need for higher ISO like the D3s
That would be great
Nikon must get on with better wireless communication options in D800. I use the Eye-fi card which is quite handy, available only in SD, so if two slots, then one SD for backup and transmission. Tons of other methods as seen in tons of cheaper electronics, but, Nikon will be the last to figure it out. 100% viewfinder. Configurable user interface to set up touch screen (ha!), maybe even a software based config to download and modify the menu set up (double ha!). Maybe even lighter weight, not heavier. D3s sensor would be fabulous. More sports shoot friendly. Assume the usual, a few more megs, higher iso and the video du jour (though I would be happy to pay less and forgo the video chasing rabbits down the hole). Is auto white balance improvement possible?
A very high quality, high resolution FX sensor with a useful DX crop mode (for wildlife photography, in my case) – this means something like a 24MP FX sensor and approx 10-11MP DX. I’ll be very happy if this gives the same low light performance as the D700: we’re nearly three years on from the introduction of the D700, and I’m optimistic this is possible. I don’t care about video, but I want an articulated LCD screen for when shooting at awkward angles with live view. Dual CF slots. Great focussing, with widely spread focus points. 100% viewfinder would be ideal, but I can live without it.
For me low noise levels at high ISOs are worth sticking with 12MP.
Having a quieter shutter than the D700 would also be nice.
A lens recognition firmware to automatically correct for distortion and vignetting.
Keep the built in flash.
Well, the D300/300s/700 have the ability to bracket up to 9 frames, so, for HDR, there is no need to change. I’d like to see the MP up to Canon range, I guess 21MP, 100% viewfinder, fully articulated LCD, 1080 video with 30 frames (even better if higher frame rates), two card slots. I wonder if the sensor from the D3x would be less expensive than creating a new 21MP or so sensor. Seems as though the D700 is being clobbered by the 5D Mk II and all its features. I love Nikon DSLRs, however, and think the 300/700 platform is an amazing set of cameras. Looking forward to a new ‘prosumer/pro’ FX body.
Just beat Canon or I will switch this 40 + habit for Canon
Nikon D800 preferences:
1) Definitely built-in GPS which works more effectively than the current GP1
2) a ball joint mounted lcd screen on the back to enable viewing overhead in awkward locations
3) no movie mode needed
4) 16-20mp is fine
5) an announcement date
Big 18-24Mp sensor.
Tilt and Swivel LCD screen.
Mirror-less with LIVE VIEW
Low ISO = Actual 25 ISO & max ISO = 1600ISO, could not give two hoots about high ISO performance.
IN CAMERA “VR”
Have I mentioned Very low ISO rating
Perhaps Actual 25 ISO WOULD BE NICE, yes, OK. I want low ISO.
Higher clearance between lens mount and built in flash housing.
PLEASE please please – NO VIDEO
100% VIEW FINDER
+/- 1/3 stop EV bracketing up to 9 frames.
Good wireless function.
Accessory = Separate plug in 7″x 5″ LCD SCREEN with 36” lead.
I can’t wait to get my new 5D MKIII! Hope to see the new D800 or 5D MKIII very soon.
I use both D3x and D700 (and Leica’s). I would like to see in next gen D700:
1 – More pixel Density (18-24) both for cropping, and to enable a less aggressive AA filter. I think the AA filter is behind the D3x ‘look’ more than extra pixels.
2- 2 flash card slots , both CF or both SD, CF is preferred.
3- In-camera VR for those fast wide angle lenses.
4- higher 14 bit frame rates.
16MP FX
ISO 56000
5FPS with 14Bit
1080p – 30FPS 24MBit
Bouldin transmitter for flash
(sorry John, but “in camera VR” is not good – the lens VR is better, the AF works faster with a stabilized image!)
Chris:
You are correct, but in camera VR is better than no VR and Nikons fast Normals (50 / F1.4), Wide Angles (35, 24 / f1.4) and zooms (14-24, 24-70 / f2.8) have no in lens VR and would be helped under some conditions. It would be easy to sense a VR lens and turn off sensor based VR .
No GPS
No dumb swivel screen
No need for video, it’s a professional photo camera not a point and shoot.
No more megapixels (or just a few more, 15mpx max)
We want :
– >CLEAN ISO 102.400 or 204.800 !!!
->Possibility to switch between iso settings more easily (actual iso button is lame, too far from my finger)
-> A much more quiet shutter noise
-> more AF points or larger (the actual one is for the apsc d300)
->again better low light AF
Mr. Nikon, to be conservative in releasing new product will end up with loosing your market share.
The next D800 at least should have :
Min 18 Mp
Large FX sensor
D3s Iso capability
NO VIDEO … Insignificant use for photographers with significant additional production cost.
Dual memory slot CF and SD HC/XC
Announcement date (remember IPhone/IPad)
Tough body, Water resistant
User friendly custom setting
Competitive price…
I use D70 then D300
Cheers
I think the following would be great:
– 16+MP resolution
– 100% viewfinder
– Tilt and swivel LCD Screen
– Higher ISO (102.400) and better performance, starting from ISO50
– FullHD video (60+ frames) with full manual control posibilities
– Built-in HDR
– Silent mode please
– Double CF slots
– Lighter body
– Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
Since D700 is almost 3 years old, those upgrades are most welcome :)
El Azemm..
I’d like to see
The mp count of the D3x
Low light handling of D700
Video that surpasses Canon–1080 p @ 60 fps
100% viewfinder
10 fps
built in GPS
built in WiFi–for downloading AND for transmitting video to a computer in real time.
Thunderbolt ready
Tight weather sealing
Articulating viewing screen swinging to the left or right of the body (not below like D5000–useless on a tripod when composing while in the photo).
The price? Not more than the D700
I can dream………
MUCH MORE USER FRIENDLY INTUITIVE OPERATION. LIGHTER WEIGHT.
I am a D90 shooter and more than happy with this excellent camera. I want to include in my kit a D90 replacement, or a D700 replacement when Nikon develops one. I would like the following: full frame viewfinder, HD 1080 video with continuous focus PLEASE (yes! I like this feature and one might as well have it as it is really handy at times and the D7000 has it) with an external mic slot, stereo sound please, (really – mono sound went out back in the dark ages!), articulating high resolution LCD screen, better manual focus guides – red light on focus point or plit prism or fuzzy spot in the veiw finder, more megapixels I guess…up to 16 would be ok, SD and CF slots (just in case they stop making CF cards..), also rectify any exposure issues as mentioned.
MUCH MORE USER FRIENDLY INTUITIVE OPERATION . NO TWO HAND CONTROL. LIGHTER WEIGHT,NO VIDEO WEIGHT. MORE LARGE MP. WEATHER SEALING.
MAKE IT BETTER THAN CANON 5DMARK111 AT A GOOD PRICE, AND VERY SOON !
In order of priority
1. 16-18MP
2. Same or better high ISO
3. Better sensor cleaning (or a hermetically sealed ‘Pro’ AFS 28-280 f/2.8 VR Micro Nikkor)
4. 100% viewfinder (but not at expense of 3.)
5. All round weather seals
6. Bluetooth (or built-in GPS)
7. No growth in size, weight or control complexity
1.) ISO range 25-3200.
2.) Minimum 21MP at 9 fps.
3.) 5-6 fps. 9-10 with batterygrip.
4.) 3,5″ screen.
5.) WiFi.
6.) CF at minimum 90MB/s.
7.) Better AF.
8.) Stronger battery – at least 6000 pictures.
9.) Same batterygrip as D700.
Personally I don´t need Video But if it´s nessesary due to competition against other cameras so let it be !!!
I think we pretty much know where Nikon is going with the D700 replacement. The D7000 is a pretty good indication of the minimum specs the “D800” will have, yet you have to understand that Nikon is going to maintain a certain amount of feature separation between this camera and its top-of-the line cameras. So there’s no sense wishing for stuff you know is gonna be reserved for the D3-level cameras.
I would say it will definitely have HD video capabilities, perhaps with the live view deficiencies of the D7000 remedied. Even though it seems like a consumer-level gimmick, I think that any camera which is to be taken seriously as a video tool must have some manor of articulating LCD. Other than that, I think you take a D7000, stick an FX sensor in it, and you have your D700 replacement.
D800 must-haves:
D7000 sensor technology in an FX sensor–more Mpx, great noise & dynamic range specs.
An articulating LCD screen! Nikon knows how–why not now?
The heavy weight and size of the D700 have steered me away from it. I’d really like a smaller, lighter body like the D7000, but full frame.
Hi,
what kind of questions? Basically, all the same good stuff as for the Canon EOS 5D III!
So, at least 24 MP of the D3x but higher ISO, more about HDR-technology (not only “dynamic” features but also panoramic or different focus distance merging), HD- or 4K-Video with separate buttons plus option for an external mic (although video should remain a sub-discipline for DSLR’s) …
You may lough at some requirements but why should I buy a Nikon? I was a Nikon owner for almost 30 years and I am waiting since a few years for an affordable DSLR but no D3x. And I want emough pixels because of architecture and landscape. They must provide the same or more features than Canon or Sony. Only more ergonomic or solid bodies (at higher prices) will not help because an EOS 5D III will also improve by a better AF…
Kind regards
Manfred
1. Maybe 16 Mp, but not mandatory.
2. Higher ISO, but not much.
3. No video, thank you. If I want a video camera, I can buy one for $200. I do not want video in my photo camera.
4. 100% viewfinder and larger rear screen (not moveable).
A900 feel/ergonomia/VF + D700 sensor/electronics + K7 toughness + speculated price/2
– liveview/video = Instant buy.
I agree with all your features.
A larger viewer like the Leica would be great.
Much more silence shutter. Again like the Leica.
But also a Zoom lens larger Apt than 2.8
Like my current D300 — but — wish for:
1. After a complex shoot, want to reset all new settings back to a set position at the end so I don’t forget to adjust before I use the camera again.
2. With my big hands I often turn the aperature control wheel when I pick up the camera, wish something could be done to “lock” or move that feature.
3. Brighten or shield the monitor so it could be seen more clearly outdoors.
4. Don’t waste money on a video capability, don’t want it!
5. Flash sync at higher speeds.
Mos of all, a smaller, lighter body like the D7000! A swivel LCD screen would be icing on the cake.