So, with the launch of the Nikon 1 series of "Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses" (I still can't get used to that name, let's see if it sticks) Nikon are, for the first time in something like 50 years, producing a new lens mount and a new format of imaging. It's no coincidence that the new cameras have a number "1", just like the D1 before them - Nikon see these as the first entries to a long and successful line of cameras in this format.
CX. It's an odd beast that is drawing a lot of criticism from some quarters - and if you're reading this, it's a safe bet that you're at least interested in what Nikon have done. We know that it falls somewhere in size between DX (APS-C) and the sensors in compacts like the Coolpix range, but what does that actually mean?
On the left we have a pictorial representation of sensor sizes. Starting with the FX sensor of the D700 and D3/D3s/D3x and working downwards, we can see that CX is in fact pretty tiny. BUT, crucially, it is substantially larger than the sensors used in compacts today. This, along with the modest (but more than adequate) 10 megapixel resolution, leads to relatively large pixels and better performance. These cameras may not be low light kings, but they're no digicams either - and as sensor technology improves so will these.
Lack of control over DOF may be an issue for some, though perhaps not for the target market - and that is people who as yet only use small pocket cameras such as the Coolpix models.
So why not micro 4/3rds, or even a comparatively large DX sensor (similar to the Sony NEX cameras)? Well, take a look at the size of the lenses for those - in the micro four thirds case they never really met the "they'll be really small and light" promises made when the format was introduced. In fact, it has been noted that even this new 1 mount is too large to really provide the compact lenses consumers want.
It's definitely a new market segment. Whether it's a successful or profitable one, we'll have to wait and see.
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3 Comments
thank you for your email ,when will their be a up date on the nickon d700
Pre-order; I don't think so. A "Pig & a Poke"--pig in a poke ,formerly;except, "me thinks You might get "poked". My P-7000 was never fixed as far as went the "very slow" Raw write. Good luck to those of You that "just can't wait". Gary
Just read the comment about how much better the 7100 was than the 7000. What an insult to those of us that bought the first ones out----My advise is wait and see --- i never had "true" support for My P-7000---one update for focus that helped "somewhat".
For those of You that have to have the latest first, "go for it"; I will wait as i have for the D-700 replacement. Gary. Nikon user since 1965. Not the same company!