What is Nikon Thinking? D300S, D7100, D610, D700, D750, Df, D810, D4s Compared
With the release of the D750, I'm starting to wonder what Nikon is thinking with their lineup. Shooters I know are waiting for a true replacement for both the D300s and the D700. Arguments can be made that the D7100 replaces the D300s, and the D750 replaces the D700. However, an equal number (and maybe more) arguments can be made that no replacements exist. In this post, I'll quickly cover some of the specs that differentiate the cameras that are current in the lineup. Nikon has a lot of bodies on their site but I wouldn't consider many of them current (D90, really?). Here, I'll just look at the D300s, D7100, D610, D700, D750, Df, D810 and the D4s. The other bodies (D7000, D4, etc. that Nikon still lists are all very similar to at least one model discussed below).
Spec |
D300s |
D7100 |
D610 |
D700 |
D750 |
Df |
D810 |
D4s |
| Release Date | 2009 | 2013 | 2014 | 2008 | 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2014 |
| Price | $1500 | $1200 | $2000 | $2500 | $2300 | $2750 | $3300 | $6500 |
| Sensor Resolution (MP) | 12 | 24 | 24 | 12 | 24 | 16 | 36 | 16 |
Nikon DSLR Lineup: Price vs Megapixels |
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I'm not listing the spec of the lower end cams in the table, but they are shown on the graph above. In general the price curve makes sense, even if the D3300 is a kit price (with lens) and the rest are body-only. Higher spec bodies are higher in price.
Let's look at a few more stats. |
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Spec |
D300s |
D7100 |
D610 |
D700 |
D750 |
Df |
D810 |
D4s |
| ISO Range | 200 - 3200 | 100 - 6400 | 100 - 6400 | 200 - 6400 | 100 - 12800 | 100 - 12800 | 64 - 12800 | 100 - 25600 |
| AF Points | 51 | 51 | 39 | 51 | 51 | 39 | 51 | 51 |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/4000 | 1/8000 | 1/4000 | 1/4000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Frame Rate | 7/8 | 6 | 6 | 5/8 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 11 |
Nikon DSLR Lineup: Price vs Frame Rate
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| One thing that strikes me is that the D300s is a camera that was released in 2009 and Nikon has nothing since (outside of the very expensive pro bodies) that has bettered the frame rate. If we look at the D700 it's even more apparent (8fps with grip). Both the D300s and D700 feature pro build and ergonomics, fast frame rates, great autofoucs and other related 'pro' features (flash sync speed, max shutter, etc.). The D7100 comes close to replacing the D300s, but you need to accept a different style body with different ergonomics. Same for the D610 or D750 replacing the D700, they don't truly do so. To me, the Df is a waste of time. Sure, it's good in low light but that is because it has a great sensor. The rest of it is there just to get the old guys to buy it for nostalgia. It is crippled with a poor AF module (relative to price), no video (that isn't a 'feature'), and more. Anyone who was going to buy one did so already, ditch it. The D750 should have been a pro body (controls same as a D810), with 16 or 24 megapixels. In fact, this is what I think Nikon should have done, if you don't agree let me know :) | ||||||||
DX |
FX |
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Spec |
D7100 |
D400 |
D610 |
D750 |
D810 |
D4s |
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| Body | Consumer | Pro | Consumer | Pro | Pro | Pro | |
| Price | $1200 | $1800 | $2000 | $2500 | $3300 | $6500 | |
| Sensor Resolution (MP) | 24 | 24 | 16 | 24 | 36 | 16 | |
| ISO Range | 100 - 6400 | 100 - 6400 | 100 - 6400 | 100 - 12800 | 64 - 12800 | 100 - 25600 | |
| AF Points | 51 | 51 | 39 | 51 | 51 | 51 | |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/4000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | 1/8000 | |
| Frame Rate | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 11 | |
To me, it's a more clear lineup. Two capable DX cameras, one in a consumer body and one in a pro body. The pro body will have a faster frame rate, a tougher build, and the same ergonomics as the pro FX bodies. The FX bodies also seem to have a clear distinction between them. Entry level D610 is a consumer type body, with a less capable AF system and slower max shutter (other features may also be worth discussing). The D750 should have been a true successor to the D700, same frame rate and build quality but with double the pixels. The D810 is the high resolution beast and the D4s the speed demon for those that need it. Each one has a clear place in the lineup and people may buy more than one.
Expert Shield vs GGS Screen Protector for Nikon D800
I'm giving away two Expert Shield screen protectors. Draw will take place on September 19, 2014. No stings, no BS. I have an extra Sony RX100 model and the D800 anti-glare model.
All you have to do is comment on this post with which model you want, add a valid email address (which won't be visible to anyone but me). Winners will be announced here and I'll contact you for a shipping address. Good luck!
Update: I only had entries for the D800 model, and the winner is Peter Looper! I might run another draw for the RX100 model at another time.
Some time ago I posted about my issues with the GGS screen protectors. The first one was faulty, second one was different from the first and had a plastic border which obscured the top and bottom of the LCD. My third one (same as the first), arrived and it had some scratches on the glass. I ended up using it, fed up with the whole process. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with the experience and made worse because you can't seem to contact the company directly.
About a year ago, I purchased a Sony RX-100 and decided to use an Expert Shield screen protector on that camera. It installed perfectly, no bubbles and you can't seven see it's there. One year later, it's still on the camera and I have had no problems with it at all.
I decided to finally replace the GGS screen protector on my D800 with an Expert Shield. I have the standard and anti-glare models, but decided to go with the standard one. The installation was easy, as before, and the result looks like a naked D800 LCD but I know it's well protected. Here are a few photos from the process.
The GGS, note how it sits raised above the body. It isn't a perfect fit, and the one with the plastic frame (gen 2?) is a terrible fit.
Another shot of the GGS.
Last one of GGS.
The Expert Shield covers, which come with a microfiber cloth to aid installation.
Expert Shield mounted on D800, a near-perfect fit for the LCD. It comes with covers for both the rear and top LCD plates.
One more of the Expert Shield, looks and works great.
Overall, I'm very happy with the product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good screen protector. It's much nicer than the standard Nikon covers and works much better than the GGS covers I tried. I will be using this on all of my cameras from now on.
