You know I am on the fence about this camera. Though I am impressed if Nikon is able to go to 36mp AND get similar ISO performance to the D700. The 36mp I tend to think might actually hold me back from getting it. Well that and money of course. The photo budget can only take so many 35mm f/1.4 lenses before it’s….well…exhausted.
My other concern is the computer horsepower I will need to handle 36mp files. I am not certain that I have it. I will be interested after it is announced whether:
1. Is it actually 36mp?
2. Will they make RAW files available before release.
3. On a minor point is ISO 6400 similar to that ISO on the D700?
4. Do I really need a camera at 36mp?
Surprisingly, I will handle these in order. Number 1. We will find out if all of the rumors circling the internet are true when Nikon actually announces the camera. It seems far fetched that they will go from a 12mp sensor in both the D3/D700 up to a 36mp sensor. Even the D3X has a 24mp sensor. Ok 24.5mp. *Geesh*
Number 2. This is a critical factor. Why you might ask? Let me explain. It all has to do with horsepower. Computer horsepower. In the past Nikon has usually offered multiple RAW files available for download. Others have even made their way from pre-release cameras at sites like DPReview. For a change I will not only look at them, but I hope to be able to download them for the sole purpose of importing them into Aperture and seeing how badly I may choke the system.
Sure I have the 3-year old MacPro in the basement that I’m pretty certain it’s 8-cores could move along those 36mp files, but I’m not so certain my 2010 Macbook Pro where I currently do most of my image processing will do very well. I hope to see. That test alone will show me if I am interested in the camera. Time and RAW files will tell. I know I can’t afford an at least $3,000 camera and a $2700 new Macbook Pro. That would put me up into D4 land. Heh….maybe I can do that…….Kate?
Number 3. I don’t want to go backwards with my ISO. I really like shooting at near darkness. It’s nice.
Number 4. Really do I need 36mp? Even if my computers can take it do I really need it? It’s always good when it comes to cropping a photo, but I don’t make too many large prints in a year and mostly I am sharing my photos via the internet at 1600×1600 at the largest. So what does 36mp get me? I could punish pixels better in Photoshop, but that’s not my thing either. I would like to experiment more with video, but in order to justify a new DSLR I need to do alot more of that than I currently am. So do I really need 36mp?
In order for me to plunk down my money on the new D800 I need to answer these questions. What questions might you need answered? Put them in the comments section below.
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by Chris Mielke
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