Another announcement: Nikon D500!

[scyrene]

Sounds awesome, and a good price too. I'm very curious to see the extended high ISO on this and the D5. Should be a good year for DSLRs all round!

 

[bholliman]

Man the D500 just slaughtered the 7d2...it even has bluetooth and tilty screen. 200 buffer with RAW at 10 fps..4k video....DAMN!!!!!!!!! For $2k this thing is a steal esp when you compare it at the going price rite now of $1500 on the 7d2.
Well least you 7d2 owners only have to wait another 4 years for Canon to update it...oops.

Definitely a great camera according to the specs. Not sure it's a huge upgrade from the 7D2 for a stills shooter however, especially with 7D2 prices approaching $1K, roughly 1/2 what the D500 will introduce at.

RAW buffer is actually 79 shots, see the revised press release "while a generous buffer allows for up to 79 shots (14-bit, uncompressed RAW/NEF) to be captured"

The AF system and AF point coverage are very interesting. Looking forward to seeing the hands-on reviews.

even if you compare the 79 frames to the 24 real 7d2 the D500 still pounces. The $1k price is mostly gone now, overall the 7d2 is back up to $1500. How are you not sure of it being an upgrade? it even has tilty touchy screen that Canon said they can not do in the 7d2..not to mention it is a bit lighter and thinner than the 7d2..my bird photographing mouth is on the floor!

No doubt the D500 will be a step up from the 7D2, it should be, its 16 months newer.

Not sure a buffer depth of 24 vs. 79 shots would make a huge difference to me. Sure its better, just can't recall needing to fire that many shots without a pause. I'm sure it will be really important to some photographers.

I really don't care about a tilt screen. I would only use that for low angle landscapes, and this isn't a landscape camera.

I'm excited to see the D500 reviews. Raises the bar which is good for all consumers.

My point on the price is I think the 7D2 will still sell well at a significant discount to the D500. Not everybody can or wants to spend $2k on a camera.

 

[expatinasia]

I am amazed by the D500 announcement. I bet potential buyers of the 5D Mark IV are all crossing their fingers that it will compete with that. Some amazing features for a camera that on launch has a US$ 1,999 RRP.

Apples and oranges. The 5D4 is the Indiana Jones of Canon's lineup -- it's a ~ $3,500 do-everything-well sort of rig.

The D500, though impressive, is a 7D2 killer. Nothing more.

- A

Apples and oranges how? I see a lot of people comparing the D500 to the 7D2 - presumably because of the high fps both have - but in my eyes the D500 has some amazing specs that even 5D Mark IV users will probably want (and hopefully not envy). The D500 is basically a small version of their now flagship 5D, and at a very attractive price. For me that makes the D500 Nikon's Indiana Jones option.

 

[tr573]

Man the D500 just slaughtered the 7d2...it even has bluetooth and tilty screen. 200 buffer with RAW at 10 fps..4k video....DAMN!!!!!!!!! For $2k this thing is a steal esp when you compare it at the going price rite now of $1500 on the 7d2.
Well least you 7d2 owners only have to wait another 4 years for Canon to update it...oops.

Definitely a great camera according to the specs. Not sure it's a huge upgrade from the 7D2 for a stills shooter however, especially with 7D2 prices approaching $1K, roughly 1/2 what the D500 will introduce at.

RAW buffer is actually 79 shots, see the revised press release "while a generous buffer allows for up to 79 shots (14-bit, uncompressed RAW/NEF) to be captured"

The AF system and AF point coverage are very interesting. Looking forward to seeing the hands-on reviews.

even if you compare the 79 frames to the 24 real 7d2 the D500 still pounces. The $1k price is mostly gone now, overall the 7d2 is back up to $1500. How are you not sure of it being an upgrade? it even has tilty touchy screen that Canon said they can not do in the 7d2..not to mention it is a bit lighter and thinner than the 7d2..my bird photographing mouth is on the floor!

No doubt the D500 will be a step up from the 7D2, it should be, its 16 months newer.

Not sure a buffer depth of 24 vs. 79 shots would make a huge difference to me. Sure its better, just can't recall needing to fire that many shots without a pause. I'm sure it will be really important to some photographers.

I really don't care about a tilt screen. I would only use that for low angle landscapes, and this isn't a landscape camera.

I'm excited to see the D500 reviews. Raises the bar which is good for all consumers.

My point on the price is I think the 7D2 will still sell well at a significant discount to the D500. Not everybody can spend $2k on a camera.

If you're only getting 24 shots on a 7D2 you need a modern memory card. You get like 45 with a 1066x CF. Far cry from 79, but also a far cry from 24

 

[DR. High ISO]

I smell fear, and it smells goood...

 

[ahsanford]

I am amazed by the D500 announcement. I bet potential buyers of the 5D Mark IV are all crossing their fingers that it will compete with that. Some amazing features for a camera that on launch has a US$ 1,999 RRP.

Apples and oranges. The 5D4 is the Indiana Jones of Canon's lineup -- it's a ~ $3,500 do-everything-well sort of rig.

The D500, though impressive, is a 7D2 killer. Nothing more.

- A

Apples and oranges how? I see a lot of people comparing the D500 to the 7D2 - presumably because of the high fps both have - but in my eyes the D500 has some amazing specs that even 5D Mark IV users will probably want (and hopefully not envy). The D500 is basically a small version of their now flagship 5D, and at a very attractive price. For me that makes the D500 Nikon's Indiana Jones option.

Sensor. Price Point. Burst Rate. Lens Compatibility.

The D500 is a top-deck crop rig with high burst rate, large buffer and compatibility with Nikon's DX (EF-S) lenses for about $2k. I effectively just described a 7D2. Now the D500 outclasses on the spec sheet in many regards (4K, AF points, bluetooth, buffer size, etc.)

The 5D3, in comparison was a $3500 do-everything pro rig, only compatible with EF glass, etc. That lined up with a D800 at launch and is more in line with a D750 now.

Now, which rig can you do more with? Different question. That very well may straddle the crop / FF divide.

- A

 

[expatinasia]

Sensor. Price Point. Burst Rate. Lens Compatibility.

The D500 is a top-deck crop rig with high burst rate, large buffer and compatibility with Nikon's DX (EF-S) lenses for about $2k. I effectively just described a 7D2. Now the D500 outclasses on the spec sheet in many regards (4K, AF points, bluetooth, bufer size, etc.)

The 5D3, in comparison was a $3500 do-everything pro rig, only compatible with EF glass, etc. That lined up with a D800 at launch and is more in line with a D750 now.

Now, which rig can you do more with? Different question. That very well may straddle the crop / FF divide.

- A

Yes, I see your point. I just wonder whether the boxes we traditionally put all these different bodies into is being eroded rather rapidly.

If Canon had announced the 5D Mark IV with these exact specs (but full frame rather than crop) even added US$ 1,000 to the price because of that fact then I think there would be an awful lot of very happy Canonites around today. Sure the 5D user has not traditionally wanted/needed so many FPS, but it's nice to know they are there if you ever do need them.

 

[Woody]

The D500 is a top-deck crop rig with high burst rate, large buffer and compatibility with Nikon's DX (EF-S) lenses for about $2k. I effectively just described a 7D2. Now the D500 outclasses on the spec sheet in many regards (4K, AF points, bluetooth, bufer size, etc.)

To me, 4k, AF points, bluetooth and buffer size are all expected given the time lag between the 7D2 and D500 releases.

What's important to me: high/low ISO capability and on-sensor AF speed/accuracy/sensitivity. That's where I feel Canon really really needs to step up to the challenge.

 

[Khufu]

So, who's excited about this upcoming 80D announcement?...

Having said that, if it's closer to resolving a usable 30mp than 18mp it might yet have a place in the world, right?! Maybe.

 

[Loswr]

The D500, though impressive, is a 7D2 killer.

Yes, in the same way that the 2016 Lexus ES is a 2014 Toyota Camry killer. I wonder which sells more?

 

[TeT]

It matters not to Canon what the D5 & D500 spec out to when they show up... The 7DII, 5DIV & 1DXII(?) probably 6DII & 80D also are basically in the books and ready or almost ready to go... If Nikon one upped them, it will be 2 more years of whining about Canon lagging behind. If Canon comes out on top then Nikon will have a replacement thrown together and released in 6 months (complete with bugs and defects)...

 

[Chaitanya]

Nikon has seriously blown 7D mark II out of water. It also had backlit buttons and hell of lot of wireless connectivity. I hope the idiots at Canon wake up to the new release of D5 and D500 when releasing this years cameras: 1Dx mk II, 5D mk IV, 6D mk II and 80D. Also if this years cameras don't come with 4k it will be serious disappointment from marketing point of view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzYm_z5ipug

 

[Loswr]

Nikon has seriously blown 7D mark II out of water. It also had backlit buttons and hell of lot of wireless connectivity. I hope the idiots at Canon wake up to the new release of D5 and D500

Yep, on buffer depth and probably low ISO DR. And price, with the D500 at nearly double the cost of a 7DII. And it only took Nikon 4-6 years to come up with competitive cameras. And their lenses still come in second. I bet you think Canon is doomed, right? :

 

[Chaitanya]

Nikon has seriously blown 7D mark II out of water. It also had backlit buttons and hell of lot of wireless connectivity. I hope the idiots at Canon wake up to the new release of D5 and D500

Yep, on buffer depth and probably low ISO DR. And price, with the D500 at nearly double the cost of a 7DII. And it only took Nikon 4-6 years to come up with competitive cameras. And their lenses still come in second. I bet you think Canon is doomed, right? :

D500 is 2000$ body only whereas 7D mk ii(after discounts though msrp is still 1800$) is selling for 1500$. So it doesnt cost twice as much but rather only 1.33333333333333...times more. In 2016 if canon doesnt keep up with competion they be digging their own grave. Just look at what happened to Kodak, there is no such thing as too big to fail in competitive world.

 

[ahsanford]

The 1.3x crop mode is interesting because it is really a BIF/wildlife type feature (don't know about sports) where the subject is already small in the image, so there isn't any desire or need to capture "lots of blue", etc.

The 'crop of a crop' strikes me as more marketing sneakiness / 'reach appeal' for those who want to say they can nail a > 1000mm FL shot without a teleconverter.

But the more I've thought about it, you can do the same damn thing by cropping in post on a 7D2. So I think the added 1.3x on top of the 1.5x crop effect is more a shrug "okay, sure" than a wow factor item.

- A

 

[ahsanford]

Nikon has seriously blown 7D mark II out of water. It also had backlit buttons and hell of lot of wireless connectivity. I hope the idiots at Canon wake up to the new release of D5 and D500

Yep, on buffer depth and probably low ISO DR. And price, with the D500 at nearly double the cost of a 7DII. And it only took Nikon 4-6 years to come up with competitive cameras. And their lenses still come in second. I bet you think Canon is doomed, right? :

D500 is 2000$ body only whereas 7D mk ii(after discounts though msrp is still 1800$) is selling for 1500$. So it doesnt cost twice as much but rather only 1.33333333333333...times more. In 2016 if canon doesnt keep up with competion they be digging their own grave. Just look at what happened to Kodak, there is no such thing as too big to fail in competitive world.

I hear where Neuro's coming from: the 7D2 was about $1800 at launch (with no discernible top-end APS-C competition) and it has since come down quite a bit. $2k is a big ask, but I think Nikon birders will snap that up in a heartbeat. Instantly. Sold.

But I think the real 6-12 months from now price of this rig -- after the reach-obsessed have been unburdened of their coin and Nikon tries to sell this to gen pop (John Soccerdad, Emily Hiker, etc.) -- is probably in a $1600 price point. Call me crazy, but 4K against no 4K on the other side of the aisle with Canon might allow Nikon to tent the price up for a bit longer than the 7D2.

I still think both rigs are bargains. That's a crapload of functionality for the dollar.

- A

 

[Sabaki]

I did intensive reading following the announcement and launch of the 7Dii and whilst everybody agreed it was and still is a great body, there were some reservations regarding the 'evolution' from the 7D classic and not the 'revolution' towards a true next gen performer.

The one that sticks to mind is that the sensor offered 2/3 stop improvement over the 7D classic, which many considered to be slightly disappointing.

Nikon has just answered that call, haven't they?

I am once again reminded of Sega when I think of Canon. Sega made brilliant games but their consoles weren't as good as the competition. Canon make superb lenses and their RT flash system is incredible, yet their bodies always seem short on features compared to the competition.

Let's hope they get the 1DXii right and start throwing huge money into the R&D of their bodies, it's time to take a giant leap forward.

P.S. The above is written in context of what Nikon have just announced and isn't a statement indicating that all Canon bodies are useless and incapable of taking decent pics etc because they really are. I would just like Canon to answer the call

 

[expatinasia]

I am once again reminded of Sega when I think of Canon. Sega made brilliant games but their consoles weren't as good as the competition. Canon make superb lenses and their RT flash system is incredible, yet their bodies always seem short on features compared to the competition.

I do find the D500 announcement to be absolutely amazing, but of course the 1D X has long been the top camera for sports, and while the D5 has some nice features, everyone expects Canon to make the 1D X even better.

I am not sure how I would feel about the D5 today, if I was a Nikon user.

They have done such a great job (at least specs wise) on the D500, that I cannot help but wonder whether it will eat in to some of the traditional D5 market which at launch will cost over three times as much. That's a lot, and could be even greater when the D500 starts to come down a little, which it may do faster than the D5.

Nikon do not need to worry about eating into their video products so can offer a lot in that area too.

I think everyone believes that the 1D X II will retain its title as top sports camera, but how the D500 affects the market is anyone's guess.

Exciting times ahead for us all in the photography world.

 

[expatinasia]

...
They have done such a great job (at least specs wise) on the D500, that I cannot help but wonder whether it will eat in to some of the traditional D5 market which at launch will cost over three times as much. That's a lot, and could be even greater when the D500 starts to come down a little, which it may do faster than the D5.
...

Better for Nikon to lose a D5 sale to the D500 than to a competitors product.

True, though that could really cost them in the long term - especially if they start to develop better glass for the D500 range (DX I think).

Most sports photographers know that Canon has the glass and the edge when it comes to the top of the range sports camera.

I am not sure how I would feel if I was a Nikon D4 or D4S owner today, and I do not know (or care) what has been happening with the prices of those bodies. But the D500 really surprised me specs wise. All good!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

It sounds like a nice camera. I wonder if Nikon ever fixed the live view and tethering that was a joke on the D300s, and the D800.

I've learned never to judge a camera by the spec sheet or the hype. Somehow they always seem to forget to mention the gotchas.

The auto AFMA (Fine Tune in Nikon Speak) might be a nice feature if it works out well.

I could live without QXD cards though.