ericbowles
Well-known member
I too am disappointed with the lack of a D400 or pro level DX. The D600, D800, and D7100 are good, but there is still a gap.
The big features that are missing in the current DX lineup are frame rate, build quality, and AF precision. The D4 has a lot of these features, so they are possible but not delivered in DX. The D600 and D7000 have been quite a bit short.
There are some new technologies that have not been released in a DSLR and appear promising. One is mirrorless. If you want a fast frame rate, mirrorless or transparent mirrors look quite promising. The frame rate of the V1/V2 are quite impressive since you no longer have to move a mirror. And silent operation can be a benefit. In situations like birding, mirrorless offers the ability to digitally zoom for precise focus (like Live View through a viewfinder). It also provides much better viewing and focus in low light since it incorporates the benefit of ISO.
The other feature that should be upcoming is a tablet or smart phone control system. Think of it as enhanced tethering - without the tether. There is a new product called CamRanger that essentially allows control of the camera settings, focus and shutter release using this method. The camera companies are almost certain to put this in the camera or offer it as an option. And might as well have a Nikon App to control the entire menu and synch changes. This kind of function is really close right now and logically would be delivered in a pro DX body.
XQD cards also offer potential for superior write speeds. SD cards are slow compared to CF - roughly 30% slower comparing the best of each. First generation XQD is faster than CF and promises to be much faster in future revisions. So a high frame rate camera will be using XQD CF at the pro level.
The big features that are missing in the current DX lineup are frame rate, build quality, and AF precision. The D4 has a lot of these features, so they are possible but not delivered in DX. The D600 and D7000 have been quite a bit short.
There are some new technologies that have not been released in a DSLR and appear promising. One is mirrorless. If you want a fast frame rate, mirrorless or transparent mirrors look quite promising. The frame rate of the V1/V2 are quite impressive since you no longer have to move a mirror. And silent operation can be a benefit. In situations like birding, mirrorless offers the ability to digitally zoom for precise focus (like Live View through a viewfinder). It also provides much better viewing and focus in low light since it incorporates the benefit of ISO.
The other feature that should be upcoming is a tablet or smart phone control system. Think of it as enhanced tethering - without the tether. There is a new product called CamRanger that essentially allows control of the camera settings, focus and shutter release using this method. The camera companies are almost certain to put this in the camera or offer it as an option. And might as well have a Nikon App to control the entire menu and synch changes. This kind of function is really close right now and logically would be delivered in a pro DX body.
XQD cards also offer potential for superior write speeds. SD cards are slow compared to CF - roughly 30% slower comparing the best of each. First generation XQD is faster than CF and promises to be much faster in future revisions. So a high frame rate camera will be using XQD CF at the pro level.
