4. If Canon bring out a 7D mk II this year, Nikon would have to, wouldn't they?
What a great question, and I don’t have the answer.
I would think you would have a better chance with Canon, than Nikon, but an upgraded 7D II, would pressurise the 5D III, unless it’s priced way beyond.
What do I think, well, both Nikon and Canon have got us all by the short and curlys over lenses, we can’t change unless we pay the price.
Nikon can play the nostalgia card to people like me who hanker after the design of film cameras. So for a limited period of time they could manufacture retro cameras in DF styles, compact, DX and mirrorless. The younger generation don’t want these, “what physically turn a knurled knob for ISO, how dated”. Some do like them for design and the unique status, a bit like the resurgence of vinyl.
So, maybe a mutation is in the pipeline, which takes DX. I would like to see a wider choice, but Nikon have not done themselves any favours, because the line-up at present is so good. There’s nowt wrong with the D300, it’s just the market parameters are changing, which makes those with DX feel left behind.
I can’t see Nikon wasting DX lenses, but a full version DX with all swings and bells on is not going to be cheap, and as Steve’s mentioned people have already changed to FF, why change back?
On the investment of DX lenses, well we’ve been there before, but the other way round, those with film cameras with FF lenses, only got cropped sensor.
Would I buy a DX camera, no, there’s no need, would I have liked the D800 styled as DF, you bet!
On Steve’s macro, it’s a nice problem to have.