2016 is going to be an exciting year for gear-lovers. Both Canon and Nikon will be updating multiple camera bodies and lenses, while Sony, Fujifilm, and Pentax are all continuing their charge against the big two. Today, Nikon kicked off the new year with the announcement of their new flagship cameras, the D5 and D500.
Nikon D5
Those of you who need the ultimate in AF performance, fast shooting, and low-light performance need not look any further. The Nikon D5 has arrived, and even I, as a Canon shooter, have to admit that some of these specs have my interest quite piqued. Check them out:
- Two body options: One variant will use dual XQD cards (1,405 g/49.5 oz.), while the other will use traditional dual CF cards (1,415 g/49.9 oz.)
- A new 20.8 MP CMOS sensor, as opposed to the previous 16 MP on the D4S
- EXPEED 5 Processing System
- 4K video with built-in time-lapse function and uncompressed HDMI out
- 153 AF points (99 cross-type), with 15 f/8-enabled points (55 (35 cross-type) points are selectable by the photographer)
- Focusing at EV -4
- 12 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
- 14 fps continuous shooting with mirror lockup and fixed AF/AE
- Buffer of up to 200 frames of raw files
- High ISO of 102,400
- Extended ISO of 3,280,000
- 3.2-inch, 2.36 million dots LCD touchscreen
- USB 3.0
- Weather-sealed
I'm particularly struck by the vastly upgraded AF system (triple the points of the D4S), the almost limitless buffer, the extended ISO of over 3 million, and the inclusion of a touchscreen. Clearly, Nikon set out to create a no-compromise camera. Expect the D5 to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $6,499.95.
Nikon D500
Those who shoot the DX system, Nikon's APS-C format, will be pleased to know that Nikon also introduced its new flagship DX camera, the D500. It has quite the impressive spec list itself:
- Dual XQD and SD card slots
- A new 20.9 MP CMOS sensor
- EXPEED 5 Processing System
- 4K video with built-in time-lapse function and uncompressed HDMI out
- 3-axis electronic VR feature for 1080p video
- 153 AF points (99 cross-type), with 15 f/8-enabled points
- 10 fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking
- Buffer of up to 79 frames of raw files
- High ISO of 51,200
- Extended ISO of 1,640,000
- 3.2-inch, 2.36 million dots LCD tiliting touchscreen
- SnapBridge sharing technology to allow easy transfer of photos to smartphones and other connected devices
- Weather-sealed
Expect the D500 to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $1,999.95.
Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight
Nikon also announced a new flagship speedlight, the SB-5000, the first Nikon speedlight with RF capabilities. It features a 30-meter (98-foot) range, and when paired with the WR-R10 transmitter, it can control up to six groups or 18 speedlights. With a new cooling system, the SB-5000 can fire continuously for up to 120 shots at five-second intervals. It also features an updated interface and controls, with a tilt range of -7° to 90° and full 180° horizontal rotation. Expect it to be available in March at an MSRP of $599.95.
Nikon WT-6A Wireless Transmitter
Lastly, Nikon has also announced the WT-6A Wireless Transmitter for use with the D5. Offering file transfer speeds of up to 130 mbps via the 802.11ac standard, the transmitter has a range of approximately 656 ft. and when in HTTP mode, also offers wireless camera controls, Live View shooting, and HD recording controls. Expect it to be available in March 2016 at an MSRP of $749.95.
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Nikon D5
Nikon D500
I agree the right tool for the right job. Having said that my point wasn't related to that. Mine was from a consumer perspective. I believe this product is not great value for money considering many of the other options. I'm not discussing or arguing which tool for what job, I'm discussing value, which is a completely different standpoint.
When you consider that value is entirely a relative concept you can look at other options and determine if this particular item is worth the money. In my mind this is definitively not great value.
The difference between this and the D4s and even the 1DX when it comes to stills isn't anywhere near significant to say the least. When you take that point away then you look at what else this camera offers and unfortunately it's not a great deal.
Again I clarify my point has nothing to do with what tool or which screwdriver, it's entirely based on relative value.
I am really bad at looking at the consumer side. ;) I tend to look at cameras as tools. If I was weekend warrior would not buy a D5 but I I need the fast shutter speeds, FPS, low light and Durability but I tend to be a little hard on gear in my line of work.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fullmetalphotographer/2406567449/in/album-...
Haha that's quite something. For my work it's normally all indoors and I don't need to shoot fast, all light is controlled and everything is calculated. We're all consumers to Nikon and Canon whether you're a seasoned professional or looking at entry level cameras. Due to this we have the power to demand more and if companies don't cater to the market they generally fail and consumers look at other companies or products to full-fill that need. (A self correcting guided market)
The D5 remains in my mind bad value for money, far too many cheaper and effective options available.
Very impressive and good for Nikon, especially bringing back the D#00 line. But for all the take that mirrorless sentiment, I wonder what a $6,500 A7 would look like?
THREE MILLION ISO!? Mine can barely do 800...
Time to move out of medium format :-)
A
Canon I hate you.
A few years back Canon put a slow sd card reader into the 5dmk3 and got away with it.................now they can't afford to be stingy unless they want to follow Nokia or General Motors.............I'm a Canon user....but Nikon and Sony are kicking ass.
I turn away for a few minutes and the D500 is both announced AND sold out! Hope Amazon or BH has preorders soon...
D500 same price of a D750, who will buy that?
Why not? There's a big difference on features for both cameras. And the D500 is well built (it seems). The D750 is "fine", but with the D500 specs laid out, sports and wildlife photographers will definitely enjoy it more than the D750.
Thinking the same thing. I understand that many people have invested a lot of money in DX glass, but get a D750, sell off the DX glass and start getting the FX glass.
I shoot air shows and you see more 7Ds with 100-400s (160-640) out there more than any other combo. There are many of us who prefer the multiplier of the crop bodies to full frame.
you can shoot DX on the 750, or crop on post. i doubt there's a difference in quality. IF it was a much lower price, it would make sense.. but same price?
Nah, you suffer a resolution hit shoot DX on an FX body.
It's not just the DX crop, it's what the D500 can do and the D750 can't.
10FPS
New AF
Larger buffer and offers XQD
Better ISO
I'm looking at the Sigma 300-800 5.6 on my 6D, but their 150-600 on my 7D gets me there and then some. For wildlife, FF is not always king.
All I can say is WOW!
Nikon really did step up their game. I was expecting a slight improvement from the D4s, but it seems this time it is trully amazing with all the features being offered. And the D500, didn't expect that to come, I am happy to see that the DX line is not forgotten (as a previous D300s user).
The D5 is finally the new camera I will buy since it really caters my needs. A mid MP, fast AF, 12 FPS, and thank God, DUAL XQD!!
My money is ready Nikon.
I agree Fritz. I just ordered three more XQD cards today. Love the XQD read / write speed. Makes a huge difference when you are downloading 128GB of photos. I'm really excited to see the ISO difference between the D4 and D5.
Well with the D5's resolution x frames per second, and even with the buffer holding up 200 pictures. I can't imagine using CF card to write that fast.
Many photographers still doubt the features of XQD. And most of them believes that CFast eill be better. But the problem with CFast is the size of the card itself and its durability. Where on the other hand, XQD is just like a mini SSD.
I hope Nikon continues to use XQD on their future cameras.
Anyone wanna buy a Nikon D7200 so I can get the D500? looks like i upgraded at the wrong time haha
Wow, its going to be another bumper year for camera tech!
Just as a note as a canon shooter, since the beginning of 2012 Nikon has now released/announced the D4-D4s and now D5.
Canon has only released the 1Dx in that entire span. (Of course if you count the 1DC then this is wrong but that is essentially a 1Dx with 4K video and literally nothing else)
Now I don't really care about all the new Bells and whistles so much, but the Nikon/Sony sensor technology has really got my attention over the years.
Is this the year that Canon closes the long running current gap of dynamic range?
Canon hasn't even caught up to the D750 or the even older D810! How could they to this years Nikon round up? :D The gap is to large to close in a single generation.
I think Canon doesn't seem to give a crap. I speculate that Canon figures it's the leading camera manufacturer, so they can continue with the same crap and somehow they're just going to stay there. Even the 7D MkII, which is a great camera except for the sensor, seems like they were only one-upping the D7200. They certainly have a lot of catching up to do now. We'll have to wait and see if they can either develop a truly competitive sensor/processor combo (because most people forget the processor part of the equation, perhaps even Canon!), or if they'll swallow their pride and start using Sony sensors in their pro bodies (the already use Sony sensors in some of their pocket line).
I heard some chatter about Canon using Sony sensors in their cameras, but I just dont see it happening.
Thats the game one up-ing each other. Now the 7d3 will up this, thats how the game works. Back and forth forever!
C'mon Canon. C'mon Canon. C'mon Canon. C'mon Canon. C'mon Canon!!! I give you one last chance to up the game or I'll kick you so hard to the curb!!!
My Canon 1Dx just saw those D5 specs and ran away in tears… Can't wait to see what the next 1D and 5D will offer :)
I'm looking forward to those two cameras all the more now!
Just pre-ordered two D5s. My D4 is going strong, but way past 500k shutter actuation, and had the rubber grips replaced twice (those aren't cheap). Looking forward to better AF and higher MP!
The D 500 should have been out 1 o 2 years ago. Except for a limited 4 k video function and more focus points my A 77 mark 2 does much the same thing. Good to see CF card users have a version of the F5. But for $6500 you could buy an A 7 II and 2 or 3 lenses. And shoot 4 k video longer than 3 minutes.
...if video is your thing. There's plenty of options for that. The D500 and D5 are photographers cameras, first and foremost. BTW, I've read that the video is using the sensor 2x cropped, so not so great at all. Same with the D5.
I'm guessing you mean the A7rII, or A7sII, which are completely different markets. You could very well get those cameras and suffer with battery life, AF performance (comparatively), FPS and durability.
You can shoot 4K video as long as you want with the D5. Anybody shooting serious video shoots to an external recorder anyway. And if you are a real videographer you're shooting a Red camera and Cine lenses. The D5 caters to much more than just video.
This means the 1DXII should be right around the corner, which makes me very very happy!
Yeah, 18 months has gone by. It's time for everyone to upgrade. Again. I love how the photography industry has become the computer industry ;)
I am confused now because it says on Nikon USA that D500 has a built in flash.
I noticed that too. I think it's a mistake on the website.
I see the D500 got the pro button layout that should have come with the D750...
I'd love a pro button layout as well, but only if it maintained the U1/U2 modes. It's almost like having 2 cameras!
In truth, i'm totally fine with almost all the layout on my D750 other than the back button focus position is just slightly off from the "Pro" layout so switching between two different bodies quickly can be briefly problematic.
So the new SB-5000 speedlight is rated for 120 continuous shots at 5-second intervals without overheating. How does that compare to the SB-910?
I like the idea of the sb5000 but if I am not mistaken- to get full use of all the new 6 groups, you would have to upgrade all of your speedlights
Yup, and at $600 each, no deal for me! I'll stick with my Yongnuo's, 560IV and 560III
Yup. I will stick with the flashes i have now and PW's. They havent let me down yet.
Nikon's new SB-5000 speedlight with RF capabilities for $599, most third party manufacturers already have complete systems of speedlights with RF capabilities and with Godox TT685N 2.4G $112, Pixel X800N PRO $145 and Shanny SN910EX-RF $230 what is Nikon thinking $599 for a speedlight? There's nothing really groundbreaking in the new releases, it just the same old thing nothing.
On second thought the D500 is the better buy...it has wireless, NFC, slightly slower FPS etc..and is much less money for a more relevant camera.
That 4K thing on this machine is a joke... 3 minutes?? and it's not even FF capture. The Sony A7S is a better option if 4K video is your thing. For crying out loud 4K has been around for years now, even smartphones have it.
DOA for this kind of money.