Monday, December 5, 2011

Nikon D4 or D3ii or whatever they're calling it...

Here we are in early December and, as the memories of last riding season on my new BMW R1200GS begin to fade, my attention is turning back to photography as my primary passion.  While I have a lot of images and video I can process from last season, as well as lots of opportunity to shoot more events (hockey and basketball easily come to mind) I find that the cold weather usually brings desires for new equipment.  While a new lens, such as a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8, 135mm f2.0 DC, 85mm f1.4 G or even the AF-S 105mm Micro would likely cure the urge for new toys what I'm really waiting for is the next high end body from Nikon.  Although I'm not sure why, as the price tag on such a beast is likely to fall somewhere between $5000 - $6000.

The release date of the next pro camera must be one of Nikon's best kept secrets these days.  Nikon's recent history has demonstrated a new release every four years.  The release of the D3S in 2007 would have suggested that the next upgrade be launched in 2011.  I suppose the tsunami tragedy has taken it's toll on the majority of Japanese companies in one form or another, but Nikon's tight lips aren't helping matters much when it comes to wanting to know what's going on. 

All of the usual sources are at a loss for info.  The latest rumour (nikonrumours.com) is mere speculation that the D4 will be announced in January, with a release of March to coinside with Canon's launch of their next pro camera body, the EOS-1D X.

So, without a lack of a firm launch date I'll have to occupy my time with improving my techniques with my existing gear and quit thinking about that high end body... for now.