http://www.bythom.com/d700announce.htm

Thom Hogan, one of the more prominent names on the web as far as DSLR photography and (especially) Nikon are concerned, wrote an article on Nikon's current lineup of DSLR's, what he thinks Nikon's NEXT moves will be, and what impact / reaction this will result in with / from the competition.

Thom is a VERY good writer, thorough and level-headed. I recommend his articles, whether or not you shoot Nikon!

One thing I noticed is that Thom speaks of the D3X very liberally, calling it by name, but only speaks about the D80 replacement as just that, a D80 replacement. (As opposed to calling it like it is, the D90.) This leads me to believe that Thom is under NDA (non-disclosure agreement) concerning the D90, and therefore it's name, but not a D3X. This leads me to believe that we'll see the D90 before we'll see the D3X.

Hopefully though, we'll see BOTH by the end of the year. And even more hopefully, we'll see more pro / semi-pro lenses in 2009, maybe some f/4 VR lenses (zooms, primes) and some f/1.4 SWM primes. Nikon could REALLY use an answer to Sigma's apparently stunning new 50 1.4 HSM. Nikon could also really use an equivalent to Canon's pair of 70-200 f/4 IS lenses... In fact lenses like these are REQUIRED in my book before I begin considering the D700, period. Thom mentions this apparent "mixed signal" as well. And I quote, "It does seem strange to me that Nikon introduces a D700 and doesn't have the current lens set to go with it (either renewed primes or lower-specified normal/telephoto zooms or both). Until Nikon fixes that, the D700 isn't fully realized IMHO."

Exactly how I feel. However Thom points out that it's not as if Nikon can turn this situation around overnight. They can only come up with a few new lenses each year, a half-dozen max I'd say, and they have to serve ALL the different markets, from beginner DX to super exotic pro FX. This is one thing that makes me disagree when some Nikon fans cheer that "woohoo, Nikon is king again, Nikon is the best now!" ...because for some kinds of photography, especially shallow DOF portraiture and things, Canon still has an incredible edge. Canon has 24mm and 35mm f/1.4 L lenses, and a killer 28mm f/1.8 affordable alternative. They have 50mm and 85mm f/1.2 L lenses, and stellar f/1.4 or f/1.8 alternatives.

As I've said many times before on this blog, Nikon's situation faster than f/2 is abysmal. If I were to get a D700 right now, I'd be getting it with a Sigma 24/28mm f/1.8, a 50mm f/1.4, a Nikon 85 1.8, and my Sigma 150mm 2.8. Sigma three, Nikon one. Come on, Nikon! If only I could get my hands on a 2009 lens roadmap...

If it weren't for the fact that I know Nikon will EVENTUALLY come out with the lenses I'd want, and the fact that I know I TOTALLY prefer Nikon's controls and ergonomics, I would SERIOUSLY consider the 5D mk2 for professional weddings / portriats.

Take care,
=Matt=