That repository for all things both shadowy and Nikon-related, Nikon Rumors, has posted an anonymous tip they got concerning possible specs for the Nikon D400. The rumors have been a bit irresponsible concerning this camera, endowing it with two sensors, GPS, and multi-touch. The truth is probably a little more like these specs seem to indicate: a really sweet $2000 prosumer camera with lots of new in-camera features.
Here are the specs as quoted in the rumor:
Nikon D400
MSRP $1,999.00
Key Features:* New 14.8 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor effective 14.3 megapixel
* Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
* ISO 100 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 50)
* 14-bit A/D conversion
* Movie capture at up to 1080p 24 fps with stereo sound
* Nikon EXPEED Plus image processor 30% faster than previous EXPEED image processor
* Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 40 ms, black-out 90 ms)
* Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 200,000 exposure durability
* Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
* Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
* Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
* Vignetting control in-camera
* Automatic chromatic aberration correction
* Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
* Seven frames per second continuous shooting (nine frames per second with battery pack)
* 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
* Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast-detect AF, face detection
* ‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
* Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
* Buttons sealed against moisture
* Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D700
* Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
* Picture Control image parameter presets
* UDMA compatible single CF card slot
* Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
* Extensive in-camera retouching
* HDMI HD video output
* Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
I’m skeptical of a few of these things. Different burst frames per second depending on whether there’s a battery pack? Generally that sort of thing is limited by the in-camera memory and how fast it can offload onto the card. And the Kevlar/Carbon fiber shutter sounds a bit off as well Commenters below point out these two features are already present in Nikon Cameras. Sorry, I’m a Canon guy… the battery thing still seems weird. Still other than the few questionable features, if this rumor turned out to be true, it would be a hell of a camera. I like the chromatic aberration correction in camera idea.
The D300 actually gets more FPS with the battery pack, so your concerns with that spec aren’t founded.
… and the Kevlar/carbon fiber shutter and chromatic aberration correction are already present on the D700/D3.
See, I’m a canon guy. I don’t know these things. But why in the world would the thing get more FPS with the battery pack?
I’m guessing the juice from both batteries at the same time produces enough amperage in a short period of time to keep the capacitor for the shutter and everything else filled.
See, I’ve always understood the burst rate to be a function of how fast the camera can get the data out of the cache and onto the CF card or whatever - or something like that. You could certainly be right, though… or it’s different between cameras.
I have an old model of Nikon, I love this brand!
Does anyone know whether or not this camera will have an external mic input like the canon 5d mkII?
If it does and it uses the H.264 codec and records in 24p/25p then this will be my dream camera!
Really looking forward to this one!
As a current D300 owner, the one aspect of the rumors for the D400 that I find most interesting is the new sensor. It is supposed to use the new “backlit” design which puts all the electronics on the side away from the sensors. This allows for larger sensor sites. so, even with the extra 2-3 MP over the D300, it is supposed to be better at higher ISO’s.
“As a current D300 owner, the one aspect of the rumors for the D400 that I find most interesting is the new sensor. It is supposed to use the new “backlit” design which puts all the electronics on the side away from the sensors. This allows for larger sensor sites. so, even with the extra 2-3 MP over the D300, it is supposed to be better at higher ISO’s.”
That would be INCREDIBLY interesting. I’ve been wondering, assuming this is true, how the D400 could have a native ISO range of 100-6400 if it has more 14MP. Canon’s 50D hasn’t been what I would consider a resounding success in terms of noise performance vs. the 40D. Something tells me this D400 will be a bigger leap forward. I only have a D40 right now but have been saving towards a D300… if this camera is that much better I’ll just get it instead.
Please be an FX sensor!
i doubt that it would be an fx sensor. a better sensor, most likely, but an fx, nyet. the d300 already has an amazing sensor and focus point combo - any improvement on that would be knock the socks of competitors in its range. everything else (video “hoop” and stereo mic “la”) is just icing on the cake.
Unless that sensor turns out to be clearly better than D300 at high ISO this wouldn’t be that big a step from the D300. Video, one more FPS and a little more resolution. Don’t get me wrong. It would probably be a great camera. But certainly not as big as the D200 –> D300 step if you ask me.
Abd please let this NOT be a FX sensor! The D700 is allready a great camera and it’s successor will be even better. If Nikon skips the DX sensor in this, then the best DX body from Nikon would be the D90, and some people (also pros) actually need the DX sensors for the reach. Therefore Nikon needs a (semi)pro DX body
Where do I order one? I need an upgrade for my D80; and the D90 is not a big enough step (although a great value). A D300 body with upgrade sensor, ISO and video; that would interest me ….