Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Ever since the official announcement the pages here and on other photography sites have been filled with opinions about the new cameras. Pro and con. Almost all have been trying to judge these cameras in relation to existing ones. Mostly they are comparing them with professional and other high end cameras. I wonder if maybe that is not the correct track to take.
First, there is no professional support structure in place by Nikon for these cameras which by itself indicates they are attempting to reach a different market segment. Second, as mirror-less is the future, Nikon needed to get their feet wet sooner rather than later.
Third, the new mount gives Nikon a more competitive vehicle to work with in lens design than the F mount allowed and will certainly help down the road.
If these two cameras are Nikon's nose under Sony’s tent, it’s a start and will help to keep current Nikon users at home as they continue to develop the line. Yes the new cameras leave many people wanting, but then the next camera that appeals to everyone will be the first to master that little trick. I think this is the beginning of a different product line and Nikon has produced a product that will get them into the game and at the same time it will give them valuable market information for their next moves.
The DSLR is going to around for a very long time yet. Nikon and its customers are too invested in it for it not to be but, any well run company has to look to the future.

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

My next camera will be the D850, even if the Z's were available today. I have a $5k D1 and will never again be an early adopter for Nikon. Five years from now when the Z40 Turbo comes out, then maybe.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm putting my money into some machining and mods that, I hope, will be an improvement to my D800e. Believe me. It will be far less of an expenditure than jumping at every new camera that some company introduces.
--Bob

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Ok you have awoken my curiosity Bob.
First and most important change of course is a beer dispenser, right?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

This is not the first time you have mentioned some modifications to your 800E. I own an 800E, and am curious; if you chose to share.
I would certainly not jump to the Z7 so quickly, even with the FTZ adapter on sale.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Hardly, Rich. Just machining new front and rear standards for my Arca-Swiss View camera. The front will allow me to use my Graphic View II lens boards on the A-S. The other is to machine a new rear standard to adapt my D800e to the A-S.

Some glasses of wine were involved in the initial conversation with my machinist, however, that's the only alcohol involved.
--Bob

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

the 800 to the AS is interesting. Will the 800 position be a set one or will you be able to reposition it

BebuLamar

The 2 Z cameras are quite good according to specs. They look also decent. But they are like "Me Too" and about the only people who would buy them are current Nikon users who want to switch to mirrorless.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The only minor mod I've done to the D800e is the WB setting. I added a uniWB in-camera preset to it. Another mod was actually to a Nikkor lens. It produced some minor improvements in sharpness but also introduced some undesirable side effects. We're still looking at that one. Otherwise, my D800e is indistinguishable from any off the shelf version.
--Bob

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I suspect that for now Nikon will be happy with that. Hang onto their base while developing newer and better product.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm still working through the advantages/disadvantages to either way. The main advantage will be the use of swings and tilts. Those could be invaluable with product photography. Regardless of success or failure, the cost is a fraction of the price of a new 850, or Z model.
--Bob

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

And a fraction of the cost of a new shift lens

BebuLamar

But those Nikon users must want to migrate to mirrorless. I am a Nikon user for over 40 years and if I want mirrorless I would buy the Z instead of Sony but I don't want the mirrorless.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That too.
--Bob

repleo Loc: Boston

Most of the Nikon fans here are diehard DSLR users and have been very dismissive of mirrorless. It will be interesting to see how many will change their tune now that they can get a mirrorless with a Nikon label. I think Nikon are taking a big gamble if they are expecting their current DSLR owners to switch to mirrorless and even if they do they are only cannibalizing their devout base.