Has Nikon failed? (Page 2): I understood their comments in context... They carefully stated that they were given just an hour to play with pre-production models in a less-than-ideal...

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Rich1939 wrote:

I think the Northrups did their viewers a disservice by making specific comments based on a pre production model. General comments about things like size, weight, and ergonomics is about all that can be expected from that unit. I guess they felt they'd be more relevant and capture a bigger audience but, it's a phony review.

I understood their comments in context... They carefully stated that they were given just an hour to play with pre-production models in a less-than-ideal circumstance.

I do fault Nikon for rushing to announce. They should have had a dozen professionals beating the prototypes up for two or three months, then spent a month or two fixing things, before making an announcement.

But then, Nikon's been doing that same thing throughout their hubris-stained history. They pissed me off numerous times over the years with their teasing announcements. Others do it, too, but some of them are smart enough to say, "This is what we're working on. It's not ready yet, but it will be out three months from now. Here's our firmware update schedule for the next year after that. The following features will be added or improved by, approximately, these dates..."

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

burkphoto wrote:

I understood their comments in context... They car... (show quote)

Yup, they always seem to be in a rush. On the other hand they still make excellent products (over all) and profits

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

BebuLamar wrote:

Nikon didn't succeed in term of getting other brand users to buy Nikon. The new Nikon didn't beat the Sony in the FF MILC market. But any Nikon users who want to go mirrorless would likely to buy the Nikon. The 2 cameras are good enough and the adapter is considered a success to me rather than failure. Not changing the lens mount is outright stupid for Nikon.

Nikon doesn’t need to get other brand users just as Canon doesn’t need to get other brand users either.
Both of those companies between them have most of the global camera users already.
So far we’re talking very small potatoes in numbers.
Don’t confuse what a bunch of old enthusiasts like those here demand compared to the real populace.
It’s the reason canikon haven’t spent a lot of energy to dominate a small market.
The the time ML is a dominate player Canikon will be there with the deep support the currently offer. Mark my words.
We are definately not marketing strategists, nor will we ever be.
SS

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

BebuLamar wrote:

I am invited to a launch event next week locally. I hope I can attend. I wish to check out the EVF. To me that's the only thing that counts as I am sure the picture quality in term of color, dynamic range, noise would be good.

EVF appearance, lag time, ease of use
AF performance with native lenses
AF performance with adapted Nikon F/G mount lenses
Video features and performance
Audio features and performance
Controls and menus
Ergonomics with adapted lenses

Yes, image quality is a given.

BebuLamar

burkphoto wrote:

EVF appearance, lag time, ease of use
AF performance with native lenses
AF performance with adapted Nikon F/G mount lenses
Video features and performance
Audio features and performance
Controls and menus
Ergonomics with adapted lenses

Yes, image quality is a given.

Of all that you listed only the first one is important to me. AF performance with native lenses if reasonable is fine by me. AF performance with adapted lenses is important and I think it could be similar to native lenses.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

warrior wrote:

I been watching Nikon's likes and dislikes on U-tube. on the z6 and z7I am not a pro. 1 card slot, weak battery, adapter needed for lens use . Would like to hear from UHs

The product release is not about the bodies it’s about the new lenses mount. Those focusing their attention solely on the z-bodies are missing the big picture, they are not seeing the forrest because of the trees.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Rich1939 wrote:

Yup, they always seem to be in a rush. On the other hand they still make excellent products (over all) and profits

I still have my Nikon film gear, and all of it except my 55mm Micro Nikkor f/2.8 still works. That stuff was built like tanks. Only my old D100 was something I'd call a lazy dog... It performed slowly.

The world's largest school, church, and big box store portrait company has used thousands of heavily custom-modified Nikons over the last 10-15 years. They chose them for their durability and Nikon's willingness to work with their engineers.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I imagine Nikon is getting an earful/screenful from across the photography world. I would hope that they take these comments seriously and start working out some of the complaints before releasing the cameras for sale.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Wingpilot wrote:

I imagine Nikon is getting an earful/screenful from across the photography world. I would hope that they take these comments seriously and start working out some of the complaints before releasing the cameras for sale.

About the only complaint that I'd give any validity to is the single card one. And that is not a universal complaint. In fact over at Nikon rumors a poll was held. those that felt it wasn't an issue out polled those that did 2:1 As many people have pointed out since the announcement most users with a 2 slot camera only use one slot to store their images. The other is often used for jpgs or over flow, seldom as a backup. I give credence to the single card complaint because it is a design feature and if you feel you need the second card then the Z camera isn't for you. The other complaints are mostly speculation and supposition which if they turn out to be valid would be a problem. For now they are noise.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

MrBob wrote:

What have they failed to do that they said they would do..... kind of a broad statement. Do you think that maybe supposedly half way informed consumers such as us raised expectations way too much and were looking for Godzilla right out of the gate ? Carry a couple batteries and a backup card; we all knew that there was going to be an adapter for older lenses.... really not too much failure at all so far; lets at least wait till consumers get their hands on experience before sounding taps.

No company starts at the top and works down. The top is too expensive and the maker is too small.
If Nikon has delivered a product soth what they are charging then they have seceded. If another brand has a lot more camera for less money then that’s a different story.
SS

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Rich1939 wrote:

About the only complaint that I'd give any validit... (show quote)

Well I think complaints will become more legitimate once the two cameras are actually in the hands of real, day to day users. I'm sure it won't take long for a common thread to form. Nikon should pay attention to that. Right now, as you say, it's mostly speculation on something that's only just been announced. I'd love to give one a try, but unfortunately someone would have to give me one. Oh well.

Bill_de Loc: US

Asking if Nikon failed is liked asking if a horse lost the race before they opened the starting gate.

Everyone has an opinion, but none of it means a thing until someone crosses the finish line.

Until cameras are in the hands of real people and we hear from more than a handful of bloggers we don't really know much.

There are a lot of people pulling for Nikon, mixed in with a few who are just giving lip service to the idea.

Time will tell.

--

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I agree that it's too soon for final judgment, but Nikon failed to get me excited. I was really looking forward to upgrading from my D800e but now I'm thinking of either the D850 or just waiting another year - my GAS attacks have significantly subsided after retiring in 2017.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Rich1939 wrote:

I think the Northrups did their viewers a disservice by making specific comments based on a pre production model. General comments about things like size, weight, and ergonomics is about all that can be expected from that unit. I guess they felt they'd be more relevant and capture a bigger audience but, it's a phony review.

Northrups were not the only ones at that NY event who were disappointed in what they experienced so you can't blame just them, you need to blame Nikon for putting product that does not yet meet specs in the hands of professionals. They did fall all over themselves pointing out that it was a pre-production camera expecting that Nikon would have a "firmware" fix for issues like low light level AF before production versions were released. The comment that Tony could not recommend the camera to wedding photographers because of one mem slot is a valid observation. I also like the left row of buttons on the back of my Nikon bodies to quickly get at the important stuff, which are now gone on the Z7. It is also a valid observation that Nikon's initial Z lens offerings are weak. Their review just confirmed my decision to not pre-order, but wait until I see better professional reviews and higher end glass. They will get it right because others, namely the Sony A7R III, have already gotten it right.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Rich, if the Northrups told me what time it was, I'd hope to have an accurate watch to check for myself.
--Bob

Rich1939 wrote:

I think the Northrups did their viewers a disservice by making specific comments based on a pre production model. General comments about things like size, weight, and ergonomics is about all that can be expected from that unit. I guess they felt they'd be more relevant and capture a bigger audience but, it's a phony review.