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Complaint: D1X is too heavy, et al.

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Get over it! It's a wonderful design. Besides, since when do real photog's complain about equipment weight if the equipment does what they want it to??? Heavy? Try MF or LF -- now, that's heavy. I say pick your battles ...
 
I can't resist any more so I will jump in.

I agree, the D1x is heavy, even with a 50mm lens on it you would not want to carry it around your neck on a hot summer day for very long. Nor would you want to lug 50 pounds of photo gear. I certainly wouldn't. But it is a damn good camera.

I have also wondered why they can't design a camera with that blasted LCD monitor on the right side instead of the left. I hate having to wipe off the sweat from my nose off the monitor because of lugging 50 pounds of camera gear around and carring a brick around my neck on those hot summer days. You would think nikon could at least place the LCD on the right side. But it is a damn good camera.

I guess we should be grateful it doesn't weigh as much as a Kodak DCS 760 or the 1D. Yes, it could be worse. We could be lugging around 100 pounds of camera gear and carring a large format camera and 50 pound tripod, and a medium format as a back up on those those hot summer days. Wonder if they complained?

Jim K
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky. I bet we'll look back on this thing two years from now and
won't want to touch it with a ten foot poll, once more ergonomic
models are the norm.

I don't know about you all, but I'm TIRED of squishing my nose up
against the LCD screen. Yuck!

Also, does anyone like having to rotate portrait shots manually via
software? I do NOT. 5k camera, and Nikon can't auto rotate, or
offer an option to?

Bleck!
Click to expand...
 
The "features" aren't what make the D1X heavy. Also, you're blithely ignoring my other complaints about this camera. Mark my words: This baby will be obsolete ergonomically very quickly.
Bill Dewey said:
You want lighter, more "ergonomic", get a Fuji S1 or a D30. Still
more features than an E-10 and, yes, lighter and less features than
a D1X.
Iva Toothache said:
As to ergonomics, I don't care whether SLRs have been made this way
for five decades or five centuries; it can be done better. OLY's
e-10 is done right, e.g. I understand the new Canon 1D handles
better, is lighter. So you folks who say "it's always been this
way" (a la "The Lottery") don't provide a convincing argument, to
me at least.
Kevin Wenker said:
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky. I bet we'll look back on this thing two years from now and
won't want to touch it with a ten foot poll, once more ergonomic
models are the norm.

I don't know about you all, but I'm TIRED of squishing my nose up
against the LCD screen. Yuck!

Also, does anyone like having to rotate portrait shots manually via
software? I do NOT. 5k camera, and Nikon can't auto rotate, or
offer an option to?

Bleck!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
From "whining" comes innovation and change. So live with it. If no one ever "whined," we'd all be wearing wooden shoes. You still like those, baby?

LCD? Check out the E-10. Out of our face.
Hans Giersberg said:
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky. I bet we'll look back on this thing two years from now and
won't want to touch it with a ten foot poll, once more ergonomic
models are the norm.

I don't know about you all, but I'm TIRED of squishing my nose up
against the LCD screen. Yuck!

Also, does anyone like having to rotate portrait shots manually via
software? I do NOT. 5k camera, and Nikon can't auto rotate, or
offer an option to?

Bleck!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
IS technology makes for steadiest handheld shots.

Oh, wait: Nikon hasn't figured out how to bring IS to the majority of its lenses. Silly me!
Jim Trunck said:
I lower my left elbow and raise my right one; the D1x rotates!

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

It is heavy; it has mass. Personally, I like that. It makes for
steadier handheld shots (in my case). Of course, I have to set it
down after one or two shots and rest my arms awhile. Oops, I did
it again.

To each there own.

JT

PS - Maybe the D2x ($10,000) model will auto rotate...
Click to expand...
 
Least of the worries of a pro?

Ha! I don't care how many books you've written, that doesn't make you right. Show me a pro photographer that likes carrying a 50 pound pack and I'll show you one that doesn't have neck and back problems.
Thom Hogan said:
I'm amused. The weight of the camera is the least of the worries of
a professional photographer. I'm generally carrying a 50-pound pack
with all my equipment when I'm photographing. Even the very
lightest photo kit (35mm) I've hiked with was slightly over 10
pounds.

Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
 
What's interesting (saad) in all of this is how many people happily accpept what is for what's "best," without being critical. Happens in every forum. I spent 5K on this silly piece of metal just like the rest of you, but I'm not so foolish as to become emotionally attached to the thing to the point of not criticizing it.

It's an object. YES, it CAN be improved, and in many ways. I named but a few. Let start really being constructive and point out the OTHER WAYS. There are many.

I would rather be a critic than a cheerleader any day.
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky. I bet we'll look back on this thing two years from now and
won't want to touch it with a ten foot poll, once more ergonomic
models are the norm.

I don't know about you all, but I'm TIRED of squishing my nose up
against the LCD screen. Yuck!

Also, does anyone like having to rotate portrait shots manually via
software? I do NOT. 5k camera, and Nikon can't auto rotate, or
offer an option to?

Bleck!
Click to expand...
 
Hello Everybody,

This is a Professional's tool and by professional standards its the lightest and smallest thing on the market. Just try working with 6x7 or 4x5 and 8x10 film cameras.

Any one complaining about the size and weight must surely be a rank amateur.

About the LCD screen I fully agree get rid of it altogether, its a toy strickly for the amateurs out there. Most Professional's could work very well without it just like we did with film cameras for all those years.

Stephen
 
Professional, amateur...blah blah blah.

You love your categories, don't you - as if they meant anything re the subject.

Last I checked, anyone with 5k and a desire to take high-res pictures could purchase this unit.

Perhaps you should be in charge of passing out badges?
Stephen Livick said:
Hello Everybody,

This is a Professional's tool and by professional standards its the
lightest and smallest thing on the market. Just try working with
6x7 or 4x5 and 8x10 film cameras.

Any one complaining about the size and weight must surely be a rank
amateur.

About the LCD screen I fully agree get rid of it altogether, its a
toy strickly for the amateurs out there. Most Professional's could
work very well without it just like we did with film cameras for
all those years.

Stephen
Click to expand...
 
According to Canon's website, http://www.usa.canon.com/EOS-1D/specs.html the 1D body weighs 1250 g. 44.1 oz., and the battery weighs 335 g. 11.8 oz.

From the D1X owners manual, the body weighs 1.1 Kg. 2.5 lbs.
From the instruction sheet included with the EN-4 battery: 240 g. 8.6 oz.

From the manufacturer's own specifications there is no doubt the Nikon is lighter by about a half pound. Now, who has the lightest lenses? :-)

Steve
Ken Reneris said:
These numbers don't seem right:

1D battery would be: 59oz - 2.8lb = 14.2oz
D1X battery would be: 42.3oz - 2.5lb = 2.3oz

From dpreview info on the D1x I found. 1200g - with battery. 1.1kg
without. Hence:
1200g - 1.1kg = 3.5oz

which is still does not seem right to me. I don't have a scale,
but I suspect the weight of the d1x battery is being
mis-represented. In any case, we all know the D1x will still be
lighter (grin).
  • Ken
Click to expand...
 
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky.
Click to expand...
I bought an electro stimulant workout machine when I bought the D1x after sticking and old 80~200 on it. Works a treat, built up my arms muscles and now it is now problem at all to hold the camera – I jest not.

Rodger that on re-design it is a total fart - especially when one adds a firewire cable and external power - one just has no balance left and the camera really needs to be tripod mounted and then the firewire is in danger of being broken - definitely needs a major, major make-over - the only reason I don't complain as much over this as I do over my E10's short coming for instance is the superb quality and reliability and accuracy of the machine - it delivers the goods with no fuss or bother so I do put up with a total mess of a body design.
 
Iva Toothache said:
I would rather be a critic than a cheerleader any day.
Click to expand...
You must have a terrible life. I can only imagine what it must be like to look for the negative in any, and all things in life. You truly have my sympathy.

Steve
 
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky. I bet we'll look back on this thing two years from now and
won't want to touch it with a ten foot poll, once more ergonomic
models are the norm.

I don't know about you all, but I'm TIRED of squishing my nose up
against the LCD screen. Yuck!

Also, does anyone like having to rotate portrait shots manually via
software? I do NOT. 5k camera, and Nikon can't auto rotate, or
offer an option to?

Bleck!
Click to expand...
 
Agreed.
Ger Bee said:
Iva Toothache said:
D1X is too heavy. Damn fine camera, but it's too damn heavy. I have
found no carrying configuration that is comfortable. While I'm
venting, let me add this: Nikon needs to redesign this camera. It's
clunky.
Click to expand...
I bought an electro stimulant workout machine when I bought the D1x
after sticking and old 80~200 on it. Works a treat, built up my
arms muscles and now it is now problem at all to hold the camera –
I jest not.

Rodger that on re-design it is a total fart - especially when one
adds a firewire cable and external power - one just has no balance
left and the camera really needs to be tripod mounted and then the
firewire is in danger of being broken - definitely needs a major,
major make-over - the only reason I don't complain as much over
this as I do over my E10's short coming for instance is the superb
quality and reliability and accuracy of the machine - it delivers
the goods with no fuss or bother so I do put up with a total mess
of a body design.
Click to expand...
 
I understand where you are coming from Iva. There are a number of improvements that could be made. I don't agree with you on the weight issue, though. For me carrying the camera around with a large lens all day long is not a real issue.

On the subject of improvements and redesign, I don't disagree with you. There are many improvements that could be made. On the surface, it appears that these should be easy to make, but from an engineering perspective they may not be. I am sure the manufacturers will look at these in the future and try to improve upon them. Heck it could be an opportunity for you and me to design the perfect digital camera and take over the market. You don't have a few hundred million lying around for start-up capital do you? A good thing is that I think there are more knowledgable players in this digital market and it will be interesting to see just how far each pushes the next. Although still on top, I don't think Nikon and Canon should feel as comfortable about the digital market as they are with the film market. The consumer market is making hugh strides and pushing up against the pro market. That can only push the whole pile up higher which is a good thing.

On the other hand, if we want to play, we have to deal with what is reality. What is on the market today is what the manufactureres have decided to make for whatever reasons. Until improvements are made, we either play with what tools are available or sit on the sidelines. We have all decided to play. Maybe we have more morney than sense or maybe we don't have either but surely there must be some comfort in knowing that we are all being stupid together :)

Take care!
 
The issue is there is no current semi-pro camera, so you get people like me buying this "pro" camera.

But I will be stronger for it :^)
  • Ken
Stephen Livick said:
Hello Everybody,

This is a Professional's tool and by professional standards its the
lightest and smallest thing on the market. Just try working with
6x7 or 4x5 and 8x10 film cameras.

Any one complaining about the size and weight must surely be a rank
amateur.

About the LCD screen I fully agree get rid of it altogether, its a
toy strickly for the amateurs out there. Most Professional's could
work very well without it just like we did with film cameras for
all those years.

Stephen
Click to expand...
 
John M. Poster said:
Perhaps you should be in charge of passing out badges?
Click to expand...
Smartiepants. Remember when the D1 was launched first? No well I'll remind you - it was avaiable to Professionals only - and not just ANY professionals but agency news and fulltime news photogs - only.
 
I didn't say that I liked it, only that the amount of extra gear I carry with a D1 is more than I'd like, but virtually a necessity. The actual weight of the camera body isn't the biggest issue. Carrying three extra batteries around, etc., is.

Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Iva Toothache said:
Ha! I don't care how many books you've written, that doesn't make
you right. Show me a pro photographer that likes carrying a 50
pound pack and I'll show you one that doesn't have neck and back
problems.
Thom Hogan said:
I'm amused. The weight of the camera is the least of the worries of
a professional photographer. I'm generally carrying a 50-pound pack
with all my equipment when I'm photographing. Even the very
lightest photo kit (35mm) I've hiked with was slightly over 10
pounds.

Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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