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Nikon firmware updates - wow...

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not to mentioned neglected in the area of pro lens development.

IS/VR, AF-S/USM updates, wide/fast primes (dependent upon DX or FF sensor commitment i suppose, but either way, they all fall under the other categories anyway), a few ridiculous prestige lenses like the 1.2s (not to say they aren't useful or worth it, but the price tags are rather eye-popping).

it seems like there are now 97098732409587023948572345 18-XXX crummy consumer zooms, and even a 70-300VR consumer zoom....but nothing for more serious shooters, those with deep pockets, or a cricital eye.

that, along with canon's sensors, and the coming rebates...have got me a bit on the edge :P really hoping nikon gets their collective behind in gear...as i'm rather fond of them otherwise.

--
'Thank you for flying church of england. Cake or death?' - Eddie Izzard

“Love me or hate me, but spare me your indifference.” -Libbie Fudim

'Thou shalt not lie with a man as with a woman...' what kind of poppycock is that? men don't have the proper bits. end of story' - me

http://damn-thats-green.deviantart.com

http://www.pbase.com/deckert/
 
Violadeity said:
it seems like there are now 97098732409587023948572345 18-XXX
crummy consumer zooms, and even a 70-300VR consumer zoom....but
nothing for more serious shooters, those with deep pockets, or a
cricital eye.
Click to expand...
Nothing? Here are some of the recent years' offering, more or less targeted at the pros/very serious amateurs (not even half of them are DX):

AF-S 300/f2.8 VR
AF-S 200/f2.0 VR
AF-S TC-17EII, converter
AF-S 10.5/f2.8 DX
AF-S 17-55/f2.8 DX
AF-S 200-400/f4 VR
AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105/f2.8 VR
AF-S Nikkor 12-24/f4 DX

--
Take care,
Jorgen

Probere necesse est.....
 
Jorgen E said:
Violadeity said:
it seems like there are now 97098732409587023948572345 18-XXX
crummy consumer zooms, and even a 70-300VR consumer zoom....but
nothing for more serious shooters, those with deep pockets, or a
cricital eye.
Click to expand...
Nothing? Here are some of the recent years' offering, more or less
targeted at the pros/very serious amateurs (not even half of them
are DX):

AF-S 300/f2.8 VR
AF-S 200/f2.0 VR
AF-S TC-17EII, converter
AF-S 10.5/f2.8 DX
AF-S 17-55/f2.8 DX
AF-S 200-400/f4 VR
AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105/f2.8 VR
AF-S Nikkor 12-24/f4 DX
Click to expand...
woah...sorry, totally my fault for not being clear. i'm sick, and it's early :P

i just meant very recently, with particular regard to the things i mentioned (that was this thread right? like i said, i'm sick and its early). i'm not a crazed nikon detractor or anything, i just want them to be more progressive and forward thinking.

with exception of the 105vr micro, everything has been a consumer zoom the last couple years. the lenses you mention are obvioulsy top shelf, and i'd kill to have them (i chose the 28-70 over the 17-55 as my faithful steed). but i still think a bunch of lenses need updates, and a few new pro lenses would never hurt. not that i can afford it right now, but an 85/1.4 AF-S VR would be pretty sweet.

in a typical sort of way, i want more more more, and i want it yesterday (and for a reasonable price as well, haha)!! :P

--
'Thank you for flying church of england. Cake or death?' - Eddie Izzard

“Love me or hate me, but spare me your indifference.” -Libbie Fudim

'Thou shalt not lie with a man as with a woman...' what kind of poppycock is that? men don't have the proper bits. end of story' - me

http://damn-thats-green.deviantart.com

http://www.pbase.com/deckert/
 
astefot said:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06100301nikonfirmware.asp
...wow, that's customer dedication.
Canon doesn't even manage to release a firmware update that allows
assigning functions to the useless print button, although thousands
of people have been asking for this for more than a year now... :-(
...not to mention of the many other things that could be enhanced
with firmware upgrades. But that would require customer focus...
Click to expand...
I think it's important to know that almost all of the new features on the D2X and D2Hs are already there in the D2X. Many of the new features in the D2Xs was just software stuff, except the new mask in the viewfinder when using the high-speed crop mode, the new LCD screen and the new battery (which works on D2X/D2Hs too). The D2H did not get this kind of treatment, although it looks the same as the other three models.

I'm pretty sure the source code for the D2Hs, D2X and D2Xs are almost identical, so upgrading the existing cameras was probably just a matter of a few months of thorough testing.

I'm a D2X user myself, so I'm not sure how different the various Canon models are. It may very well be a bit harder to port the features on the newer models back to older ones.

That being said, I appreciate Nikons policy here. It's obvious that even if the D2Xs replaces the D2X, they didn't think that existing D2X users should dump their cameras and buy the slightly improved model. The image quality and noise is the same on both the D2X and the D2Xs as far as I know.

--
Geir Bjerke, Norway ( http://www.darkside.no/ )
 
neonstz said:
That being said, I appreciate Nikons policy here. It's obvious that
even if the D2Xs replaces the D2X, they didn't think that existing
D2X users should dump their cameras and buy the slightly improved
model. The image quality and noise is the same on both the D2X and
the D2Xs as far as I know.
Click to expand...
I think it's a great policy. Apart for hardware changes, Canon could have done something similar, making new software features of the 30D availlable to 20D owners. I'm not holding my breath, however.
 
Violadeity said:
woah...sorry, totally my fault for not being clear. i'm sick, and
it's early :P
Click to expand...
Early? :-D

I think I'll never get used to the huge time differences whe writing on forums like this...
Violadeity said:
i just meant very recently, with particular regard to the things i
mentioned (that was this thread right? like i said, i'm sick and
its early).
Click to expand...
Agreed, but I think we'll just have to accept the fact that it's the cameras that's going through a revolutuion right now and not lenses. And it's largely in the prosumer segment the battle is fought, so for the moment Nikon is maybe right putting their money into good (=better than Canon's) kit lenses?

--
Take care,
Jorgen

Probere necesse est.....
 
Concerning the Memory (Sourced from Rob Galbraith Site) -

"The 30D doesn't contain additional buffer memory, but through some clever reworking of how image data is juggled from the sensor through to the CompactFlash card, the burst depth has been increased to 30 Large Fine JPEG, 11 RAW and 9 RAW+JPEG. As with the 20D, the JPEG burst depth is an approximation, whereas the RAW and RAW+JPEG numbers are hard limits (or at least they represent how a preproduction 30D body behaved in our testing when set to 5 fps).

The jump from 6 to 11 CR2 files in succession should make capturing RAW nearly viable for what we shoot, so this is a most welcome change. But we would have liked to see Canon load up the camera with more RAM still, thereby ensuring a large enough RAW buffer that we wouldn't have to worry about burst depth at all."

Would be nice if Canon would let 20D users have that juggling of data as well.

Concerning the the Autofocus (also from Rob Galbraith Site) -

"Though the 9-point autofocus system and all aspects of its configuration and operation are the same as that of the 20D, the algorithm controlling autofocus in the 30D has been refined (though Canon has not revealed what has been addressed). The 20D's autofocus system is the most capable we've ever encountered in a midrange digital SLR; if you want better, you have to spend a lot more. We hope that Canon's tinkering with autofocus in the 30D only makes it a better performer than the already-capable 20D. Strangely, while many of the refinements in the 30D first appeared in the 5D last fall, the 30D did not get the 5D's 6 additional Assist AF points clustered around the centre."

Once again, I wish Canon would step up and support 20D users.
 
No offence intended and taken I hope, I agree that it would be nice if canon did some more updates on the other hand I am happy with the cams I own so well ...

Sven

--

The good news: Computers allow us to work 100% faster. The bad news: They generate 300% more work.
 
Jorgen E said:
Violadeity said:
woah...sorry, totally my fault for not being clear. i'm sick, and
it's early :P
Click to expand...
Early? :-D
I think I'll never get used to the huge time differences whe
writing on forums like this...
Jorgen E said:
i just meant very recently, with particular regard to the things i
mentioned (that was this thread right? like i said, i'm sick and
its early).
Click to expand...
Agreed, but I think we'll just have to accept the fact that it's
the cameras that's going through a revolutuion right now and not
lenses. And it's largely in the prosumer segment the battle is
fought, so for the moment Nikon is maybe right putting their money
into good (=better than Canon's) kit lenses?
Click to expand...
Quite possibly as Canon has appearently recently put zero money to their "kit lens". Instead provided us some nice pro lenses.

I have to agree, if Nikon would be even close par in sensors Canon would struggle a lot. But as long as the IQ is a decision matter (at least for me) there is no choise. And today my lens selection start to be that big that Nikon should also put a EF lens mount in their camera to become appealing. And also some ergonomic aspect could be corrected in Nikon, but those are what I could live with as they are.

But I seriously think the times Canon has a bit neglected the body features must be over, and I'm waiting quite a bit more in their next releases. Let's see what 2007 brings us.
Jorgen E said:
--
Take care,
Jorgen

Probere necesse est.....
Click to expand...
 
tomoo1000 said:
Yes the firmware updates have been quite a success I believe,
obviously being a Nikon user i am more than happy, they really big
advantage of the firmware update for the D2x is that it allows me
to use three custom curves one assigned to each bank and each bank
can be configured completely differently (things like noise
reduction ISO colour mode colour space and anything else you can
change) so at the flick of the switch I can choose which bank I
wish to use for different shooting situations.
Click to expand...
I guess that's good, but for me a single set of high-IQ setting (actually using RAW) is quite enough. No need to play with different settings to try to get decent images.

Canon do have the downloadable PicStyles, but I have no interest in those either.
tomoo1000 said:
On the D200 which I also have Nikon have decided to allow the AF on
Button to work as it should do with Sigma hsm lenses therefore
again saving me a considerable sum of money by not having to send
my 800 500 100-300 180 for the Chipping.
Click to expand...
I think this is a typical error correction, and not a new feature. Something one should be expecting in a FW. A bit long error correction time though.
tomoo1000 said:
Phillip.

--
One's life is not measured by the two dates upon your tombstone,
but how you lived the dash in between them
Click to expand...
 
But what we do not know - I guess Rob does not either - are the processor, the memory speed, the rest of the electronics really exactly the same. If not then putting the 30D FW even partly in 20D is actually not a viable solution.
Courts Husband said:
Concerning the Memory (Sourced from Rob Galbraith Site) -

"The 30D doesn't contain additional buffer memory, but through some
clever reworking of how image data is juggled from the sensor
through to the CompactFlash card, the burst depth has been
increased to 30 Large Fine JPEG, 11 RAW and 9 RAW+JPEG. As with the
20D, the JPEG burst depth is an approximation, whereas the RAW and
RAW+JPEG numbers are hard limits (or at least they represent how a
preproduction 30D body behaved in our testing when set to 5 fps).

The jump from 6 to 11 CR2 files in succession should make capturing
RAW nearly viable for what we shoot, so this is a most welcome
change. But we would have liked to see Canon load up the camera
with more RAM still, thereby ensuring a large enough RAW buffer
that we wouldn't have to worry about burst depth at all."

Would be nice if Canon would let 20D users have that juggling of
data as well.

Concerning the the Autofocus (also from Rob Galbraith Site) -

"Though the 9-point autofocus system and all aspects of its
configuration and operation are the same as that of the 20D, the
algorithm controlling autofocus in the 30D has been refined (though
Canon has not revealed what has been addressed). The 20D's
autofocus system is the most capable we've ever encountered in a
midrange digital SLR; if you want better, you have to spend a lot
more. We hope that Canon's tinkering with autofocus in the 30D only
makes it a better performer than the already-capable 20D.
Strangely, while many of the refinements in the 30D first appeared
in the 5D last fall, the 30D did not get the 5D's 6 additional
Assist AF points clustered around the centre."

Once again, I wish Canon would step up and support 20D users.
Click to expand...
 
Generous responses for the most part from the Canon community: in so many of the "inter-tribe" debates that are characterised by nastiness and overzealousness from both "tribes"...

This is such a nice change of events : the recognition that Nikon has done something positive, no sour grapes.
YOU FOLK HAVE MADE MY DAY!
--
Peter Bendheim
http://www.imagessouthafrica.co.za
 
Seems like the difference between a company that dominates the market & a company trying hard to keep their position n the market as they get squeezed from the top (Canon) and bottom (Sony).

BTW, as a former Nikon D2h user, I have to say I still like the Nikon custom functions better the the 5D that I now use, but I'm begining to appreciate the simplicity of the 5D.

Still, the FW upgrades are impressive and have to give kudos to Nikon for the effort.
 
Juli Valley said:
why don't you just go make the jump to Nikon gear?
Click to expand...
Why? Is there something wrong with expressing disagreement or disappointment with Canon? Do you prefer that we all just be good little quiet consumers? You could just skip this thread if you're content.

Who knows, perhaps someday Canon might change if people speak up. In any case, Nikon cameras have their own issues, too. People too timid to speak up get what they deserve.
 
That could mean bad news. It seems the days of blind loyalty are numbered.
--
--The artist formerly known as The Krakken
 
Hi astefot,
astefot said:
Canon doesn't even manage to release a firmware update that allows
assigning functions to the useless print button, although thousands
of people have been asking for this for more than a year now... :-(
...not to mention of the many other things that could be enhanced
with firmware upgrades. But that would require customer focus...
Click to expand...
Canon is the leader of the DSLR market. Canon can do it: can do nothing.

Remember:
many enhancements can be added to 20D from 30D but Canon don't want it.

Or 1D mark II can be added many useful feature but Canon don't want it. If do it will be worst the 1D mark II N selling.

And also many Canon cameras can be better only with some software upgrade... but Canon don't want it. If you need better camera: PAY.

Nikon user's have more customer support "feeling". It's true. And Canon loose many new client by this "do nothing" strategy. Canon can do it...

Currently Canon make a best CMOS sensors and best high iso DSLRs but what will happend is other company make it better? Also a Sony's have new DSLR and will be popular: many people like a Sony brand.... only love the brand: if a camera is not soo good doesen't matter: will buy it.

My opinion: about 2008 a Canon will lost a leader positon of the DSLR's market if don't change his strategy.
Make 3 print button for all pro DSLR for loose!

But Canon will make only 1 most important upgrades and set it for all cameras:

And also an advertisments for the LCD: if you make an image you will see 3-10 sec Canon Printer ads at LCD and AFTER you will see the shoted image. Expect you set/enter 3 original Canon Pixima printer serial to your DSLR - you will can disable this ads but you need 3 Canon printer / year for stay disable this... Remember: Canon need more selled printer!

--

Best Regards,
PhotoJoe

:: Shoot in RAW because memory is cheap, but memories are priceless. ::
 
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