Nikon has announced the D750, its long-awaited follow-up to the D700, ahead of Photokina. The new camera will sit between the D610 and D810 in the Nikon full frame DSLR line-up, and boast many features we've previously seen on higher-end models. Designed for enthusiasts or pros, the 24.3-megapixel camera has a 51 point autofocus system, built-in Wi-Fi, and a tilting LCD screen.
At the heart of the D750 is a newly developed full frame (36 x 24 mm) 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor which is paired with an EXPEED 4 image processor similar to that in the flagship D4S. This should ensure high image quality in any lighting conditions, and the camera has an ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 51,200 equivalent). It also has a respectable high-speed burst rate of 6.5 fps.
Autofocus is dealt with by an Advanced Multi-Cam 3500-FX II AF focus system which features 51 AF points, of which 15 are cross-type. This is the same as Nikon’s high-end DSLRs and will mean the camera can keep up with fast-moving action and lock onto subjects in low light situations, down to as little as -3 EV illumination. The D750 also benefits from the new Group Area AF mode which debuted in the D4S and helps track moving subjects.
Being a more modern DSLR (and not being called the Df) the D750 differs from the D700 by being able to record video. In this case options include Full HD 1080p at 60/50/30/25/24 fps. Videographers will also be pleased to see features like Power Aperture for smooth transitions when adjusting the aperture during recording, Zebra stripes to spot overexposed areas, and a flat color profile. There's the ability to record to dual SD memory card slots, or simultaneously output via HDMI. Headphone and microphone jacks are also present.
An optical viewfinder offers 100 percent frame coverage for traditional shooting. But if you're up against awkward positions, there's also the option of the vari-angle 3.2-inch RGBW LCD monitor which has 1229K dots. Accommodating overhead as well as waist-level use, this could also help when shooting video. The color balance and brightness of the screen can be adjusted to suit personal preference.
Manufactured using a "monocoque" structural skin technique, the D750 uses carbon fiber for the front body and front cover, and magnesium alloy for the rear and top covers. It's weather-sealed and gasketed to offer protection from the elements, and the Kevlar/carbon fiber–composite shutter unit is tested to 150,000 releases. The camera measures 140.5 x 113 x 78 mm (5.6 x 4.5 x 3.1 in) and weighs a reasonable 840 g (29.6 oz), it's obviously bigger and heavier if using the MB-D16 battery grip.
The D750 is the first full frame DSLR from Nikon to feature built-in Wi-Fi which can be used for sharing images or remote capture using Nikon’s Wireless Mobile Utility App for iOS or Android devices. However, if users require a bit more power, it's also compatible with the WT-5a wireless transceiver and UT-1 Communications Unit.
Announced alongside the D750 was the AF-S Nikkor 20-mm F1.8 lens, which is Nikon's first ultra wide angle with an F1.8 aperture. It features 13 elements in 11 groups (including 2 ED lens elements, 2 aspherical lens elements, and lens elements with Nano-Crystal coatings).
The Nikon D750 will be available in late September, priced at US$2,300 body-only, or bundled with an AF-S Nikkor 24-120-mm F4 VR lens from mid-October, for a yet to be revealed price. The AF-S Nikkor 20-mm F1.8 will be available in September for $800.
You can check out the Nikon D750 in the promo video below.
Product pages: Nikon D750, AF-S Nikkor 20-mm F1.8G ED
Right - I've got me popcorn. Let the fun and games commence..!
Yes, I know there will be a lot of people decrying my disparagement of video on a DSLR, my point is that if I want to shoot video I will use a dedicated video camera to do so, if I want single frames I use a DSLR - I don't want a hybrid that can end up not doing either job as well as a dedicated camera would.