I was just chatting to some guys about the New Nikon D80 Camera Rumours everybody is talking about and they made a good point. Apparently, and not being a Nikon owner I do not know it to be true, every big product Nikon releases is made in short supply. So if this is true, and either intentional as a marketing stunt or unintentional because of supply chain and manufacture problems, is it worth even getting hot and bothered about this new product? We are all excited to know what it will be like but if you have to wait 6 months before you get your hands on it (like the Nikkor 18-200 VR) you might be better going for the D70s?
What do you reckon? Something to think about …
4 Comments
I think the current state of play is very good for ‘consumers’. I don’t really agree that Canon’s products in the entry / prosumer range are significantly better. The Rebel is a bit plasticky, and its kit lens not Canon’s finest hour.
Nikon DO have a serious problem. Its no good at all producing excellent equipment that nobody can buy, this plays into Canon’s hands, particularly in the DSLR market place. If you can’t get the D80 you’ll look at Canon’s equivalent probably cheaper, and certainly available camera. Once you start to buy lenses you’re pretty much arm-locked into that brand for a while, if not for life…. Canon have pretty much realised that and so once announced their cameras are on the shelves and selling. NIKON need to get their act together.
The Nikkor 18-200 VR had an initial shortage issue when it became clear what a great lens it was. I had one within a week or so when I ordered it in January. I can’t remember whether I got it through Adorama or B&H, but it was not some obscure out of the way store that happened to have been missed by the hungry hordes.
Considering that Adorama and B&H are not even listing it, I cannot believe that it is really out yet, so who can tell whether the supply is short?
I do not reckon this is a good time to buy a D70s. I have a D70, it is a fine camera, the D70s is a bit more so. The D200 and D80 are a clear cut above. For Nikon buyers, if you have the money, D200, if you must have it right now, D70s, if you don’t have the money and can wait a bit, D80. If you don’t have a lot in Nikon lenses, whatever Canon is selling opposite the D70s is probably better.
Looks like Ken Rockwell thinks the same way …
I just bought a D70s 5 weeks ago. When I first saw that Nikon was coming out with the replacement, I thought, ‘just my luck’, but if the main difference is the the 10.2Mp sensor. I’m not worried about it. I love the D70s, and the only way I’ll be upset is if it comes out at the same price I paid for my D70s. But I kinda doubt it. Either way, what’s done is done.
I would love the VR 18-200mm but will just bide my time and wait until Nikon gets their butts in gear and makes enough that I don’t have to pay $1100 US on eBay. It’s silly that nine months on, you still have trouble finding one.
I still have a sack full of Canon FD manual focus gear that I use occasionally, so I’m not a Nikon snob. Their newer cameras are just more intuitive to the way I think than modern Canon stuff. But I do see that Canon seems to be a little more aggressive in coming out with amazing technology while Nikon still seems to ride the wave of the Nikon mistique. I’m a little bit too practical minded to fall for that, but I do wish Nikon would up their production of new stuff.