Flagship bodies are the showboats of any camera manufacturer, released among fanfare and celebration with glowing reviews from ambassadors who have worked with the major brands behind the scenes ahead of the launch. But the sport and press focus, and the price point of the cameras can make them feel somewhat exclusive.
Fixation is lucky enough to work with photographers in all genres. We invited some of our customers to talk about using Nikon, Canon and Sony flagship camera bodies for their work to cut through the hype and find out why they are the cameras of choice for a wide range of subjects. First up, for Nikon, we have music and food photographer Justine Trickett, read her take on working with the Nikon D4s below.
Christine and the Queens by Justine Trickett
I work with a Nikon D4s because I require high performance and fully manual control that isn’t compromised by gimmicks. When I was choosing the camera I wanted something that felt as close to a manual film camera as possible but with a really good digital sensor and image processing. It also needed to be sturdy for my festival work so I am glad that there is no pop-up flash or tilt screen as I would probably break these, and the weather sealing has successfully seen me through blizzards and powder paint fights.
A feature I find invaluable is the high ISO performance. A lot of my work involves conveying the mood of available light and therefore I require a camera with an image sensor which can give me a similar level of quality for low light photography as for photos shot in daylight. My commissions vary – for restaurant and art gallery clients they can be asking for photos of their guests enjoying themselves in the evenings, whereas for live music photography you want to capture outstanding split-second moments in flashing lights – but for many of my low light shoots a common theme is that I find myself pushing my camera ISO to 4000+. These photos simply wouldn’t be possible without a camera like the Nikon D4s which can handle these higher ISOs well.
I would likely stick with this camera series in the future so long as it still fits my requirements and continues to be focused on the essential needs of professional photographers.
Photography by Justine Trickett
Justine Trickett is a photographer and writer specialising in live music, festival and food photography. See more of her work atjustinetrickett.com
When Nikon announced their flagship DSLR the Nikon D6 following the Canon EOS 1DX mark III and the Sony A9 II, the “big three” camera manufacturers had each released a flagship full-frame camera body in the space of six months. In this article we compare the main specifications of all three bodies.
The Nikon D6, Sony A9 II and EOS 1Dx mark III compared
We have not yet had our hands on a Nikon D6 so cannot do a working comparison of the cameras. However, now the specifications are released, we can put the stats of each camera side by side. There are some similarities as the manufacturers compete for the same audience: The cameras all feature built in wifi connectivity as well as Ethernet ports for Wired LAN connections. The resolution is low across all bodies, they are made for fast and high quality image recording, and fast transmission which a low file-size helps with. Mirrorless technology is the main differentiation in the bodies with those brands adopting newer technologies achieving higher burst rates for continuous shooting – significant for sport photography in particular.
Full write ups on the cameras are on our blog for further reading: [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/nikon-launches-the-d6/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#FFE100″ color=”#000000″]Nikon D6: Feb 12th 2020[/gdlr_button] [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/canon-launches-the-eos-1dx-mark-iii/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#BF1920″ color=”#ffffff”]Canon EOS 1DX mark III: Jan 7th 2020[/gdlr_button] [gdlr_button href=”https://www.fixationuk.com/sony-a9-mark-ii/” target=”_self” size=”medium” background=”#FFA500″ color=”#000000″]Sony A9 II : Oct 3rd 2019[/gdlr_button]
Nikon launches the D6 camera body! Full specifications for the flagship DSLR are now available. Nikon has designed the new camera to suit the demands of sport and press photographers with developments in speed, autofocus and ISO performance.
The Nikon D6 is expected to ship in spring 2020 and the launch price is £6,299. The sales team have an order list, to put your name down, or for more details on any of the camera specs, call our team on 020 7582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
D6 Autofocus
Nikon calls the autofocus system in the Nikon D6 their “most powerful AF system yet” with 105 selectable cross type sensors capable of achieving focus at -4 EV at all points. Focusing with teleconverters and long lenses is now easier: Fifteen of the camera’s cross-type AF sensors are able to focus at apertures as small as f/8.
Subject tracking is improved with more custom settings available to fine tune the AF behavior. When using auto area AF photographers can now define the AF starting point, and prioritise focusing on a subject’s eyes in both Auto-Area AF and 3D tracking modes.
Image Quality and Speed
The sensor in the Nikon D6 is a 20.8 megapixel CMOS for high quality stills and 4k UHD video recording. The images are processed through a Nikon Expeed 6 chip. ISO 100 – 102,400 can be extended to 50 – 3,280,000 equivalent for extreme low-light photography. Metering is provided by a 180K-pixel RGB sensor, this unit also supports AF tracking
Shooting speed is crucial for sport and action. The Nikon D6 can shoot up to 14 frames per second with full Autofocus and Auto Exposure operation. In Silent Photography mode the rate is reduced to 10.5 frames per second with Auto Exposure tracking only.
Build and Networking
Dual card slots are no surprise in a professional body. Nikon confirm that the D6 will be compatible with XQD and new CFexpress cards. The fastest card technology available today will give photographers the benefit of fast read, write and image transfer speeds. Images can be transferred direct from camera via wired LAN connection 1000BASE-T which is 15% faster than the Nikon D5. Wireless image transfer is possible with the addition of the WT-6 transmitter. When transmitting, key images can be selected to send first, jumping to the top of the queue for Wired LAN and WiFi image transfer.
Ergonomic changes: Nikon has modified the camera port layout to make it easier to connect cables and use ports while the WT-6 is attached. There are more ways to check, select and transfer images from the higher resolution rear LCD display. The simplified workflow on the D6 offers users more ways to select and transfer key images using the high resolution touch-screen monitor.
Aside from ergonomic tweaks to make the camera easier to use, the main layout remains consistent with the Nikon D5 so established Nikon users will find the layout instantly familiar. The flagship series from Nikon is incredibly robust with weather sealing to keep out dust and moisture. The vertical release grip houses one EN-EL18c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. The camera is compatible with earlier EN-EL18 batteries.
The Nikon D6 is expected to ship in spring 2020 and the launch price is £6,299. The sales team have an order list, to put your name down, or for more details on any of the camera specs, call our team on 020 7582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com
The Nikon D780 is a high-performance full-frame upgrade to the Nikon D750. Nikon announced the D780 alongside a new F mount telephoto zoom, a Z mount 70-200mm f2.8 and a powerhouse superzoom compact camera: Nikon P950.
Nikon D780
[gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ button=”Contact us” button_link=”/contact-us/” button_background=”#009bc1″ button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_border_color=”#009bc1″ title=”Trade in Bonus £180″ title_color=”#009bc1″ caption_color=”#a0a0a0″]Save on a new Nikon D780 when you trade-in any interchangeable lens camera. Nikon are offering a £180 trade in bonus on top of the value of your traded in kit. Contact our sales team for a free quote. Offer ends 30/07/2021 [/gdlr_stunning_text]
The D780 is a powerful camera for photography and film-making. Features that are updated from the D750 include, ISO range, AF systems, and video resolution making 4k UHD movie recording possible. The D780 has a 24.5 megapixel sensor and is compatible with Nikon F mount FX and DX lenses.
Speed and focus
The D780 is a fast camera shooting up to 7fps through the viewfinder, and 12fps in silent live-view, with a focus system to match. Nikon have combined the AF systems of the D750 and the Z6 mirrorless camera: Z6 live view AF-system allows Eye detection to keep your subjects sharp and low-light AF capable of locking onto a subject at an incredibly gloomy -6 EV*. Photographers shooting through the viewfinder should experience flagship focus tracking standards from the D780 using the 51 point phase-detection AF system.
ISO Range
Sensitivity of the sensor is essential, if we expect the camera to focus in very low light the images must also be worth recording. To make this possible Nikon have extended the native ISO range to 51,200 (from 12,800 on the D750) and the extended ISO range can reach 204,800.
Movie Settings
Shoot 4k UHD footage at 30p/25p/24p with zero crop factor thanks to the camera’s 6K image sensor resolution. Nikon have a strong background in clean HDMI output, external video recorders can capture footage from the D780 in rich Hybrid Log Gamma HDR, ideal for footage that will be seen immediately on compatible HDR tv sets.
The Nikon D780 is £2199 including VAT body-only. Contact our sales team to place an order. Email sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294
* Low-light AF available from lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2 or wider.
AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm f2.8E FL ED SR VR for DSLR Cameras
Nikon have included 300mm into an f2.8 zoom lens offering Nikon photographers more versatility without compromising speed. The 300mm focal length was long the preserve of prime lenses, a classic lens for indoor sports and tennis. The lens is compatible with tele-converters likely to give you more reach without risk of losing optical performance; even with a 2x teleconverter the lens will be within the f/5.6 limit required for reliable auto-focus on most professional DSLR bodies.
The AFS Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR will be available early spring at £9499 including VAT. Contact our sales team to place an order. Email sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294
Nikkor Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras
This is a long awaited professional-build 70-200mm lens for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless camera bodies. Sharpness is exceptional across the frame and new SR glass has been used for improved chromatic aberration control. The lens has it’s own Fn button which can have 21 functons assigned from AF lock to metering, bracketing and more. If you shoot mirrorless or are moving in the direction of the Z6 or Z7 camera bodies this lens makes the Z series a very tempting package.
The Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S will be available early spring at £2399 including VAT. Contact our sales team to place an order. Email sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294
Nikon Coolpix P950
A small but mighty compact camera with a phenomenal zoom range equivalent to 24-2000mm and a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 (at the wide angle end of the zoom) the P950 will not replace your DSLR or mirrorless camera but does give you a massive reach, greater than any modern telephoto, ideal when carrying a super-telephoto lens is not an option. The camera has a full size hot shoe for use with microphones, scopes, or on-camera flash.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 will be available early spring at £799 including VAT. Contact our sales team to place an order. Email sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294
Canon’s new full-frame flagship DSLR was launched in January 2020. This professional body is tough and designed for working at high speed, check out the full details below.
[gdlr_stunning_text background_color=”#f3f3f3″ button=”Contact us” button_link=”/contact-us/” button_background=”#009bc1″ button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_border_color=”#009bc1″ title=”Trade in Bonus £300″ title_color=”#009bc1″ caption_color=”#a0a0a0″]Save on a new Canon EOS 1DX mark III when you trade-in any working interchangeable lens camera. Canon are offering a £300 trade-in bonus on top of the value of your traded in kit. Contact our sales team for a free quote. Offer ends 14/07/2021 [/gdlr_stunning_text]
The EOS 1DX mark III features technologies adopted from recent mirrorless releases, while it keeps the familiar form of a full-frame DSLR. Designed for professional photographers the EOS 1DX series have been the standard body for professional sports, wildlife and press photographers working across the world. The EOS 1DX mark III will help you push the boundaries of speed and low light in your photography.
The Canon EOS 1DX mark III is £6499 including VAT, initial deliveries scheduled early March. To place an order call us on 0207 582 3294 email our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com
Key technologies:
The EOS 1DX mark III will showcase the greatest technical developments from Canon to date. We set out the key features and comparisons to the 1DX mark II below.
Data transfer
Canon’s EOS 1DX series camera bodies are in the hands of sports photographers every day in stadia around the world. To compete in today’s digital imaging market, images from major events have to be sent to picture desks as quickly as possible to beat the competition. The 1DX mark III makes image transfer easy: The body can send images direct via the ethernet port at twice the speed of the EOS 1DX mark II using FTP transfer from camera. The EOS 1DX mark III has a built-in wifi transmitter for file transfer to local devices – ideal for news-gathering on the move and shooting for social. The new WFT-E9 wireless file transmitter boosts the wifi speed to double that of the EOS 1DX mark II. Canon states that the network setup has been simplified to enhance the professional workflow.
Autofocus
The EOS 1DX mark III autofocus system has been enhanced with a deep learning auto-focus algorithm trained on real-world examples of sport photography. The AF system can track athletes’ faces, even when obscured by masks and googles. The AF system can also identify when a subject is upside down, such as in diving competitions and extreme sports, to better maintain sharp tracking auto focus. The camera features phase detection pixels on the imaging sensor – a major technology from the world of mirrorless cameras – this allows the camera to track focus while shooting at continuous 20fps
AF Smart Controller
The AF-on button has been combined with the AF control joystick in both vertical and horizontal orientations, so you can move and activate your AF points from a single button. The “smart controller” uses a sensor instead of a moving joystick, making it more durable and enabling it’s operation even when wearing gloves. The camera automatically disables the vertical smart controller when in landscape orientation to reduce the risk of accidentally moving the AF point.
CF Express Cards
Another new card type. In fact, CFexpress is a new version of the XQD cards found in Nikon cameras since the Nikon D4. This does mean that existing CFast cards and Compact Flash cards are not compatible with the EOS 1DX mark III, but CFexpress cards are faster, allowing for 20fps rates without buffering, and 4K video recording. Canon are giving a free CFexpress card and reader with pre-orders while stocks last. Ask our sales team for more info.
Specification comparison:
Canon EOS 1DX mark III vs Canon EOS 1DX mark II
To download the full specification PDF click here.
Basics: Sensor: 20.1 megapixel vs 20.2 megapixel ISO: 100-102,400 vs 100-51,200 Continuous Shooting Viewfinder: 16fps vs 14fps Continuous Shooting LiveView: 20fps with AF vs 16fps no AF Shutter Life*: 500,000 vs 400,000 actuations Weight: 1.44kg vs 1.53kg Battery Life: 2850 vs 1210
Focus: AF Points Viewfinder: 191 vs 61 AF Points Live View: 3869 vs 0 Lowest EV for AF: -4 vs -3 Lowest EV for Live View AF: -6 vs N/A
Connectivity: Memory Cards: 2x CFexpress vs 1x CFast 1x CompactFlash WiFi Transmission: Built in WiFi and Bluetooth with WFT-E9 optional vs Wifi via afaptoe WFT-E8 only Ethernet: Hi-Speed Gigabyte Ethernet vs Gigabye Ethernet USB: 3.1 Gen2 with Type-C port vs USB 3.0 GPS: yes, built in vs yes, built in
Movie & Video: 4k & more Res: 5.5K Raw(60P), 4K DCI (60P), 4k UHD(60P) vs 4K video (60P) HD Video: Full HD (120P) vs Full HD (120P) Movie Crop: Full Width DCI, 1.3x Crop vs 1.3x crop RAW recording: Yes vs No
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