New Nikon D750 Puts Videographers First

2014.09.12

Hot off the press, Nikon just announced their D750 full-frame DSLR. This model clearly shows heritage from Nikon full-frame DSLRs yet implements changes aimed directly at videographers. The D750 should considered a new branch of Nikon DSLR as it is does not improve or match all aspects of any current model.

The Nikon D750 is built around a 24 megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor. Oddly for a recent model, the sensor is behind an anti-alias filter, something which is not even present on the entry-level D3300. No word was given to explain this but one can easily understand that increased sharpness is unfavorable when down-sampling to video resolutions. Of course, this means that images from the D750 can never be as sharp as those from the D610 which shares the same resolution and sensor-size.

The FX sensor has a native ISO range of 100-12800 which is expandable to 50-51200. This is paired with a fast EXPEED 4 processor. Together they are capable of shooting continuously at 6.5 FPS. The buffer-depth is not known yet. Nikon revised the 51-point AF sensor on the D750 and managed to make it sensitive to -3 EV, matching the best-in-class Pentax K-3 and its predecessors.

Just like other full-frame DSLRs, the D750 is quite feature-rich. Full manual-controls are available for both stills and video. There is a good amount of controls and huge number of drive modes, including AEB, WB Bracketing, Flash Bracketing, Multiple Exposure, Interval Timer, MLU and Time-Lapse video. Speaking of video, the D750 can record full 1080p HD at 60 FPS and simultaneously output uncompressed video over HDMI while storing it to one of its twin SDXC card-slots.

The chassis of this model is slimmed-down compared to other full-frame ones. It offers a deeper grip which stores a battery capable of delivering an impressive 1230 shots-per-charge according to the CIPA standard. On the rear of the camera, there is a tilting LCD for the first time on a Nikon full-frame. This is certainly highly controversial as it introduces an obvious weak-point in the camera's construction while having some benefits for videographers. Still, Nikon managed to make the camera weather-sealed which is rather difficult and rare without a fixed LCD. This particular screen offers 1.2 megapixels and measures 3.2" diagonally.

Luckily, the D750 is still very capable for photography and includes a bright 100% coverage viewfinder with 0.7X magnification. There is an LCD overlay grid and single-axis digital-level visible through the OVF. Other photographer-friendly features, include dual control-dials and a Depth-of-Field Preview button which is also customizable.

Along with this new camera, a new lens was unveiled. The unique Nikkor AF-S 20mm F/1.8G ED lens offers an ultra-wide field of view with a very bright aperture. It features a Super-Sonic AF motor with full-time manual-focus. It includes high-quality optics with ED elements and nano-crystal coating to minimize flare.

The Nikon D750 is scheduled to ship at the end of next month for $2299 USD or $2450 CDN. The Nikkor AF-S 20mm F/1.8G ED will be available this month for $799 USD or $879 CDN. Follow these links for pre-ordering options.

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• Photokina