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The Nikon DX Lens System

When Nikon announced earlier this month that it was coming out with a new range of DX Nikkor lenses specifically designed for the Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras, people were puzzled. Does that mean that Nikon was not going to introduce a full-size sensor digital camera? It certainly meant that Nikon was not going to join forces with Olympus on the latter's proposed Four Thirds System (4/3 System) standard.

There has been much speculation and debate on the merits of Nikon's decision. Is Nikon making a mistake by introducing the Nikon DX Lens System? How can it let Canon run so far ahead in the full frame professional digital SLR camera arena?

There is no doubt that Canon is currently leading the professional SLR digital camera race, with all other camera manufacturers scratching their heads as to how to respond to Canon's superb offering in the guise of the Canon EOS 1Ds.

In fact, the Canon EOS 1Ds has put to rest all debate of digital vs. film: there is hardly any reason for a professional photographer to stay with film anymore. Professional photographers will be slowly but surely migrating to using digital.

And, Canon's full-frame imaging sensor means that Canon EOS users do not have to purchase different lenses but can use their existing EOS lenses. Tremendous advantage to Canon in the professional digital SLR cameras space.

No other professional SLR digital camera manufacturer has come close to matching Canon's professional digital SLR offering. Nikon is probably feverishly working on its full-frame sensor professional digital SLR to compete with the Canon EOS 1Ds.

BUT, as announced, it is also working on a full range of lenses for the D Series SLR. These DX Nikkors are lighter and smaller than conventional 35mm lenses.

Is this a big plus? You betcha! To amateur photographers who do not need a professional SLR (or cannot afford one), smaller and lighter digital SLR cameras and lenses are absolutely the way to go.

And if Canon does not recognize this trend toward smaller and lighter (and cheaper?), then even if it was the first one off the starting block, it risks being the last one crossing the finish line. It will be ironic because Canon, with its digital ELPH line of cameras, has more than any other camera manufacturers, exemplified the "small is better" trend.

As the saying goes, "You can't use it if you can't take it with you." After years of lugging heavy 35mm SLRs and equipment, photographers are (should be?) welcoming the trend toward smaller and lighter digital SLR cameras.

It's that simple. Nikon has seen the trend and has embraced it. Olympus has seen it and also embraced it. At Photoxels, we encourage the development of smaller and lighter digital camera systems, though we harbor no illusions that the fiercely competing camera manufacturers would adopt one single standard system.

We have no doubt that Nikon will soon announce its full frame image sensor and professional SLR digital camera aimed at the professional photographer market. Professional photographers who currently use Nikon equipment will not be switching so soon to Canon; they just have too much invested in Nikon photographic gear. They will patiently wait for Nikon's offering.

At the same time, camera manufacturers will be battling it out to see who rules the next generation of smaller and lighter digital SLRs aimed squarely to the rest -- and majority -- of amateur photographers. Olympus, with its 4/3 System, has signaled it is going to be there. But Nikon, with its announced DX Nikkor lens system, is seemingly all eager to claim the prize.

Next year, we should see a flurry of new digital camera models -- the next generation where 3+ megapixels resolution, low-light focus-assist, and improved noise reduction at slow shutter speed and higher ISOs are the standard. The prosumer market (advanced amateur photographers) can expect more announcements from major camera manufacturers about smaller and lighter lenses made specifically for their SLR digital cameras. Or, is it just wishful thinking on our part? What is Santa's number again....

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The Editors