Anyone get the scoop on the price range for the new Nikon D1?

-- Jackie (jackie@spungold.com), July 26, 1999

Answers

MSRP is $5600 for the body only. Add 300-1000 for a good lens, 120 for a battery, 300 for charger, 120 for AC adapter, 500 for the IBM microdrive, 500 for the special Nikon software needed for processing "RAW" format (not needed if all you do is JPEG). Plus shipping/handling. Figure $7000 - 7500 total. May be less if you already have Nikon lenses.

-- Derek W. (wrestler@worldnet.att.net), July 26, 1999.

I was under the impression the list price was $5580US, and that included the body, battery, charger and "even a strap" said one Nikon rep. To view RAW images (but not jpeg) you will need the special Nikon software. And compact flash card prices depend on capacity.

-- D. Todd Moore (dmoore@starnews.com), July 26, 1999.

ow

-- benoit (foo@bar.com), July 26, 1999.

I forgot to mention the new SB-28DX flash unit -- another $300. I also get conflicting info from sources about what's included with the $5600 price. Since I'm budgeting for the $7000 range, if there is less I have to buy, then there will be more money available for a better lens - and a spare battery!

I'm looking at this as a long term investment anyway, and as one photo professional pointed out, the body of a regular 35mm SLR (Nikon F5) will run MSRP of $3500 (body only) due to the machining and workmanship involved, so it's likely to be several years (5?) before any of the consumer (or even "pro"-sumer) cameras have the same capabilities. Therefore, paying it off over time will not be a problem.

- Derek W.

-- Derek W. (wrestler@worldnet.att.net), July 28, 1999.

Watch out how you budget for lenses. The older Nikon E digicams corrected for angle of view with 35mm SLR lenses -- your 50mm standard remained a 50mm standard on the E2/3. The D1 doesn't do this anymore, so make sure you consider lenses for the correct angle of view. Shorter lenses will cost more for equivalent speed, sometimes a lot more. Hope you won't need fast glass!

-- John O'Connell (oconnell@siam.org), July 29, 1999.