Scott’s Quick Nikon D3x Pricing Q&A
I’m teaching my Lightroom Live Tour in Los Angeles today, so I’m just going to do a quick Q&A to address some things that happened earlier this week regarding my post on the introduction and pricing of the Nikon D3x. Here we go:
Q. First, did Douglas Sonders Guest Blog yesterday kick major butt or what?
A. Absolutely! I was so tickled to see the level and depth of what he showed. A lot of people promise to show you “the whole thing” but then fall short, but I thought Douglas really delivered, and if you look at the comments from yesterday, he just got an awful lot of new fans. Well done, Douglas! I’d love to have him back again for sure!
Q. You’ve taken a lot of heat because you mentioned on Monday that Nikon introduced a new camera. So, are you getting a D3x?
A. Nope.
Q. You’re not getting a new D3x? Why not?
A. That particular camera is not for me. I know there are photographers who need 23-megapixels for their type of work, but I don’t need it for what I shoot (heck I could probably get away with just 8 or 10 megapixels), so a D3x just doesn’t make sense for me.
Q. But then you’ll have to live with the pain of knowing that you’re not shooting with Nikon’s highest top-end camera!
A. It’s a pain I’ll just have to live with, but somehow, I’ll get by.
Q. Won’t Nikon send you a free D3x?
A. Nikon has never sent me a free camera. In fact, Nikon doesn’t even send me review units to test for a week or so, so I seriously doubt they’ll be suddenly sending me their top of the line camera free.
Q. Yeah, but what if they did?
A. I’d try it out for a few days, but then I’d go back to my D3. I just don’t want to work with images that big. 23-megapixels files are going to fill my memory cards twice as fast, and my hard drives twice as fast, and make Photoshop twice as slow, so I’m perfectly happy with my D3 and D300.
Q. So, do you think the price of the D3X is too high?
A. Personally, I think it should have been priced around $6,500, but that’s just my opinion (by the way, if it was $6,500 I still wouldn’t buy it, because again—I don’t need it for what I shoot). That being said, it’s not fair for me to tell Nikon what their pricing should be, anymore than I’d like Nikon to try and tell me what price I should sell my books for. Right now, $8,000 is their starting price. A year or so from now, it may be less, or they may do something wonderful like they did with the introduction of the D700, or like Canon did with the 5D Mark II (how soon we forget).
Q. Yeah, but I just checked Canon’s Web site, and they’re still selling their 21-megapixel EOS-1Ds Mark III for $8,000. Shouldn’t they lower their price?
A. I guess if they weren’t selling—they would.
Q. Canon’s new EOS 5D-Mark II is a 21-megapixel camera, too, and it also takes high-def video, yet it’s only $2,700. Shouldn’t Canon discontinue their much more expensive $8,000 1Ds Mark III?
A. I don’t think so. Why should Canon not offer a product that some high-end users want, and are willing to pay for?
Q. So Canon’s top-end 20+ megapixel DSLR and Nikon’s 20+ megapixel DSLR are both around $8,000?
A. Yup.
Q. So why are the Nikon users so mad? Both companies high-end cameras cost around the same amount.
A. Nikon users wanted the D3x to cost a lot less.
Q. So can’t they just not buy a D3x?
A. I’ve been told countless times over the past few days that saying “…then don’t buy it” is not a reasonable answer. The only answer they will accept is for Nikon to issue a public apology, and lower the D3x price dramatically—thousands lower than the price of Canon’s own high-end camera.
Q. Do you think that’s likely to happen?
A. Nope.
Q. I noticed that you closed the comments on your and Moose’s Tuesday blog post about the mean comments on the D3x from Monday. How come?
A. Because it started getting really ugly. People were starting to say mean things to each other—picking fights—calling names, etc. and this blog isn’t about that, so on the advice of friends I closed it to further comments.
Q. How many times have you had to do this in the past?
A. This is the first time I’ve had to do this since I started the blog back in 2005.
Q. All this over a Nikon product announcement?
A. Yup.
Q. But I just went and looked and I didn’t see any really mean comments.
A. That’s because I deleted most of them.
Q. You know you’re going to get some more nasty comments from this post, right?
A. Of course.
Q. They know you don’t work for Nikon; you’re not sponsored by Nikon, you have no family members at Nikon, and that they don’t even send you units to review, right?
A. If they didn’t, they do now.
Q. So why are they still going to trash you?
A. They’re mad at Nikon’s pricing, and I made the mistake on Monday of announcing that Nikon introduced a new camera.
Q. But you don’t determine Nikon’s pricing.
A. Apparently, they think I do. Or that I agree with it. Or that I’m trying to hide it, create a cover-up, or there’s some larger conspiracy.
Q. Aren’t there more important things to worry about in the world than Nikon’s pricing on a camera most of us don’t need in the first place?
A. I would love to think so.
Q. How likely are you to mention the introduction of a high-priced DSLR from any manufacturer in the future?
A. Very unlikely. But if I do, I will state up front that the price is outrageously too high and that I hate the company that makes the product (whichever company that may be).
Don’t let the bad apples stop you from posting what you want too – and what the rest of us like to read. I am choking on the price as well but I can write to Nikon about that. No sence in flaming you, or anyone else that does not work for Nikon for that matter. Now about that New York Yankees shot that keeps showing up on the top of your web page. I can flame you for that right???
Hi Scott,
Well it’s really a shame that such a simple story could have gone so far.
It clear you were quite mad when you wrote this Q&A post, hopefully you’re feeling better now… :-S
Some of us value your opinions very much and think highly of you. I love this blog and your books. Just keep up the good work.
-Alex
What?!? Nikon put out a new camera? You sure? By the way Scott when you coming to Louisiana to shoot some Hornets or Saints games?
Scott,
I have only posted one other time. I am sorry that you have taken so much heat over this and that with all that is happening in the country and the world that people choose to be harsh and mean.
Please keep doing what you do so wonderfully – you are gifted and gracious and appreciated!
Amen —–
It’s a delight to read your blog, which consistently shows you to be “a gentleman and and a scholar”, with his priorities in the right place. Common sense is increasingly uncommon. Congratulations.
Scott,
It is unfortunate that you’ve had to spend so much time on this and that some folks just can’t be grateful that you provide such an excellent outlet to tell us what you know. And all at no cost to us, other than our time. Is that great or what? I for one have appreciated it in the short time I’ve been reading your blog and will continue to appreciate it. Granted, you do know a lot of stuff and a lot of us also want to know that stuff but in the end, you’re also just a regular guy with this fantastic passion for photography and teaching. People should keep that in mind before going off the deep end. Keep bringing it and I’ll keep reading it.
Regards,
Dennis
1. I thought we lived in a free society where companies are allowed to freely set prices for their goods and services; the invisible hand of the free market, called supply and demand, would take care of the rest. What am I missing?
2. DX3 targets a very specific segment of the market – what so many ordinary people care?
3. Our beloved Nikon gave us another choice – how is that bad?
4. D3X is (tens) thousands of dollars cheaper, easier to use and offers far more feautures / lens than a medium format digital cameras like Hasselblad or Mamiya. Why isn’t anyone discussing that?
5. The difference between D3 and D3X is millions and millions of dollars of research and development costs, not just the new sensor. Who is going to compensate the company for that?
Thanks for your great blog, Scott and for your books / online classes.
Hey Scott,
I am introducing a new DSLR next month, it has 500 megapixel a and will sell for $100,000 dollars.
This camera is so far out , that I am only selling one, that’s right, 1.
So now, send me nasty posts………………………those who have pixel envy.
Ken in Ky
Merry Christams
Way to go Scott. Great post. Some people always find something to whine about.
Great Q&A today; I’ll chuckle all the way up the 5 – see you in LA today.
Wow! Can’t believe there’s that much anger over how much a camera costs. Way to rise above it all, Scott! Please don’t let all this ‘noise’ bring you down.
Cheers,
Oh, by the way, your websites are awesome.
You’ve done impressive things with teaching people photoshop for reasonable rates. Thank You for that.
Regards.
You compare the Canon 1DsIII max price of $8000 to Nikon’s D3x list price of $8000 yet, at the current time, resellers like B&H are selling the 1DsIII at $6600. That would seem to be closer to the actual market demand price if resellers are saying that’s what it takes to move cameras. Thus, I think you have a stronger case for a Nikon price at around $6500 than simply an “idea” of what it should cost. At that price, Nikon would probably gain market share.
what’s a “Nikon” ?
“Very unlikely. But if I do, I will state up front that the price is outrageously too high and that I hate the company that makes the product (whichever company that may be).”
I really hope you do that. Sorry to hear the comments are causing so much grief.
Mr. Kelby,
I believe there is a bright spot in all of this. Photography is largely about passion and I have seen plenty of passion this week. Quite a lot of that passion had been misguided and misdirected for which I am sure those responsible will ultimately be apologetic.
Nikon should be happy with what they are seeing and hearing. The overwhelmingly positive experience that everyone is having with the D3 and D700 has built tremendous expectations for the D3x. They have done their best to focus the marketing of this new tool to professional studio and landscape shooters, however, with the Internet being what it is, that message has not been as tightly focused as was once possible.
Nikon has managed to leave themselves a nice gap in the product line that will fit the needs and budgets of a much larger percentage of their market. It will be exciting to see what they come up with as they evaluate the competition in that area, specifically the Canon 5D MkII. Hopefully the R&D cash is also being spent on brilliant AF-S lenses which IMHO are the most significant advantage over the competition.
I suppose I exemplify the market that Nikon is going after with the D3x — Hasselblad/PhaseOne shooter who has been leaving the H2 behind more often in favor of the D3. Your advice on the subject of necessity for most people are well-founded and hopefully will be heeded. Instead of spending the extra $3000 perhaps one should take a couple of nice seminars or trips and sell the images. Who knows what might be possible then, eh?
Thanks for sharing your passion with us and allowing others to do the same. Hopefully we can all go out and be passionate about telling good stories today, whatever our tool of choice may be.
Hi Scott,
Looks like you’re feeling better already…but what’s one more post of awesomeness going to hurt, right? You are awesome.
Have a good one!
Kate
Great post.
It’s amazing how anger can be misdirected to the wrong people. A lot of people are writing about the value of the high-end DSLR in this current generation as compared to the D300 and D700.
If the D3X tanks in the marketplace then Nikon will lower the price. Angry mean blog posts likely won’t dissuade people from buying it.
Hi Scott!
I met you originally at one of the early Photoshop World in Orlando. I thought at the time you were someone who was like me in many respects, and I would consider you as a friend, as well as Matt, Dave, Larry and many others you have introduced me to, through Photosopuser TV. Over these years, I have feel that I have come to know you. You have taught me so much more than you’ll ever know. So, I respect what you bring to share with everyone. You don’t get paid to do that. I’m glad that you do, however. Hang in there! Don’t let the ones who don’t feel good about themselves get you down! I’m sure there are more people who feel the way I do too.
Thank you!
Larry
Hooray! The power of positivity wins again… all of these comments and only one sad one. that’s great!
I don’t see Nikon as family – I see them as a company that makes
-Cameras- (though I shoot Canon.. go Rebel!)
I wouldnt switch my spouse before switching my camera. Talking to my camera is like Tom Hanks in that creepy movie where he talks to a soccer ball.
I don’t buy anything ‘for life’ – I buy it for as long as it’s good. Hey.. I bailed on the PS3.
Im not invested in the Canon brand, i’m invested in my Rebel. If a new rebel comes out, i can pass.
You’re only being taken for a ride if you get on the coaster, Noc… Just say no!
Hi Scott,
You did nothing wrong when you told us about the new D3x!
It´s great to read about new products and everything else that you and your guest bloggers write about. Regarding myself, I´m just interested in good photography and everything nice that it brings into my life, and you have helped me learning and finding my own way as a “hobby” photographer with your books and blog.
Thanks
Ben
Scott,
I agree with you even if you did have a part in the pricing I think that even though most of us can not afford this camera or the 1Ds MIII that there are those who can and it seems that the makers of these cameras are getting a market that satisfies the price and demand for them. Really I don’t see anyone yelling that Hasselblad is charging like almost 40 grand for a camera. Buy what you can afford and use the crap out of it. I also would like to say that I think Moose’s post about the D3x is right on the mark.
Have a good day all.
You know… what ever happened to loving photography for the sake of the art that it is. Technology is but a means to streamline your workflow and assist in your creativity. I will never be able to afford a camera such as the D3x or 1DsMk111. The only SLR type bodies I have are 2 Canon Film cameras. My current Digital is great but has limits. So, it simply challenges me to make the best shot with what I have. I know for a fact that the camera will never, ever, never make you be the next Moose Peterson or Joe McNally. The only thing that will make you better is experience One Metric Ton of practice, determination- sprinkled with a little dash of talent.
Great post Scott. I find it funny in an ironic kind of way that a private company can make an offer that can generate such a lot of noise. Yet that offer can be refused with unbelievable ease. Yet when a government declares an outrageous law or a new tax that can’t be so easily refused there is so little noise. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that those who find this the most outrageous are also those who vote and support such governments.
Sorry Scott about this subject unrelated comment. I can’t just sit and watch while my country gets attacked.
Nick: I really don’t think this is the right location to be arguing about politics. But It is very clear that you are from Britain and that you believe everything that the prime moron minister of yours says. His stupid arguments about Iceland being bankrupt where outrageous and completely false and it is very probable that you and your country will have to pay compensation to Iceland because of these words and their terrible effects on us.
And now to justify this comment a bit… I think it is very logical to price the D3x at the same price as 1Ds III was priced at when it came out. The D3 was put out to rival the 1D (and did a terrific job at that) and now nikon are challenging 1Ds with more resolution (big surprise for me) and therefor the 8k$ price tag is very reasonable.
Myles, do you know where one might buy a dash of talent? =)
Well done.. and thanks for making me laugh to start my day. But please do continue to announce all of the exciting new photography products come along. Just because I can’t or don’t want to buy doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to window-shop.
Almost everything I have gained in terms of helping to improve my photographic skills, is a result of people like you and others at NAPP. Whether a D3x, a D3, a D700, a D300 (which I own and love), any other DSLR, or a simple P&S camera, it really makes no difference other than the eye of the person looking through/at the viewfinder or LCD screen. Thanks for being “the” voice of reason in all of this. Oh yes, I wanted you to know I look forward each issue to your COLOPHON in Layers magazine. I “stole” your idea and use a similar humorous approach in the Colophon of the magazine I edit. Always wonder how many people read my fine print!
By best! Mike
Scott:
Each nigh before you go to sleep, try to relax and say:
” I will not be upset by my of emulsions.”
This is an old 35mm film photographer, who resisting the change to
digital lived a very long time shooting landscapes without a flash,and
all in black and white using the grey zone system.
Louis.
Scott, I like getting all the updates about Nikon’s latest gear, even if I’ll probably never get or need a camera with that many megapixels. I think what it is is that many loyal professionals and fans got really sick of being left high and dry by Nikon, while Canon seems to bend over backwards to keep their customers. Look how long it took Nikon to come out with full frame; and then we have to ditch our lenses and buy either brand new ones or old film lenses. It just seems like they consistently ignore what their base wants.
By the way, great post by Douglas Sonders, but I too would like to hear from his retoucher.
I didn’t get a chance to comment before Scott closed it down the other day but I just want to say that never before in my life have I been so ashamed of my fellow Nikonians who tore apart Mr. Kelby, of all people, just because he didn’t denounce Nikon for being the “evil empire” it is. Shame on all of you!
Don’t take anything or anyone for granted and treat all others the way you’d hope to be treated.
This is a specialty camera. Nikon might be trying to control sales by selling high in the beginning, then as more product is produced and interest increases, then the price might lower. However, that is at the sole discretion of Nikon.
Just how many of those complaining make their living from their camera’s? The pro who needs this camera may grumble a bit, but in the end if he/she needs it, then they will buy it.
Hey Scott
I just wanted to say good work here. I come to this blog everyday and look forward to what you have to say. Don’t let a few ass****s bring you down. By the way everyone who has complained about the price more then likely don’t even need the D3x those who really need it will get it. I my opinion the D3 or D700 are better cameras but then again I really don’t really the D3x.
Thanks again Scott.
Hi Scott,
First of all, nice post!
IMHO what Nikon has got lately was one of the biggest success of the history of photo industry w/ the D3/D300/D700/D90/D3x etc.
For a company which for almost a decade was, by all means, “behind” Canon, it was a pretty HUGE comeback.
People don’t have a clue what type/size of investments and risks they have taken to make such a incredible line of products to their customers.
I’m proud to be a Nikon fanboy and , and although I’m VERY happy w/ my D300 and its Nikon terrific lenses, if in the future a D3x is necessary to my kind of photography, I would by it in a minute based on the IQ I’ve seen on available incredible samples, especially at low ISO.
Regards,
Ray Soares
I have not seen this Nikon D3x, I have not touched a Nikon D3x, I have not taken any picture with a Nikon D3x. Almost nobody has. Meanwhile, because of the anonymity of the Internet, hooligans [unruly people with destructive behavior] spring out. You cannot reason, discuss or talk in civilized manner with hooligans. Hooligans must be confronted, our humanity is at stake.
Moose Peterson, Luminous Landscape are example of classy and dignified comments about they think about the price for the Nikon D3x.
See my take @ http://foto-biz.com/doku.php/blog:hooligans
I am not surprised by the D3x introductory price, but I am puzzled that some kind of sensor self cleaning feature was not included. Any thoughts on why not?
As usual, another wonderful post Scott. It’s funny how easily some or most of us blur the line between what we NEED and what we WANT. And I agree with you, for most of us we don’t NEED to have a 23 megapixel sensor, nor would we be able to fully utilize it, it’s not like we all make billboard size prints. I mean sure, we want all the niffty features, but do we really need it. We should all follow this simple rule, “If I can’t afford it, I have no business having it.”
Besides, the market is so saturated with DSLR, they’ll probably come out with an update for the D300 with maybe 50-75% of the D3X features (minus the large megapixel sensor). Lesson here, have patience, and you will be rewarded.
Scott I think it’s about time you tell us the truth, Nikon has been secretly sponsoring you. So you can stop lying to us now. =P Kidding.
You didn’t make any mistake announcing a new product. Please keep doing so because there are those of us who really like that feature of this blog, and in fact count on it for the latest info about products. Thanks Scott -M
Hey Scott,
It’s so sad to see that people would not only take the pricing of a piece of photography equipment so personally, but that they would also take it out on someone that simply MENTIONS it. It’s quite strange and absurd.
Thanks for providing this blog in the first place. Believe me that so many people appreciate it and are never going to trash you for having an opinion or reporting news.
Thanks!
Bay
Scott,
You always provide great information on your blog and I find it odd that some of your readers do not respect the fact you are sharing it with them. You are always clear about delivering the facts or stating when it is your opinion. If these folks are not happy with the price, they should be telling the manufacturer instead of clogging up your blog with their trivial gripes. Hopefully you will not let this instance prevent you from sharing with the rest of us your insights and opinions of new products in the future.
Hi Scott.
Sorry to hear about you recent trouble. Love your blog. Its funny and informative.
Please ignore the idiots and keep posting!
Dermot
I like your style, Scott!
Good stuff, Scott!
For what it’s worth, I’m not married to any brand nor do I find my identity in any particular brand. I simply use what works for me and what I can invest in at a reasonable level without committing financial suicide. LOL
John
Thanks for letting it slip and keep blogging for us non angry happy people types…
Best wishes!
Carlo M
Mr. Kelby, I like your style……
You’re just the best!
Thanks for the smile!
Hello Scott,
Do most people know Scott that the new Nikon D3x camera rated at 24.3 megapixels takes a single digital image that is nearly is six by four feet
wide and downloads at about 1 GB per image?
You could only get about two to four shots on a single 2GB card, so you need to make sure you like the shot.
Now in photoshop, under image of course you can change the “size” of the image from 6 foot wide to about 11″inches but this would take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to do, and the D3x has a special little ring to let you know it is downloaded.
Whatta ya think of that Scott? Can you imagine this being a graduating gift for someone interested in digital photography? How could you fit the image into your wallet? At six feet wide, now that would be whatta size to carry with you,especially in a subway. I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it! Think of “mommy” kissing Santa Clause, and you know what I mean!
Wow, can you guess what’s next down the line for Nikon?
Your dedicated pal,
Sonny ( I’m a dealer in Las Vegas)
Thanks for the level headed post Scott.
I agree with many that Nikon has a right to do whatever they want in regards to pricing. I also agree that what people are willing to pay generally determines the price. I would imagine that most of the pros that buy this camera have a need and this will be a small piece of their total equipment budget.
I didn’t read all the comments so I apoligize if someone already said this…
But, to those who point out that this camera is 3k more than the D3 so they can assume the sensor alone costs 3k more, you aren’t looking at the big picture. The newer (bigger, better, etc) sensor may only cost a few hundred dollars more now that they have the design and engineering done, but what did the first one cost? Much like prescription drugs, they only cost a few cents to make, but what did that first one cost? 1 million? 10 million? There is a reason that costs fall over time and paying for the up front engineering/development costs is a big part of it.
Q. I love this writing style, and I think I’m going to start making a post in this style occasionally.
A. I agree.