Last week Nikon released the high end D810, their latest high end DSLR. With the D800 sensor landing a knockout blow to detractors when it was released the new model mostly comes with tweaks. Except in its video capabilities where they kicked the D810’s performance well beyond its predecessor.
Reviews of the D810 generally praised the moves Nikon had made in improving video capability. Expert Reviews assessed the model mostly positively;
It’s great to see Nikon boosting the video capabilities of its DSLR, but the one crucial thing that’s missing is the ability to record 4K video. Currently only the Panasonic Lumix GH4 has that mode.
But the disappointment that neither of the majors brands are yet to have 4K video capabilities is a sentiment shared elsewhere. Which could explain why Canon Rumors is currently paying service to a rumor suggesting that the EOS 5d Mark IV may feature 4K video. Although digging a little deeper and they find some insightful commentary dismissing the validity of it:
I asked someone in the know recently if Canon had market research on who buys the EOS 5D Mark III and for what purpose. I was told that the videographer focused purchaser of the EOS 5D Mark III was less than 10% of the total sales. The camera is, and has always been, for the still photographer.
Video capability is one of the few areas in high end DSLRs where genuine improvements can still be made. With it being one of the few frontiers offering new growth both Canon and Nikon are scrambling to inject good video capture with the hope of snagging the growing band of videographers. However, it seems that to do so successfully may still be a couple of releases away.
Does high end video capability appeal to you?