Price drops can be interpreted as a solid indication for new announcements. Starting from today, the Nikon D5 price is dropping by $500. Does it mean that D6 is just around the corner?

Nikon D6: “The most advanced DSLR to date.”

On September 4th Nikon has announced the advanced development of the D6 model. As stated by Nikon: “Nikon released the D1 digital SLR camera in 1999, making 2019 the 20th anniversary of the single-digit D series. Thanks to the imaging know-how cultivated over Nikon’s long history in camera development, Nikon’s professional DSLR cameras have continued to evolve by introducing some of the industry’s most advanced technologies and responding to the strict demands of professional photographers with the ultimate in performance and reliability, even in the most severe conditions. With the D6, Nikon is currently developing its most advanced DSLR to date”. However, from a filmmaking point of view, the D6 probably would be an excellent camera for still shooters rather than filmmaking missions. For motion picture implementation, read below the Z alternative.

The most advanced DSLR to date

Nikon

D6: Successor to the four-year-old D5

The D5 was announced back in 2016 as Nikon’s flagship that was supposed to compete for head to head against the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. Although the 4K video mode in the D5 was satisfying, it remained inferior compared to the 1D X Mark II. Filmmakers who used DSLR, choose the Canon over the Nikon without blinking. Filmmakers claim (and I’m between them) that the 1D X Mark II footage is more cinematic than D5 footage. The D5 imagery is beautiful, but more video-ish and less cinematic when comparing it side by side to the 1D X Mark II. Furthermore, the Dual Autofocus capabilities of the Canons is also a major break dealer.

15% price drop: From $6,500 to $5,500

The initial price of the D5 was $6,500. Then there was a $500 drop, and then (today) another $500 drop. The 1D X Mark II has undergone major price drops as well (from $6,000 to $5,500). One of the reasons for this significant price drops were the rise of the mirrorless options (Mainly Sony). However, we know from Canon and Nikon that there other DSLR alternatives on the horizon like EOS-1D X Mark III and the upcoming Nikon D6.

Nikon D5

Meanwhile, until the formal announcement of the D6, junior filmmakers can benefit from this price drop and purchase an excellent still camera that shoots stunning videos. The D5 highlights are:

• 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor (cropped on 4K video mode)
• Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors
• 3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
• DCI 4K Video at 60 fps, 8.8MP Still Grab

All of these are packed into a robust magnesium alloy body design is both dust- and weather-sealed to permit working in harsh environments.

The professional alternative: Nikon’s Z Series

For those of us who wouldn’t compromise on maximum video capabilities including RAW output, it’s highly recommended to wait till the firmware upgrade of the Z Series. That upgrade would allow us the privilege of shooting the great codec ProRes RAW directly from the Nikon Z. You can read more about this in this article.

Final throughs

To sum it up, the D5 is now a bargain. For still shooters who begin their first steps in the motion picture, that would be a very logical choice. For those who want more filmmaking capabilities, wait for the Z- series firmware upgrade.