Is XQD a nail in the D4 coffin?

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SimonH

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I'm soon to be in the market for a replacement pro body. I'm looking at either the D3s or the D4, since the thing I don't have - apart from an FX sensor - at the moment is decent low-light performance. I've considered all my options and it comes down to one of these two bodies.

A major sticking point for me is the XQD card in the D4. It's because it's Sony, and because I am all too familiar with Sony's history of self-harm with proprietary format licensing - from hotshoes to betamax to memory sticks. I can deal with the additional outlay for the D4 over the D3s, and the fact that I can probably only go second-hand if I go D3s..

I just can't seem to get past the feeling that the D4 is going to be the last time we see the XQD slot in a camera, and that in a few short years we'll be looking back at the D4 as a lemon because of it. I wouldn't even be surprised if Nikon will be offering a retrofit CF slot in a year or 2.

Am I right to be concerned, do you think? Or do you think XQD will take off? Is it just being a bit slow at getting going? I'm interested to know what you think.
 
SimonH said:
I'm soon to be in the market for a replacement pro body. I'm looking at either the D3s or the D4, since the thing I don't have - apart from an FX sensor - at the moment is decent low-light performance. I've considered all my options and it comes down to one of these two bodies.

A major sticking point for me is the XQD card in the D4. It's because it's Sony, and because I am all too familiar with Sony's history of self-harm with proprietary format licensing - from hotshoes to betamax to memory sticks. I can deal with the additional outlay for the D4 over the D3s, and the fact that I can probably only go second-hand if I go D3s..

I just can't seem to get past the feeling that the D4 is going to be the last time we see the XQD slot in a camera, and that in a few short years we'll be looking back at the D4 as a lemon because of it. I wouldn't even be surprised if Nikon will be offering a retrofit CF slot in a year or 2.

Am I right to be concerned, do you think? Or do you think XQD will take off? Is it just being a bit slow at getting going? I'm interested to know what you think.
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Only one slot is XQD thought. The other one is normal CF. I think XQD is used

because of its fast write speed. ;)
 
PaulButler said:
Lexar also make the XQD cards if that helps ...
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Yeah, I saw Lexar went for it in the end. They were very non-committal about it for quite a long time. Sandisk were even involved in its development but in the end decided not to go into production. Seen the price on 'em? Whew! LOL!
hyeongsoong said:
Only one slot is XQD thought. The other one is normal CF. I think XQD is used

because of its fast write speed. ;)
Click to expand...
I even wondered if the 2nd slot was Nikon hedging its bets, lacking confidence in the new format.

Sony Betamax was the better system.. but it was Sony's licensing that killed it.
 
When the D4 first started shipping it was supplied with a 16Gb XQD card foc - don't think new ones are now though. And yes, betamax was the better system.
 
I don't think so. The D4 is a capable camera, XQD as a standard and physical form works well. Neither has an inbuilt deactivation date. ;)

Apart from initial availability there isn't an issue, and with a "free" 16GB card and reader in the box of initial supplies there wasn't an availability issue. Prices for the cards were high if you compare them with the lowest priced (and speed) CF or SD cards but they are comparable with the same capacity & speed (1000x) CF cards. I can see why Nikon didn't put 2 x XQD in there with it being a just launched card - but the reality is if they waited it would be another 2 years..

Pro-bodied Canon owners pre 1Dx had a CF and SD card to deal with, so having two formats isn't unusual or unique to Nikon.

I'm happier now that Lexar are in the game - it gives a second supplier and some competition to Sony. I am a little surprised that Sony didn't put XQD into it's own higher end DSLR cameras. I'm slightly disappointed the D800 didn't either (because I had to re-stock on SD cards again having sold them when I ditched Canon) but I think that camera would have been out 6-8 months earlier had there not been the natural disasters to delay production/ramp-up and that would have put it pre-XQD.

I doubt the D4s will be rushed - I'd still expect to see it next Spring/Summer on the usual 2-year update path you expect from Nikon. It'll either have 2 XQD slots or 2 CF slots - that I'm sure of - just not which. Either way I'm not fussed. I'll keep taking and selling images.

I still have working CF cards that are 10 years old, when 1GB set you back £199 (just down from £299) and microdrives were still being sold. I suspect my XQD cards will still be functional long after I have depreciated them, and replaced the body they were initially purchased for.

Both the D3s and D4 are stunning bodies. Little in it at highest ISO - the D4 is better mid-range. You'll see an improvement in the AF if you shoot moving subjects with the D4. Neither are a lemon, nor will they be in the future.
 
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Appreciate your input, Mike!

Do you think perhaps I'm obsessing over Sony's licensing history? :gag:

I too find it curious that Nikon have adopted a Sony technology that even Sony haven't. Perhaps the waters will be a little less muddy in a month or two, when it comes time for me to take the plunge. Not seen anything from any manufacturers XQD-related at CP+ yet, but it ain't over 'til Adele takes the stage :)
 
The XQD is amazing in the D4. I use it as my main storage. Yes it would be nice to have two, but I haven't. I knew that when I bought it. It hasn't prevented it from being a superb camera. I've gots plenty of CF cards as well as a few XQD.
I would be surprised if no other bodies have the XQD in the future. They really are fast!
Get yourself out there Simon and get one bought. You won't regret it! :thumbs:


Kev.
 
I'm a D4 shooter and it wouldn't bother me a bit if XQD was discontinued tomorrow... as far as I know the camera would still work the same! :D I've got all the cards I'll ever need so it wouldn't affect me one bit. In any event, I'm sure the cards would still be obtainable long after the camera is obsolete.

It's completely different to Betamax where people were left with libraries of movies and programs on tape with no new machines to play them on... you don't have to buy new memory cards for your camera every time you fill one up! :lol:
 
SimonH said:
I too find it curious that Nikon have adopted a Sony technology that even Sony haven't.
Click to expand...
some high end Sony camcorders support XQD. I'm sure that we'll see more Sony products supporting XQD too in appropriate sectors (they aren't going to fit it in entry level DSLRs ;)
 
Thanks guys! I'm definitely thinking more positively about the D4 now. Maybe there is a future for the XQD format :)

Although Lexar's suggested UK high street retailers don't seem to know they're supposed to be retailing the cards.. ho hum. :|
 
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