With the launch of the new Nikon D700 , which uses a full frame sensor with 12 megapixels, Nikon puts a model in direct competition with the veteran and Canon 5D, which until now was the only one with this sensor size and price not too exorbitant. If it seemed clear that Canon 5D renew its Photokina , since it is the only SLRD that remains of the previous generation, now is a move bound to stay on the market.

I will not describe a camera, wait, there's lots of information online, as mentioned in the information section, it is not my intention to enter the race for the news, so I prefer to recommend the article Valentine Sama on the Nikon D700 , which is the best description I've seen so far.

What if I want to comment on the developments taking place in the size of the sensors . The rumor has it that Canon could split the 5D, which has had such good results in two ranges: one above and one below, and both used a format sensor falls. This could have this type of sensor in a camera around 2,000 euros, which would be very tempting for the advanced amateur.

I always thought that the APS-C format was here to stay. That small sensor cameras remain in the amateur segment, while the Full Frame occupy only high end professional. Now I think I was wrong. The latest moves and rumors could end in a few years with small sensors, except perhaps for the segment of entry, such as the Nikon D40 or Canon EOS 1000D was submitted a few days ago.

And is that not only have the Nikon D700 and possible substitutes for the Canon EOS 5D and EOS 5D are called Mark II, EOS 3D, Canon EOS 7D, or otherwise. Moreover, the system 4 / 3 , even smaller than the APS-C, might be having low ranks.

Leica For example, not only would the 24 × 36 or full frame, but which is now called Leica R10 could use a slightly larger format sensor that. That if, in the case of Leica will not be in the price range of the newly announced D700, but still a step towards enlarging the size of the sensor.

It is also rumored that Panasonic could leave the four thirds system which could end up leaving Olympus in a strange position, championing an open standard that any manufacturer want to use.

Clearly, overcome the problem of high sensor costs, these are better in all respects. For the same resolution, a larger sensor will have larger pixels, which can collect light more efficiently, which results in lower noise and greater dynamic range . However, large sensors deployed in the full ranges of all manufacturers, what happens to the targets developed specifically for APS-C? Is it only an interim step until the market stabilizes? Will there come a day when suffering from a rapid devaluation and impossible to sell at the flea market? Only manufacturers have the answers to those questions and of course, are careful to leave them a glimpse.