ssra30:
I heard similar things through my Nikon contact. However, my best guess is that the new mount will not be significantly different and the new FF nikon will be back compatible with the current mount although the new mount will be optimized for FF dSLR. NOw that the D2X has been updated, I would expect to see FF dSLR in the next 12-18 months so it would not make much sense for Nikon to release the new 105mm AF-S VR which is significantly more expensive than the old one then for it not be be compatible with their new flagship camera in such a short time, relatively speaking in Nikon product cycle. Some people even think that it will have a fast cropped mode like in D2X where you can use the current DX lens with that mode as well. I guess there is no way to know for sure right now but I probably would rather invest in expensive FF lens now instead of expensive DX lens, just in case.
I think Nikon has two choices, well maybe three. The first would be to move the sensor plane back. I don't know how much issue this would be from a light falloff standpoint, but problems with this approach include creating a monster size camera body, but you could use the current lensmount.
Option two is to widen the lensmount. No way around it if you don't want to increase the distance between the lens and sensor. This would mean that current lenses would just not fit. They would likley come out with an adapter, and I bet you're right that they could easily put together a crop mode to use DX lenses, the old mount, and the new mount. I don't think this option would be well received, but Canon was in a similar position when it made this bold move during the AF revolution.
Option three is redefine the laws of Physics! Seriously, new technology could be on the horizon, and I'm not suggesting just more mpix. I'm suggesting a sensor design that just blows out the current designs in the way they capture light and store data. If you don't need a FF sensor, why have one? Currently if the pixel size is smaller the noise is greater. Given two 4mpix camera's the one with the larger sensor (larger pixels) will have less noise, and better resolution. OK, now just get around those two tiny details, and you are home free! No need for a bigger sensor, in fact downsize that puppy! :lol:
But we want FF, the cry goes out from the horn dog die hard film shooter masses! My thought, get over it. The entire 35mm basis was done simply because THAT sized film was avaiable at the time (think movie film), and for no other reason than that. Now people act as if 24mmx36mm actually makes the BEST size, nonesense! People just don't like change.
Nikon's timetable for planning releases would mean that IF they have a FF sensor camera coming out, they have addressed these issues, have a solution, and it's only a matter of a few months before WE hear about it. We shall see.
