Howard, I think there is a point you are missing.

Asking how many Nikonians, or Nikon photographers you meet how many care about shooting video is a bit like asking how many people you meet in Kansas want to learn French; or how many people at the Westminster Dog Show like dogs, or would rather have a cat.

These are self-selected groups that will give you an answer based on the criteria by which they selected themselves into the group. The real question (if you were Nikon executives) is how large the total universe for those who want a high level DSLR with high quality video. The sales of the Canon 5D provide a lot of the answer to that.

I know from people who are in the video business, that they are very excited about this camera. You should also know that full length documentary films have been shot using the 5D.

One of the great advantages of these cameras over dedicated video cameras, is the great assortment of very high quality lenses. This is a huge asset to anyone wanting to shoot video.

Also, Nikon has to look at the long term trends in the "imaging" business and ask "where are things going?" not where have they been. There is no question that they are going in the direction of integrated devices. It may be true that you only use your cell phone for making calls. But ask your children or grandchildren. That is the least of their concern. They want browsing, texting, a camera, and music device, games, all rolled into one tiny package. Oh, yeah, they may also call home occasionally.

I think the video capability will be a huge factor in the sale of these cameras, but not among Nikonians.

Larry Miller, Annapolis, MD
D700/D800
http://www.pbase.com/lmmiller9
http://lmmillerphotography.smugmug.com/