Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon D400

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Rumors of a Nikon D400 have recently began to surface.  A couple of reputable sources, Thom Hogan and DPR forum user jeff-c, have alluded to a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor manufactured by Sony being placed in the D400. (via DPR)  While December 1 has been speculated as the announcement date for the past week or so, no confirmation has come yet.  jeff-c said that Nikon would announce a high-MP 135-size DSLR in about 45 days back around the end of October – so the first half of December looks pretty promising.

Thinking back to a little over a year ago, the announcement of a D400 makes more sense.  Recall that last Fall, Nikon announced the D3 and D300 together.  Both cameras were shockers and solid performers.  Imagine what a D4 (or D3x) and a D400 combo would be like – with the D4 at 24+ megapixels on an FX sensor and the D400 as a 16 megapixel DX DSLR.

Additionally, the D400, when announced, would almost certainly have the ability to capture HD video like its sibling D90.  In fact, I would expect the D400 video capabilities to be closer to that of the Canon 5D Mark II with audio-out capabilities and full 1080p capture.

And, while the timing is a little shorter than typically seen in Nikon’s DSLR cycle, the early (i.e., 12 mos. cycle) announcement of the 15 megapixel Canon 50D may force Nikon’s hand with the D400.

If the Nikon D400 isn’t announced in December 2008, you can almost bank on it for PMA 2009 though.

Stay tuned for the latest news and rumors on the Nikon D400.

UPDATES:

1/27/09 – Spy Shot of Nikon D400?

2/5/09 – Nikon D400 book on Amazon.de.

4/5/09 – Possible April 14, 2009 announcement.

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Nikon D3x German Leak?

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Could this be the next version of the Nikon D3 that popped up on the Nikon Germany website?  Here’s a closer look:

What’s a Nikon D3 2 folder doing just below the Nikon D3 and D300 folders?  A Nikon D3x, a different folder for the Nikon D3’s updated firmware, or just a spare folder for all the Nikon D3 stuff?

I dunno, but crunch time is closing in for the 24MP rumored camera.  See this Nikon D3x rumor for the last word on the topic.

Pentax K30D Rumor

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A new rumor is surfacing regarding a follow up to the Pentax K20D.  A Chinese forum, DCHome.net, reveals some specs for what could be the next Pentax DSLR.  The initial rumored specs for the Pentax K30D are as follows:

  • CMOS APS-H (1.3x crop) sensor (not APS-C – 1.5x)
  • 14megapixels
  • improved AF speed
  • better ISO control
  • 3.5fps at 14mp
  • 6.5fps at 6mp
  • new AF assist

Also in the rumor mill is a Pentax K300D with a new CMOS sensor developed in conjunction with Samsung.

Nikon Full-Frame and Big Megapixels by Christmas

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There are a handful of forum posters that actually have access to inside information.  These elect few don’t tout their credentials.  No, they quietly state facts, which are proven by the later release of new camera models.

Yesterday, one of those forum posters spoke to the coming Nikon full frame pro body:

A high pixel count pro body in 135 format, about 45 days to go for more details. :-)

That’s it.  That’s all he needed to say.  Jeff-c is generally on the money with leaks, predictions or whatever you want to call it.

Additionally, he’s not the only one calling for a big December announcement from Nikon – see here and here.

Better pinch those pennies, because Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing a Nikon D3x or D4 along with him.

More Nikon D3x and D4 Rumors

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Over at a German Canikon community, a forum poster says he’s got some new rumors on a D3 replacement from Nikon (via Google Translate):

The latest information from the NPS say that environments later this year or likely D3x Nikon Nikon D4 and announced no later than the Nikon Solution in February also will be available. It will be a resolution of 24, x MP in a series of image speed of 5-6 pictures. The new D3 is to replace and not run parallel what astonished me first and also excited.

[via NR]

For past and present D3x rumors, keep your eyes on Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x Rumors page.

Nikon D3x Rumors Continue

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Yet another forum poster (this time AVForums) has claimed to have to goods on the much rumored Nikon D3x:

Went to dinner with Nikon this week.

The Nikon D3X is due in December 08.

Again, the 24MP number was tossed out there, which shouldn’t come as a surprise given that the D3x is expected to share the Sony A900’s sensor.  Also, this is the second time of late that we’ve seen the December ’08 time frame pop up.

If this is true, Nikon continues its terrible record of keeping product development news a secret . . . or maybe it’s all part of their plan?  The hype surround the past several Nikon DSLRs has been huge – and, generally speaking, Nikon delivered on the hype.

For past and present D3x rumors, keep your eyes on Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x Rumors page.

Nikon Press Event Bumped to November 20

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After a bit of confusion about who will see what and when, Kamera & Bild seems to have sorted things out and confirmed that Nikon’s press conference will be a worldwide event that takes place on November 20 (rather than October 22).  Kamera & Bild’s guesswork translates as follows:

Why the date of the press conference changed, we have not been told. Perhaps the product has been delayed, or the Nikon in Denmark had the time wrong.

Note, however, that the November 20 date, which is a Thursday, appears to be a solid, confirmed date.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Nikon MX format and/or Nikon D3x.

Nikon Press Conference on October 22 Could Be “BIG”

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Seems Nikon’s BIG news may be out of the bag rather soon – say, October 22?  According to Zoom, Nikon has given notice of a press release for October 22, which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark. If true, I imagine we’ll be hearing more from other parts of the world soon.

Nikon’s product secrecy has a terrible track record lately and I wouldn’t be surprise to see this next product leak out in the next few days.

What do you think?  Is it the Nikon MX format?  Is it the Nikon D3x?  Is it something else?  Or are we all having our legs pulled?