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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