Nikon D5 and other Nikon rumours

2013 April

• 2nd Firmware updates for Nikon D4, D3S, D3X, D3, D7000 and D3200 [NR]

February

• 21st The D7100 is announced. Launch info and hands on review at DPR
  • 24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor, no low pass filter
  • EXPEED 3
  • ISO 100-6400 standard, 25600 expanded
    Max 6 fps continuous shooting in DX mode, 7fps in 1.3X crop mode
  • 51 point AF system, 15 sensors cross type
  • 2016 pixel RGB metering sensor
  • Spot white balance in live view mode
  • 1080 60i/30p video recording, built-in stereo mic, mic jack and audio monitoring jack
  • Pentaprism with 100% coverage and 0.94X magnification
  • 3.2", 1.2m-dot LCD screen (640 x 480 X RGBW)
  • Front and rear IR receivers
  • Equivalent water and dust resistance to D800/D300S
• Quite a jump in some areas, but overall probably not a huge leap - where does this leave space for a D400 in the lineup?
• 20th At Pentax forums [PF], there's a supposed copy of a page from Japanese magazine “Camera Japan”, there's a slew of 'predictions' for 2013Canon 70D for March, 700D for June, EOS Me for July, 7D Mk2 for August and an EOS 3D: Nikon D7100 in March, D400 in June and a D4X in October. September is slated for the Nikon 2 - presumably another mirrorless...
• A scan of the page is on the main rumours page

FYI: I've set up a LinkedIn group (~4700 members) for people interested in all aspects of Digital Black and White photography: Digital Black and White	Keith gets UK used equipt. from --> For USA used: try B&H | Adorama

• 15th It seems there is likely to be a new Nikon lens rebate program in the US before long.

• 4th Some D4X rumours appear [NR]
• Body as per Nikon D4
• 36 MP sensor without AA filter
• 6 fps (11 fps max)
• Video improvements
• Price a few hundred dollars above the D4
• Announcement Q3 2013

January

• 1st - This magazine scan appears on the Chinese Xitec forum (see also Canon version)
• I believe it's from the Japanese 'Impress' magazine.
• Gives their percentage chance estimates for new Nikon cameras
• 
• • Nikon D7200 probability is very high and it will arrive in 2013 with 39 point AF system and ISO range expandable up to 25600.
  • Nikon D9000 - the rumored specification says newly developed sensor, 10fps continuous shooting speed and 51 point AF system.
  • Nikon V3 will arrive in 2013
  • Nikon D4x is also expected to come on 2013.

2012 November

• 7th The D5200 is launched:
• CMOS sensor 24.1 MP
• EXPEED3
• RBG sensor split 2016
• 39 AF points (multi-CAM4800DX)
• 920 000 dot LCD monitor 3.0-inch Vari-Angle
• 5 fps max
• Video – full HD (1920 × 1080i)
• Shutter speed 1/4000-30 seconds
• Equivalent to ISO25600 ISO100-6400
• Media SD / SDHC / SDXC
• EN-EL14 battery
• Weight (including battery and media) 555g approximately
• Release due for December

October

• 30th D5200 is expected for November 6th [NR]

September

• 13th The D600 appears, but at $2100, perhaps not quite the 'cheap full frame' some wished for [preview at DPR] Nikon D600: Key Specs
• • 24.3MP Full-frame CMOS sensor (10.5MP DX-format crop mode)
  • ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 50-25,600 equivalent)
  • Maximum 5.5fps continuous shooting
  • 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type AF points
  • 3.2in 921k-dot LCD screen
  • 1080p30 full HD video mode with stereo sound recording
  • Headphone jack for audio monitoring in movie mode
  • Uncompressed video recording via HDMI
  • Single-axis electronic level in viewfinder, duel-axis (pitch and roll) in live view
  • Dimensions: 141mm x 113mm x 82mm (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.2 in).
  • Weight: 760 g (1.6 lbs) (camera body only, no battery - not sure why this figure would interest anyone outside of the markting department)

• 9th The D600 is expected to be announced this coming week [NR]

August

• 5th A top LCD layout for the D600 is suggested [NR]
• 2nd An Italian dealer puts the D600 in an advert [1k1]

June

• 14th D600 looks real enough in some pictures at [NR]

May

• 26th We hear that as a result of various patent cross licensing deals between Canon and Nikon, there may be a Nikon body with EF lens mount [main rumours page]
• • From the land of wishlists and unfortunately not that likely, IMHO
• 11th At NR they seem very keen on a D600 - before Photokina

April

• 26th Some very vague D600 rumours are doing the rounds - not much other than cheaper, less MP, full frame and this year.
• Once again, Thom Hogan makes some telling observations on the direction and state of Nikon's business [TH 25th Apr] and I have to agree with his summing up of the competition ;-)
• • "The good news for Nikon is that no other camera maker has figured it out, either. Sony has decided that EVFs are your only choice. Canon decided that all still users were actually closet video shooters in disguise. Fujifilm seems to think that lots of performance issues can be overlooked if they just make everything look like old rangefinders from the 1960's. But really, Nikon, is that all you aspire to be: better than an inept group of other players?"
• 25th Important battery safety advisory for EN-EL15 batteries. The Nikon EN-EL15 battery is used in the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1 cameras.
• 18th The D3200 is due tomorrow 24 MP sensor, 11 AF points, 4 fps, ISO range: 100-6400, with max of 12800.
• This is likely the same sensor that will be tweaked for the long awaited D400.

March

• 29th Expect to see a 24MP D3200 for April [NR]

February

• 7th D800 release.
• Video interview with Nikon at CES [MP]

January

• 6th The D4 is announced Full details
• D800 is likely next up, but what about the D4x? The D3x appeared a year after the D3 (see timeline below)
• 4th Seems that a D4 article was accidentally released, for long enough to confirm the specs and $6000 price tag.
• Available February it seems [NR]

2011 December

• 28th Press conferences confirmed for the 6th
• 20th January the 6th is suggested for the D4 [NR] whilst the ISO range is revised to 100-12800 native [NR]
• 19th Thom Hogan suggests we're getting the D4 and D800 early next year, but with announcements possibly January and February [TH]
• 17th How abou a D4 shipping by the end of January? NR suggests an almost unheard of delivery schedule, given the camera hasn't even been announced yet.
• 12th Some D4 specs at NR
• • 16.2 MP, 11 fps
    100-102,400 native ISO range, expandable to 50 and 204,800
    CF + XQD
    Compatible with the new Nikon WT-5 wireless transmitter
    Integrated Ethernet in the camera
    Face detection/recognition function that will be working in the viewfinder
    Improved video
    Uncompressed video out through the HDMI port
    Ability to assign the two buttons on the front of the camera to smooth aperture control during video recording
    Improved 51 AF points
    AF detection range will go down to EV-2.0
    Autofocus system: 9 cross-type sensors that are operational up to f/8
• No sign of whether it too replaces Nikon's previous D3X (like 1Dx/1Ds3) - I suspect not

November

• 17th Some ruminations appear [NR] - looks as if no-one knows much :-)
• 

  
  12th After all the 36MP D800 hoopla, rumours about Nikon announcements have gone very quiet. There is talk of upcoming events early in December, but no details as yet [NR]
• On a lighter note... I was catching up on some forum threads, when an 'interchangeable sensor for D4' comment appeared [LL] - well, the poster seemed pretty sure ;-)
• 2nd No sign of any DSLR related announcements from Nikon, and Thom Hogan paints a fairly dismal picture [TH] of just what natural disasters have done to Nikon's production this year. If the '36MP D800' ever was a real announcement, it's likely to have been put back to next year, along with the (always IMHO) more likely D4.

October

• 17th Have upcoming Nikon announcements been delayed by events in Thailand [NR]
• 13th There is a Nikon sponsored event in Adelaide 23-26 October ...called 'The Event'
• As part of this, it's believed that Nikon are putting quite some effort into keeping details of what's coming up as secret.
• 12th Interesting Nikon lens patents over the last few months [MP]
• 3rd From the 'land of wishful thinking', there's a suggestion of a 36MP D800 on the 26th [1k1]

September

• 29th Some Nikon patent sightings [PB] - Anti dust and secondary mirror features - just the sort of things to appear in a D4?
• 23rd No FF Nikon DSLRs in October, according to a Swedish Nikon exec.
• 21st The V1 and J1 appear with a new CX sensor (10 MP 13.2 x 8.8mm)
• • More than a few DSLR users mutter - where's my D4? (or D400 or D800)
• 20th Expectation of a Nikon (mirrorless) announcement is stoked by the curiously named iamcomings.com website [NR]
• 8th A nikon DSLR announcement is due - but it seems to be only a D3100 in red [NR]

August

• 25th DSLR announcement date guesss get pushed back into September [NR]
• Thom Hogan seems fairly sure that any D4 won't ship until early next year, so there is no rush for an announcement.
• 24th Some compacts from Nikon [DPR]
• 23rd A press release surfaces for two Nikon compact cameras [NR]
• 22nd A suggestion that all there will be from Nikon are some Coolpix cameras [NR].
• • Just like the assorted Canon 'rumours', what once was a range of DSLRs and mirrorless seems to have been downgraded somewhat.
• • September seems to be favoured now...
• I note that Thom Hogan still suggests a DSLR announcement [TH]
• 16th With a Nikon event set for the 24th (next week) there are suggestions that the new Nikon 'mirrorless' is the only camera due then [NR]
• • So, when's the D4?
• 2nd The Nikon leak rate increases, with Nikon Rumors agreeing [NR] with Thom Hogan's changes.
• • "The D700 replacement will be available in Fall 2011 and the D3s replacement will be available at the beginning of 2012. Both will be produced in Malaysia. The D700 successor will have 24 MP, the D3s successor will have 18MP. Both cameras will have new AF-system and many new 'astonishing' feature."
• 1st Thom Hogan modifies his predictions, upgrading the likelihood of a D800 (FF/'FX') to come out with a D4 this month [TH]. D4x is pushed to late next year.

July

• 26th Nikon press events are scheduled for 24th August.
• 25th 22nd/23rd of August? - more signs [NR]
• 19th Two FX cameras by the end of August? - via a Nikon rep [NR]
• 11th A German camera store has Nikon event in Germany in September [NR]
• More speculation from Thom Hogan [TH] puts a D4 and D400, announced in August, as what people will see.
• Sony sensors at 24 and 36MP ? [SAR]
• 3rd In expectation of new cameras and to show the relative ages of different models, I've added a Nikon Timeline below, and on the main rumour page.

June

• 29th When I had a Canon 60D for a while, I was struck by how useful the flip out screen was for some jobs. A Japanese magazine has drawings of what they suggest is the D4 and I see such a screen.
• • If it's for real, expect to hear a lot of anguish and wailing about it on forums - much along the 'I don't need live-view' comments a few years ago.
• Some specs too [NR]:
• • Full frame 18MP CMOS sensor (8 MP when cropped to APS-C)
    Usable ISO 51200
    11fps (20fps with live view, 30fps with APS-C crop)
    Flexible LCD monitor
    Built-in WiFi
    51 point all-cross AF point
• 28th Second half of August is still a strong suggestion for D4/D400 [NR]
• More Sony talk [SR] ups expectations that Sony are still serious about aiming at the higher end pro market
• 19th Sony are rumoured to be bringing out an A920 at 32MP in August [PR] and it's being suggested as a potential sensor for a new Nikon. See also [SR]
• • 32MP would be a big jump for a D3s -> D4, whilst not very big for D3x -> D4
• 8th Having been out working for a few days I missed the gigantic 'everything you ever wanted' D4 (et al.) post on NR
• • I've not seen susch a comprehensive wishlist posted for some time and am quite happy to go along with the NR opinion of total fiction ;-)
• More realistic would be the comments I'm hearing of from some Nikon reps suggesting to pro users that they might like to hold off on D3s replacements for a while if they can.

May

• 30th Some $250 Nikon instant rebates in the US [NR] - only a few lenses and DX bodies...
• 26th Nikon have said their launch schedule is unaffected [NR] and a major Nikon announcement is supposedly due for the end of August.
• 23rd A number of hard to find items (US) are appearing in the Nikon Store Outlet refurb section [TH], whilst there are reports that the current D700 microsite has vanished [NR]
• 11th We're hearing (thanks) of Nikon reps downplaying any new product announcements. Whilst not referring to any particular camera, the suggestion was:
• '...if you need a new camera, buy one, don't think something new will be available any time soon'
• This matches up with shortages of pro level cameras we're hearing of from many Nikon and Canon sources - of course finding one in stock is another matter...
• There is also a suggestion of an actual release cancellation (S4100) at NR
• 4th There are suggestions that an August announcement is still expected [NR] - also, the D300s is getting a bit long in the tooth, announced in July 2009 (D300 Jan 2008)
• 3rd I note suggestions that the Nikon D4 will be pushed back to 2012 [1k1] and the D800 later this year.

February

• 27th Summer announcement and a removable sensor for the D800 - lots of different things at NR
• 13th From Japan we hear (thanks) that the D4 will push 4 key improvements for pro users.
• • - Improved high ISO
• • - Improved AF
• • - Much improved metering
• • - Further flash system integration.
• No details other than they hoped I would consider it (?!?) as a 'working pro photographer'.
• 7th A slew of compact cameras, but no DSLRs from Nikon at CP+ [NR] They are suggesting that FX camera announcements will be a summer event.

January

• 28th We hear (thanks) that the D4 is slated for an early Q2 announcement (April?). D4 at 'around' 20MP (FX 'FF' and HD vid). The same technology will appear in the (DX) ~18MP D400.
• The D700 replacement (D900), with similar video to the D4 will come along later (this year or next)
• The D4 should actually be released by the end of the Summer.
• As a follow on from what we were told this morning (above), a working pro photographer let us know that they had received 'hints' from a Nikon office to wait until August, when they enquired after buying several D3s cameras. Next year's Olympics was also suggested as the next time for a new Nikon for the pro user.
• 25th The D300s gets the not-available treatment [NR]
• 24th Seems that Nikon may be making an announcement in late August [NR]
• 20th Everyone's expecting quite a lot of higher end announcements from Nikon this year, but so far the rumours have been pretty quiet. March seems to be a popular estimate for some news [NR] with both mirrorless and a D800 mentioned.
• • Whilst I'm currently expecting the Canon 5D mk2 replacement - after- the 1Ds mk3 replacement, I'm minded to think we may not see a D700 replacement similarly delayed until after the D4 makes its entrance.

2010 November

• 5th Thom Hogan makes his annual predictions [TH] for next year in digital cameras.
• D4 for Aug, D400 for Aug or later, D800 March? Lots more, and plausible as ever ;-)

October

• 14th Suggestion of a D800 book, seen at several Amazon stores for Feb 2011 [1k1]
• TH comments on D400/800/4 rumours [TH Oct 6th]

September

• 15th The widely trailed Nikon D7000 appears [DPR preview] and looks to be rather more than a D90 follow-on (in the way the 7D was more than a 50D follow on) - $1500 (£1300)
• • 16.2MP CMOS sensor
    1080p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
    ISO 100-6400 (plus H1 and H2 equivalent to ISO 12,800/25,600)
    39-point AF system with 3D tracking
    2016 pixel metering sensor
    Scene Recognition System aids metering + focus accuracy
    Twin SD card slots
    3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
    New Live View/movie shooting switch
    Full-time AF in Live View/movie modes
    Up to 6fps continuous shooting
    Lockable shooting mode dial
    Built-in intervalometer
    Electronic virtual horizon
    Shutter tested to 150K actuations
• A new metering sensor makes its appearance, and I'm sure the forums are already discussing what this means for the D300S follow on (D400? - NR)

August

• 29th Whilst we always take rumours from dealers with a pinch of salt, we're told (big UK dealer) that the 1Ds4 could be announced as soon as next Thursday... The same source said that the Nikon D4 is also now on their system and to expect it shortly - the 'expected' Nikon announcement is the D90 replacement and most have the D4 slated for 2011. Suggestion for Nikon announcements are 8th/15th [NR]
• The D3 was announced in August 2007 and D3s in October 2009, which is probably why most comments I've read put the D4 next year.
• 22nd Some speculation as to who is designing/making Nikon Sensors for the latest cameras [NR] whilst Thom Hogan has some interesting thoughts about Nikon sensors and future developments (such as a 38MP D4x)
• 21st D3100 as expected [DPR] and suggestions that the D90 replacement is the only other DSLR on its way [NR]
• This suggests that there will be no new FX (35mm FF) format cameras this year - but then some specs for the D800 appear [DR] 16MP, 9 FPS
• Full HD 1920x1080p (24, 25, 30, 50, 60fps) with Stereo sound & AF
• Perhaps -after- the D4 appears next year?
• After all the recent Sony FF sensor stuff, there are renewed questions about who designs/makes Nikon sensors [SAR]
• 14th Looks as if it's the D3100 getting announced next week [NR]
• 14MP, HD Video, ISO 100-12800
• Also new lenses:
• • Nikkor AF-S DX 55-300/4,5-5,6 G ED VR (ca. 420 €)
• • Nikkor AF-S 85/1,4 G with Nano coating (ca. 1650 €)
• • Nikkor AF-S 24-120/4 G ED VR with Nano coating (ca. 1220 €)
• • Nikkor AF-S 28-300/3,5-5,6 G ED VR

July

• 17th Pretty good hints that the D700 is not for replacement this year [NR]

June

• 25th Thom Hogan has some pointed comments [TH] about how (and why) Nikon service handles 'gray' imports so differently in the US and Europe when it comes to repairs and warranties.
• Nikon US rebate scheme looks to be getting an extension [NR]
• 17th Nikon web sites are down for maintenance today [NR] - maybe something new, but nothing in the larger DSLR area is expected.
• 5th A photographer moving to Nikon kit is told pretty emphatically that the D700 replacement won't be this year [NR]. Some time around March 2011 seems a pretty popular choice.

April

• 10th A suggestion [1k1] that the D700 replacement is a 2011 product, although it's asked elsewhere [NR], what would Nikon show at Photokina? D90 mk2 and EviL ;-)

March

• 26th Although we don't get sent nearly as many Nikon rumours as for Canon, it's worth noting that both have run a bit thin this year. Not just here - it would seem that it's a thin news year so far for many of the plethora of 'productnamehererumors.com' sites that have sprung up over the last couple of years ;-)
• The D700 refresh/replacement is still imminent, but as to when? Dates do keep passing by - our only comment received this year was a rather too vague 'July' - see some more thoughts at [NR]

February

• 17th DPR reviews the D3s, and at the same time DxO produce some sensor specs.
• No sightings of any D4 like cameras at the winter olympics yet ;-)

January

• 27th I notice that Thom Hogan has updated his 2010 predictions
• • BTW these are always well worth a read.
• Of interest to full frame afficionados are his suggestions for:
• • D900 - poss 24MP version of D700 (March)
• • D3xs - sensor updates from D900 (Aug)
• • D700s - sensor updates and D3s features (Nov)
• The D4 and D400 are still slated for a 2011 release - both expected to incluse a much revised AF system.

2009 October

• 14th D3s announced
• 13th Lots of D3s info starting to appear - best place to see what's what is NR where I note a report from a French magazine suggesting
• Anti-dust system.
• The max ISO is 12,800 with new Hi3 mode at 102,400
• 9 fps (FX), 11 fps (DX)
• Video @ 720p 24 fps.
• Quiet mode.
• Expect lots of info by tomorrow morning :-)
• 12th Latest D3s specs are at NR
• 9th Lots of Nikon events on the 14th, so expect to get D3x details early next week.
• 8th A Nikon press event on the 14th in Denmark [zoom] Article mentions rumours of video and up to 15fps
• 6th A D4 early next year? One 1D3 owner moving to a D3 (yes it happens ;-) was told by (someone at) Nikon that the D4 would appear early next year.
• However, with a widely anticipated [NR] D3s by later this month, it would be surprising for the D4 to arrive so soon...

2009 September

• 27th Back from a brief holiday, I thought I ought to check the state of D700x/D3s rumours...
• The D3s seems to have taken the lead [PPH] expecting something in October.
• More info [NR] now puts this almost as a given (15th?), although specs seem a little difficult to pin down.
• Nikon D3s with ISO 200-12800 (D3 was with ISO 200-6400).
• New ISO range HI-3 at 102,400 ISO.
• 12.1 mp FX sensor (same as the D3, but tweaked).
• D-movie with 24 fps.
• 14fps
• 8th The D700x noises are getting louder, so I'm expecting to see something by November - even if it's a D700s (D700+video)
• See NR for a good roundup of rumours
• Since it's what I currently use, I tend to note more Canon related items on these pages - however, do note that I view the 'ra ra ra' fans for either company with equal disdain and amusement :-)
• Before the world economy had its little 'issues' we were waiting for Nikon UK to send us a load of kit to try out, unfortunately this appears to have fallen off their radar (they contacted us BTW), but if the word seeps back - we'd still be interested ;-)

July 30th

As widely expected a D300s and D3000 are announced. Specs etc at DPR.

D300s differences vs. D300

720p HD video, including autofocus while recording
SD card slot in addition to existing CF slot
Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps)
Socket for external microphone
Live View and Info buttons
Discrete 'OK' button in multi controller
Interactive settings display screen
Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options
Quiet drive mode
Virtual horizon

14th After the wishlist, comes a well considered roadmap from Thom Hogan [TH] it even receives a positive reaction on DPR

9th Either a very big leak, or someone has far too much spare time ;-)

At NR, we have a purported Nikon product roadmap.

For 2009

Nikon D3000, 12.3MP, 7 AF points, ISO 200-3200 extendable to 6400, 3.5fps, Video unknown
Nikon D300s, 12.3MP, 7fps, HD video (1080p .mov h.264, 24fps), CF and SD cards slots, 920,000 pixel LCD screen
D700x, 24.5MP, 5fps, HD video (1080p .mov h.264, 24fps)

New lenses:

AF-S Nikkor 24 to 135 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
AF-S Nikkor 35 mm f/1.4G
AF-S Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4G

For 2010.

Nikon D4, 15.7MP (more sensitive and with less noise), Up to 16fps with “double exposure”, ISO 200-12800 (plus extended range), 61-point AF, 1080p video at 30fps, CLS control (although no flash is mentioned)
Nikon D400, 13.8MP (more sensitive and with less noise), 8fps, Up to 12fps with “double exposure”, ISO 200-6400 (plus extended range), 61-point AF, 1080p video at 24fps
Nikon D4x, 30.2MP, ISO 100 - 6400, 6fps, 1080p video at 30fps

Quite a wish list ;-)

June 30th Picture vanishes at LT site, but is at NR

29th It seems there is a D3000 on its way [LT]

26th

Some features of the excellent D3 do look a little behind the times, and as such a D3 update is suggested by many in the Autumn [NR].

A few more MP and a dust removal system seem quite likely. D3s and D3h seem popular names, based on previous models.

This is not a Photokina year, so there are less constraints on announcement timing.

20th Nikon Press conferences scheduled July 30th and August 4th? [NR]

No-one expecting any single digit 'D' release, as far as I can see

13th The D300S looks to be taken as a given by many.

A possible sreen shot at [NR] There is a suggestion of a histogram zoom option, which could be very useful for tricky lighting and some HDR work.

3rd Looks as if the D300 upgrade is due pretty soon, with assorted Nikon web site alterations suggesting a 'D300s' name [NR]

May 21st D4 and Nikon MF threads seem to have dried up on many forums, now that the D3x is available and suitably beyond the means of many who post... [DPR]

D400 stories seem to be on the increase, including comments that the D300 is soon to be discontinued.

Via [NR] ...some suggestions

New D400 EXPEED II
HD movie function with stereo
Tiltable display with continuous AF
16-18 MP sensor
Some new DX lenses

April 14th It is indeed the D5000

Most obvious feature is the articulating screen, which I guess we can expect to see in the more DSLRs now.

Headline specs are

12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
2.7" tilt and swivel LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection and subject tracking
Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
Expeed image processing engine
Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
Connector for optional GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
New battery with increased capacity
72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

Nikon 'D5000 Microsite'
Hands on preview at DPR
Comparison shots from various cameras IR
German info PS
Sample images DPR

12th An announcement next week?

Nikon Europe web sites seem to be down - probably for the announcement on the 14th.

Lots of suggestions what it might be at [NR]

6th Pictures of a supposed new Nikon DSLR with an articulating back have emerged [EG]

More related pics (D5000?) at [NR]

1st A Nikon press conference on the 14th [KB] [NR]

March 28th Some specific Nikon web site areas for the D40 and D300 have vanished. In the past this has been a prelude to new models.

No solid rumours of replacements at the moment, but you can read the tealeaves at NR

January 13th Prices going up, due to currency fluctuations

In the UK the D3X is up by £500 and D3 by £200

D400 appears in a Russian magazine [NR]

14.3MP
CMOS (iso 100-6400, 7 fps)
Video: HD video with 24 fps
Cards: CF\UDMA
Display: 3 inch display with resolution 922 000, with dynamic adjustment
Body: magnesium body with weather protection
Price: priced around $2000

Approx translation

"Nikon D400: An ideal compromise.
The D400 DSLR is a great compromise between price and quality. The new camera is meant to replace the last year’s popular D300, a camera which can be fully appreciated not only by amateurs, but also many professionals.
The D400 specifications fully meet the requirements for modern mid-range priced cameras.
A 14.3 Megapixel CMOS matrix is used in this camera, with an ISO range of 100 to 6400 and a 7 frame-per-second capability. An interesting feature of this new camera is the ability to shoot video at 1080p and 24fps. All of this makes the D400 not only a great picture camera, but also not too bad of a video camera.
For media storage, CF/UDMA cards are used.
The camera is equipped with a liquid crystal display with a diagonal of 3.5in and a resolution of 922,000 pixels.
The LCD is able to dynamically adjust the brightness and color following a change in ambient lighting, thus providing an accurate representation.
The safety of the optical and electronic components is assured through the use of a magnesium alloy frame. Rubber gaskets are used for each button to prevent moisture from entering the case.
The estimated price will be around $2000, which is a great price for what this camera has to offer."

2009 January 8th Nikon prices are set to rise in the UK next week (12th) [NR]

2008 December

26th A collection of Nikon (and other) camera predictions from a Korean site.

The info (seems more a wish list ;-) even includes an FX sensor in a D40/60 body... Oh, and a 30MP D4 by the end of the year :-)

D400 and others - more info on the general rumours page

11th A set of specs for a D400 on NR

Looks to be a good follow up to the D300, but note it was an anonymous post (we may never mention names but much like NR we give credence to people who are happy to give theirs)

New 14.8 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor effective 14.3 megapixel
Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
ISO 100 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 50)
14-bit A/D conversion
Movie capture at up to 1080p 24 fps with stereo sound
Nikon EXPEED Plus image processor 30% faster than previous EXPEED image processor
Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 40 ms, black-out 90 ms)
Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 200,000 exposure durability
Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by colour (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Vignetting control in-camera
Automatic chromatic aberration correction
Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
Seven frames per second continuous shooting (nine frames per second with battery pack)
3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast-detect AF, face detection
'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes colour in darkness
Buttons sealed against moisture
Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D700
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Picture Control image parameter presets
UDMA compatible single CF card slot
Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
Extensive in-camera retouching
HDMI HD video output
Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture

7th 24MP D800 for August?

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that the tinfoil hat brigade are now becoming firmly convinced that the D3x was actually ready last year, and that the D3 sensor is really a 24MP one. Follow the trail at DPR

I was sent evidence supporting this, but unfortunately woke up before I could update the site... :-)

Back in this Universe I note that TH suggests 2011 for the D4:
"..What we'll see in 2010 is the 's' models. Given where things are, these might be video and Live View improvements."

Looks like this may become a long page ;-)

2nd After all the info we've been sent, we thought we ought to keep Nikon info on a page of its own :-)

The most likely update is to the D3, but we'll include anything for what a lot of people think might be an MX format

This from our Canon MF info:

Will there be an 'MF' camera from Nikon? The oft mentioned MX format? Well, there is a collection of comments and thoughts on what a 'DM1' MX format camera might mean over at Nikon Guides

"...semi-modular professional camera with a 36 x 48mm 50 megapixel sensor, ISO 25-800 sensitivity, and files so huge that the smallest memory card you'll want to consider will be a 233X UDMA-enabled 32GB card that can barely squeeze 100 aboard images. Your $9995 will get you a camera with built-in GPS and WAN capability, and a 4.3-inch TFT LCD. "

Certainly, such a camera would stick a boot quite nicely into the somewhat 'refined' digital MF market. I'm sure many digital MF dealers (or the few remaining manufacturers) would not welcome Nikon barging into their market ;-)

1st D3x announced

Key Features

24.5 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
ISO 100 – 1600: extendable up to 6400 (equivalent) and down to ISO 50 (equivalent).
5fps consecutive shooting (7fps in DX Crop mode)
EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various colour modes.
920,000-dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
Durable magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

	D3	D3x
Sensor	12mp FX	24.5mp FX
Frame rate	9 fps, 11 fps DX w/o focus	5 fps, 7 fps DX
ISO settings	LO1, 200-6400, HI1, HI2	LO1, 100-1600, HI1, HI2

D3x Specifications

Release specs.

Sensor	35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor FX format RGB Colour Filter Array Built-in fixed low-pass filter 25.72 million total pixels 24.5 million effective pixels 3:2 aspect ratio
Price	$7999 €7728 £5499
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED
Image sizes (FX format)	6048 x 4032 [L] 4544 x 3024 [M] 3024 x 2016 [S]
Image sizes (DX format)	3968 x 2640 [L] 2976 x 1976 [M] 1984 x 1320 [S]
Image sizes (5:4 format)	5056 x 4032 [L] 3792 x 3024 [M] 2528 x 2016 [S]
File formats	NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) NEF + JPEG TIFF JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Lens mount	Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts No field of view crop (full-frame) When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop
Usable lenses	Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Colour Matrix Metering II AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Colour Matrix Metering II Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Colour Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data * IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used * Excluding lenses for F3AF
Auto Focus	51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) Multi-CAM 3500FX AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
AF Area Mode	Single point AF Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist	External Speedlite only
Exposure modes	Program Auto [P] with flexible program Shutter-Priority Auto [S] Aperture-Priority Auto [A] Manual [M]
Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Colour matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Colour matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (default 12 mm) Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range	3D Colour Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling	CPU and AI
Exposure lock	Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	• 2 to 9 frames 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
Exposure compen.	+/-5.0 EV 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity	Default: ISO 200 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps Boost: 100 - 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, HI2 = ISO 25600
Shutter	Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec Bulb
DOF Preview	Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button Activates modeling flash
White balance	Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) Presets (seven) with fine tuning Manual presets (four) Colour temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps) White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)
Picture Control	Standard Neutral Vivid Monochrome
Image parameters	Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve Brightness: 3 levels Saturation: Auto, 5 levels Hue: 5 levels
Colour space	sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) Adobe RGB (Neutral mode)
Viewfinder	Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen Frame coverage 100% Viewfinder magnification approx 0.7x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen	B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II Superimposed focus brackets On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor	3.0 " TFT LCD 922,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 Colours) 170° viewing angle Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview	Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes	Single frame Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 9 fps Continuous High [CH]: 9 fps (9 - 11 fps with DX format) Liveview [LV] Self-Timer (programmable) Mirror-up mode
Continuous buffer	JPEG Large/Normal: 64 shots (at 9 fps) RAW: no data yet
Self-timer	2 to 20 sec custom
Flash control	•TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-800, 600 or 400 AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode	Front-curtain Sync (normal) Red-Eye Reduction Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync Slow Sync Rear-curtain Sync
Flash compensation	-3 to +1 EV 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Orientation sensor	Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode	Full frame Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) One-touch zoom Slideshow RGB histogram Shooting data Highlight point Auto image rotation
Languages	Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) Dutch English Finnish French German Italian Japanese Korean Polish Portuguese Russian Spanish Swedish
Custom functions	48 custom functions
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type A connector) Remote control 10-pin terminal PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal	GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Communications	FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g)
Storage	Dual Compact Flash Type I or II UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power	Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a/EL4 Included dual battery charger MH-22 Optional AC adapter EH-6
Dimensions	160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in)
Weight (no batt)	1220 g (2.11 lb)

2008 November 19th The 24MP speculation mounts [DPR] and for MX too (see also our MF info page)

17th D3x on the 1st of December? [DPR] 24MP and a weak AA filter?

12th Thom Hogan has made his (Mostly Nikon) pronouncements for 2009 which includes a D3 followup idea:

His article is (as ever) always worth a read

2008 June 8th There have been enough D3X comments that we thought we'd put a few on a page of their own...

The most credible source for a lot of info is Thom Hogan, who is widely regarded fro his Nikon info. He summed up a DPR comment with:
"Thus, I'm predicting that by Christmas the Nikon DSLR lineup will look like this: D60, D90, D300, D3, D3x, and possibly the D10 or whatever the lower-speced FX body is called."

Thom is also not afraid of making predictions, so for a good discussion of what's expected and what he got right last year, see his 2008 predictions..

There is also a supposed YT video.

Even more in the land of speculation there's the likes of...

28 or even 32MB?? In a DPR thread we get:

"Today told that while the resolution of the new top Nikon is a closely guarded secret, a strong hint was dropped in that it will offer an additional 12mpg crop. This sounds as though it will exceed the resolution of the 1DS MKIII - possibly 28mpg or 32mpg - at full resolution..."

We're told that this underwater housing for the D3, originally included a mention of the D3 and D3X but now it doesn't...

It seems that in a Delkin Press release back in December there was mention of the D3X

• "Poway, CA. December 3, 2007 - Delkin Devices, Inc. today expanded the outer limits of CompactFlash card storage capacity and speed for digital cameras by announcing its 16GB UDMA enabled CompactFlash PRO card. This latest addition to Delkin’s Compact Flash PRO line boosts screaming fast read/write speeds—up to 305x (45MB/sec sustained transfer speed capability). Now photographers using UDMA enabled cameras such as the Canon 1Ds Mark III, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3X have a memory card that can maximize the full benefits of their camera investment."

However as is pointed out by those with more critical rumour checking skills, there is no D3 on the list, so just a typo? ;-)

Other (real :-) info and stuff on this site

Using your film scanner as a microscope
A Canon 1Ds pinhole camera
Reviews of useful hardware and software
Articles and tutorials
Colour management
Keith's Landscape photos
Webcams in Leicester and view from space