Nikon striking back with the D3, a new 15 megapixel digital SLR?

We were just getting used to a world with the Canon EOS-20D in it when along comes some rumors/predictions of Nikon striking back with a whole bunch of new digital cameras. The lineup of new cameras due out this fall is supposed to include:

• The D3, a new 15 megapixel digital SLR.

• The D200, an 8.25 megapixel upgrade to the D100.

• The D2HS, a new version of their D2H digital SLR (which is pictured at right) with an improved 4.1 megapixel sensor.

• The DSX, an 8.2 megapixel version of the D2HS that doubles the number of horizontal pixels.

[Via PhotographyBlog]

[mm @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

The Nikon "products" are just rumors...the Canon 20D can be purchased within 3 weeks...big difference!

[hoshq @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

This is Nikon we're talking about. They don't rush, they don't explode, they take it one step at a time with big leaps in technology. Think about it. They've produced 6 DSLRs in six years, and they've already released one this year. So chances are, over the next 12 months, all we're likely to see is a D2X to satisfy the pros, and then maybe another bottom-end amateur camera, perhaps the D65 or D55...

[fotoman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Unless Nikon drop the use of current CCD or revamp their sensors. Else, most pros are still going the CMOS way. Nikon CCD are just simply too noisy. Try long exposure of more than 6 secs and you'll understand what I mean.

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I really don't think that Nikon will only cater to their highest end professionals, and lowest end nobodies who want to feel special. They will release something above the D100 & D70 that doesn't have the pricetag of the current D2h or its future successor.

[Thomas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

D65 or D55? No... I seriously doubt they want to push the price point for DSLRs even LOWER than it already is!

Their immediate needs are to replace the D100 and come up with a new top end since Canon has 2 cameras with higher specs than the D2H.

[leo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Nikon you can pick one up right now. Canon's D20 not yet on the market and who knows when it will arrive. It may take even longer than the expected date of the MarkII. Which was months after the expected release date. I'll wait for the Canon Mark VI to come out and won't use anything until then. :-)

[fotogenetic @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Nikon does have plenty of room to improve their sensors, however, I take 25 sec exposures on a regular basis with my D100 without any problems such as you mention. Here's a link to a 25 sec exposure that I took of a tidepool in Carmel:
http://www.pbase.com/atmabini/image/33343740

[weldonfoto @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I make 10 - 12 second exposures with my D1x quite often and do not consider noise to be a problem. D1h has excellent low-noise characteristics too, especially at higher ISO's. I used a D70 for a short time and it's long exposure noise characteristics (20 sec. and more) were outstanding.

I've never used or compared Canon digital cameras but I don't think the Nikon CCD noise complaint is valid at all.

[pera @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

as a professional photographer i use many diferent cameras and i can say only one. nothing lasts as nikon. for one year of use and repairs nikon d2h is cheaper than any eos30d, 10d, 20d or even 1d. if you are shooting about 80-100.000 shots per year that is very important fact.

[Steve Daniels @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Nikon is Nikon and Canon is Canon. I'm happy with my "outdated" D100 and you are happy with your Canon. Why are people such brand snobs?

SHUT UP AND SHOOT!

[Alfonso @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

i,am a nikon entusiast in 35mm , i got a f100 is a very solid and well done camera , a classic, but in terms of digital canon is getting a step ahead . i.m buying a 20d, but i will never shell my f100 and when the d200 comes sure i will try to get it.
from Madrid - spain

[Marc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Here's a collection of faked nikon d200 and related camera's I've found on he net. Some might be inerested in what others are thinking the new cameras from Nikon will look like:

http://blog.mecworks.com/articles/2005/01/29/fake-nikon-d200-pics/

[petriti @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

nikon ccd is way better than canon cmos in every aspect. i used a 10d,a rebeld300,and a d100,and i did a little test.For me the nikon d100 noise is like way more acceptable. in highlight and shadows(with same iso setting on both cameras),canon (both) have 'blocks' of yellow and blue noise plus the grain like in nikon.for me nikon is way better in quality but they just release their products a little late.

[awang @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Every manufacturer has its own strength and also weakness, even if you have the latest technology and the moast advance and expensive equipment but your output are carps, so no point. The most important thing is the person that creates the output, the equipment is just a tool.

[Mik @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Well, we can only hope for a full frame soon. Noticed http://www.nikond200.com has new info up, but still no pictures. Aren't there usually leaks by now with real images?

[Nicky @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

The D200 (or whatever they call it) will probably be 10.0 million pixels - this I heard from nikon. Should be announced early 2006