Mysterious leaked Nikon DSLR ads hint at something "big"

Man, the DSLR rumor mill never stops, does it? This time we're being treated to some leaked Japanese Nikon ads, which feature a shadowy DSLR body that's somewhat different than the D700 and D3 and the word "big" in Japanese. Of course, it could be totally fake, but we're not going to say we're not hoping for a compact full-frame camera -- but we're clearly dreamers. Anyone else have any guesses?

Read - First ad
Read - Second ad
Read - Sensor size comparison

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 5:58AM]

I really don't think this is the MX format camera that rumours have been pointing to. It will most likely be either a full frame compact SLR or an updated D3. The MX format (why they would want to produce a range finder is beyond me) is due in Feb as I understand, and is the only reason I'm putting off getting a 5dmkII.

Could just as well be a fake though, like those lovely black mac pro's ;-)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 6:00AM]

D800/24MPix/1080p

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 6:25AM]

Dudes! Look at the size of the lens mount compared to what we can see of the grip and it, if it is not fakery, clearly larger than FX.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 6:27AM]

And WHY would a compact camera have a MIRROR?!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 7:00AM]

They havent announced anything yet. The "ad" is just a proof and has not yet been published, if it is real...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 7:33AM]

@Mike

Almost certainly a fake, the third add gives it away (lenses). There is clear photoshopping evidence on the focus rings. It's just a tilt/shift lens with some bad alterations.

Oh and where is this mirror you speak off? Thats the sensor...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 8:24AM]

How do you know it is a sensor? Because it is blue-green?! LOL

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 9:20AM]

Anything to make me buying a D700 cheaper and I'm a happy camper!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 9:41AM]

I agree as well that it is the D3X using the Sony 24.8MP sensor found in the new Sony A900.

Nikon probably tweaked out the sensor a bit to suit their purpose.

I would be nice if Nikon would bring this in under $3,000 to match the price bracket of the 5DII and A900.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 9:43AM]

There have been rumors about the D3x for a while now, and I think that makes sense. I would like to see full frame drop into a more affordable price range, especially for Nikon being a Nikon user. Sadly I dont see that happening anytime soon. The most affordable full frame at the moment is in Canon's favor with the 5D, which is an awesome camera!

Or you could always shoot film, lol.

But I have a feeling this is going to be the D3x, sounds like this would be the time for it. They have introduced nearly their entire new lineup from consumer to prosumer to pro this year, with the D60, the D90, and the D700, I think the D3x makes sense.

But hey, id love to be pleasantly suprised, I like the idea of a digital nikon rangefinder, that would be sweet.

[Biomusicology Posted Oct 3rd 2008 9:54AM]

What about the Exmor image sensor? It powers the very successful D300 and D90 and is manufactured by Sony. If it's the rumored MX sensor, it will likely be made by Nikon but if it's a D3x then I'd say it's the Sony 24mp sensor.

[Leicaman Posted Oct 3rd 2008 11:31AM]

It's a D3X. That is the biggest missing hole in the Nikon line-up. Just ahead of the missing 35/28/24 f/1.4 prime lens(es).

If they are dropping the screw drive, that could be because it's a medium format camera like the Leica S2. But I have my doubts. Nikon would be better of competing in the Leica M space instead of the space occupied by Hasselblad and Rollei (not to mention Sinar.) Medium format is a much bigger risk than a 24MP D3X.

And if they put video in it, it should be h.264 and not jpeg movies like the D90. And if they make it 24 fps, they will blow the 5D Mark2 out of the water.

[James2432 Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:23PM]

HASSELBLAD BIG! (120mm) lulz... we can only hope :P

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 3rd 2008 1:57PM]

I'm going out on a limb here....it's the new full frame D4...21 mpx gps i-phone.....

if I'm right you all owe me sushi...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 8th 2008 9:23AM]

My 2 cents on this, is either a D60X or a D90X but it's clearly in between these 2 models... it may be a D60X because of the lacking AF screw and may be a D90x because of the generous sensor and viewfinder. In my opinion range finder seems odd as well as MX sensor size only because it would require a whole new lineup of lens, so we should find a whole range of image like these ones across the web in regards of lenses. why would you launch a new product without the most important part lenses...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 17th 2008 11:14AM]

MX format - mabye like the new medium format Leica? I'm sure this isn't the D3X.