Nikon fans, rejoice! Word on the street says the Nikon mothership is going to announce a new flagship professional-grade FX (full frame) DSLR camera, possibly two, at its Thailand headquarters during their January 6th “The Image You Are Waiting For” press event. And if the rumors are true, you can bet Nikon is going to be showing off their new baby on the floors of CES, and we’ll be there to cover it.
A 16 megapixel D4 is largely expected to be announced and would replace the much-loved current king of low-noise, high ISO images, the Nikon D3S. Also possibly on the roster, a 36 megapixel D3X replacement, most likely called a D800.
It’s exciting news for amateur and professional photographers alike. The current Nikon flagship DLSR, the D3S, is arguably one of the best cameras around in terms of low-light performance, able to take remarkable low-noise images in near darkness. Its high capture rate of 9 frames per second has also helped make it a favorite of photo journalists, wedding, and sports photographers. But the D3S was announced in October of 2009, over 3 years ago, and many, including me, have been wondering when its replacement will finally arrive. I’ve also been wondering how Nikon is going to improve upon an already incredible camera. All will be told in just three days.
Expected D4 Specs (from NikonRumors.com):
- 16.2 MP
- 11 fps
- 100-12,800 102,400 native ISO range, expandable to 50 and 204,800
- CF + XQD memory card slots
- 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, probably 1080p/30/25/24 and 720p/60/30/25/24
- Uncompressed video out through the HDMI port
- Improved 51 AF points
- AF detection range will go down to EV-2.0 (the D3s went to EV -1)
- Autofocus system: 9 cross-type sensors that are operational up to f/8
[via Nikon Rumors]
