bobn2 wrote:
> More likely simplification of D300 rather than D80 update. The CMOS
> sensor requires completely different camera electronics. D90 should
> be upmarket of current D80.
That would be a likely scenario and my prediction, as well.

> I think Nikon 24MP sensor, not Sony. Look at the rumour (incorrect)
> that the D700 had 2.5 FPS 14 bit mode, and think whether 1.5 FPS 14
> bit would be acceptable for D3x.
> But Nikon's more aggressive now. Suppose they've tweaked the D3
> electronics to get 5.5 full FPS for the D3x, then retrofit that to
> the D3, to give a D3s with 11 FPS all modes. Lift it a bit clear of
> the D700.
I'm going to go a different direction: no D3x. Yes, a 24mp FX body, but it'll be the D900. This allows them to use the Sony sensor and bring it downscale to compete with the A900/5DII.

> Somewhere in the mix, CMOS at the low end. D300 sensor in a D45, D65,
> etc. This will have to be completely new camera (again, CMOS/CCD
> incompatibility). Maybe A350 sensor in a D60x as a stopgap.
I don't think they'll do stop gap. They've already taken a D40 promotion, canceled it and moved it to the D60 with the dealer base. The D60 IS the stop gap. No, I think we'll get a full refresh at the bottom of the lineup some time in 2009.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Complete Guides to Nikon bodies (18 and counting)
www.bythom.com