Check dpreview’s test on the D3, it is quite interesting.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=29998634

Boa noite!

I think Nikon need develop a substitute for Nikon D40, but one totaly enter level…..using the same solution used by Panasonic with Micro 4/3 without mirror and with popular CCD 10Mp.

Thanks
Leandro – Brazil

August 2009: D400, 14-16MP as he says (I had hoped for a better 12MP sensor, but marketing people won’t let engineers do that), better video than D90.

1) High MP D3 with *NIKON* sensor. Hope he’s right.

2) Possibly a midrange zoom line for FX. I hope an f/4 line in the 1,000 USD range each (16-40, 24-120, 70-200), less bulky than prsent f/2.8 line.

3) No MX soon, with which I agree, it never made sense to me and the market now is not a good one for new expesnive stuff; besides Nikon still hasn’t finished updating lenses for the FF line.

4) My bet is D60 will be demoted to <500USD and new entry-level with same sensor as D90, with video as well, to fight with 450D at around 700USD body price. D40 put to rest after a long service life to Nikon. It’s not competitive anymore.

Nikon certainly can’t release a lens or camera that they didn’t plan to, but the histories of their past developments makes clear that only some of the products they design and approve ever get built.

Thom is often wrong on timing, but rarely does an unexpected product come out, which is how you would expect someone with inside info to be wrong: things happen, best laid plans and all that.

I would say that the clearest gap in the Nikor lineup was a mid priced, acceptably fast focusing longer range zoom, 80-400 or 200-400. After that the 70-200 needs a refresh and there needs to be a new wide and a new tele prime.

I would have thought that given that the new 50 is out, a 28 or 24 was a much more likely choice than a 35.

At this point a revision of the 70-200 is almost certain. Even if it is little more than a re-style of the body. Too much speculation, they need to send a signal that folk wanting one should buy now.

I strongly suspect that we are going to be seeing bigger filters on the longer lenses. The 77mm filter was a good choice in the DX era. But its tight now that people are looking at full frame.

My plan is to get the 50 f/1.4 AFS, and either a revised 70-200 or 80-400 if one comes out or the 14-24 f/2.8 AFS otherwise. I could be tempted by a 10-20 DX lens but the 12-24 does not do it for me. I would also buy an updated 85mm f/1.4.

If the Dow goes back to 10K and my company stock returns to its previous level I am buying a 200-400 f/4.

Nikon finally makes the digital camera I have been wanting all along. A top quality digital rangefinder, and its 13K, and limited edition.

Argh.

No possible way I can justify 13K for any camera, not today, not tomorrow, and not ever.

Versatile, ultra-fast wide-angle lens captures classic images with super-sharp results.
* Fastest wide-angle manual Nikkor lens.
* Close Range Correction (CRC) system assures high quality even at minimum focusing distance (1 ft.).
* Ideal for photojournalism and other low-light applications.
* Note: Available through special order only against confirmed and non-cancelable orders. Allow 60 to 120 days for delivery. Subject to limited availability.

source: http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/1429/NIKKOR-35mm-f/1.4.html

I am getting mad about Nikons refusal to bring out a decent AFS 35mm-Prime with Nano-Coating. Let it be 1.4 or 2.0 or 1.8 or whatever.

The only option today is the AIS 1.4/35mm and this has no AF plus its not easy to get in really good shape and I already have the 2.0/28mm which is very good picturewise but also no AF.

Happy to hear that the 1.4/50 AFS has finally arrived. Too late for me, DX is history.

42mm is the normal lens for the FX-Format, 35 is just üperfect, the AFS 60mm is my always on today on my D3. Give me 35mm!!!

And the line Nikon D40? No news?

Tks
Leandro – Brazil

If the 35 doesn’t come out then it’ll be the first year I haven’t bought at least one Nikon product in a year since 2003.