I can see it happening. The trend seems to be to take new sensors and share them in a lot of bodies- that's why we ended up with the same 12mp sensor in the D300/D90/D5000, and also the same 16mp in the D7000/D5100. If the next generation cameras will use the sony 24mp, then it would make sense to use same sensor in multiple bodies. It probably doesn't cost that much more using a lesser sensor, it makes it easier to source parts and assemble/repair the cameras, and it adds a good selling point.

Conversely, I also see a good argument for using a smaller sensor- just like we have 14/16 mp to differentiate the D3100/D5100, we might have a 16 or 18 mp sensor to differentiate the D3200/D5200 etc.

So I could see it going either way.

Personally, I'd like to see a lightweight cheap high mp small body- it would be great as a second body for those rare occasions when I could use the higher resolution, and who knows, it might actually be good enough to replace my D90 as my main camera sometimes.

It's going to be really strange if Nikon's entry level camera has a higher resolution than their flagship. The WiFi would be huge if its built in IMO.

To me, it is a really smart move if it is the case. Mega Pixel, image quality and ease of use are what stuck in most people brain in entry level catergory. Add those with the rumored wifi and of course price, i am pretty sure it will sale very well.

I hope not because I worry the D400 would have it and I would be much happier at 18, however I dont see why they wouldnt use that sensor if they can get it at the right price.

MP sells camera in most cases.