"...you will see a slow-down in the release cycles of the high end cameras..." - I hope Willis, but I really doubt, as for the innovations, most of them are already on the market, so it's just a matter of time IMHO, when we gonna see them in all available cameras

December 2010 (Announced pre-christmas).

That's a best case scenario. Personally, I think that you will see a slow-down in the release cycles of the high end cameras. They market is much more mature than it was 5 year's ago, and 99% of people's needs are now being met in terms of ISO and resolution.

Future releases will probably have mild spec bumps couled with features (video, CLS, WiFi, etc.) That said there are a number of compelling features that are a good ways out... things like black silicon, sensor based focusing, radio, multitouch LCD's (dare I say OLED?), 3D, swapable IR mode, built int HDR, sensor based VR... who knows. My guess is that most of this stuff will get tested in the consumer models, and a portion of them will find there way into the pro market.

On the consumer front, I think the market will soon begin to drift towards more compact models like Micro 4/3

I think what Nikon should be concentrating on is perhaps a D3s of sorts with >16mp FX sensor and >10fps RAW shooting with large buffer rates in time for the World Cup. Nikon also needs to make sure it ramps up the production on their exotic super telephotos because there will be a huge increase in demand before the World Cup for 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses.

http://nikonrumors.com/2009/06/10/nikon-d3-successor-in-autumn.aspx

Where does it look like that a D3s is coming out?
I know that a D300s is coming out and Nikon is releasing one camera this time.

Well, it looks like something is coming up, D3s? in autumn maybe?

LSE - I als think that the FIFA World Cup 2010 will be a great timing to launch new D4. Probably at least 24Mpx with 14bit 9fps and a 15Mpx DX crop mode + iso capabilities of d3.

my guesstimate based on production dates is 3 years after the d3. that would put it late 2010 early 2011. nikon may release a D3s for the simple reason that a pretty damn important even is coming in 2010:
the FIFA world cup.

I think the next step in pro bodies will be video a la D90, D400 (guess) and just a constant increase of MP and noise control.
The jump from a D2x to D3 was insane and I dont think they will be able to match that kind of increase. I think my D3 will be a workhorse for a LONG time.
Personally I want to see true UDMA write speeds. Even with Expeed, it only writes at about 15mb a sec. Doesnt sound too shabby, and it isnt, but I'd love to rock a 40 round burst at 9fps in RAW. HAHAHAHA. A man can dream, imagine the workflow there.

My guess is X-mas 2010 or possibly PMA 2011. Digital is starting to mature. With 24 MP, excellent AF, and a crap load of ISO capability, how much more camera do you really need?

I think that once they get the D3X shooting with the noise\speed equivalent of the D3, they have nowhere else to go outside of improving usability. The big advancement would be unwinding Bayer Interpolation using photo sites that can detect all three colors.

+1 we not gone see D4 till mid next year

I think next in line will be the D3H - by the end of 2009 maybe? Then we can start talking about the D4 - I would say end of 2010.

same opinion as NSXType-R ,
don't think that the D3x is the successor of the D3, same as canon 1D and 1Ds series. My starting question was about the new "mk" of the D3

Haha, isn't it way too early for a D3 successor?

I don't consider the D3X to be the successor, because it's a tad slower, no?

You can expect the successor to the D3 to be released July 2008. It will be called the D3X and will boast 24.5 MP in an FX format. It will be grossly overpriced.

We all know, there will be successor of the D3 sooner or later. Either It will be called D4(or whatever)
My only question, and I don't expect I get confirmed statements, but all opinions are welcome:
WHEN IS IT REALISTIC TO EXPECT THE NEW BODY? This year? 2010?, or even later?

I'm asking this because in 4 months, it will be 2 years from the announcement of the D3, see table

D1 Jun 1999
D1X Feb 2001
D1H Feb 2001
D2H Jul 2003
D2X Sep 2004
D2Hs Feb 2005
D2Xs Jun 2006
D3 Aug 2007

All opinions welcome :)